Cost of Living in Dhahran - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $755 (excluding rent), and $1,332 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,203 (excluding rent), and $2,652 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$5.34 SAR 20.05

$3.21 SAR 12.04

$7.75 SAR 29.08

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$40.62 SAR 152

$27.07 SAR 102

$81.2 SAR 305

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.17 SAR 26.89

$6.64 SAR 24.91

$7.7 SAR 28.91

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.04 SAR 7.67

$0.82 SAR 3.07

$3.27 SAR 12.27

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.57 SAR 5.88

$1.3 SAR 4.89

$1.57 SAR 5.88

Cappuccino

$3.65 SAR 13.71

$2.6 SAR 9.77

$4.44 SAR 16.65

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

$0.69 SAR 2.58

$0.65 SAR 2.44

$0.78 SAR 2.91

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.16 SAR 0.6

$0.12 SAR 0.43

$0.24 SAR 0.9

Milk (1 liter)

$1.55 SAR 5.82

$1.35 SAR 5.06

$1.62 SAR 6.09

White Bread (500g)

$1.23 SAR 4.6

$0.54 SAR 2.03

$1.63 SAR 6.13

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.07 SAR 7.78

$1.29 SAR 4.86

$2.59 SAR 9.71

Eggs

$2.26 SAR 8.5

$1.24 SAR 4.67

$4.66 SAR 17.5

Local Cheese (1kg)

$6.57 SAR 24.66

$3.68 SAR 13.81

$8.93 SAR 33.51

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$8.92 SAR 33.47

$2.97 SAR 11.16

$12.17 SAR 45.65

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$13.62 SAR 51.1

$6.37 SAR 23.9

$15.94 SAR 59.8

Apples (1kg)

$2.18 SAR 8.17

$1.58 SAR 5.94

$2.63 SAR 9.88

Banana (1kg)

$1.39 SAR 5.2

$1.06 SAR 3.97

$1.58 SAR 5.94

Oranges (1kg)

$1.63 SAR 6.11

$1.09 SAR 4.08

$2.44 SAR 9.16

Tomato (1kg)

$1.35 SAR 5.07

$1.09 SAR 4.08

$1.35 SAR 5.07

Potato (1kg)

$1.19 SAR 4.45

$0.79 SAR 2.97

$1.85 SAR 6.94

Onion (1kg)

$0.92 SAR 3.44

$0.52 SAR 1.96

$1.31 SAR 4.91

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.14 SAR 8.01

$1.04 SAR 3.9

$2.58 SAR 9.69

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.57 SAR 2.14

$0.41 SAR 1.53

$1.52 SAR 5.71

Bottle of Non-Alcoholic Wine (Mid-Range)

$4.89 SAR 18.33

$4.34 SAR 16.27

$5.42 SAR 20.36

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.91 SAR 7.18

$0.78 SAR 2.93

$2.6 SAR 9.74

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.59 SAR 5.95

$1.32 SAR 4.95

$1.85 SAR 6.95

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$9.3 SAR 34.89

$7.96 SAR 29.88

$15.93 SAR 59.8

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.09 SAR 4.09

$0.97 SAR 3.63

$1.36 SAR 5.09

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$40.31 SAR 151

$16.13 SAR 60.5

$53.8 SAR 202

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.31 SAR 4.91

$1.05 SAR 3.95

$7.87 SAR 29.53

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.44 SAR 9.17

$0.81 SAR 3.06

$4.07 SAR 15.28

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$13.12 SAR 49.23

$9.19 SAR 34.48

$26.24 SAR 98.5

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.6 SAR 2.25

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

$32.3K SAR 121.4K

$24.3K SAR 91K

$40.4K SAR 151.7K

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

$23.7K SAR 88.9K

$21.1K SAR 79K

$26.3K SAR 98.8K

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

$107 SAR 402

$67.7 SAR 254

$203 SAR 762

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

$37.12 SAR 139

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$72.7 SAR 273

$57.1 SAR 214

$86.1 SAR 323

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$184 SAR 691

$26.31 SAR 98.7

$263 SAR 988

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$35.07 SAR 132

$26.21 SAR 98.4

$39.33 SAR 148

Cinema Ticket

$11.96 SAR 44.89

$7.97 SAR 29.92

$19.94 SAR 74.8

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

$416 SAR 1,560

$163 SAR 610

$542 SAR 2,035

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$9,775 SAR 36.7K

$6,665 SAR 25K

$13.3K SAR 50K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$59.3 SAR 222

$14.66 SAR 55

$133 SAR 499

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$75.3 SAR 283

$53.2 SAR 200

$93 SAR 349

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$84 SAR 315

$39.78 SAR 149

$133 SAR 498

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$97.9 SAR 367

$53.4 SAR 200

$133 SAR 501

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$441 SAR 1,654

$321 SAR 1,204

$802 SAR 3,010

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$381 SAR 1,428

$226 SAR 849

$762 SAR 2,860

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$850 SAR 3,191

$566 SAR 2,122

$1,597 SAR 5,993

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$623 SAR 2,338

$427 SAR 1,602

$1,201 SAR 4,505

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,132 SAR 4,247

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,066 SAR 4,001

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$2,821 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: December 1, 2025

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.