Cost of Living in Qatif - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: Qatif
Address: Qatif, SA

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $1,076 monthly including rent, or $622 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,645 with rent, or $1,059 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,214 including rent, or $1,495 for daily expenses alone.

Qatif sits 22–25% below the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are close to average – just 2% lower.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$3.55 SAR 13.34

$2.73 SAR 10.25

$13.65 SAR 51.3

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$35.21 SAR 132

$20.87 SAR 78.4

$52.2 SAR 196

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$6.60 SAR 24.77

$5.54 SAR 20.78

$8.44 SAR 31.70

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.83 SAR 6.89

$1.31 SAR 4.92

$2.62 SAR 9.85

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.17 SAR 8.15

$1.76 SAR 6.62

$4.06 SAR 15.26

Cappuccino

$3.08 SAR 11.58

$1.36 SAR 5.12

$4.91 SAR 18.42

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

$0.74 SAR 2.78

$0.65 SAR 2.45

$0.92 SAR 3.45

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.16 SAR 0.60

$0.12 SAR 0.43

$0.24 SAR 0.90

Milk (1 liter)

$1.77 SAR 6.64

$1.63 SAR 6.10

$2.43 SAR 9.12

White Bread (500g)

$0.96 SAR 3.60

$0.28 SAR 1.04

$1.65 SAR 6.19

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.92 SAR 7.20

$1.07 SAR 4.02

$2.41 SAR 9.06

Eggs

$2.18 SAR 8.20

$1.62 SAR 6.10

$3.24 SAR 12.16

Local Cheese (1kg)

$5.96 SAR 22.39

$4.88 SAR 18.33

$13.55 SAR 50.9

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$8.09 SAR 30.36

$3.28 SAR 12.32

$12.31 SAR 46.24

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$12.74 SAR 47.83

$10.61 SAR 39.85

$15.92 SAR 59.8

Apples (1kg)

$2.28 SAR 8.55

$0.54 SAR 2.02

$4.33 SAR 16.26

Banana (1kg)

$1.63 SAR 6.13

$1.04 SAR 3.89

$4.81 SAR 18.06

Oranges (1kg)

$1.62 SAR 6.09

$0.53 SAR 2.01

$2.39 SAR 8.97

Tomato (1kg)

$0.64 SAR 2.42

$0.52 SAR 1.94

$2.08 SAR 7.80

Potato (1kg)

$1.07 SAR 4.03

$0.52 SAR 1.96

$1.58 SAR 5.92

Onion (1kg)

$1.15 SAR 4.31

$0.54 SAR 2.04

$1.64 SAR 6.16

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.96 SAR 3.59

$0.82 SAR 3.09

$1.64 SAR 6.17

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.52 SAR 1.95

$0.78 SAR 2.94

Bottle of Non-Alcoholic Wine (Mid-Range)

$2.59 SAR 9.74

$1.56 SAR 5.86

$12.45 SAR 46.76

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.46 SAR 5.47

$0.79 SAR 2.96

$2.62 SAR 9.83

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.15 SAR 8.07

$1.58 SAR 5.92

$2.62 SAR 9.84

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$6.53 SAR 24.52

$5.74 SAR 21.57

$7.84 SAR 29.43

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.03 SAR 3.88

$0.78 SAR 2.92

$1.03 SAR 3.88

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$35.84 SAR 135

$15.94 SAR 59.8

$53.1 SAR 199

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.35 SAR 8.81

$1.57 SAR 5.90

$3.92 SAR 14.71

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.52 SAR 1.94

$2.59 SAR 9.74

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$13.53 SAR 50.8

$8.12 SAR 30.48

$32.46 SAR 122

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.63 SAR 2.36

$0.61 SAR 2.28

$0.65 SAR 2.44

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

$36.5K SAR 137.2K

$67.7K SAR 254.1K

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

$20.3K SAR 76.3K

$20.7K SAR 77.7K

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

$103 SAR 386

$91.5 SAR 344

$183 SAR 687

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

$33.38 SAR 125

$18.96 SAR 71.2

$40.61 SAR 153

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$59.1 SAR 222

$53.7 SAR 202

$72.8 SAR 273

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$83.1 SAR 312

$52.6 SAR 197

$125 SAR 469

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$36.36 SAR 137

$6.55 SAR 24.61

$36.36 SAR 137

Cinema Ticket

$13.19 SAR 49.52

$12.92 SAR 48.51

$15.83 SAR 59.4

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

$262 SAR 982

$572 SAR 2,147

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$8,083 SAR 30.4K

$6,510 SAR 24.4K

$19.0K SAR 71.3K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$31.57 SAR 119

$22.37 SAR 84.0

$52.6 SAR 198

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$21.58 SAR 81.0

$13.49 SAR 50.6

$60.0 SAR 225

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$94.3 SAR 354

$62.6 SAR 235

$130 SAR 489

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$89.7 SAR 337

$73.8 SAR 277

$132 SAR 495

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$570 SAR 2,139

$339 SAR 1,273

$850 SAR 3,191

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$344 SAR 1,292

$233 SAR 874

$605 SAR 2,272

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$875 SAR 3,284

$531 SAR 1,993

$1,243 SAR 4,668

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$541 SAR 2,031

$393 SAR 1,474

$982 SAR 3,686

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$975 SAR 3,661

$596 SAR 2,237

$1,354 SAR 5,085

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$794 SAR 2,981

$511 SAR 1,920

$1,077 SAR 4,043

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$2,269 SAR 8,521

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

5.5

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

Last update: August 30, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $570 for a central one-bedroom, or $344 outside the center. At 25% of the average salary ($2,269), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $2,269, while typical expenses reach $1,076. This leaves solid room for saving and lifestyle spending.

Expect to spend about $187 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $35.00 for two – broadly in line with the Asian average.

Public transport is priced at around $35.84 per month – roughly in line with the Asian average of $34.00.

Cost Highlights

Internet is more expensive than 95% of cities in Asia

Gym membership is more expensive than 94% of cities in Asia

Average monthly net salary is higher than 90% of cities in Asia

Qatif 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 Qatif - Frequently Asked Questions

Qatif offers a value-forward balance for travelers, expats, and digital nomads. Compared with larger Gulf cities, you will often find lower daily costs for dining out, essentials, and housing options in quieter neighborhoods, while staying within reach of coastal leisure. The Cost of Living in Qatif, Saudi Arabia can feel quite favorable for those who calibrate expectations around amenities, climate, and seasonal demand. Look for midrange apartments near souqs, consider shorter commutes, and favor local eateries over tourist spots. Tip: plan visits during shoulder seasons to enjoy calmer streets and better deals.

Daily life in Qatif blends traditional markets with growing modern conveniences. Housing searches range from compact apartments in older blocks to newer compounds near the corniche, with options that suit a modest budget or a more comfortable setup. Food options span bustling souqs, bakeries, and modern cafes; local eateries and fresh seafood offer good value. For transport, rideshare apps, taxis, and walkable streets cover most needs, while car ownership helps for weekend trips. Errands are straightforward with a central market district and predictable hours. Qatif living cost remains comparatively stable through the week, with noticeable shifts during Ramadan and holiday periods. Tip: build a rough weekly plan to maximize time and savings.

Quality of life in Qatif hinges on smart budgeting, neighborhood fit, and flexible planning. Start with a simple framework: housing plus utilities, groceries and dining, transport, and occasional entertainment. Compare neighborhoods by access to markets, schools if relevant, and stroll-friendly promenades. In heat seasons, plan outdoor activities for early mornings or evenings and budget for cooling needs in a smart way. Seasonal shifts affect dining and festival flows; use crowded times to discover market deals or quiet periods to secure better options. Build a rotation of affordable eateries and plan weekend escapes to nearby coastal towns to balance downtime and cost. Tip: keep a monthly tracker to spot recurring savings opportunities.

With 25% of the average paycheck going to rent, Qatif is on the expensive side for housing. Many locals cope by sharing apartments, moving to outer neighborhoods, or downsizing to keep things manageable.

All in, Qatif runs about $1,076 monthly with rent, or $622 without it. These numbers assume a moderate lifestyle – comfortable but not lavish. Choosing a cheaper neighborhood and cooking at home are the easiest ways to spend less.

Earning $1,614 monthly in Qatif means you're living well – a one-bedroom, regular groceries, transport, and some entertainment without stress. That's the threshold where most residents feel genuinely comfortable rather than just getting by.

Rents for a 1-bedroom flat in Qatif range from $344 to $570, depending on location and condition. Central apartments sit at the top of that range; outer neighborhoods and suburbs deliver noticeably better value per square meter.

A monthly transit pass in Qatif runs about $35.84, with good coverage across residential and business areas. It's entirely feasible to live car-free here for daily commuting and errands.

At about $187 monthly, food costs in Qatif sit in moderate territory. A mix of local markets and supermarkets covers most needs at fair prices, and most residents eat well without having to pinch pennies.

Living on $2,000 in Qatif means careful planning, since monthly costs average $1,076. It works with a cheap apartment and disciplined spending, but expect trade-offs on where you live, how often you eat out, and entertainment.

Remote workers pick Qatif for good reason: fast internet, low crime rates, coastal lifestyle, all at about $1,076 per month including rent. It fits a wide range of remote salaries without compromising on comfort or connectivity.

Monthly expenses in Qatif run around $1,076, so putting money aside takes more than $1,614 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.