The official currency of Qatar is the Qatari Riyal (QR), made up of 100 Dirhams. The Qatari Riyal is pegged to the US dollar at QR 3.65.

Banknotes are available in denominations include of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 Riyals, while coins are issued in denominations of 5, 10, 25 and 50 dirhams.

Although the cost of living in Qatar is apparently quite reasonable compared to other countries in the Gulf region, it is rising rapidly and increased by a record 8.8% in 2005. This is largely as a result of a sharp rise in the cost of real estate in the country. However, as there is no personal taxation on salaries in Qatar, this helps to ease the cost of living.

There are many bargains to be had in Qatar's shopping malls, especially at sale time, and it is normal practice to haggle over prices in the souks.

The following are typical prices in Qatar:

Monthly rental on 2-bed furnished apartment QR 6,000
Monthly utilities charges QR 300
Kilo of apples QR 6
2 litres of milk QR 8
500g margarine QR 10
Packet cornflakes QR 9
Chicken breasts per kg QR 25
Minced beef per kg QR 20
50 teabags QR 7