Cost of Living in Dhahran - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $877 (excluding rent), and $1,337 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,189 (excluding rent), and $2,703 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$5.42 SAR 20.33

$3.26 SAR 12.21

$7.86 SAR 29.49

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$40.09 SAR 150

$26.72 SAR 100

$80.2 SAR 301

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.32 SAR 27.46

$6.78 SAR 25.43

$7.87 SAR 29.52

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.98 SAR 7.43

$0.79 SAR 2.97

$3.17 SAR 11.90

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.64 SAR 6.17

$1.37 SAR 5.13

$1.64 SAR 6.17

Cappuccino

$3.79 SAR 14.22

$2.70 SAR 10.14

$4.61 SAR 17.27

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.68 SAR 2.55

$0.64 SAR 2.40

$0.77 SAR 2.87

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.20 SAR 0.75

$0.14 SAR 0.54

$0.30 SAR 1.13

Milk (1 liter)

$1.56 SAR 5.85

$1.36 SAR 5.08

$1.63 SAR 6.12

White Bread (500g)

$1.18 SAR 4.43

$0.52 SAR 1.96

$1.57 SAR 5.91

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.19 SAR 8.22

$1.37 SAR 5.13

$2.74 SAR 10.27

Eggs

$2.37 SAR 8.89

$1.30 SAR 4.88

$4.88 SAR 18.31

Local Cheese (1kg)

$6.76 SAR 25.36

$3.79 SAR 14.20

$9.19 SAR 34.46

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$9.02 SAR 33.84

$3.01 SAR 11.28

$12.31 SAR 46.16

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$13.76 SAR 51.6

$6.44 SAR 24.14

$16.11 SAR 60.4

Apples (1kg)

$2.21 SAR 8.30

$1.61 SAR 6.04

$2.68 SAR 10.04

Banana (1kg)

$1.41 SAR 5.29

$1.08 SAR 4.04

$1.61 SAR 6.05

Oranges (1kg)

$1.63 SAR 6.10

$1.09 SAR 4.08

$2.44 SAR 9.14

Tomato (1kg)

$1.36 SAR 5.08

$1.09 SAR 4.09

$1.36 SAR 5.08

Potato (1kg)

$1.22 SAR 4.56

$0.81 SAR 3.04

$1.89 SAR 7.10

Onion (1kg)

$0.95 SAR 3.55

$0.54 SAR 2.02

$1.35 SAR 5.07

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.05 SAR 3.96

$0.39 SAR 1.46

$2.08 SAR 7.80

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.62 SAR 2.34

$0.45 SAR 1.67

$1.66 SAR 6.23

Bottle of Non-Alcoholic Wine (Mid-Range)

$3.01 SAR 11.27

$1.36 SAR 5.12

$6.83 SAR 25.62

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.99 SAR 7.46

$0.81 SAR 3.04

$2.70 SAR 10.12

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.56 SAR 5.86

$1.30 SAR 4.87

$1.83 SAR 6.85

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$9.14 SAR 34.28

$7.83 SAR 29.36

$15.67 SAR 58.8

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.08 SAR 4.05

$0.96 SAR 3.60

$1.34 SAR 5.03

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$40.43 SAR 152

$16.17 SAR 60.7

$53.9 SAR 202

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.31 SAR 4.90

$1.05 SAR 3.94

$7.85 SAR 29.43

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.42 SAR 9.07

$0.81 SAR 3.02

$4.03 SAR 15.12

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$13.16 SAR 49.34

$9.22 SAR 34.56

$26.31 SAR 98.7

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.64 SAR 2.39

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$32.0K SAR 119.9K

$24.0K SAR 89.9K

$40.0K SAR 149.9K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$24.5K SAR 91.7K

$21.7K SAR 81.5K

$27.2K SAR 101.9K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$107 SAR 403

$67.9 SAR 254

$204 SAR 763

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$37.30 SAR 140

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$71.8 SAR 269

$56.4 SAR 212

$85.0 SAR 319

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$185 SAR 695

$26.47 SAR 99.3

$265 SAR 993

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$35.01 SAR 131

$26.17 SAR 98.2

$39.27 SAR 147

Cinema Ticket

$12.05 SAR 45.18

$8.03 SAR 30.10

$20.07 SAR 75.3

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$411 SAR 1,543

$161 SAR 604

$537 SAR 2,012

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$9,790 SAR 36.7K

$6,675 SAR 25.0K

$13.3K SAR 50.1K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$59.0 SAR 221

$14.59 SAR 54.7

$132 SAR 496

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$74.4 SAR 279

$52.5 SAR 197

$91.9 SAR 345

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$85.3 SAR 320

$40.40 SAR 152

$135 SAR 505

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$95.9 SAR 359

$52.3 SAR 196

$131 SAR 490

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$442 SAR 1,656

$321 SAR 1,205

$804 SAR 3,014

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$376 SAR 1,409

$223 SAR 837

$752 SAR 2,820

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$868 SAR 3,254

$577 SAR 2,164

$1,629 SAR 6,110

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$610 SAR 2,287

$418 SAR 1,567

$1,175 SAR 4,407

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,438 SAR 9,142

$1,341 SAR 5,030

$3,488 SAR 13.1K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,362 SAR 5,106

$681 SAR 2,553

$1,900 SAR 7,127

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$2,805 SAR 10.5K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

4.42

3.25

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

Last update: March 3, 2026

Dhahran Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🕌 Middle east

Cost of Living in Dhahran - Frequently Asked Questions

Cost of Living in Dhahran varies by housing style and lifestyle, but many find it reasonable for the quality of life it offers. you will encounter secure, comfortable housing options, often with included amenities, plus easy access to international groceries, dining, and services. Utilities and mobile plans are manageable when you choose energy-smart options and longer lease terms. The city's proximity to Al Khobar and Dammam adds shopping and nightlife choices while keeping things convenient. For a nomad, the balance of reliable facilities and quieter residential areas can feel like solid value. Tip: Map out a base neighborhood that minimizes daily commutes and maximizes your time abroad.

Housing search: target compounds or modern apartments with clear lease terms and maintenance. In Dhahran you will find international groceries, local markets, and a range of dining options. For transport, a car is common, and ride-hailing apps offer flexibility for errands, weekends, and social outings. If you need a coworking vibe, nearby Al Khobar or Dammam host several spaces with day passes. Dhahran living cost varies by area and lease terms, so compare neighborhoods carefully. Tip: try a short-term lease to test commute times and neighborhood fit before committing.

Dhahran offers a safe, modern base with reliable services, healthcare access, and community groups. To budget, use a simple framework: housing, utilities, groceries, transport, and leisure, and track discretionary spends to adjust monthly. Save by planning meals, shopping at local markets, and choosing housing with included utilities or efficient climate control. Seasonality matters: summers are very hot, so indoor activities and energy-saving habits pay off; milder months are better for outdoor exploration and weekend trips. Neighborhood fit depends on access to work, schools, and social options; look for compounds or towers with nearby shops and parks. Tip: build a flexible weekly routine that respects heat and traffic.