Research shows Kuwait cheapest country in GCC for expatriates to live in

Dubai: Kuwait has been ranked as the cheapest country for expatriates to live in among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, in 2020.

According to a survey conducted on global cost-of-living for expatriates during the coronavirus crisis, conducted by the Mercer Foundation, Kuwait came in the last position among Gulf countries and took the eighth spot among Arab countries in terms of high cost of living for expatriates — meaning, it is the cheapest country for expats to live in among the GCC states.

The foundation’s study examined 209 cities from around the world. Kuwait was ranked 113th globally in 2020. In 2019, Kuwait was ranked 119th.

The study assessed cost of living around the world and was based on 200 items and services, including housing, transportation, food, clothing, household goods and entertainment. The Mercer research studied factors such as currency fluctuations, cost of goods and services, instability of rent and also factored in expatriate incomes.

Among Arab cities, Dubai ranked first in terms of high cost of living for expatriates. It was ranked 23rd globally, in 2020, compared to its 21st position in 2019. Riyadh in Saudi Arabia came in second in the Arab world and was ranked 31st globally, in 2020. Abu Dhabi was ranked third in the Arab world and 39th globally.