Living in a new country is always a big and interesting change and it is even more interesting when it comes to managing one’s finances. Kuwait as one of the most prosperous countries in the Middle East with oil resources and a high quality of life, but it also has its cost. No one really moves just for fun, it is either for a job or for family needs; therefore, it is important to find out how much you are likely to spend in an area.
In this blog, we’ll explore key expenses you can expect in Kuwait, while offering insights into how to budget effectively for your new life abroad. Additionally, we’ll touch on how relocation companies in Kuwait can help make your move smoother.
Housing Costs in Kuwait
Housing cost is one of the largest cost; you will pay on hence make sure you choose wisely. Housing in Kuwait can be in the form of palatial mansions to basic flats and all grades between. Rental rate depends with the area of choice, and this is categorized in central and higher end areas such as Salmiya, jabriya and Shaab. However, Mahboula and Fahaheel are considered as comparatively cheap zones.
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment downtown can range from KWD 450 to KWD 300 a month. were more expensive than smaller ones, and for example, the rent of a three-room apartment could start from KWD 600 and higher. But if you rent outside downtown it is cheaper and the basic one-bedroom flat costs from KWD 250 per month.
It will also essential to also consider expenses featuring utilities since the rent may not cover these expenses. The utility like water and electricity rates are subsidized by the government but they remain a necessity cost in Kuwait. It is standard to expect to pay between 15-25KWD in utilities like water, electricity, and gas every month.
Some of the relocation companies that operate in Kuwait can help to find a home in the country within your permissive budget.
Transportation in Kuwait
Kuwait is a car-oriented country, and most of the people including Kuwaitis and foreigners use cars to move from one place to another. Compared to many states, fuel cost is very low since Kuwait has rich oil reserves; however, there are other expenses, such as vehicle acquisition, insurance, and maintenance.
Current price for a gallon of gasoline is KWD 0.11 which makes Kuwait as one of the country that offers affordable price for gasoline to fuel a car. However, if you do not own a car as yet, getting one is not such a small investment. Kuwait new car prices vary between KWD 3,000 to KWD 10,000 up to and more than KWD 10,000, depending on brand or model. If you are concerned with a cheaper model, there are many used cars available, which cost as low as KWD 1.5.
Otherwise, there is taxi service which is easily available and the charges are comparatively low. A short ride within the city will range between 1 to 3 Kuwait Dinar. However, it is also important to note that Kuwait does have a public bus system, however, it is not as efficient and accessible as compared to private cars. By checking bus fares, you are likely to realize that they are extremely low, for instance a single fare costs roughly between 0.25 KWD.
It is also recommended to work with relocation companies in Kuwait when considering to transport a car because they will know what rules and precautions to obey in Kuwait for importing a vehicle.
Groceries and Food Expenses
A small family’s monthly grocery shopping cost may be anywhere between KWD 100 and KWD 150. Basic items such as rice, bread, and vegetables are well priced while enhanced foods and other goods that may have formed part of the staple diet before the emergence of relief food include cheese, cereals, and processed foods are much more costly. For instance, a liter of milk is approximately KWD 0.50, one dozen egg costs about KWD 0.80; a kilogram of chicken can vary between KWD 1.50 and KWD 2.50.
It might be said, however, that if eating out is a habit, Kuwait offers much diverse variation on eating out, ranging from cheap fast foods to expensive elegant eating facilities. A meal consumed at a moderate restaurant range from KWD 6 up to KWD 10 per individual while fast foods such as McDonalds will range between KWD 2.50 and KWD 3.50 for the same.
Healthcare and Insurance
Hospitals in Kuwait are well developed, although it is possible to distinguish between private and state-owned establishments. An expatriate is also entitled to free medical care in the country, however, nearly all expatriates are sure to prefer private hospitals because of the short time to be waited and so many services to be offered.
Primary care is free at the point of use but some services will cost a small amount of money. However, general private health costs often proves to be rather expensive; a general consultation can, on average, cost from KWD 15 to KWD 30 depending on the clinic or hospital in question.
Most expatriates prefer getting private medical insurance which can also pay for private treatment. The cost of health insurance depends with the policy and the basic health insurance policy costs around 150 KWD per annum. Accompanied plans can cost less than 100 while powerful plans can cost 300 or more per year but cover more ground.
When planning and setting the budgets for each healthcare service, these are some of the costs that must be considered particularly if you intend to seek services from private facilities.
Education and Schooling Costs
Anyone, who is planning to relocate to Kuwait with their children, has to take the cost of education into consideration. Though education in Kuwait is free and compulsory for the first six years of primary education, the education is general for Kuwaitis with primary medium of instructions in Arabic language. Private or international schools are preferred most of the time by all expatriates since the medium of instruction is English.
Tuition fees for international schools can vary significantly, ranging from KWD 1,500 to KWD 4,000 per year for primary education and rising to as much as KWD 6,000 or more for secondary education. In addition to tuition, you may also need to budget for uniforms, books, and extracurricular activities, which can add several hundred Kuwaiti dinars to your annual education expenses.
For school selection and admission, you can seek the services of relocation companies in Kuwait, since these issues are very vital when moving.
Leisure and Entertainment
Leisure activities include shopping, dining, cultural visits, and other activities within the country such as outdoor activities. If shopping is your thing, Kuwait’s got you covered; there are lots of malls for you with everything from high-end brands to affordable brands. However, cost of goods in malls is slightly higher than those found in local markets in most countries.
For recreation, there are movie theaters, bowling facilities and several other clubs. A movie ticket goes for approximately KWD 3 while a membership fee to a gym or a sports club is charged at KWD 30—KWD 50 depending on the amenities it offers.
Travelers that love spending time outdoors should consider visiting the park/ water front areas which are not charged a fee in Kuwait. Visiting the desert and going to a beach are other favorite weekend activities, although price will depend on what sort of tourist experience is desired.
Miscellaneous Expenses
As with any country, there are sure surprises for which one hasn’t budgeted-there’s home furnishings, clothing, personal care goods, for starters. In terms of travel, both around Kuwait and visiting back home, save money for a trip. The flight out of Kuwait International Airport is excellent for getting to main centers, but prices do vary according to season and airline.
Conclusion:
Relocation to Kuwait definitely provides exposure to the different culture and lifestyle one is bound to encounter, but then again, having been prepared for that in terms of costs incurred, one stands the possibility of pulling through well. Therefore, in making a comprehensive and realistic budget for the aspects such as housing, transportation, food, healthcare, education, and for leisure ensures that the eventual transition to life in Kuwait does not leave one in dire financial straits but rather as carefree as one wishes to be.
Working with international moving companies in Kuwait will help streamline housing, health care, and educational ins and outs. Not only will the companies be able to logistically help with the move, but they can also give valuable insight into local costs, allowing you to make better decisions when deciding on your new life abroad. International movers Kuwait offers customized solutions for expats in order to provide an easy, stress-free relocation process.
Plan ahead, and you will be able to understand that living in Kuwait can be very expensive, so it is better if you manage your finances properly and go into this new life with confidence.