Cost of Living in Al-Ula - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $1,221 per month with rent, or $626 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $1,856 per month with rent, or $1,075 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $2,491 per month with rent, or $1,524 without housing.

Overall, Al-Ula is 9–12% below the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are 18% above average – pricier than most cities in the region.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$6.51 SAR 24.44
$3.91 SAR 14.68
$14.34 SAR 53.8
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$45.26 SAR 170
$28.38 SAR 106
$91.7 SAR 344
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$7.85 SAR 29.44
$7.06 SAR 26.49
$9.16 SAR 34.37
Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.69 SAR 6.35
$1.30 SAR 4.88
$3.91 SAR 14.68
Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.78 SAR 6.69
$1.32 SAR 4.94
$3.43 SAR 12.86
Cappuccino
$3.68 SAR 13.82
$2.01 SAR 7.55
$6.37 SAR 23.90
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.79 SAR 2.96
$0.69 SAR 2.58
$1.36 SAR 5.12
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.31 SAR 1.17
$0.14 SAR 0.51
$0.70 SAR 2.62
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.63 SAR 6.12
$1.30 SAR 4.87
$2.34 SAR 8.79
White Bread (500g)
$0.96 SAR 3.60
$0.27 SAR 1.00
$1.98 SAR 7.42
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.29 SAR 8.60
$1.31 SAR 4.91
$3.28 SAR 12.29
Eggs
$2.45 SAR 9.18
$1.58 SAR 5.95
$5.02 SAR 18.84
Local Cheese (1kg)
$7.06 SAR 26.49
$4.11 SAR 15.43
$15.07 SAR 56.5
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$7.70 SAR 28.88
$4.38 SAR 16.43
$12.88 SAR 48.31
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$12.91 SAR 48.45
$8.35 SAR 31.33
$17.22 SAR 64.6
Apples (1kg)
$2.24 SAR 8.39
$1.34 SAR 5.03
$2.95 SAR 11.07
Banana (1kg)
$1.58 SAR 5.93
$1.31 SAR 4.90
$3.04 SAR 11.39
Oranges (1kg)
$1.70 SAR 6.37
$0.92 SAR 3.46
$3.31 SAR 12.40
Tomato (1kg)
$1.57 SAR 5.88
$0.79 SAR 2.96
$2.37 SAR 8.88
Potato (1kg)
$1.23 SAR 4.62
$0.52 SAR 1.94
$2.08 SAR 7.80
Onion (1kg)
$1.28 SAR 4.82
$0.79 SAR 2.96
$2.24 SAR 8.41
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.23 SAR 4.63
$0.54 SAR 2.03
$2.45 SAR 9.19
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.59 SAR 2.22
$0.49 SAR 1.83
$0.83 SAR 3.11
Bottle of Non-Alcoholic Wine (Mid-Range)
$2.76 SAR 10.37
$1.45 SAR 5.45
$7.24 SAR 27.15
Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.78 SAR 6.69
$1.37 SAR 5.14
$2.49 SAR 9.35
Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.02 SAR 7.58
$1.31 SAR 4.92
$3.42 SAR 12.83
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$7.14 SAR 26.78
$6.66 SAR 24.98
$9.24 SAR 34.66
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.05 SAR 3.96
$0.94 SAR 3.51
$1.31 SAR 4.92
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$39.56 SAR 148
$15.83 SAR 59.4
$52.7 SAR 198
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.59 SAR 9.71
$2.07 SAR 7.77
$5.19 SAR 19.45
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.89 SAR 7.10
$0.81 SAR 3.04
$4.05 SAR 15.19
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$13.23 SAR 49.62
$9.26 SAR 34.76
$26.45 SAR 99.2
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.63 SAR 2.38
$0.57 SAR 2.15
$0.66 SAR 2.46
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$26.8K SAR 100.5K
$21.4K SAR 80.4K
$40.2K SAR 150.7K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$22.1K SAR 82.9K
$20.5K SAR 77.0K
$25.1K SAR 94.0K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$104 SAR 389
$65.6 SAR 246
$197 SAR 738
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$33.44 SAR 125
$21.13 SAR 79.3
$50.2 SAR 188
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$72.0 SAR 270
$56.5 SAR 212
$85.2 SAR 320
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$87.7 SAR 329
$35.94 SAR 135
$176 SAR 659
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$36.01 SAR 135
$26.91 SAR 101
$40.38 SAR 152
Cinema Ticket
$15.93 SAR 59.8
$11.53 SAR 43.24
$24.39 SAR 91.5
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$357 SAR 1,339
$209 SAR 783
$707 SAR 2,654
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$7,066 SAR 26.5K
$4,585 SAR 17.2K
$14.2K SAR 53.1K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$59.4 SAR 223
$14.69 SAR 55.1
$133 SAR 500
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$60.0 SAR 225
$39.74 SAR 149
$92.7 SAR 348
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$80.5 SAR 302
$54.2 SAR 203
$136 SAR 508
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$81.5 SAR 306
$43.74 SAR 164
$159 SAR 597
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$441 SAR 1,653
$321 SAR 1,203
$802 SAR 3,008
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$379 SAR 1,423
$225 SAR 846
$760 SAR 2,850
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$843 SAR 3,162
$561 SAR 2,103
$1,583 SAR 5,938
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$628 SAR 2,358
$431 SAR 1,615
$1,211 SAR 4,543
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,634 SAR 9,881
$1,488 SAR 5,581
$3,421 SAR 12.8K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,371 SAR 5,146
$694 SAR 2,605
$2,051 SAR 7,695
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
4.42
3.25
7

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: May 10, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Groceries cost around $197 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $45.00 – above the Asian average of $35.00.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $39.56 – roughly in line with the Asian average of $31.00.

Cost Highlights

Internet is more expensive than 97% of cities in Asia

Gym membership is more expensive than 95% of cities in Asia

Al-Ula Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Al-Ula - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Al-Ula compare in terms of overall affordability for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Al-Ula offers a slower pace and approachable day-to-day costs for visitors and new arrivals, especially compared with major Saudi hubs. If you value outdoor adventures, heritage sites, and a small-town vibe, you can stretch a budget without sacrificing experiences. Housing tends to range from simple rentals to mid-range options, while meals from local vendors stay affordable for regular meals. Cost of Living in Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia frames the conversation, but prices shift with seasons and demand. For longer stays, explore neighborhoods beyond the tourist zone and negotiate longer leases. Tip: Plan for seasonal pricing and flexible housing options.
What does daily life look like in Al-Ula for housing search, food options, transport, and coworking or errands?
Daily life centers on a compact town feel with big outdoor spaces nearby. For housing search, look in the town core or quieter outskirts where shorter leases may exist during off-peak times, and be prepared for a mix of furnished and unfurnished options. Food runs from bustling local stalls to cafes with Western-inspired menus; groceries cover basics, sometimes requiring a short drive to a larger town for variety. Transport is practical: walking is easy in the center, taxis are available, and a car unlocks day trips to sights. Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia living cost can help frame your monthly planning. Tip: Start with a one-month trial to gauge routines.
What about quality of life, budgeting frameworks, ways to save, seasonality, and neighborhood fit in Al-Ula?
Quality of life in Al-Ula depends on pace, scenery, and community. A practical budgeting framework keeps essentials clear: separate housing, food, transport from discretionary spends like tours or cafe breaks, and reassess monthly as seasons change. Expect seasonal shifts in demand; peak periods can alter availability and prices for lodging and guided experiences, while quieter months may offer calmer streets and easier negotiation. Neighborhood fit comes from your rhythm: a walkable center for social life and quick errands, or a quieter edge of town for privacy and night skies. Tip: map a flexible plan that matches your schedule to seasonal openings and local rhythms.
What are typical monthly expenses for a single person in Al-Ula?
All in, Al-Ula runs about $1,221 monthly with rent, or $626 without it. These numbers assume a moderate lifestyle – comfortable but not lavish. Choosing a cheaper neighborhood and cooking at home are the easiest ways to spend less.
Is the cost of living in Al-Ula reasonable?
Al-Ula is mid-range – monthly costs with rent reach about $1,221. For most residents, that's a fair trade: urban amenities, services, and job access without major-hub prices.
What income do you need to cover all expenses in Al-Ula?
You'll want at least $1,831 per month after taxes to live comfortably in Al-Ula. That covers a decent apartment, groceries, utilities, transport, and enough left over for dining out occasionally. Families or people wanting a central location should budget higher.
How much does a one-bedroom apartment cost to rent in Al-Ula?
In Al-Ula's center, a one-bedroom apartment runs about $441 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $379. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
How expensive is preschool in Al-Ula per month?
Private kindergarten in Al-Ula costs about $357 per month – a big number for families. Prices vary by curriculum and whether you go local or international. Public options are cheaper where they exist, but waitlists can be long.
How much is a monthly gym pass in Al-Ula?
Expect to pay about $87.7 per month for a gym in Al-Ula – on par with the regional average. That typically gets you weights, cardio machines, and group classes. Boutique studios, yoga centers, and personal trainers charge extra.
Does $700 cover living expenses in Al-Ula?
$700 is below the $1,221 average in Al-Ula, so it's tight but not impossible. You'll need to keep rent low – sharing an apartment, cooking at home, and sticking to public transport are the main levers.
What are the pros and cons of living in Al-Ula?
Quality of life in Al-Ula is genuinely good – highlights include low crime rates, café culture, great local cuisine, and monthly costs hover around $1,221. Day-to-day life is well-rounded: decent infrastructure, varied dining and entertainment, and a generally positive atmosphere.
Is Al-Ula affordable for the average person?
Al-Ula is neither cheap nor expensive – it sits comfortably in the middle. Monthly costs with rent run about $1,221, a figure most working professionals can handle without major financial stress.

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