Cost of Living in Dhahran - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $1,336 per month with rent, or $819 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $2,006 per month with rent, or $1,522 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $2,675 per month with rent, or $2,224 without housing.

Overall, Dhahran is 1–7% below the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are 31% above average – pricier than most cities in the region.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$5.18 SAR 19.45

$3.11 SAR 11.68

$7.52 SAR 28.21

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$39.78 SAR 149

$26.51 SAR 99.5

$79.6 SAR 299

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.24 SAR 27.17

$6.71 SAR 25.17

$7.78 SAR 29.21

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.99 SAR 7.45

$0.79 SAR 2.98

$3.18 SAR 11.92

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.63 SAR 6.13

$1.36 SAR 5.10

$1.63 SAR 6.13

Cappuccino

$3.74 SAR 14.05

$2.67 SAR 10.02

$4.55 SAR 17.06

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

$0.70 SAR 2.61

$0.66 SAR 2.47

$0.78 SAR 2.95

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.17 SAR 0.63

$0.12 SAR 0.45

$0.25 SAR 0.94

Milk (1 liter)

$1.57 SAR 5.91

$1.37 SAR 5.13

$1.65 SAR 6.18

White Bread (500g)

$1.24 SAR 4.64

$0.55 SAR 2.05

$1.65 SAR 6.18

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.07 SAR 7.77

$1.29 SAR 4.85

$2.59 SAR 9.70

Eggs

$2.29 SAR 8.58

$1.26 SAR 4.71

$4.71 SAR 17.68

Local Cheese (1kg)

$6.79 SAR 25.49

$3.80 SAR 14.28

$9.23 SAR 34.64

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$8.77 SAR 32.92

$2.92 SAR 10.97

$11.96 SAR 44.90

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$13.82 SAR 51.9

$6.47 SAR 24.27

$16.18 SAR 60.7

Apples (1kg)

$2.18 SAR 8.17

$1.58 SAR 5.94

$2.63 SAR 9.87

Banana (1kg)

$1.42 SAR 5.33

$1.09 SAR 4.08

$1.62 SAR 6.09

Oranges (1kg)

$1.58 SAR 5.92

$1.05 SAR 3.96

$2.36 SAR 8.87

Tomato (1kg)

$1.36 SAR 5.09

$1.09 SAR 4.10

$1.36 SAR 5.09

Potato (1kg)

$1.19 SAR 4.45

$0.79 SAR 2.97

$1.85 SAR 6.93

Onion (1kg)

$0.95 SAR 3.58

$0.54 SAR 2.04

$1.36 SAR 5.11

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.07 SAR 4.00

$0.39 SAR 1.48

$2.10 SAR 7.89

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.57 SAR 2.14

$0.41 SAR 1.54

$1.52 SAR 5.72

Bottle of Non-Alcoholic Wine (Mid-Range)

$4.71 SAR 17.68

$4.18 SAR 15.69

$5.23 SAR 19.63

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.91 SAR 7.18

$0.78 SAR 2.93

$2.60 SAR 9.74

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.56 SAR 5.84

$1.29 SAR 4.85

$1.82 SAR 6.82

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$9.40 SAR 35.29

$8.05 SAR 30.22

$16.11 SAR 60.5

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.08 SAR 4.06

$0.96 SAR 3.60

$1.34 SAR 5.04

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$40.10 SAR 150

$16.04 SAR 60.2

$53.5 SAR 201

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.37 SAR 5.13

$1.10 SAR 4.13

$8.21 SAR 30.80

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.43 SAR 9.14

$0.81 SAR 3.05

$4.06 SAR 15.23

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$13.18 SAR 49.47

$9.23 SAR 34.65

$26.36 SAR 98.9

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.63 SAR 2.37

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

$32.5K SAR 121.8K

$24.3K SAR 91.3K

$40.6K SAR 152.2K

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

$24.4K SAR 91.5K

$21.7K SAR 81.3K

$27.1K SAR 101.6K

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

$107 SAR 403

$67.9 SAR 255

$204 SAR 765

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

$37.29 SAR 140

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$71.8 SAR 269

$56.4 SAR 212

$85.0 SAR 319

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$190 SAR 714

$27.16 SAR 102

$272 SAR 1,019

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$34.95 SAR 131

$26.12 SAR 98.0

$39.20 SAR 147

Cinema Ticket

$11.76 SAR 44.14

$7.84 SAR 29.42

$19.60 SAR 73.6

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

$402 SAR 1,510

$157 SAR 591

$525 SAR 1,969

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$9,909 SAR 37.2K

$6,756 SAR 25.4K

$13.5K SAR 50.7K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$59.9 SAR 225

$14.82 SAR 55.6

$134 SAR 504

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$75.8 SAR 284

$53.5 SAR 201

$93.6 SAR 351

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$83.4 SAR 313

$39.51 SAR 148

$132 SAR 494

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$97.5 SAR 366

$53.2 SAR 200

$133 SAR 499

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$448 SAR 1,680

$326 SAR 1,223

$815 SAR 3,057

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$377 SAR 1,415

$224 SAR 841

$755 SAR 2,832

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$850 SAR 3,189

$565 SAR 2,121

$1,596 SAR 5,989

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$614 SAR 2,306

$421 SAR 1,580

$1,184 SAR 4,442

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,104 SAR 4,142

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,086 SAR 4,074

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$2,867 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: June 7, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $448, dropping to $377 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 16% of the average salary ($2,867) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $2,867 – comfortably above monthly costs of $1,336. Most workers can save and live well. A comfortable lifestyle typically starts at $2,005.

Groceries cost around $200 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 $40.10 – 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 $1,336 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $819. The final number shifts depending on your neighborhood, eating habits, and general lifestyle.

For 2026, a single person in Dhahran should plan on about $1,336 per month with rent, or $819 without housing. That covers a moderate lifestyle – food, utilities, transport, and some leisure – at current local prices.

You'll want at least $2,005 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.

In Dhahran's center, a one-bedroom apartment runs about $448 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $377. 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 $200 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 $40.10 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 $1,336 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 $1,336. 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 $1,336, a figure most working professionals can handle without major financial stress.