Question 1

Why doesn't the calculator give me an automatic number for each city?

Accepted Answer

Because cost of living varies significantly even within the same city depending on the neighborhood and lifestyle, and any general average figure could be misleading for your specific situation. The most accurate approach is entering your own actual or estimated figures.

Question 2

What's the ideal rent-to-income ratio?

Accepted Answer

A common global rule of thumb is that rent shouldn't exceed 30% of monthly income, though this ratio may run higher in major Gulf cities with elevated rents like Dubai and Doha.

Question 3

Does the calculator include private school costs?

Accepted Answer

You can include them in the 'other expenses' field divided over 12 months if the fees are annual, since this is a major budget item for expat families, especially in the UAE and Qatar.

Question 4

Does the budget include savings or investment?

Accepted Answer

No, this calculator focuses on basic living expenses only. To plan savings and investment on top of your living budget, use the site's dedicated savings and investment calculator.

Question 5

Can I use this calculator to compare two cities before relocating?

Accepted Answer

Yes, calculate your budget with realistic estimated figures for each city separately (after quick research into local rent ranges and prices), then compare the totals to get a practical picture before deciding to relocate.

GCC Cost-of-Living Budget Calculator