Living in Kuwait versus KSA

Hello samrazakir,

Welcome to Expat.com

As I always say, the cost of living differs from one person to another depending on their lifestyle. It will be even more challenging to obtain accurate information as it will depend on two different countries.

Hopefully, someone will be able to provide some insights.

Cheers,

Cheryl

Expat.com team

@samrazakir  The cost of living in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia (KSA) can vary significantly depending on your lifestyle, location, and personal choices. Both countries have some similarities, such as a strong reliance on the oil industry and a predominantly expatriate workforce, but there are also differences in terms of expenses.  Before making a decision, it's advisable to research the most up-to-date information and consider your own financial situation and priorities.

Here's a general comparison of the two:

Housing:

Kuwait: Housing in Kuwait can be relatively expensive, especially in desirable areas like Kuwait City. Rental prices vary depending on the size and location of the property.

KSA: Housing in Saudi Arabia can be more affordable, especially in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah. However, luxury housing options are available for those who are willing to spend more.

Transportation:

Kuwait: Gasoline is relatively cheap in Kuwait due to government subsidies. Public transportation options are limited, so you may need to rely on a personal vehicle, which can be costly.

KSA: Like Kuwait, gasoline in Saudi Arabia is also subsidized, making it affordable. Major cities in Saudi Arabia have improved public transportation systems, which can be a more budget-friendly option for getting around.

Education:

The cost of education for expatriates can vary widely in both Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. International schools are available in major cities and can be expensive. The fees depend on the school's reputation and facilities.

@Heart Collector Thanks, are working visa restrictions similar to KSA, e.g. yearly contract, exit re entry to leave country? How easy it is to get dependent visa for Kuwait compared to KSA. Thank you again.

Kuwait is slightly more flexible and straightforward procedures for obtaining dependent visas when compared to Saudi Arabia. Kuwait typically allows expatriate residents to sponsor their family members for dependent visas, including spouses, children, and parents, with relatively fewer restriction

Saudi Arabia has traditionally had more stringent requirements and regulations for dependent visas. While it is possible to sponsor family members in Saudi Arabia, the process has been more complex and subject to stricter criteria, such as minimum income requirements and other condition

@Heart Collector Thank you again. Does expat worker needs to get residence first in Kuwait, then apply for dependent or both worker and dependents can be together throughout I.e. travelling together to Kuwait rather than one after one. I am asking as some employers say worker has to come first and then dependents join later.

@samrazakir definitely worker has to apply first and if situation doesn't allows you can take the family on visit visa

@Heart Collector Thanks very much. The main issue is the uncertainty, as visit visa might not be converted to dependent visa? and one has to go back to country of origin to get dependent visa? This is difficult for us as we want to end our setup in country of origin before coming to kuwait

@samrazakir in that case I will suggest first you travel and arrange & later on they will arrive safely

@Heart Collector Thanks for your quick replies, much appreciated.

@samrazakir You are more than welcome

There is a reason why Kuwait is habitually marked at the bottom (not among the bottom but THE bottom) of most desirable location for expats in the worldwide expat survey that is conducted every year.

To keep it simple, KSA is cheaper than Kuwait.  On top, it is now less restrictive than Kuwait in terms of lifestyle and entertainment options.   Lastly, Kuwait suffers from an extremely negative expat sentiment at all levels including Government.  You ask about visas............they actually closed family visas for expats for a long period of time......only restarted again.  On top, getting a driving license is nightmare and is dependent on profession, salary and all sorts of criteria (not the case in the rest of the GCC).   The reason I am highlighting this negative sentiment is that your life in Kuwait can be a neverending exercise in frustration due to the fact that all problems that Kuwait faces are attributed to expats in official rhetoric - look at the video of the Kuwait parlimentarian saying that we should charge expats even for the air that they breathe!!!.

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190 … eathe/amp/