life style
I would like to know what kind of life style I could expect to live in in Qatar if my monthly income is a little over
9000 USA$$$ American money Sorry about that
We are looking to relocate and I need to know what I can expect. I will be moving from the eastern part of the United States.
What is the difference between a compound and Flat? My husband and I are considering moving here from the United States and have no idea what to expect and how to go about finding a safe and nice place to live. When reading what they have for rent in the classifieds I am informed that the flats have (cleaning stuff) what does that mean? Do they use washers and dryers?
How far that $9k a month will go will depend on what you spend for housing and whether your employer provides housing or a a housing allowance.
A 2 bedroom furnished apartment (flat) in a good area will probably run you well over QR10,000 a month ($2,800) and very likely QR 12-15k. A villa (house) will be considerably higher.
Compounds are groups of villas or low rise apartments, usually with a surrounding wall and security with a clubhouse (usually with a pool and exercise facility) and some other services which could include a mini-mart and a coffee shop/restaurant. There are also high-rise apartment buildings.
Doha is a very safe place and you have little to fear regarding crime or personal safety.
Cost of living (except housing) is not markedly higher than the US (some things more expensive, others cheaper). Gas is, of course, much cheaper (well under the equivalent of $1 a gallon) so large thirsty vehicles abound. Cars prices are similar to US. Decent health care and hospitals are available.
As a US citizen, you will be subject to US tax (unlike almost everyone else here who pay no tax locally or to their home country). The good news is that as an expat the first $80k of income is exempt and part of your housing may be, as well, so your tax liability should be small. The bad news is that benefits such as employer provided housing, airfare, schooling for your children, are considered ordinary income and are taxible.
It's a far cry from NJ where I come from, but I have enjoyed living and working here for the past two years.
If you have any other questions (weather, culture, shoping, entertainment, etc.) feel free to message me.
Good luck
Well can't answer all of your questions but some. OK, a compound is simply an area set aside with housing. In Saudi as an example it would have a wall surrounding it and would be inhabited primarily by westerners. I can only assume something similar here for Qatar, I have not yet arrived myself. A flat is what we refer to as an apartment, it is a British word.
Regarding wheterh $9K is sufficent, well not sure and depends on you. Also, is that a 9K salary plus an allowance or that is it? If based on 9K consider the following. 2 bedroom apartment about $2700/month. Add for electricity, water, gas, internet, phone etc and I am just guessing here but say $200/month. Next transportation at about $540/month + fuel and let us then round that to say $600/month. Groceries and again guessing say $300/month. Cell phones perhaps, maybe another $100/month. Also, travel back to the states at about $3000/ea for you and your hubby so $6000/year. OK, where are we at then. That comes out to $4400/month. Also, you will still have to pay Uncle Sam taxes so I am guessing maybe taking home 2/3's of that 9K or 6K/month less 4.4K = $1,600/month to do with as you please, maybe not too bad.
I hope some others will chime in here, many of my numbers are assumptions.