Last update: Oct 2026 Saudi Arabia 120.5K

Cost of Living in Dhahran

For one person, living costs in Dhahran are estimated at $1,317 a month, including rent and utilities, which take more than a third of the total. Other living expenses average about $26 a day.

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Dhahran

🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Dhahran

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Dhahran actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

A single person spends around $1,317 per month with rent, or $805 for everyday expenses alone.

$1,317 /mo

A couple spends around $1,671 per month with rent, or $1,386 for everyday expenses alone.

$1,671 /mo

A family of three spends around $2,026 per month with rent, or $1,967 without housing.

$2,026 /mo

Overall, Dhahran is 2–28% below the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are 24% above average – pricier than most cities in the region.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$5.30 SAR 19.90

$3.18 SAR 11.93

$21.22 SAR 79.6

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$39.17 SAR 147

$31.33 SAR 118

$78.3 SAR 294

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$6.35 SAR 23.81

$5.94 SAR 22.29

$6.74 SAR 25.30

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.81 SAR 6.80

$1.03 SAR 3.88

$2.59 SAR 9.73

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.59 SAR 5.96

Cappuccino

$4.01 SAR 15.03

$2.73 SAR 10.25

$4.65 SAR 17.46

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

$0.74 SAR 2.76

$0.70 SAR 2.61

$0.83 SAR 3.11

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.19 SAR 0.70

$0.13 SAR 0.50

$0.28 SAR 1.05

Milk (1 liter)

$1.65 SAR 6.18

White Bread (500g)

$0.97 SAR 3.62

$0.27 SAR 1.00

$1.58 SAR 5.91

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.97 SAR 7.41

$1.35 SAR 5.05

$2.69 SAR 10.10

Eggs

$3.87 SAR 14.54

$1.94 SAR 7.29

$4.84 SAR 18.18

Local Cheese (1kg)

$8.59 SAR 32.23

$7.44 SAR 27.92

$9.31 SAR 34.92

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$10.92 SAR 40.97

$3.14 SAR 11.79

$11.79 SAR 44.26

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$13.89 SAR 52.1

$6.72 SAR 25.21

$16.13 SAR 60.5

Apples (1kg)

$2.15 SAR 8.07

$1.07 SAR 4.01

$2.68 SAR 10.07

Banana (1kg)

$1.39 SAR 5.21

$1.30 SAR 4.88

$1.57 SAR 5.87

Oranges (1kg)

$1.78 SAR 6.69

$1.07 SAR 4.00

$2.42 SAR 9.06

Tomato (1kg)

$1.80 SAR 6.74

$1.35 SAR 5.07

$2.44 SAR 9.14

Potato (1kg)

$1.50 SAR 5.61

$0.79 SAR 2.97

$1.84 SAR 6.91

Onion (1kg)

$0.96 SAR 3.61

$0.79 SAR 2.95

$1.31 SAR 4.90

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.97 SAR 7.39

$1.07 SAR 4.02

$2.69 SAR 10.09

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.85 SAR 3.19

$0.26 SAR 0.97

$1.53 SAR 5.74

Bottle of Non-Alcoholic Wine (Mid-Range)

$4.81 SAR 18.03

$4.27 SAR 16.04

$5.34 SAR 20.03

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.64 SAR 6.15

$1.08 SAR 4.05

$2.46 SAR 9.25

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.46 SAR 9.22

$0.67 SAR 2.53

$4.82 SAR 18.10

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$5.57 SAR 20.92

$5.31 SAR 19.91

$5.84 SAR 21.93

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.83 SAR 3.11

$0.55 SAR 2.06

$1.10 SAR 4.12

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.36 SAR 5.12

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$3.25 SAR 12.21

$1.30 SAR 4.88

$5.20 SAR 19.50

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$9.52 SAR 35.73

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.65 SAR 2.44

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

$53.2K SAR 199.7K

$39.2K SAR 147.3K

$67.2K SAR 252.2K

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

$20.7K SAR 77.6K

$23.0K SAR 86.1K

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

$59.0 SAR 221

$57.7 SAR 217

$60.3 SAR 226

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

$42.19 SAR 158

$22.19 SAR 83.3

$78.3 SAR 294

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$64.9 SAR 244

$38.40 SAR 144

$91.4 SAR 343

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$195 SAR 731

$53.1 SAR 199

$266 SAR 996

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$93.5 SAR 351

$53.4 SAR 201

$134 SAR 501

Cinema Ticket

$10.56 SAR 39.62

$5.27 SAR 19.79

$11.88 SAR 44.56

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

$65.3 SAR 245

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$13.3K SAR 49.8K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$50.6 SAR 190

$15.69 SAR 58.9

$105 SAR 393

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$41.79 SAR 157

$31.34 SAR 118

$52.2 SAR 196

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$76.9 SAR 289

$67.9 SAR 255

$81.5 SAR 306

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$90.4 SAR 339

$54.2 SAR 204

$136 SAR 509

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$361 SAR 1,355

$321 SAR 1,205

$401 SAR 1,506

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$453 SAR 1,700

$240 SAR 900

$666 SAR 2,500

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$2,785 SAR 10.5K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

4.5

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

Last update: October 11, 2026

Monthly budget structure

Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.

Dhahran $1,317

Accommodation & Living

$453 34.4%

Groceries & Markets

$231 17.6%

Sport & Entertainment

$216 16.4%

Monthly Utilities & Internet

$166 12.6%

Clothing & Footwear

$117 8.9%

Eating Out

$113 8.6%

Getting Around

$21 * 1.6%

Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $361, dropping to $453 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 13% of the average salary ($2,785) – close to the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $2,785 – comfortably above monthly costs of $1,317. Most workers can save and live well. A comfortable lifestyle typically starts at $1,976.

Groceries cost around $231 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $39.00 – broadly in line with the Asian average.

Cost Highlights

Gym membership is among the 20 most expensive worldwide (out of 6,894 cities)

Taxi is more expensive than 98% of cities in Asia

Chicken fillets is more expensive than 96% of cities in Asia

Good to know

🕒 Local time

01:35 1:35 AM

🌤 Weather

👥 Population

120,521

💱 Currency

Saudi Riyal SAR ر.س

📈 Exchange rate

1 SAR = 0.266 USD

1 SAR = 0.237 EUR

Exchange rates and currency converter

On the map

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Dhahran

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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 $1,317 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $805. The final number shifts depending on your neighborhood, eating habits, and general lifestyle.

For 2026, a single person in Dhahran should plan on about $1,317 per month with rent, or $805 without housing. That covers a moderate lifestyle – food, utilities, transport, and some leisure – at current local prices.

You'll want at least $1,976 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 $361 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $453. 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 $231 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.

Groceries in Dhahran run about $231 monthly for one person – a moderate figure that matches the city's overall cost level. Local markets and supermarkets cover most needs, and food costs are manageable without strict budgeting.

$1,000 is below the $1,317 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 $1,317. 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 $1,317, a figure most working professionals can handle without major financial stress.