Yes, Kuwait is a very wealthy nation due to its vast oil reserves, leading to a high standard of living and many rich citizens, with a significant percentage of millionaires and a high GDP per capita, but wealth isn't universal, with some poverty and income disparities existing, especially outside the oil sector. Kuwait offers citizens free healthcare, education, and subsidized living, but a portion of the population struggles, and the economy heavily relies on oil, though diversification efforts are underway.
Kuwait has a petroleum-based economy that is classified as emerging and high-income. By various per-capita measures of economic output, Kuwait is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Kuwait advocates since its independence for a state-led capitalist economy system. $249.255 billion (PPP, 2024 est.)
The government has sponsored many social welfare, public works, and development plans financed with oil and investment revenues. Among the benefits for Kuwaiti citizens are retirement income, marriage bonuses, housing loans, virtually guaranteed employment, free medical services, and education at all levels.
It all comes down to natural gas. Kuwait is in the Middle East. The most oil rich part of the world. Countries from all over the world buy oil from Kuwait and need to use the Dinar. So high demand for the currency makes it very valuable. You will never be disappointed with any exchange rate because you hit the peak.
The average monthly salary in Kuwait typically ranges between 1,000 to 3,000 KWD for lower to mid-range positions, but can be significantly higher for skilled professionals, especially in the oil, engineering, or medical fields.
Kuwaiti attitudes toward American people and products have been favorable since the Gulf War, with 63% of Kuwaitis viewing the U.S. favorably in 2003 – a view more positive than that of close U.S. NATO allies such as Italy, Germany, and France – declining slightly down to 46% in 2007.
Abdulla Al-Salem (Arabic: عبد الله السالم) is an area of Kuwait City. It is known to be one of the areas where the wealthiest of the families of Kuwait live alongside Faiha, Shuwaikh, Nuzha, Kaifan, Khaldiya, Adailiya, and Shamiyah.
It's illegal to buy, sell, import, carry and consume alcohol. Penalties range from fines to imprisonment and deportation. It's also illegal to possess, consume, produce or traffic drugs in Kuwait. Penalties are severe and can include large fines, imprisonment or the death sentence.
high salary jobs in kuwait city
By birth. Orphan children born to unknown parents in Kuwait are considered to be Kuwaiti citizens by birth. Theoretically, a child born to a Kuwaiti mother and an unknown father (irrespective of place) can be considered a Kuwaiti citizen.
1. Qatar. At number one is Qatar, which leads in per capita prosperity in the Arab world. In the IMF's World Economic Outlook mapping (April 2025), Qatar's GDP per capita (PPP) is USD 121,610 (121.61 thousand).
Kuwait is recognized globally for its tranquility and safety, which has low crime rates and favorable political circumstances that provide individuals and family members peace of mind.
The Lebanese Pound (LBP) is currently the world's weakest currency. Lebanon's financial crisis, political instability, and declining foreign reserves have contributed to the pound's decline. The banking sector's collapse and corruption have further destroyed trust in the national currency.
In Kuwait generally salaries are higher than other countries in Gulf. Answer to your question depends on your lifestyle. 650KD is a fine salary, I've known some foreign teachers who worked for more than 20 years, yet they didn't even make it to 500+KD. And they are doing ok.
While every Kuwaiti citizen get support from the government, with no reports of poverty in the country from the World Bank, expatriates—who remit approximately $4 billion annually—face stark inequalities.
Dress code
Dress and behave modestly in public, particularly in downtown or conservative areas. Women should avoid wearing shorts or tight-fitting or revealing clothing.
The richest country by GDP (PPP) per capita is often cited as Singapore, followed closely by Luxembourg, depending on the specific report and year, with Singapore leading in 2025 estimates with around $156,000-$157,000 per person, while Luxembourg is a strong contender just below that, highlighting small, finance-heavy economies as wealthiest per person.
If there is one country in the world for which support and respect in Kuwait is unanimous, that country is the United Kingdom. Our two countries have been allies since 1899; from that point we have shared the same path, never diverging, and always acting in consultation.
- CON: High cost of basic goods
Although there is no income tax in Kuwait, most goods are imported, meaning there are higher charges on necessities. As an expat, you'll also have to pay for international schools and private health insurance, further adding to your cost of living in Kuwait.