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 $1,085 monthly including rent, or $581 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,695 with rent, or $1,030 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,304 including rent, or $1,479 for daily expenses alone.

Qatif sits about 19% below the global median. Within Asia, costs are slightly above average (4%) – still relatively affordable for the region.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$3.41 SAR 12.78

$2.62 SAR 9.83

$13.11 SAR 49.21

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$48.15 SAR 181

$26.75 SAR 100

$61.5 SAR 231

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.98 SAR 29.94

$6.65 SAR 24.95

$9.31 SAR 34.96

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.82 SAR 6.84

$1.30 SAR 4.86

$3.90 SAR 14.62

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.85 SAR 6.94

$1.31 SAR 4.93

$3.95 SAR 14.84

Cappuccino

$3.57 SAR 13.40

$1.31 SAR 4.91

$6.55 SAR 24.58

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

$0.81 SAR 3.05

$0.68 SAR 2.56

$1.35 SAR 5.08

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.26 SAR 0.97

$0.77 SAR 2.87

Milk (1 liter)

$1.67 SAR 6.26

$1.32 SAR 4.96

$2.38 SAR 8.95

White Bread (500g)

$0.88 SAR 3.28

$0.28 SAR 1.06

$1.95 SAR 7.31

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.04 SAR 7.67

$1.14 SAR 4.28

$2.64 SAR 9.91

Eggs

$2.24 SAR 8.39

$1.58 SAR 5.94

$4.43 SAR 16.64

Local Cheese (1kg)

$6.02 SAR 22.58

$3.64 SAR 13.65

$11.69 SAR 43.88

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$7.12 SAR 26.72

$4.17 SAR 15.66

$11.74 SAR 44.07

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$10.07 SAR 37.80

$7.05 SAR 26.46

$16.27 SAR 61.1

Apples (1kg)

$2.19 SAR 8.24

$1.36 SAR 5.10

$4.35 SAR 16.32

Banana (1kg)

$1.55 SAR 5.82

$1.37 SAR 5.13

$5.06 SAR 19.01

Oranges (1kg)

$1.46 SAR 5.47

$0.82 SAR 3.08

$2.47 SAR 9.25

Tomato (1kg)

$0.75 SAR 2.83

$0.69 SAR 2.60

$2.46 SAR 9.23

Potato (1kg)

$1.28 SAR 4.81

$0.54 SAR 2.04

$1.64 SAR 6.16

Onion (1kg)

$1.33 SAR 4.98

$1.04 SAR 3.92

$2.08 SAR 7.79

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.11 SAR 4.15

$0.52 SAR 1.95

$2.05 SAR 7.68

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.55 SAR 2.07

$0.83 SAR 3.12

Bottle of Non-Alcoholic Wine (Mid-Range)

$2.65 SAR 9.94

$1.59 SAR 5.98

$12.73 SAR 47.79

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.54 SAR 5.79

$1.04 SAR 3.90

$2.58 SAR 9.69

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.97 SAR 7.40

$1.08 SAR 4.04

$2.67 SAR 10.04

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$7.56 SAR 28.38

$6.51 SAR 24.45

$10.95 SAR 41.08

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.10 SAR 4.13

$0.98 SAR 3.66

$1.37 SAR 5.13

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$40.22 SAR 151

$16.09 SAR 60.4

$53.6 SAR 201

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.19 SAR 11.97

$1.59 SAR 5.99

$5.31 SAR 19.94

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.61 SAR 6.05

$0.53 SAR 2.00

$4.03 SAR 15.13

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$13.12 SAR 49.23

$7.87 SAR 29.53

$31.48 SAR 118

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.60 SAR 2.27

$0.57 SAR 2.12

$0.65 SAR 2.45

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

$23.0K SAR 86.3K

$21.6K SAR 81.2K

$36.5K SAR 137.0K

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

$19.8K SAR 74.5K

$22.6K SAR 85.0K

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

$106 SAR 399

$76.7 SAR 288

$190 SAR 711

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

$36.49 SAR 137

$18.51 SAR 69.5

$52.9 SAR 198

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$59.3 SAR 223

$52.7 SAR 198

$76.4 SAR 287

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$93.5 SAR 351

$55.0 SAR 207

$132 SAR 496

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$56.3 SAR 211

$20.94 SAR 78.6

$91.6 SAR 344

Cinema Ticket

$15.15 SAR 56.9

$13.18 SAR 49.45

$17.13 SAR 64.3

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

$394 SAR 1,480

$184 SAR 691

$591 SAR 2,220

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$8,379 SAR 31.4K

$6,757 SAR 25.4K

$9,730 SAR 36.5K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$52.4 SAR 197

$16.13 SAR 60.5

$161 SAR 605

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$51.0 SAR 191

$21.47 SAR 80.6

$134 SAR 503

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$90.3 SAR 339

$52.5 SAR 197

$131 SAR 492

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$87.3 SAR 328

$76.0 SAR 285

$204 SAR 764

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$361 SAR 1,355

$214 SAR 803

$508 SAR 1,907

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$292 SAR 1,096

$217 SAR 816

$367 SAR 1,377

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$720 SAR 2,703

$543 SAR 2,038

$939 SAR 3,524

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$488 SAR 1,832

$331 SAR 1,241

$737 SAR 2,766

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$942 SAR 3,534

$575 SAR 2,160

$1,308 SAR 4,908

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$797 SAR 2,991

$513 SAR 1,927

$1,081 SAR 4,056

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$2,301 SAR 8,635

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

4.33

2.99

5.5

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

Last update: May 30, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $361 for a central one-bedroom, or $292 outside the center. At 16% of the average salary ($2,301), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $2,301, while typical expenses reach $1,085. This leaves solid room for saving and lifestyle spending.

Expect to spend about $174 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $48.00 for two – above the Asian average of $35.00.

Public transport is priced at around $40.22 per month – roughly in line with the Asian average of $31.00.

Cost Highlights

Gym membership is more expensive than 96% of cities in Asia

Internet is more expensive than 95% 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 16% 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 $1,085 monthly with rent, or $581 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 $1,627 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 $292 to $361, 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 $40.22, with good coverage across residential and business areas. It's entirely feasible to live car-free here for daily commuting and errands.

Groceries in Qatif cost around $174 monthly – well below what you'd pay in most cities. Fresh produce, staples, and locally made goods are all well-priced, so eating well on a budget is straightforward here.

$1,200 stretches far in Qatif – all-in monthly costs average only $1,085. The surplus means you can build savings, travel a bit, and live above the local average without much effort.

Remote workers pick Qatif for good reason: fast internet, low crime rates, coastal lifestyle, all at about $1,085 per month including rent. It fits a wide range of remote salaries without compromising on comfort or connectivity.

Monthly expenses in Qatif run around $1,085, so putting money aside takes more than $1,627 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.