Kuwait: cost of living

Is the cost of living rising in Kuwait?

Consumer prices in Kuwait were 2.19% higher in July 2026 than a year earlier, according to the Central Statistical Bureau's consumer price index bulletin for July 2026. Prices rose 0.21% from June. The index stood at 140.2 (2013 = 100).

Transport prices rose 5.54% over the year and miscellaneous goods and services 4.21%, while housing services rose 0.16%. Excluding housing, which has a weight of a third in the basket, prices were 3.06% higher. The basket of about 1,400 goods and services is weighted by the 2013 household income and expenditure survey.

Official sources: consumer price index bulletin for July 2026

How fast are food prices rising in Kuwait?

Food and drink prices in Kuwait were 6.08% higher in July 2026 than a year earlier, and 1.14% higher than in June, according to the Central Statistical Bureau's consumer price index bulletin for July 2026. The food index stood at 169.2 (2013 = 100), against 140.2 for all items.

In July, the CSB reports increases for cereals and bread, fish and seafood, dairy and eggs, oils and fats, fruit and sugar, while meat, poultry and vegetables fell. Food has a weight of 16.7% in the index. Kuwait imports most of its food, so world prices and shipping costs feed through quickly.

Official sources: consumer price index bulletin for July 2026

What is Kuwait's inflation rate?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2025, is 2.4%. The peak was 10.6% in 2008 and the low 0.5% in 2018. It is 8th highest of 18 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 1.9%. World rank, highest first: 98th of 165.

What is household spending per person in Kuwait?

The World Bank puts household consumption per person in Kuwait at $11,077 in 2024. The peak was $12,752 in 2010 and the low $10,714 in 2020. It is 5th highest of 16 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is $3,237. World rank, highest first: 36th of 153.

How many people in Kuwait face food insecurity?

The FAO puts moderate or severe food insecurity in Kuwait at 9.4% in 2024. Its high point since 2015 was 2015, at 12.6%; its low point was 2023, at 8.4%. Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 24.2%, and Kuwait placed 10th highest of 13. World rank, highest first: 94th of 135.