Cost of Living in Abu Halifa
Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Abu Halifa helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
Category | Details | Cost |
---|---|---|
Apartment Rentals | 1-bedroom apartment in city center | 250-350 KWD/month |
3-bedroom apartment in city center | 500-700 KWD/month | |
Apartment Purchases | Price per square meter in city center | 1,000-1,500 KWD/sq. meter |
Price per square meter outside city center | 800-1,200 KWD/sq. meter | |
Transportation | One-way local transport ticket | 0.25-0.50 KWD |
Monthly public transport pass | 15-25 KWD | |
Gasoline (1 liter) | 0.08-0.12 KWD | |
Groceries | Milk (1 liter) | 0.40-0.60 KWD |
Bread (500g) | 0.25-0.40 KWD | |
Rice (1kg) | 0.50-1.00 KWD | |
Chicken breasts (1kg) | 1.50-2.50 KWD | |
Restaurants | Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | 2.00-4.00 KWD |
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | 12.00-20.00 KWD | |
Fast food meal (e.g., McDonald's) | 1.50-2.50 KWD | |
Utilities | Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment | 30-60 KWD/month |
Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) | 10-20 KWD/month | |
Mobile call rate (per minute, no discounts or plans) | 0.03-0.06 KWD | |
Private School Tuition | Preschool (or Kindergarten) tuition, full day, private | 1,500-3,000 KWD/year |
Elementary school tuition, private | 2,500-5,000 KWD/year | |
Middle school tuition, private | 3,000-6,000 KWD/year | |
High school tuition, private | 3,500-7,000 KWD/year |
Can I live in Abu Halifa on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Abu Halifa for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. I recommend looking for apartments in areas like Mangaf or Fintas, as they tend to be more budget-friendly compared to more upscale neighborhoods like Mahboula or Salmiya. You can find a decent one or two-bedroom apartment in these areas for around $500 to $700 a month.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to the high cost of insurance and maintenance. I suggest using public transportation or taxis, which are relatively cheap and reliable. You can also consider carpooling with colleagues or friends to save on transportation costs.Eating out can be quite expensive in Kuwait, especially if you're used to dining at high-end restaurants. To save money, I recommend cooking at home and shopping at local markets for fresh produce. There are also many affordable restaurants and cafes in the area where you can enjoy a meal without breaking the bank.Entertainment and leisure activities can also add up quickly, so you'll need to be mindful of your spending in this area. Instead of going to the movies or other expensive activities, consider exploring the many free or low-cost attractions in Kuwait, such as the beautiful beaches, parks, and cultural sites.Lastly, keep in mind that utilities like electricity and water can be quite expensive in Kuwait, especially during the hot summer months when air conditioning is a must. To save on utility bills, try to be energy-efficient by turning off lights and appliances when not in use and using energy-saving devices.In conclusion, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Abu Halifa, Kuwait is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing, transportation, and entertainment. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cooking at home, and enjoying low-cost leisure activities, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Abu Halifa.
Can I live in Abu Halifa on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Abu Halifa for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable neighborhood to live in. I'd recommend looking into areas like Mangaf, Fintas, or Mahboula, as they tend to have more reasonably priced apartments. You might have to settle for a smaller apartment or one that's not as modern as you're used to, but it's still possible to find a decent place within your budget.As for other expenses, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on things like dining out, entertainment, and shopping. Eating out can be quite expensive in Kuwait, so you might want to cook at home more often or look for more affordable restaurants. There are plenty of local markets where you can buy fresh produce and other groceries at reasonable prices.When it comes to entertainment, you'll find that some activities can be quite pricey, like going to the cinema or attending concerts. However, there are also plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, like visiting the beach, going for walks in the parks, or exploring the local museums.As for shopping, you'll need to be careful not to overspend on luxury items or imported goods, as they can be quite expensive in Kuwait. Instead, try to shop at local markets or look for sales and discounts at the malls.In terms of transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to the high cost of insurance and maintenance. However, public transportation is limited in Kuwait, so you might want to consider carpooling with coworkers or using taxis and ride-sharing apps like Careem or Uber, which can be more affordable options.Overall, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Abu Halifa is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing, dining, and entertainment," said one expat living in Abu Halifa.
Can I live in Abu Halifa on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Abu Halifa for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. However, there might be some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll want to consider the area you choose to live in. Some neighborhoods in Abu Halifa can be quite expensive, so you'll want to avoid those if you're trying to stick to your budget. I'd recommend looking into areas like Mangaf or Fintas, which are more affordable and still offer a good quality of life. You can find decent apartments in these areas for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month, depending on the size and amenities.As for transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive in Kuwait, so you might want to consider using public transportation or taxis instead. This can save you a significant amount of money on car payments, insurance, and fuel costs. Plus, the public transportation system in Kuwait is quite reliable and efficient.When it comes to dining out and entertainment, you'll find that there are plenty of options in Abu Halifa, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending. Eating out at high-end restaurants can quickly add up, so try to limit those occasions and opt for more affordable local eateries instead. There are also plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, such as visiting the beach, parks, or local markets.One sacrifice you might have to make is cutting back on international travel. Flights from Kuwait can be quite expensive, so you'll need to budget carefully if you want to travel frequently. However, there are plenty of interesting places to visit within the region, so you can still enjoy some great vacations without breaking the bank.Overall, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Abu Halifa is definitely achievable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in certain areas. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, and being conscious of your dining and entertainment choices, you can enjoy a great quality of life in Kuwait without exceeding your budget," commented an expat living in Abu Halifa.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Kuwait Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Kuwait
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Kuwait
- Best Places to Live in Kuwait
- Guide to Real Estate in Kuwait
- Pros & Cons of Living in Kuwait
- Cost of Living in Kuwait
- Moving with a Pet to Kuwait
- Mental Health Care in Kuwait
- Do I need Health Insurance When Moving to Kuwait?
- Having a Baby in Kuwait
- Pros and Cons of Living in Kuwait 2025