Kuwait tops GCC countries in purchasing power, affordable living
- Lowest cost of living among GCC countries, according to Numbeo’s mid-2026 index.
- Highest purchasing power in the Gulf, reflecting strong consumer spending capacity.
- Ranked 34th globally and fourth in the GCC for overall quality of life.
- Among the world’s safest countries, with a safety index higher than the US and the UK.
Kuwait has emerged as the Gulf’s most affordable country while recording the region’s highest purchasing power, according to Numbeo’s mid-2026 Cost of Living Index.
The report ranked Kuwait as the GCC country with the lowest cost of living, giving it a cost of living index of 43.1 points. Saudi Arabia and Oman followed closely, while the United Arab Emirates recorded the region’s highest living costs.
Kuwait also topped the Gulf in local purchasing power with a score of 175.8, ahead of Qatar and Oman, reflecting the strong purchasing ability of residents and the relatively high value of incomes compared with living expenses.
On quality of life, Kuwait ranked fourth among GCC countries, fifth in the region and 34th globally, scoring 158.6 points.
The report attributed the country’s strong performance largely to its high purchasing power, although it noted there is room for further improvements in healthcare and environmental sustainability.
The report also highlighted Kuwait’s strong safety record. With a safety index of 67.6 and a low crime index of 32.4, Kuwait ranked among the world’s safest countries, outperforming major nations including the United States and the United Kingdom.
In the real estate sector, Kuwait City recorded relatively high property prices compared to household incomes, ranking 11th regionally for property affordability.
However, the market continues to offer attractive rental yields of around 4.2 percent for properties in city centres and 6.3 percent outside city centres, making it an appealing option for long-term investors despite higher acquisition costs.
