Living in Qatar became more expensive this year, largely due to increases in the prices of food, airfare and entertainment, according to the latest Qatar Statistic Authority’s Consumer Price Index figures.

Overall, the country’s living expenses rose 1.6 percent from June 2011 to June 2012.

A 6.8 percent increase in “entertainment, recreation and culture” and a 3 percent rise in food and transportation costs accounted for much of the increase, though a 5 percent drop in “rent, fuel and energy” appeared to temper inflation.

However, when rent was taken out of the equation, fuel and energy registered a 4 percent increase from June 2011 to June 2012, the CPI states.

A regional survey by Bayt.com in May of this year found that 57 percent of Qatar residents asked said they believed their salaries have not kept pace with the rising cost of living, and nearly half (46 percent) said their compensation was inadequate.

But despite the rising cost of living, those surveyed appear to perceive their economic situations to be better here compared to many countries in the region.

Thoughts?

Credit: Photo by Omar Chatriwala