Qatar is an amazing country known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. To help plan your trip within your budget, our travel cost guide has everything you need for your journey. With tips and prices for hotels, food, activities, and transit, you can enjoy every moment without worrying about your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Qatar?
You should plan to spend around $255 (QAR936) per day on your vacation in Qatar. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $101 (QAR369) on meals
- $23 (QAR84) on local transportation
- $237 (QAR869) on hotels
A one week trip to Qatar for two people costs, on average, $3,574 (QAR13,104). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Qatar expensive to visit?
Qatar is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.
Within the Middle East, Qatar is very expensive compared to the other countries. It is in the top 10% of countries in the Middle East for its travel costs. There are only a few countries as expensive or more expensive than Qatar in the region.
Qatar boasts a wide variety of attractions and accommodations, catering to visitors with different budgets and travel styles. Affordable hotels are available for budget travelers, but there are also luxury hotels for those with deeper pockets, and plenty of mid-range hotels for couples and families.
Sure, Qatar can cost a lot, but with smart choices like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities, you can stretch your budget further.
On average, budget travelers spend $114 (QAR414) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $258 (QAR936) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $487 (QAR1,773) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Qatar.
For more details, see Is Qatar Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Qatar?
The average Qatar trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Qatar travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Qatar cost?
Qatar on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$51
(QAR189)
|
$119
(QAR435)
|
$232
(QAR851)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$10
(QAR37)
|
$23
(QAR84)
|
$44
(QAR161)
|
|
Food 2
|
$45
(QAR163)
|
$101
(QAR369)
|
$184
(QAR673)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$8.01
(QAR29)
|
$18
(QAR67)
|
$35
(QAR128)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$3-9
(QAR12-35)
|
$7-22
(QAR26-79)
|
$14-41
(QAR51-152)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's essential to have a grounded and realistic perspective on your budget. While many believe they can travel as "budget" travelers on a mere $114 a day like a backpacker, the reality is that most people struggle to enjoy that style of travel. Consider what makes you happy and how you've traveled before. Do you prefer the comfort of resorts, the convenience of vacation rentals, or the simple camaraderie of hostels? Is dining out a top priority for you? Do you plan to visit the major attractions? Your answers to these questions will certainly impact your overall travel budget.
What is a budget traveler, anyway?
Many people might hear that you can explore Qatar for just $114 a day, but if you're not ready to sacrifice some comforts, be prepared to spend quite a bit more.
Backpackers often manage to stick to this tight budget, but it usually means sleeping in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest eateries or grabbing fast food, relying on public transport or walking everywhere, and limiting themselves to free attractions.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
If you're traveling as a couple or family, you'll probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at popular restaurants, and visit major museums and attractions that require entry fees. You'll want to visit the major attractions, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities do come with a price tag. With that in mind, you should realistically plan for a daily budget of about $258 per person.
There are a wide range of hotels and vacation rentals in Qatar. If you're traveling with others, you'll share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, so costs will be split accordingly, saving money. In places like Doha, which are particularly family-friendly, you'll find hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Also, in Doha, Zubarah Hotel is a good kid-friendly option, and in Doha, Oryx Airport Hotel -Transit Only is also terrific. You'll find more hotels that cater to families and couples in our hotel guide for Qatar here.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
For a trip filled with top-notch service and every possible comfort, expect your budget to reach around $487 per day, per person. Staying in high-end accommodations, enjoying gourmet meals, going on lavish adventures, and hiring personal drivers comes with a luxury price tag. You'll be in the company of the wealthy in locations like Doha. Another option would be to splurge on a multi-day high-end tour that takes care of everything for you, such as Tailor-Made Private Qatar Tour with Desert Safari, Daily Departure - offered by Agate Travel.
Accommodation Budget in Qatar
Qatar has a wide range of accommodation prices, and it can be surprising how much prices fluctuate. Budget hotels can often be much cheaper than higher-end places, and during peak season, everything costs much more. For a better deal, try visiting in the low season, and book early to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Qatar for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $237 (QAR869). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $119 (QAR435) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Qatar? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in Qatar
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $23 (QAR84) per person, per day, on local transportation in Qatar. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Qatar is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$23
QAR84
Food Budget in Qatar
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Qatar can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Qatar is $101 (QAR369) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$101
QAR369
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Qatar is about $101 (QAR369) per person. Previous travelers have typically spent from $45 to $185 per day. Generally, breakfast and lunch will cost less than dinner, but that will vary based on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Qatar are as follows:
- Breakfast: $18 to $30
- Lunch: $15 to $51
- Dinner: $35 to $81
- Coffee: $9
- Fast Food or Street Food: $16
For being such a small country, the culture and cuisine is surprisingly diverse, especially in the capital city of Doha. Qatari cuisine is made up of traditional Arab and Levantine cooking, and is also largely influenced by Iranian and Indian food. While Middle Eastern fare is also common, other options available include Indian, Thai, Chinese, Italian, and Korean.
There are some good dining options just outside Souq Waqif and inside Villaggio Mall, and if you want to try authentic Middle Eastern fare, there are some good cheap options in Turkey Central on Al-Mirghab Street. Traditional dishes include:
Machbus: the national dish of Qatar, it is a meal consisting of rice, meat, and vegetables (onions and tomatoes).
Kabsa: similar to Machbus, the dish consists of rice, meat, and vegetables mixed with spices. It is also similar to biryani or pilaf.
Balaleet: Noodles cooked with sugar, cinnamon, saffron, and cardamom, often with an omelet on top.
Ghuzi: Whole roast lamb served over nutty rice. Also called Shuwaa.
Om ali: Bread and rice pudding
Sago: Sweet gelatin pudding spiced with saffron and cardamom
Mehalabiya: Rose water and pistachio pudding
For western fare, American chains include places like McDonald's, KFC, Hardee's, Arby's, Burger King, Dairy Queen, Pizza Hut, TGI Friday's Applebee's, Chili's, Fuddruckers, Bennigan's, Ponderosa Steakhouse, Red Lobster, and Starbucks.
Traveling with kids? Check for restaurants that offer a childrens menu. It's a smart way to save money, as these meals are often more reasonably priced. And remember, some eateries don't advertise their kids' options, so asking the waiter is a good idea.
Many hotels offer complimentary breakfast, but some charge extra for this service. Prices and quality can vary based on the hotel. Being informed in advance can help you decide whether to indulge in a lavish hotel buffet or simply visit a nearby bakery or café that may offer cheaper options.
Choose to carry a water bottle instead of constantly purchasing drinks. It's a win for both your wallet and the environment.
When arranging for a tour, be sure to confirm which meals are included ahead of time. There may be some meals you'll need to pay for yourself, which could add to your overall costs.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Qatar, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Desert Safari 7 Hours Tour with Dinner and Camp for $270 details
- Doha Overnight Desert Safari dinner/breakfast included for $215 details
- Doha Desert Safari Full day With Dinner,Dune Bashing,Sandboarding for $152 details
- Private Full Day Desert Safari Dinner and Camel Ride in Doha for $190 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Qatar
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Qatar typically cost an average of $18 (QAR67) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$18
QAR67
A nice way to explore destinations in Qatar is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Sunrise or Sunset , Desert Safari Tour in Heart of Qatar for $70 details
- 6-Hour Desert Safari & Relax at the Inland Sea (No Rush Tour) for $129 details
- City Tour and Desert Safari with Camel Ride and Sand Boarding for $137 details
- Desert safari Inland Sea Private Tour for $93 details
Nightlife Budget in Qatar
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $14 (QAR53) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Qatar per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$14
QAR53
Hitting the town is a blast, but easing up on drinks can have a positive impact on your budget.
Traveling in Qatar
Doha, Qatar
Qatar is a small Arab country-it's geography, a peninsula jutting into the Persian Gulf just east of Saudi Arabia. An independent state with significant oil and natural gas revenues, Qatar's cities are thriving with a number of museums, a bustling market scene, and many good restaurants to indulge in. There is also a manmade island with a few waterside resorts for vacationers.
At a Glance
Doha is the capital city of Qatar, modern and rapidly developing with much construction underway. It is home to Doha International Airport, the main point of entry for Qatar, as well as many of the country's best museums and examples of cultural heritage. Doha Heritage Village, for example, is based on a traditional Qatari village with opportunities to see weaving, pearl trading, and a traditional boat (dhow), plus the occasional festival and other activities. The city is also home to Souq Waqif, a renovated Arabic market quarter with a maze of corridors to explore. Its shops are divided into sections with shop categories for things like spices, textiles, souvenirs, and even live falcons. And then on the higher end of things, the Pearl-Qatar neighborhood of Doha is the country's manmade island, full of luxury resorts, homes, cruise boats, and designer shopping.
Al-Khor is another of Qatar's cities about 50 kilometers north of Doha. Previously the center of the pearl trading industry, Al-Khor is now a pleasant and quiet town with some beaches for relaxing and a handful of interesting watchtowers. Other populated areas include Rayyan (Qatar's second largest city) and Wakra (a southern municipality). Most city activities consist of shopping and exploring markets and malls, dining, sight-seeing, museum-going, and enjoying Qatar's nightlife.
Being surrounded by the sea, Qatar has become a popular destination for watersports and beach-going. Kite-surfing is increasingly popular for western visitors, while locals can often be seen driving jet-skis from beach to beach. Sailing, cruising, diving, scuba, and beach sports like volleyball and cricket are also very common.
Further inland at Khor Al Udeid, visitors and locals alike enjoy racing up and down the region of endless sand dunes. Up and down the rolling dunes, people frequently drive landcruisers and sign up for safari tours in Qatar's wilderness.
Related:
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Top Tourist Attractions
The sights of Qatar range from the busy attractions of the city-architecture, museums, markets, and culture-to the quieter landscape of its beaches and dunes. Some of the more popular attractions include:
Museum of Islamic Art: Located in Doha, the museum represents the full scope of Islamic art from three continents over 1,400 years. With architecture inspired by classic Islamic elements, the museum has become an iconic feature of the Doha skyline. It is host to regular special exhibitions, events, lectures, and activities.
Souq Waqif: Also located in Doha, Souq Waqif is a traditional old marketplace of Qatar, selling unique goods like spices, textiles, and even live falcons. A great place to pick up souvenirs, bargaining is recommended.
The Pearl Qatar: A manmade island connected to the city of Doha by a bridge, this area is where most of the upscale resorts are located. The harbor is full of cruise boats and surrounded by a luxury neighborhood of fine dining and designer stores.
Villaggio Mall: Located in Doha, this is one of Qatar's newest malls designed to look like Venice in architecture and even canal-ways. It is home to a variety of stores-casual, western, and luxury-plus a food court, restaurants, gondola rides, and an ice skating rink.
Katara Cultural Village: Located in West Bay Area, this large cultural city features a roman style public auditorium, museums, galleries, libraries, many international and Arab restaurants, a beautiful beach, and is host to many cultural events.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.