Prices in Kuwait continue to inch up while many expatriates report no salary increase for more than five years. This article shows how inflation affects day‑to‑day costs—housing, groceries (including imported vegetables), and transport—then compares expat pay trends with Kuwaiti wages, using recent data and referenced sources.

Official data show annual inflation around the 2.3% range in mid‑2025, up slightly from May. Over five years, cumulative inflation exceeds roughly 12%, so the same KD 1,000 in 2020 needs ~KD 1,120 today just to hold purchasing power. Source.

What a Middle‑Class Life Costs (No Table, Just Real Numbers)

Based on local spending patterns, a single person typically needs about KD 295/month for basics, a couple around KD 590/month, and a family of four about KD 925/month. See the full breakdown at Kuwait Local – Cost of Living in Kuwait.

• Housing: from ~KD 120 for a modest single setup to ~KD 300 for a family in a decent area.
• Groceries: ~KD 40 (single) up to ~KD 180 (family of four).
• Education: budget at least KD 40 per child in mid‑range schools (significantly higher in premium schools).
• Mobile & internet, utilities, car, medical, leisure, maid: together add roughly KD 100–300 depending on family size and lifestyle.
• Imported vegetables example: Before COVID‑19, many imported vegetables were ~600–650fils/kg. In 2025, the same products often cost KD 1.1–1.3/kg—almost double, hitting monthly grocery bills hard.

Fuel: From Subsidy Era to Today

Petrol was extremely cheap a decade ago. In 2010, premium fuel hovered near KD 0.060/litre. After the 2016 subsidy reform, official rates rose to roughly KD 0.105/litre (premium) and KD 0.085/litre (regular), a level that broadly persists in 2025. Kuwait Times.

Are Salaries Keeping Up?

Expatriates

• Average expat salary in 2024: about KD 340/month—up only ~0.9% YoY.
• Public‑sector expats average ~KD 762 (+1.33%); private‑sector expats ~KD 320 (+0.94%).
• Many expats report no increments for 5+ years, which implies a real pay cut after inflation.

Source: Arab Times report on salaries.

Kuwaiti Nationals

Average Kuwaiti monthly wage around KD 1,576 (2024).

Five‑year growth ~6.3% overall; private‑sector males +11.46%, females +13.64%.

While not fully matching cumulative inflation, the higher baseline and benefits (housing, healthcare, public services) give Kuwaitis more buffer than expats during price rises.

Key Takeaways

• Inflation near 2–3% per year plus cumulative 5‑year increases is shrinking purchasing power.
• Middle‑class costs for a couple (~KD 590) already exceed a single average expat salary (~KD 340).
• Imported vegetables nearly doubled since pre‑COVID, and fuel remains well above pre‑2016 levels.
• Without adjustments indexed to inflation, expat real incomes will continue to fall.

FAQs

• Do expat salaries in Kuwait keep pace with inflation?

No. Average increases have been below inflation, and many expats have had no raise for 5+ years, meaning real income declines.

• What pushes living costs up the most?

Housing, imported food (notably vegetables), education fees, and transport (post‑2016 fuel pricing) are the biggest contributors.

• Where can I see a practical monthly budget?

Sources

Trading Economics – Kuwait CPI & Inflation

Arab Times – Salaries of Kuwaitis & Expats

Kuwait Times – 2016 Fuel Price Hike

Kuwait Local – Cost of Living in Kuwait