Cost of Living in Dhahran - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $1,300 per month with rent, or $895 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $1,659 per month with rent, or $1,550 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $2,017 per month with rent, or $2,206 without housing.

Overall, Dhahran is 5–31% below the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are 19% above average – pricier than most cities in the region.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$5.42 SAR 20.34

$3.25 SAR 12.20

$21.66 SAR 81.3

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$40.08 SAR 151

$32.07 SAR 120

$80.2 SAR 301

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$6.04 SAR 22.70

$5.67 SAR 21.27

$6.43 SAR 24.16

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.90 SAR 7.12

$1.09 SAR 4.08

$2.72 SAR 10.20

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.61 SAR 6.05

Cappuccino

$3.99 SAR 14.97

$2.72 SAR 10.22

$4.62 SAR 17.36

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

$0.70 SAR 2.62

$0.65 SAR 2.44

$0.78 SAR 2.92

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.20 SAR 0.75

$0.15 SAR 0.55

$0.29 SAR 1.09

Milk (1 liter)

$1.58 SAR 5.93

White Bread (500g)

$0.94 SAR 3.54

$0.25 SAR 0.95

$1.54 SAR 5.80

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.00 SAR 7.50

$1.36 SAR 5.10

$2.73 SAR 10.25

Eggs

$3.90 SAR 14.64

$1.95 SAR 7.34

$4.88 SAR 18.33

Local Cheese (1kg)

$8.80 SAR 33.05

$7.63 SAR 28.65

$9.53 SAR 35.79

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$11.16 SAR 41.92

$3.22 SAR 12.09

$12.06 SAR 45.30

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$13.73 SAR 51.6

$6.65 SAR 24.95

$15.95 SAR 59.9

Apples (1kg)

$2.11 SAR 7.91

$1.05 SAR 3.96

$2.63 SAR 9.89

Banana (1kg)

$1.38 SAR 5.19

$1.29 SAR 4.86

$1.56 SAR 5.85

Oranges (1kg)

$1.81 SAR 6.78

$1.08 SAR 4.06

$2.43 SAR 9.12

Tomato (1kg)

$1.73 SAR 6.50

$1.29 SAR 4.85

$2.33 SAR 8.74

Potato (1kg)

$1.52 SAR 5.71

$0.80 SAR 3.01

$1.88 SAR 7.04

Onion (1kg)

$0.94 SAR 3.54

$0.77 SAR 2.88

$1.28 SAR 4.82

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.97 SAR 7.38

$1.07 SAR 4.03

$2.69 SAR 10.09

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.92 SAR 3.46

$0.27 SAR 1.02

$1.66 SAR 6.25

Bottle of Non-Alcoholic Wine (Mid-Range)

$4.81 SAR 18.05

$4.27 SAR 16.05

$5.34 SAR 20.06

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.64 SAR 6.14

$1.08 SAR 4.07

$2.46 SAR 9.25

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.39 SAR 8.97

$0.65 SAR 2.44

$4.69 SAR 17.60

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$5.64 SAR 21.17

$5.37 SAR 20.18

$5.91 SAR 22.20

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.77 SAR 2.89

$0.52 SAR 1.94

$1.03 SAR 3.88

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.31 SAR 4.91

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$3.35 SAR 12.57

$1.34 SAR 5.01

$5.36 SAR 20.13

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$9.45 SAR 35.48

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.63 SAR 2.37

$0.59 SAR 2.21

$0.80 SAR 3.02

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

$53.4K SAR 200.5K

$39.4K SAR 147.9K

$67.4K SAR 253.2K

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

$20.4K SAR 76.8K

$22.7K SAR 85.2K

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

$60.2 SAR 226

$58.9 SAR 221

$61.6 SAR 231

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

$43.47 SAR 163

$22.86 SAR 85.8

$80.7 SAR 303

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$64.8 SAR 243

$38.34 SAR 144

$91.3 SAR 343

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$195 SAR 731

$53.1 SAR 199

$265 SAR 996

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$91.4 SAR 343

$52.2 SAR 196

$131 SAR 490

Cinema Ticket

$10.61 SAR 39.82

$5.31 SAR 19.93

$11.94 SAR 44.82

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

$65.8 SAR 247

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$13.2K SAR 49.5K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$50.3 SAR 189

$15.62 SAR 58.7

$104 SAR 391

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$42.32 SAR 159

$31.74 SAR 119

$52.9 SAR 199

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$76.0 SAR 285

$67.0 SAR 252

$80.4 SAR 302

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$88.7 SAR 333

$53.2 SAR 200

$133 SAR 500

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$354 SAR 1,330

$315 SAR 1,182

$393 SAR 1,477

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$447 SAR 1,678

$237 SAR 888

$657 SAR 2,467

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$2,854 SAR 10.7K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

4.5

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

Last update: September 1, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $354, dropping to $447 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 12% of the average salary ($2,854) – close to the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $2,854 – comfortably above monthly costs of $1,300. Most workers can save and live well. A comfortable lifestyle typically starts at $1,950.

Groceries cost around $232 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $40.00 – broadly in line with the Asian average.

Cost Highlights

Gym membership is among the 20 most expensive worldwide (out of 6,911 cities)

Taxi is more expensive than 98% of cities in Asia

Chicken fillets is more expensive than 96% 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 $1,300 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $895. The final number shifts depending on your neighborhood, eating habits, and general lifestyle.

For 2026, a single person in Dhahran should plan on about $1,300 per month with rent, or $895 without housing. That covers a moderate lifestyle – food, utilities, transport, and some leisure – at current local prices.

You'll want at least $1,950 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 $354 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $447. 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 $232 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 $232 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 $1,300 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 $1,300. 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 $1,300, a figure most working professionals can handle without major financial stress.