Living Expenses in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia generally offers affordable cost of living than Gulf countries like the UAE and Qatar, though expenses vary by city, lifestyle, and housing choices. Recent economic reforms and price increases have raised living costs, especially in major urban centres. To understand overall expenses, it is important to look at key categories such as housing, food, transportation, and personal care.
Cost of Living in Riyadh
Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, is the Kingdom’s main financial, political, and cultural hub. Known for its modern skyline, luxury malls, and fast-growing economy, it offers strong career opportunities but also has a higher cost of living, especially for housing and dining. The city experiences very hot summers, and while public transport is improving with the new metro and bus network, it is still expanding.
|
Category |
Item |
Cost (SAR) |
|
Food |
Basic lunchtime menu (business district) |
40-45 |
|
Combo meal at fast fast-food restaurant |
30 |
|
|
500g boneless chicken breast |
15 |
|
|
1 litre whole-fat milk |
7 |
|
|
12 large eggs |
14-15 |
|
|
1kg of tomatoes |
8 |
|
|
500g local cheese |
30 |
|
|
1kg apples |
10 |
|
|
1kg potatoes |
5 |
|
|
0.5L domestic beer (non-alcoholic, supermarket) |
8 |
|
|
1 bottle red table wine (imported, good quality) |
100+ |
|
|
2L Coca-Cola |
6 |
|
|
Bread for two people (1 day) |
3 |
|
|
Housing |
Monthly rent (85m², furnished, expensive area) |
8,000 |
|
Monthly rent (85m², furnished, normal area) |
5,500 |
|
|
Utilities (85m² flat, 2 people, monthly) |
700 |
|
|
Monthly rent (45m², furnished studio, expensive) |
5,000 |
|
|
Monthly rent (45m², furnished studio, normal) |
3,000 |
|
|
Utilities (45m² studio, 1 person, monthly) |
400 |
|
|
Internet (100 Mbps, per month) |
250 |
|
|
Household Items |
40” flat-screen TV |
1,500 |
|
Microwave (800/900W, major brands) |
350 |
|
|
Laundry detergent (3L) |
30 |
|
|
Hourly rate for cleaning help |
40 |
|
|
Clothing |
1 pair of Levi’s 501 jeans |
250 |
|
1 summer dress (Zara, H&M, etc.) |
180 |
|
|
1 pair of Nike/Adidas sports shoes |
350 |
|
|
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes |
400 |
|
|
Transportation |
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI (new, no extras) |
80,000 |
|
1 litre of gasoline |
2.30 |
|
|
Monthly public transport pass |
140 |
|
|
Personal Care |
Cold medicine for 6 days (Tylenol, Coldrex) |
25 |
|
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) |
45 |
|
|
Short private doctor visit (15 minutes) |
150 |
|
|
1 box of 32 tampons |
20 |
|
|
Roll-on deodorant (50ml) |
15 |
|
|
2-in-1 shampoo (400ml) |
12 |
|
|
4 rolls of toilet paper |
10 |
|
|
Tube of toothpaste |
8 |
|
|
Standard men’s haircut (expat area) |
50 |
|
|
Entertainment |
Basic dinner for two (casual restaurant) |
100 |
|
2 movie tickets |
80 |
|
|
2 theatre tickets (best available seats) |
250 |
|
|
Dinner for two at an Italian restaurant (wine) |
300 |
|
|
1 cocktail drink (hotel lounge) |
50 |
|
|
Cappuccino (expat area) |
15 |
|
|
1 beer in a hotel lounge (non-alcoholic) |
30 |
|
|
iPad Wi-Fi (128GB) |
2,500 |
|
|
1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no plan) |
0.30 |
|
|
Monthly gym membership (business district) |
300 |
|
|
1 pack of Marlboro cigarettes |
30 |
Cost of Living in Madinah
Madinah, also known as Al-Madinah Al-Monawara, is the second-holiest city in Islam after Makkah. It is home to the Prophet’s Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi), a major pilgrimage site for Muslims. Unlike Makkah, non-Muslims can enter certain parts of the city. Madinah has a quieter atmosphere compared to other Saudi cities, with a strong focus on religious tourism and historical significance. The cost of living is moderate, with housing and daily expenses generally more affordable than in Riyadh and Jeddah.
|
Category |
Item |
Cost (SAR) |
|
Food |
Basic lunchtime menu (business district) |
30 |
|
Combo meal at fast fast-food restaurant |
28 |
|
|
500g boneless chicken breast |
14 |
|
|
1 litre whole-fat milk |
6.50 |
|
|
12 large eggs |
11 |
|
|
1kg of tomatoes |
7 |
|
|
500g local cheese |
28 |
|
|
1kg apples |
9 |
|
|
1kg potatoes |
4.50 |
|
|
0.5L domestic beer (non-alcoholic, supermarket) |
7 |
|
|
2L Coca-Cola |
5.50 |
|
|
Bread |
2.5 |
|
|
Housing |
Monthly rent (85m², furnished, expensive area) |
6,500 |
|
Monthly rent (85m², furnished, normal area) |
4,500 |
|
|
Utilities (85m² flat, 2 people, monthly) |
600 |
|
|
Monthly rent (45m², furnished studio, expensive) |
4,000 |
|
|
Monthly rent (45m², furnished studio, normal) |
2,500 |
|
|
Utilities (45m² studio, 1 person, monthly) |
350 |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps, per month) |
160-200 |
|
|
Household Items |
40” flat-screen TV |
1,400 |
|
Microwave (800/900W, major brands) |
320 |
|
|
Laundry detergent (3L) |
28 |
|
|
Hourly rate for cleaning help |
35 |
|
|
Clothing |
1 pair of Levi’s 501 jeans |
230 |
|
1 summer dress (Zara, H&M, etc.) |
170 |
|
|
1 pair of Nike/Adidas sports shoes |
330 |
|
|
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes |
380 |
|
|
Transportation |
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI (new, no extras) |
78,000 |
|
1 litre of gasoline |
2.30 |
|
|
Monthly public transport pass |
180 |
|
|
Personal Care |
Cold medicine for 6 days (Tylenol, Coldrex) |
24 |
|
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) |
42 |
|
|
Short private doctor visit (15 minutes) |
140 |
|
|
1 box of 32 tampons |
18 |
|
|
Roll-on deodorant (50ml) |
14 |
|
|
2-in-1 shampoo (400ml) |
11 |
|
|
4 rolls of toilet paper |
9 |
|
|
Tube of toothpaste |
7 |
|
|
Standard men’s haircut (expat area) |
45 |
|
|
Entertainment |
Basic dinner for two (casual restaurant) |
90 |
|
2 movie tickets |
75 |
|
|
2 theatre tickets (best available seats) |
230 |
|
|
Dinner for two at an Italian restaurant (wine) |
280 |
|
|
1 cocktail drink (hotel lounge) |
45 |
|
|
Cappuccino (expat area) |
14 |
|
|
1 beer in a hotel lounge (non-alcoholic) |
28 |
|
|
iPad Wi-Fi (128GB) |
2,400 |
|
|
1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no plan) |
0.28 |
|
|
Monthly gym membership (business district) |
280 |
|
|
1 pack of Marlboro cigarettes |
28 |
Note: Compared to Riyadh, Madinah generally has a lower cost of living. In normal areas, housing is more affordable in Madinah, and both food and personal care items are slightly cheaper than in Riyadh. Due to local regulations, alcoholic beverages are not available; only non-alcoholic versions are sold.
Cost of Living in Makkah
Makkah is the holiest city in Islam and the annual destination for millions of Muslim pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah. The city is known for the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) and the Kaaba, Islam’s most sacred site. Due to its religious significance, non-Muslims are not permitted to enter. The cost of living varies, with high prices near the Haram area due to tourism demand, while other parts of the city offer more affordable options.
|
Category |
Item |
Cost (SAR) |
|
Food |
Basic lunchtime menu (business district) |
35 |
|
Combo meal at a fast foods restaurant |
30 |
|
|
500g boneless chicken breast |
15 |
|
|
1 litre whole-fat milk |
7 |
|
|
12 large eggs |
12 |
|
|
1kg of tomatoes |
8 |
|
|
500g local cheese |
30 |
|
|
1kg apples |
10 |
|
|
1kg potatoes |
5 |
|
|
0.5L domestic beer (non-alcoholic, supermarket) |
8 |
|
|
2L Coca-Cola |
6 |
|
|
Bread for two people (1 day) |
3 |
|
|
Housing |
Monthly rent (85m², furnished, expensive area) |
1,615 |
|
Monthly rent (85m², furnished, normal area) |
5,000 |
|
|
Utilities (85m² flat, 2 people, monthly) |
650 |
|
|
Monthly rent (45m², furnished studio, expensive) |
4,500 |
|
|
Monthly rent (45m², furnished studio, normal) |
3,000 |
|
|
Utilities (45m² studio, 1 person, monthly) |
400 |
|
|
Internet (100 Mbps, per month) |
250 |
|
|
Household Items |
40” flat-screen TV |
1,500 |
|
Microwave (800/900W, major brands) |
350 |
|
|
Laundry detergent (3L) |
30266 |
|
|
Hourly rate for cleaning help |
40 |
|
|
Clothing |
1 pair of Levi’s 501 jeans |
250 |
|
1 summer dress (Zara, H&M, etc.) |
180 |
|
|
1 pair of Nike/Adidas sports shoes |
350 |
|
|
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes |
400 |
|
|
Transportation |
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI (new, no extras) |
80,000 |
|
1 litre of gasoline |
2.30 |
|
|
Monthly public transport pass |
266 |
|
|
Personal Care |
Cold medicine for 6 days (Tylenol, Coldrex) |
25 |
|
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) |
45 |
|
|
Short private doctor visit (15 minutes) |
150 |
|
|
1 box of 32 tampons |
20 |
|
|
Roll-on deodorant (50ml) |
15 |
|
|
2-in-1 shampoo (400ml) |
12 |
|
|
4 rolls of toilet paper |
10 |
|
|
Tube of toothpaste |
8 |
|
|
Standard men’s haircut (expat area) |
50 |
|
|
Entertainment |
Basic dinner for two (casual restaurant) |
100 |
|
2 movie tickets |
80 |
|
|
2 theater tickets (best available seats) |
250 |
|
|
Dinner for two at an Italian restaurant (wine) |
300 |
|
|
1 cocktail drink (hotel lounge) |
50 |
|
|
Cappuccino (expat area) |
15 |
|
|
1 beer in a hotel lounge (non-alcoholic) |
30 |
|
|
iPad Wi-Fi (128GB) |
2,500 |
|
|
1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no plan) |
0.30 |
|
|
Monthly gym membership (business district) |
300 |
|
|
1 pack of Marlboro cigarettes |
30 |
Note: Makkah has a slightly higher cost of living than Madinah, but it is still cheaper than Riyadh. Housing costs fluctuate significantly, especially near the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram), where prices rise due to demand from pilgrims. Food and transportation costs remain affordable, with local produce and fuel being inexpensive. Public transport is improving, but taxis and private cars are still the main mode of travel. No alcohol is available, and entertainment options are limited compared to Riyadh.
Cost of Living in Jeddah
Jeddah is Saudi Arabia’s main port city on the Red Sea and a major commercial centre. It is known for its vibrant mix of modernity and tradition, with historic sites like Al-Balad, luxury beachfront resorts, and a lively arts and culture scene. Jeddah is often considered the most open and cosmopolitan city in the Kingdom. The cost of living is moderate to high, especially in upscale areas, but the city offers a more relaxed lifestyle compared to Riyadh.
|
Category |
Item |
Cost (SAR) |
|
Food |
Basic lunchtime menu (business district) |
40 |
|
Combo meal at fast foods restaurant |
30 |
|
|
500g boneless chicken breast |
14 |
|
|
1 litre whole-fat milk |
8 |
|
|
12 large eggs |
14 |
|
|
1kg of tomatoes |
9 |
|
|
500g local cheese |
22 |
|
|
1kg apples |
12 |
|
|
1kg potatoes |
6 |
|
|
0.5L domestic beer (non-alcoholic, supermarket) |
9 |
|
|
2L Coca-Cola |
7 |
|
|
Bread for two people (1 day) |
4 |
|
|
Housing |
Monthly rent (85m², furnished, expensive area) |
8,000 |
|
Monthly rent (85m², furnished, normal area) |
5,500 |
|
|
Utilities (85m² flat, 2 people, monthly) |
700 |
|
|
Monthly rent (45m², furnished studio, expensive) |
4,800 |
|
|
Monthly rent (45m², furnished studio, normal) |
3,500 |
|
|
Utilities (45m² studio, 1 person, monthly) |
450 |
|
|
Internet (100 Mbps, per month) |
270 |
|
|
Household Items |
40” flat-screen TV |
1,700 |
|
Microwave (800/900W, major brands) |
400 |
|
|
Laundry detergent (3L) |
35 |
|
|
Hourly rate for cleaning help |
45 |
|
|
Clothing |
1 pair of Levi’s 501 jeans |
280 |
|
1 summer dress (Zara, H&M, etc.) |
190 |
|
|
1 pair of Nike/Adidas sports shoes |
380 |
|
|
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes |
450 |
|
|
Transportation |
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI (new, no extras) |
85,000 |
|
1 litre of gasoline |
2.30 |
|
|
Monthly public transport pass |
220 |
|
|
Personal Care |
Cold medicine for 6 days (Tylenol, Coldrex) |
28 |
|
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) |
50 |
|
|
Short private doctor visit (15 minutes) |
180 |
|
|
1 box of 32 tampons |
22 |
|
|
Roll-on deodorant (50ml) |
16 |
|
|
2-in-1 shampoo (400ml) |
14 |
|
|
4 rolls of toilet paper |
12 |
|
|
Tube of toothpaste |
9 |
|
|
Standard men’s haircut (expat area) |
55 |
|
|
Entertainment |
Basic dinner for two (casual restaurant) |
120 |
|
2 movie tickets |
90 |
|
|
2 theater tickets (best available seats) |
300 |
|
|
Dinner for two at an Italian restaurant (wine) |
350 |
|
|
1 cocktail drink (hotel lounge) |
55 |
|
|
Cappuccino (expat area) |
18 |
|
|
1 beer in a hotel lounge (non-alcoholic) |
35 |
|
|
iPad Wi-Fi (128GB) |
2,700 |
|
|
1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no plan) |
0.35 |
|
|
Monthly gym membership (business district) |
320 |
|
|
1 pack of Marlboro cigarettes |
32 |
Notes: Jeddah is one of the most expensive cities in Saudi Arabia, but it offers a coastal lifestyle with access to the Red Sea. Housing is relatively high-priced, especially in beachfront areas like the Corniche. Food is moderately priced, with a mix of affordable local markets and high-end dining options. Public transport is improving, but most residents rely on taxis or private cars. Entertainment options are broader compared to Makkah and Madinah, with more dining, shopping, and recreational facilities.
Cost of Living in Tabuk
Tabuk is a northern city in Saudi Arabia, close to the borders of Jordan and the Red Sea. It is becoming an important economic hub due to large-scale development projects like NEOM. Historically, Tabuk has been a key military and trade city, with a cooler climate compared to the central and southern regions of the Kingdom. The cost of living in Tabuk is lower than in major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, making it an affordable place to live
|
Category |
Item |
Cost (SAR) |
|
Food |
Basic lunchtime menu (business district) |
32 |
|
Combo meal at a fast food restaurant |
28 |
|
|
500g boneless chicken breast |
16 |
|
|
1 litre whole-fat milk |
7 |
|
|
12 large eggs |
13 |
|
|
1kg of tomatoes |
8 |
|
|
500g local cheese |
32 |
|
|
1kg apples |
11 |
|
|
1kg potatoes |
6 |
|
|
0.5L domestic beer (non-alcoholic, supermarket) |
8 |
|
|
1 bottle red table wine (imported, good quality) |
110+ |
|
|
2L Coca-Cola |
6 |
|
|
Bread for two people (1 day) |
3.50 |
|
|
Housing |
Monthly rent (85m², furnished, expensive area) |
4,500 |
|
Monthly rent (85m², furnished, normal area) |
3,500 |
|
|
Utilities (85m² flat, 2 people, monthly) |
600 |
|
|
Monthly rent (45m², furnished studio, expensive) |
3,200 |
|
|
Monthly rent (45m², furnished studio, normal) |
2,500 |
|
|
Utilities (45m² studio, 1 person, monthly) |
400 |
|
|
Internet (100 Mbps, per month) |
250 |
|
|
Household Items |
40” flat-screen TV |
1,500 |
|
Microwave (800/900W, major brands) |
380 |
|
|
Laundry detergent (3L) |
30 |
|
|
Hourly rate for cleaning help |
40 |
|
|
Clothing |
1 pair of Levi’s 501 jeans |
260 |
|
1 summer dress (Zara, H&M, etc.) |
180 |
|
|
1 pair of Nike/Adidas sports shoes |
350 |
|
|
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes |
420 |
|
|
Transportation |
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI (new, no extras) |
82,000 |
|
1 litre of gasoline |
2.30 |
|
|
Monthly public transport pass |
100-200 |
|
|
Personal Care |
Cold medicine for 6 days (Tylenol, Coldrex) |
27 |
|
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) |
45 |
|
|
Short private doctor visit (15 minutes) |
160 |
|
|
1 box of 32 tampons |
20 |
|
|
Roll-on deodorant (50ml) |
15 |
|
|
2-in-1 shampoo (400ml) |
12 |
|
|
4 rolls of toilet paper |
10 |
|
|
Tube of toothpaste |
8 |
|
|
Standard men’s haircut (expat area) |
50 |
|
|
Entertainment |
Basic dinner for two (casual restaurant) |
100 |
|
2 movie tickets |
75 |
|
|
2 theater tickets (best available seats) |
250 |
|
|
Dinner for two at an Italian restaurant (wine) |
280 |
|
|
1 cocktail drink (hotel lounge) |
50 |
|
|
Cappuccino (expat area) |
15 |
|
|
1 beer in a hotel lounge (non-alcoholic) |
30 |
|
|
iPad Wi-Fi (128GB) |
2,600 |
|
|
1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no plan) |
0.30 |
|
|
Monthly gym membership (business district) |
250 |
|
|
1 pack of Marlboro cigarettes |
30 |
Note: Tabuk is more affordable than major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. Housing costs are lower, though availability can be limited in high-end areas. Food and dining are slightly cheaper compared to Jeddah and Riyadh. Public transport options are limited, so most residents rely on cars. Entertainment is more relaxed, with fewer high-end venues than Jeddah.
Cost of Living in Buraydah
Buraydah is the capital of the Al-Qassim region, known for its agricultural industry, particularly dates and wheat production. The city has a more traditional and conservative atmosphere compared with coastal cities such as Jeddah. It offers a lower cost of living, with affordable housing and daily expenses. Buraydah is ideal for those seeking a quieter lifestyle with a strong connection to Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage.
|
Category |
Item |
Cost (SAR) |
|
Food |
Basic lunchtime menu (business district) |
32 |
|
Combo meal at a fast food restaurant |
27 |
|
|
500g boneless chicken breast |
15 |
|
|
1 litre whole-fat milk |
6.50 |
|
|
12 large eggs |
12 |
|
|
1kg of tomatoes |
7.50 |
|
|
500g local cheese |
23 |
|
|
1kg apples |
10 |
|
|
1kg potatoes |
5.50 |
|
|
0.5L domestic beer (non-alcoholic, supermarket) |
7 |
|
|
2L Coca-Cola |
6 |
|
|
Bread for two people (1 day) |
3.50 |
|
|
Housing |
Monthly rent (85m², furnished, expensive area) |
4,000 |
|
Monthly rent (85m², furnished, normal area) |
1,358 |
|
|
Utilities (85m² flat, 2 people, monthly) |
100 |
|
|
Monthly rent (45m², furnished studio, expensive) |
3,000 |
|
|
Monthly rent (45m², furnished studio, normal) |
2,200 |
|
|
Utilities (45m² studio, 1 person, monthly) |
400 |
|
|
Internet (100 Mbps, per month) |
230 |
|
|
Household Items |
40” flat-screen TV |
1,400 |
|
Microwave (800/900W, major brands) |
350 |
|
|
Laundry detergent (3L) |
28 |
|
|
Hourly rate for cleaning help |
35 |
|
|
Clothing |
1 pair of Levi’s 501 jeans |
250 |
|
1 summer dress (Zara, H&M, etc.) |
170 |
|
|
1 pair of Nike/Adidas sports shoes |
340 |
|
|
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes |
400 |
|
|
Transportation |
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI (new, no extras) |
80,000 |
|
1 litre of gasoline |
2.30 |
|
|
Monthly public transport pass |
150 |
|
|
Personal Care |
Cold medicine for 6 days (Tylenol, Coldrex) |
25 |
|
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) |
40 |
|
|
Short private doctor visit (15 minutes) |
150 |
|
|
1 box of 32 tampons |
18 |
|
|
Roll-on deodorant (50ml) |
14 |
|
|
2-in-1 shampoo (400ml) |
11 |
|
|
4 rolls of toilet paper |
9 |
|
|
Tube of toothpaste |
7 |
|
|
Standard men’s haircut (expat area) |
45 |
|
|
Entertainment |
Basic dinner for two (casual restaurant) |
90 |
|
2 movie tickets |
70 |
|
|
2 theater tickets (best available seats) |
230 |
|
|
Dinner for two at an Italian restaurant (wine) |
260 |
|
|
1 cocktail drink (hotel lounge) |
45 |
|
|
Cappuccino (expat area) |
14 |
|
|
1 beer in a hotel lounge (non-alcoholic) |
28 |
|
|
iPad Wi-Fi (128GB) |
2,500 |
|
|
1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no plan) |
0.30 |
|
|
Monthly gym membership (business district) |
230 |
|
|
1 pack of Marlboro cigarettes |
28 |
Note: Buraydah is relatively affordable compared to Riyadh and Jeddah, with lower housing and food costs than in larger Saudi cities. Public transport is minimal, so most people rely on private cars. Entertainment options are limited, with fewer high-end restaurants and nightlife related to Jeddah.
Prices shown are approximate averages and may vary by area, lifestyle, season, and market changes. Use this guide for general reference only.