Cost of Living in Dhahran - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $804 (excluding rent), and $1,299 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,872 (excluding rent), and $2,656 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$5.27 SAR 19.78

$3.17 SAR 11.87

$7.65 SAR 28.68

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$39.8 SAR 149

$26.53 SAR 99.5

$79.6 SAR 299

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.07 SAR 26.54

$6.55 SAR 24.58

$7.61 SAR 28.53

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.05 SAR 7.68

$0.82 SAR 3.07

$3.28 SAR 12.3

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.56 SAR 5.84

$1.29 SAR 4.85

$1.56 SAR 5.84

Cappuccino

$3.71 SAR 13.93

$2.65 SAR 9.93

$4.51 SAR 16.92

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

$0.73 SAR 2.72

$0.68 SAR 2.57

$0.82 SAR 3.07

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.18 SAR 0.66

$0.13 SAR 0.48

$0.27 SAR 1

Milk (1 liter)

$1.56 SAR 5.85

$1.36 SAR 5.08

$1.63 SAR 6.12

White Bread (500g)

$1.17 SAR 4.38

$0.52 SAR 1.93

$1.56 SAR 5.84

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.12 SAR 7.94

$1.32 SAR 4.96

$2.64 SAR 9.92

Eggs

$2.38 SAR 8.91

$1.31 SAR 4.9

$4.89 SAR 18.36

Local Cheese (1kg)

$6.77 SAR 25.39

$3.79 SAR 14.22

$9.2 SAR 34.51

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$8.87 SAR 33.26

$2.96 SAR 11.09

$12.09 SAR 45.37

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$13.8 SAR 51.8

$6.46 SAR 24.22

$16.16 SAR 60.6

Apples (1kg)

$2.22 SAR 8.34

$1.62 SAR 6.06

$2.69 SAR 10.08

Banana (1kg)

$1.36 SAR 5.12

$1.04 SAR 3.91

$1.56 SAR 5.85

Oranges (1kg)

$1.56 SAR 5.86

$1.04 SAR 3.92

$2.34 SAR 8.79

Tomato (1kg)

$1.32 SAR 4.94

$1.06 SAR 3.98

$1.32 SAR 4.94

Potato (1kg)

$1.19 SAR 4.45

$0.79 SAR 2.97

$1.85 SAR 6.93

Onion (1kg)

$0.92 SAR 3.44

$0.52 SAR 1.96

$1.31 SAR 4.92

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.15 SAR 8.08

$1.05 SAR 3.93

$2.6 SAR 9.77

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.61 SAR 2.3

$0.44 SAR 1.65

$1.64 SAR 6.14

Bottle of Non-Alcoholic Wine (Mid-Range)

$5.2 SAR 19.52

$2.6 SAR 9.74

$6.24 SAR 23.4

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.92 SAR 7.2

$0.78 SAR 2.94

$2.6 SAR 9.77

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.56 SAR 5.84

$1.29 SAR 4.86

$1.82 SAR 6.83

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$9.32 SAR 34.95

$7.98 SAR 29.93

$15.97 SAR 59.9

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.11 SAR 4.17

$0.99 SAR 3.7

$1.38 SAR 5.18

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.35 SAR 5.07

$1.09 SAR 4.07

$8.11 SAR 30.43

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.39 SAR 8.96

$0.8 SAR 2.99

$3.98 SAR 14.93

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$13.48 SAR 50.6

$9.44 SAR 35.42

$26.96 SAR 101

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.6 SAR 2.24

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

$31.4K SAR 118K

$23.6K SAR 88.5K

$39.3K SAR 147.5K

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

$24.1K SAR 90.3K

$21.4K SAR 80.2K

$26.7K SAR 100.3K

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

$106 SAR 398

$67 SAR 251

$201 SAR 754

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

$37.45 SAR 140

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$73.8 SAR 277

$58 SAR 218

$87.4 SAR 328

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$188 SAR 707

$26.9 SAR 101

$269 SAR 1,009

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$35.16 SAR 132

$26.28 SAR 98.6

$39.43 SAR 148

Cinema Ticket

$11.87 SAR 44.54

$7.91 SAR 29.68

$19.78 SAR 74.2

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

$402 SAR 1,509

$157 SAR 590

$525 SAR 1,968

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$9,682 SAR 36.3K

$6,601 SAR 24.8K

$13.2K SAR 49.5K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$58.6 SAR 220

$14.51 SAR 54.4

$132 SAR 494

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$76.7 SAR 288

$54.1 SAR 203

$94.7 SAR 355

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$83.6 SAR 314

$39.63 SAR 149

$132 SAR 495

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$97.3 SAR 365

$53.1 SAR 199

$133 SAR 498

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$490 SAR 1,837

$357 SAR 1,338

$891 SAR 3,344

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$328 SAR 1,229

$195 SAR 731

$656 SAR 2,462

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$777 SAR 2,916

$517 SAR 1,940

$1,460 SAR 5,477

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$580 SAR 2,176

$397 SAR 1,490

$1,117 SAR 4,192

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,213 SAR 4,549

$1,107 SAR 4,154

$1,318 SAR 4,945

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$927 SAR 3,477

$794 SAR 2,980

$1,059 SAR 3,973

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$2,490 SAR 9,342

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

4.42

3.25

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

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.