Cost of Living in Dhahran - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $806 (excluding rent), and $1,301 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,216 (excluding rent), and $2,697 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$5.24 SAR 19.64

$3.14 SAR 11.79

$7.59 SAR 28.48

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$39.74 SAR 149

$26.49 SAR 99.3

$79.5 SAR 298

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.16 SAR 26.84

$6.63 SAR 24.86

$7.69 SAR 28.86

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.06 SAR 7.72

$0.82 SAR 3.09

$3.29 SAR 12.35

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.62 SAR 6.09

$1.35 SAR 5.06

$1.62 SAR 6.09

Cappuccino

$3.66 SAR 13.74

$2.61 SAR 9.80

$4.45 SAR 16.68

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

$0.69 SAR 2.61

$0.66 SAR 2.46

$0.78 SAR 2.94

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.19 SAR 0.72

$0.14 SAR 0.52

$0.29 SAR 1.09

Milk (1 liter)

$1.57 SAR 5.89

$1.37 SAR 5.12

$1.64 SAR 6.16

White Bread (500g)

$1.22 SAR 4.58

$0.54 SAR 2.02

$1.63 SAR 6.11

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.11 SAR 7.92

$1.32 SAR 4.94

$2.64 SAR 9.89

Eggs

$2.39 SAR 8.98

$1.32 SAR 4.93

$4.93 SAR 18.50

Local Cheese (1kg)

$6.76 SAR 25.34

$3.78 SAR 14.19

$9.18 SAR 34.44

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$8.54 SAR 32.01

$2.85 SAR 10.67

$11.64 SAR 43.66

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$13.64 SAR 51.2

$6.38 SAR 23.93

$15.97 SAR 59.9

Apples (1kg)

$2.15 SAR 8.06

$1.56 SAR 5.87

$2.60 SAR 9.75

Banana (1kg)

$1.38 SAR 5.18

$1.06 SAR 3.96

$1.58 SAR 5.92

Oranges (1kg)

$1.59 SAR 5.95

$1.06 SAR 3.98

$2.38 SAR 8.92

Tomato (1kg)

$1.30 SAR 4.89

$1.05 SAR 3.93

$1.30 SAR 4.89

Potato (1kg)

$1.23 SAR 4.60

$0.82 SAR 3.07

$1.91 SAR 7.17

Onion (1kg)

$0.90 SAR 3.39

$0.51 SAR 1.93

$1.29 SAR 4.84

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.25 SAR 8.43

$1.09 SAR 4.10

$2.72 SAR 10.19

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.58 SAR 2.18

$0.42 SAR 1.56

$1.55 SAR 5.81

Bottle of Non-Alcoholic Wine (Mid-Range)

$3.36 SAR 12.59

$1.45 SAR 5.44

$7.90 SAR 29.62

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.91 SAR 7.16

$0.78 SAR 2.92

$2.59 SAR 9.72

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.62 SAR 6.07

$1.35 SAR 5.05

$1.89 SAR 7.10

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$9.22 SAR 34.57

$7.90 SAR 29.61

$15.80 SAR 59.3

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.08 SAR 4.06

$0.96 SAR 3.61

$1.35 SAR 5.05

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$39.32 SAR 147

$15.73 SAR 59.0

$52.4 SAR 197

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.31 SAR 4.92

$1.06 SAR 3.96

$7.88 SAR 29.56

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.41 SAR 9.06

$0.80 SAR 3.02

$4.02 SAR 15.09

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$13.19 SAR 49.46

$9.24 SAR 34.64

$26.38 SAR 98.9

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.61 SAR 2.27

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

$32.4K SAR 121.4K

$24.3K SAR 91.1K

$40.5K SAR 151.8K

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

$23.8K SAR 89.3K

$21.2K SAR 79.3K

$26.4K SAR 99.2K

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

$104 SAR 391

$65.9 SAR 247

$198 SAR 741

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

$37.49 SAR 141

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$72.8 SAR 273

$57.2 SAR 214

$86.1 SAR 323

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$189 SAR 708

$26.97 SAR 101

$270 SAR 1,012

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$36.06 SAR 135

$26.95 SAR 101

$40.44 SAR 152

Cinema Ticket

$11.88 SAR 44.53

$7.91 SAR 29.68

$19.79 SAR 74.2

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

$413 SAR 1,547

$161 SAR 605

$538 SAR 2,018

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$9,909 SAR 37.2K

$6,756 SAR 25.3K

$13.5K SAR 50.7K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$58.5 SAR 219

$14.48 SAR 54.3

$131 SAR 492

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$74.4 SAR 279

$52.5 SAR 197

$91.9 SAR 345

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$83.0 SAR 311

$39.30 SAR 147

$131 SAR 491

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$99.0 SAR 371

$54.0 SAR 202

$135 SAR 506

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$431 SAR 1,618

$314 SAR 1,178

$785 SAR 2,945

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$385 SAR 1,442

$229 SAR 857

$770 SAR 2,888

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$846 SAR 3,172

$563 SAR 2,110

$1,589 SAR 5,957

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$628 SAR 2,354

$430 SAR 1,613

$1,210 SAR 4,536

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,329 SAR 8,732

$1,352 SAR 5,069

$2,704 SAR 10.1K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,258 SAR 4,717

$681 SAR 2,553

$1,375 SAR 5,156

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$2,816 SAR 10.6K

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: January 12, 2026

Dhahran Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

207

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

214

Mbps

118

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.