How Much Does Doha Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Doha offers a striking contrast between ultra-luxury experiences and accessible cultural sites, making it a destination that can cater to various budgets. While the city is famous for its high-end skyline and resorts averaging $424 / QAR 1,545 per night, it remains surprisingly affordable for those utilizing the modern infrastructure. Daily budgets typically range from $55 / QAR 199 for solo budget travelers to $671 / QAR 2,442 for those seeking a full luxury experience. Compared to other Gulf hubs, Doha provides exceptional value in public transportation and museum quality, though the cost of alcohol remains a premium expense. Visitors will find that mid-range comfort is achievable at around $244 / QAR 887 per day, covering a mix of international dining and desert excursions.
Is Doha expensive to visit?
Doha is a moderately expensive city that can be navigated on a daily budget of $55 / QAR 199 to $671 / QAR 2,442 depending on whether you prioritize local souqs or five-star resorts.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Doha
$55
per person /day
$244
per person /day
$671
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $165 | $731 | $2,013 |
| 5-Day Trip | $274 | $1,218 | $3,354 |
| 7-Day Trip | $384 | $1,705 | $4,695 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is wise to maintain a 15% buffer for hidden costs such as the Tourism Dirham tax, which adds up to $4.11 / QAR 15 per night in luxury hotels, and the mandatory excise tax that effectively doubles the price of energy drinks and tobacco. Additionally, factor in approximately $27 / QAR 100 for a tourist visa if your nationality is not eligible for a waiver.
How Does It Compare?
See how Doha stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Doha
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant Found in areas like Bin Mahmoud or Al Sadd for ~$8.9 / QAR 32. | $8.9 QAR 32 |
| Pint of Beer (Hotel Bar) Alcohol is only served in licensed hotels/clubs; expect ~$15 / QAR 55 per pint. | $15 QAR 55 |
| Cappuccino (Regular) Specialty coffee shops in Msheireb or Katara charge ~$5.89 / QAR 21. | $5.89 QAR 21 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Doha Metro Gold Club Single Journey Premium class travel. Reusable card required for ~$27 / QAR 100. | $2.74 QAR 9.98 |
| Doha Metro Standard Day Pass Unlimited travel for ~$1.65 / QAR 6. Standard single rides are only ~$0.55 / QAR 2.01. | $1.65 QAR 6 |
| Karwa Taxi Airport Flag Fall The starting meter at Hamad International is ~$6.85 / QAR 25. | $6.85 QAR 25 |
| Ride-hailing (Uber) Short Trip Short city hops between West Bay and Corniche cost ~$6 / QAR 22. | $6.03 QAR 22 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Budget Hostel Dorm Bed Budget stays are limited; most are located near Souq Waqif or Mansoura for ~$26 / QAR 94. | $26 QAR 95 |
| Mid-Range Hotel (4-star) Standard rooms in West Bay or Msheireb average ~$124 / QAR 450. | $123 QAR 449 |
| Luxury Hotel (5-star Resort) High-end beach resorts in West Bay or The Pearl average ~$424 / QAR 1,543. | $424 QAR 1,545 |
Activities (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) Entry Standard non-resident ticket is ~$14 / QAR 50. Residents enter free. | $14 QAR 50 |
| National Museum of Qatar Entry Admission for international adults is ~$14 / QAR 50. | $14 QAR 50 |
| Dune Bashing & Inland Sea (Shared) A 4-hour desert safari costs ~$60 / QAR 219 per person. | $60 QAR 219 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Ooredoo Visitor SIM (5GB) Available at the airport arrivals for ~$9.58 / QAR 35. | $9.58 QAR 35 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
The dining landscape is divided between high-end hotel restaurants and affordable local gems, with a basic meal in areas like Al Sadd costing approximately $8.9 / QAR 32. Specialty coffee culture is prominent in Msheireb, where a cappuccino typically costs $5.89 / QAR 21, while a pint of beer in a licensed hotel bar is a significant expense at $15 / QAR 55.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Shay Al Shoomos
$6.85–$14 / QAR 25–QAR 50Souq Waqif · Local chain
Legendary spot for traditional Qatari breakfast for ~$9.65 / QAR 35.
Turkey Central
$8.22–$16 / QAR 30–QAR 60Al Mirqab · Local chain
The most famous mixed grill in the city; huge portions for ~$12 / QAR 45.
Petra Restaurant
$1.37–$6.85 / QAR 4.97–QAR 25Bin Mahmoud · Local chain
Best for ultra-budget falafel wraps starting at ~$1.37 / QAR 4.97.
Chapati & Karak
$0.55–$4.11 / QAR 2.01–QAR 15Katara Cultural Village · Street food area
The essential Doha experience; snack on tea and bread for ~$1.37 / QAR 4.97.
Bandar Aden
$9.58–$19 / QAR 35–QAR 70Souq Waqif · Local chain
Authentic floor seating and giant plates of Mandi rice for ~$11 / QAR 40.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
The Doha Metro is one of the most cost-effective systems in the world, offering a standard day pass for just $1.65 / QAR 6. For those preferring private travel, a short ride-hailing trip averages $6.03 / QAR 22, while official airport taxis have a starting flag fall of $6.85 / QAR 25.
Accommodation Overview
Hostel options are limited and mostly located near Souq Waqif for around $26 / QAR 95 per night. Mid-range 4-star hotels in convenient districts like West Bay average $123 / QAR 449, while luxury beach resorts represent the highest tier at approximately $424 / QAR 1,545.
Accommodation Budget in Doha
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Purchase a standard Doha Metro day pass for $1.65 / QAR 6 to enjoy unlimited travel across the entire city network.
- 2 Eat at Turkey Central on Al Mirqab Al Jadeed Street for generous portions of grilled meats and appetizers at local prices.
- 3 Utilize the free Msheireb Tram to navigate the downtown district without spending on taxis.
- 4 Visit the Museum of Islamic Art Park for free views of the West Bay skyline instead of paying for expensive rooftop lounges.
- 5 Avoid buying international brands in malls and shop for spices, textiles, and snacks at Souq Waqif where prices are negotiable.
- 6 Stick to the standard class on the metro; the Gold Club carriage costs $2.74 / QAR 9.98 per journey but offers no time advantage.
- 7 Look for 'Business Lunch' specials in West Bay restaurants, which often offer three courses for a fraction of the dinner price.
- 8 Download the 'Entertainer' app for buy-one-get-one-free deals on dining and activities across the city.
- 9 Visit Katara Cultural Village for affordable street food like those found at Chapati & Karak.
- 10 Buy a local Ooredoo Visitor SIM at the airport for $9.58 / QAR 35 to avoid high international roaming fees.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
+30–50%
Jun, Jul, Aug
-40–60%
Apr, Oct
Summer (Jun–Aug) prices drop significantly due to extreme heat (45°C (113°F)), but outdoor activities are impossible. Winter offers perfect 20–25°C (68–77°F) weather but peak prices.
Events to Watch
- ● Qatar Grand Prix (late 2026): +100% hotels
- ● Doha International Book Fair: +20% hotels
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Walking the 7km horseshoe-shaped Corniche promenade.
- 2 Exploring the traditional mud-rendered alleys of Souq Waqif.
- 3 Visiting the Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque (State Grand Mosque) during non-prayer times.
- 4 Browsing the open-air galleries and amphitheater at Katara Cultural Village.
- 5 Watching the sunset at the Dhow Harbour.
- 6 Viewing the public art installations at Education City, including the 'Miraculous Journey' sculptures.
- 7 Wandering through the Venetian-inspired Qanat Quartier at The Pearl-Qatar.
- 8 Exploring the sustainable architecture and public squares of Msheireb Downtown.
- 9 Visiting the Falcon Hospital and Falcon Market to see the birds up close.
- 10 Relaxing in Aspire Park, which features large green spaces and a lake.
- 11 Attending free public lectures or art exhibitions at the Qatar National Library.
- 12 Walking through Oxygen Park in Education City to see its unique cooling tunnels.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Nobu Doha Omakase Dinner
Located in a unique standalone building on the water with the world's best sushi for ~$178 / QAR 647.
Private Overnight Desert Safari
Sleeping under the stars at Khor Al Adaid with gourmet BBQ is worth ~$328 / QAR 1,196.
Helicopter Tour of Doha Skyline
A 15-minute flight offers the only way to see the 'Pearl' and 'Lusail' islands properly for ~$260 / QAR 947.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Doha
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Doha and what they cost
Al Zubarah Fort
$110 / QAR 399 by taxi
Free
$123 / QAR 449
Al Thakira Mangroves
$68 / QAR 249 by bus/shuttle
$55 / QAR 199
$123 / QAR 449
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Qatari Riyal (QAR)
1 $ ≈ 3.64 QAR
No
Everywhere including small shops and taxis
Service is often included in hotels (~10%), but rounding up by ~$2.35–$5.89 / QAR 8.57–QAR 21 is appreciated in casual spots.
QNB and Doha Bank ATMs are ubiquitous; avoid independent ATMs in malls that charge ~$4.12 / QAR 15 fees.
Bargaining is only expected in Souq Waqif for textiles, spices, and souvenirs. Aim for ~20% off the first price.
Connectivity
eSIM: $9.42–$14 for 5GB (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $9.58 / QAR 35 (QAR 35) for 5GB at the airport.
WiFi: Excellent in malls, Metro stations, and all hotels.
Get the Ooredoo Visitor SIM (~$9.42 / QAR 34) at the airport arrivals; it is better value than Airalo for local calls.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Doha.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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