I agree with much of what is posted above. Even if the primary reason for coming to Qatar is for family reasons, you still need a sustainable lifestyle.
Modest, comparable housing to the Midwest would require at least 15,000 a month--no yard to speak of but a good villa in a safe compound with pool, playground, clubhouse and room for riding bikes. Compounds aren't just for non-Muslims. Mine has plenty of Muslim families, but they are all professionals working for Western companies and universities and they choose to life in the compound because it offers a degree of a Western lifestyle (i.e. substantial personal freedoms).
Family vehicle (anything less than a large SUV is crazy here in my few--traffic deaths are the leading cause of death here) will cost a little bit more than in the US. Kids' school fees will run about 50,000 a year per kid at the American School of Doha, which is amongst the most expensive. Healthcare, too, is a concern. The free system here is nothing on a par with good-quality care in the US (for the insured who have it). Most American expats, therefore, receive supplemental private insurance for access to the private hospitals, which are fairly good.
In terms of salary most offers are at 1.25% or more.
Nothing wrong with taking a slight hit in salary for personal reasons, but seriously consider the non-salary benefits and look carefully at what you think you will need for your family to maintain your lifestyle.
I agree with much of what is posted above. Even if the primary reason for coming to Qatar is for family reasons, you still need a sustainable lifestyle.
Modest, comparable housing to the Midwest would require at least 15,000 a month--no yard to speak of but a good villa in a safe compound with pool, playground, clubhouse and room for riding bikes. Compounds aren't just for non-Muslims. Mine has plenty of Muslim families, but they are all professionals working for Western companies and universities and they choose to life in the compound because it offers a degree of a Western lifestyle (i.e. substantial personal freedoms).
Family vehicle (anything less than a large SUV is crazy here in my few--traffic deaths are the leading cause of death here) will cost a little bit more than in the US. Kids' school fees will run about 50,000 a year per kid at the American School of Doha, which is amongst the most expensive. Healthcare, too, is a concern. The free system here is nothing on a par with good-quality care in the US (for the insured who have it). Most American expats, therefore, receive supplemental private insurance for access to the private hospitals, which are fairly good.
In terms of salary most offers are at 1.25% or more.
Nothing wrong with taking a slight hit in salary for personal reasons, but seriously consider the non-salary benefits and look carefully at what you think you will need for your family to maintain your lifestyle.