excellent comments above - as a single expat female i had very similiar concerns to you. doha isn't the cheapest place to live, very much on a par with the UK especially now the dollar has strengthened. it took me a little while to meet people but once you get out and about you will discover that there is a whole group of people out there ready to welcome you into doha and their worlds! easy, relaxed lifestyle, great opportunity to do something different. life is what you make it out here...just be prepared to be thoroughly stared at - men outnumber women 8 to 1 or something silly and there is HUGE bachelor community out here!!!