🇦🇪 Abu Dhabi vs 🇶🇦 Doha
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇦🇪
Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates
$2,523–$3,995/mo
د.إ9,344 – د.إ14,796 / month (local)
🇶🇦
Doha
Qatar
$2,400–$3,800/mo
ر.ق8,889 – ر.ق14,074 / month (local)
Abu Dhabi is 5% more expensive
Doha wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Abu Dhabi (USD) | Doha (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,892–$2,944 | $1,800–$2,800 | 🟢 Doha |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $999–$1,577 | $950–$1,500 | 🟢 Doha |
| Utilities | $79–$152 | $75–$145 | 🟢 Doha |
| Groceries | $399–$599 | $380–$570 | 🟢 Doha |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $53–$95 | $50–$90 | 🟢 Doha |
| Public transport (monthly) | $100–$121 | $95–$115 | 🟢 Doha |
| Internet & Mobile | $32–$53 | $30–$50 | 🟢 Doha |
| Gym membership | $37–$68 | $35–$65 | 🟢 Doha |
| Cinema ticket | $15–$19 | $14–$18 | 🟢 Doha |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,523–$3,995 | $2,400–$3,800 | 🟢 Doha |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing4.0 / 10 · 4.2 / 10
Abu Dhabi
Doha▲ better
Safety8.3 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Abu Dhabi▲ better
Doha
Healthcare8.3 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Abu Dhabi▲ better
Doha
Education7.9 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Abu Dhabi▲ better
Doha
Environment8.7 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Abu Dhabi▲ better
Doha
Economy7.0 / 10 · 6.9 / 10
Abu Dhabi▲ better
Doha
Culture7.6 / 10 · 7.5 / 10
Abu Dhabi▲ better
Doha
Internet8.0 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Abu Dhabi▲ better
Doha
Who should choose which city?
Choose Abu Dhabi if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Abu Dhabi offers vs Doha
- ✓Oil wealth
- ✓Beaches
- ✓Stability
- ✓Energy
Choose Doha if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Abu Dhabi
- ✓World Cup legacy
- ✓Safety
- ✓Airport
- ✓Gas
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Full Abu Dhabi guide
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Full Doha guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Doha →