I ditched living in London & now live in one of the cleanest cities in the world – we get free healthcare & pay no taxes

The Sun

07-05-2025

AS the cost of living crisis rises, many people are leaving the UK in search of a better quality of life.
And forget the glitz and glam of Dubai, it's the oil-rich Middle Eastern state of Qatar which is proving popular.
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Numerous young people have relocated to Qatar's capital Doha - where 80 per cent of the population live - and have been open about the benefits they've found.
These include tax-free salaries to the sun-soaked life feeling like a 'full-time holiday.'
The cost of living in Britain is 34.2 per cent higher than in Qatar, according to the Mail, with restaurant prices 48 per cent more expensive and groceries 41.5 per cent more costly.
One of the 20,000 British nationals to have made the move to Qatar is Ang, who posts under @anginqatar.
In a video which has over 5,000 views, she shared the benefits from living in Qatar compared to the UK.
Ang shared: 'Qatar is the cleanest, most beautiful country you will ever experience.
'Coming from a place like London, the level of cleanliness and beauty is unfathomable!"
She also raved about there being numerous things to do in Qatar.
Ang continued: 'There are so many activities to do in Qatar that life can feel like an extended holiday.
'Life is for living, so enjoy as much as you can. But also remember your purpose for being here. Live for today, plan for tomorrow."
One of the main benefits for her is feeling safe - especially given London's crime rate.
This comes as phones are stolen in London at a rate of one every 7 1⁄2 minutes.
Figures show gangs and crooks took 70,137 mobiles last year — 192 a day.
Ang added: 'There is virtually NO CRIME in Qatar. You can leave your phone/handbag unattended and find it in the same place hours later.
'You can leave your car or apartment unlocked and no one will enter.
'As a woman, you can go out at any time and be completely safe! I cannot explain how amazing it feels to be able to take a midnight stroll and not worry about being approached or spoken to (or worse!).
'The West will portray that women are oppressed, whereas women are PROTECTED and RESPECTED."
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Ang, who moved to Qatar three years ago, said the financial benefits are also great.
She explained: 'There is no income tax, meaning what you earn, you get to take home.
'On top of that, many employers will also cover accommodation and utility bills, transport, food and health insurance - more disposable income to do the things you want, rather than the majority of it going on housing.'
How should you dress in Qatar
TRADITIONALLY Qataris dress conservatively in traditional dress and can be offended when people dress inappropriately.
You should dress modestly, including while driving and in public places including shopping malls, restaurants and parks.
Be aware that if you enter one of these areas dressed inappropriately you may be asked to leave.
Clothing should not be transparent, indecently expose parts of the body or display offensive pictures or slogans.
Women and men should cover their shoulders and knees.
Any form of nudity is strictly forbidden, including topless sunbathing for women.
Source: Gov UK
Qatar was previously under UK rule for more than 50 years between 1916 and 1961, but is now an independent nation.
The flight from London is seven hours by plane, with some flights costing as low as £250 for a round trip.
Typically a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is £37.16 in Doha, compared to £80 in London, according to data from Numbeo.
The Doha rate is lower than neighbouring Dubai, where the average equivalent price is £57.
Meanwhile a McDonald's meal is £5.16 in Doha compared to £8 in London.
The 2.6million population in Qatar is dominated by expats, with only 313,000 of these being Qatari citizens.