Cost of Living in Dhahran - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $1,302 per month with rent, or $854 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $1,999 per month with rent, or $1,275 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $2,697 per month with rent, or $1,696 without housing.

Overall, Dhahran is about 5% below the global median. Within Asia, costs are 28% above average – pricier than most cities in the region.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$5.30 SAR 19.91

$3.18 SAR 11.95

$7.69 SAR 28.88

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$40.06 SAR 150

$26.70 SAR 100

$80.1 SAR 301

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.35 SAR 27.59

$6.80 SAR 25.55

$7.90 SAR 29.66

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.01 SAR 7.57

$0.81 SAR 3.03

$3.22 SAR 12.11

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.59 SAR 5.96

$1.32 SAR 4.96

$1.59 SAR 5.96

Cappuccino

$3.67 SAR 13.79

$2.62 SAR 9.84

$4.46 SAR 16.75

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

$0.70 SAR 2.62

$0.66 SAR 2.48

$0.79 SAR 2.96

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.20 SAR 0.73

$0.14 SAR 0.53

$0.29 SAR 1.10

Milk (1 liter)

$1.51 SAR 5.68

$1.31 SAR 4.94

$1.58 SAR 5.94

White Bread (500g)

$1.18 SAR 4.43

$0.52 SAR 1.96

$1.57 SAR 5.91

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.16 SAR 8.10

$1.35 SAR 5.06

$2.69 SAR 10.11

Eggs

$2.36 SAR 8.86

$1.30 SAR 4.87

$4.86 SAR 18.26

Local Cheese (1kg)

$6.55 SAR 24.61

$3.67 SAR 13.78

$8.91 SAR 33.44

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$8.74 SAR 32.83

$2.91 SAR 10.94

$11.92 SAR 44.78

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$13.55 SAR 50.9

$6.34 SAR 23.81

$15.87 SAR 59.6

Apples (1kg)

$2.17 SAR 8.15

$1.58 SAR 5.93

$2.62 SAR 9.86

Banana (1kg)

$1.42 SAR 5.34

$1.09 SAR 4.08

$1.62 SAR 6.10

Oranges (1kg)

$1.58 SAR 5.94

$1.06 SAR 3.97

$2.37 SAR 8.91

Tomato (1kg)

$1.30 SAR 4.88

$1.04 SAR 3.92

$1.30 SAR 4.88

Potato (1kg)

$1.19 SAR 4.47

$0.79 SAR 2.98

$1.85 SAR 6.96

Onion (1kg)

$0.98 SAR 3.66

$0.56 SAR 2.09

$1.39 SAR 5.24

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.07 SAR 4.01

$0.40 SAR 1.49

$2.11 SAR 7.92

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.57 SAR 2.15

$0.41 SAR 1.54

$1.53 SAR 5.73

Bottle of Non-Alcoholic Wine (Mid-Range)

$4.76 SAR 17.88

$4.23 SAR 15.90

$5.29 SAR 19.86

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.00 SAR 7.53

$0.82 SAR 3.07

$2.72 SAR 10.22

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.55 SAR 5.83

$1.29 SAR 4.85

$1.82 SAR 6.82

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$9.21 SAR 34.59

$7.89 SAR 29.63

$15.79 SAR 59.3

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.04 SAR 3.91

$0.92 SAR 3.47

$1.29 SAR 4.86

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$40.24 SAR 151

$16.10 SAR 60.5

$53.7 SAR 201

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.37 SAR 5.13

$1.10 SAR 4.12

$8.20 SAR 30.80

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.36 SAR 8.88

$0.79 SAR 2.96

$3.94 SAR 14.80

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$13.26 SAR 49.80

$9.29 SAR 34.88

$26.52 SAR 99.6

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.64 SAR 2.39

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

$31.8K SAR 119.4K

$23.9K SAR 89.6K

$39.8K SAR 149.3K

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

$24.4K SAR 91.7K

$21.7K SAR 81.6K

$27.1K SAR 101.9K

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

$106 SAR 397

$66.8 SAR 251

$200 SAR 753

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

$36.75 SAR 138

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$72.3 SAR 271

$56.8 SAR 213

$85.6 SAR 321

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$184 SAR 689

$26.22 SAR 98.5

$262 SAR 985

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$35.54 SAR 133

$26.57 SAR 99.8

$39.86 SAR 150

Cinema Ticket

$12.10 SAR 45.42

$8.06 SAR 30.27

$20.16 SAR 75.7

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

$403 SAR 1,515

$158 SAR 593

$526 SAR 1,976

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$9,692 SAR 36.4K

$6,608 SAR 24.8K

$13.2K SAR 49.6K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$59.7 SAR 224

$14.78 SAR 55.5

$134 SAR 503

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$74.7 SAR 281

$52.7 SAR 198

$92.3 SAR 347

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$85.8 SAR 322

$40.62 SAR 153

$135 SAR 508

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$95.9 SAR 360

$52.3 SAR 196

$131 SAR 491

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$439 SAR 1,650

$320 SAR 1,201

$800 SAR 3,003

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$381 SAR 1,431

$226 SAR 850

$763 SAR 2,864

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$840 SAR 3,153

$558 SAR 2,097

$1,577 SAR 5,921

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$633 SAR 2,378

$434 SAR 1,629

$1,220 SAR 4,582

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,109 SAR 4,165

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,053 SAR 3,955

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$2,884 SAR 10.8K

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: July 11, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $439, dropping to $381 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 15% of the average salary ($2,884) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $2,884 – comfortably above monthly costs of $1,302. Most workers can save and live well. A comfortable lifestyle typically starts at $1,953.

Groceries cost around $198 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $40.00 – broadly in line with the Asian average.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $40.24 – roughly in line with the Asian average of $31.00.

Cost Highlights

Gym membership is among the 20 most expensive worldwide (out of 7,217 cities)

Internet is more expensive than 97% of cities in Asia

Average monthly net salary is higher than 94% of cities in Asia

Dhahran Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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.

A single person in Dhahran typically spends $1,302 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $854. The final number shifts depending on your neighborhood, eating habits, and general lifestyle.

For 2026, a single person in Dhahran should plan on about $1,302 per month with rent, or $854 without housing. That covers a moderate lifestyle – food, utilities, transport, and some leisure – at current local prices.

You'll want at least $1,953 per month after taxes to live comfortably in Dhahran. 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.

A central one-bedroom apartment in Dhahran runs about $439 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $381. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.

Grocery spending in Dhahran lands around $198 per month for one person – not cheap, not expensive. Local produce and staples are fairly priced, though imported goods and specialty items cost more. Overall, food is a manageable part of the budget.

Getting around Dhahran by public transport costs about $40.24 per month. A monthly pass generally covers buses, trams, and metro – much cheaper than owning a car for the daily commute.

$1,000 is below the $1,302 average in Dhahran, 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.

Quality of life in Dhahran is genuinely good – highlights include fast internet, low crime rates, family-friendly facilities, and monthly costs hover around $1,302. Day-to-day life is well-rounded: decent infrastructure, varied dining and entertainment, and a generally positive atmosphere.

Dhahran is neither cheap nor expensive – it sits comfortably in the middle. Monthly costs with rent run about $1,302, a figure most working professionals can handle without major financial stress.