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 $1,074 monthly including rent, or $763 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,666 with rent, or $1,348 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,258 including rent, or $1,934 for daily expenses alone.

Qatif sits about 20% below the global median. Within Asia, costs are slightly above average (6%) – still relatively affordable for the region.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$3.53 SAR 13.27

$2.72 SAR 10.20

$13.60 SAR 51.1

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$48.80 SAR 183

$27.10 SAR 102

$62.4 SAR 234

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$8.08 SAR 30.34

$6.73 SAR 25.29

$9.43 SAR 35.43

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.83 SAR 6.86

$1.30 SAR 4.88

$3.91 SAR 14.67

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.84 SAR 6.91

$1.31 SAR 4.91

$3.93 SAR 14.78

Cappuccino

$3.69 SAR 13.85

$1.35 SAR 5.07

$6.77 SAR 25.41

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

$0.82 SAR 3.06

$0.68 SAR 2.56

$1.35 SAR 5.09

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.28 SAR 1.06

$0.84 SAR 3.14

Milk (1 liter)

$1.71 SAR 6.43

$1.36 SAR 5.09

$2.45 SAR 9.19

White Bread (500g)

$0.88 SAR 3.29

$0.28 SAR 1.06

$1.95 SAR 7.33

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.11 SAR 7.91

$1.18 SAR 4.41

$2.72 SAR 10.21

Eggs

$2.31 SAR 8.69

$1.64 SAR 6.15

$4.59 SAR 17.22

Local Cheese (1kg)

$6.32 SAR 23.72

$3.82 SAR 14.34

$12.27 SAR 46.09

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$7.25 SAR 27.23

$4.25 SAR 15.95

$11.96 SAR 44.90

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$10.11 SAR 37.98

$7.08 SAR 26.58

$16.33 SAR 61.3

Apples (1kg)

$2.17 SAR 8.14

$1.34 SAR 5.04

$4.30 SAR 16.14

Banana (1kg)

$1.54 SAR 5.78

$1.36 SAR 5.09

$5.03 SAR 18.88

Oranges (1kg)

$1.43 SAR 5.38

$0.81 SAR 3.03

$2.42 SAR 9.09

Tomato (1kg)

$0.76 SAR 2.85

$0.70 SAR 2.61

$2.47 SAR 9.28

Potato (1kg)

$1.22 SAR 4.58

$0.52 SAR 1.94

$1.56 SAR 5.86

Onion (1kg)

$1.34 SAR 5.03

$1.05 SAR 3.96

$2.10 SAR 7.88

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.15 SAR 4.32

$0.54 SAR 2.03

$2.13 SAR 7.99

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.52 SAR 1.94

$0.78 SAR 2.94

Bottle of Non-Alcoholic Wine (Mid-Range)

$2.68 SAR 10.05

$1.61 SAR 6.05

$12.85 SAR 48.27

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.61 SAR 6.04

$1.08 SAR 4.06

$2.69 SAR 10.11

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.98 SAR 7.44

$1.08 SAR 4.06

$2.69 SAR 10.09

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$7.80 SAR 29.28

$6.72 SAR 25.23

$11.29 SAR 42.39

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.04 SAR 3.91

$0.92 SAR 3.47

$1.29 SAR 4.86

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$40.31 SAR 151

$16.13 SAR 60.6

$53.7 SAR 202

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.29 SAR 12.35

$1.64 SAR 6.17

$5.48 SAR 20.57

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.64 SAR 6.16

$0.54 SAR 2.04

$4.10 SAR 15.40

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$13.48 SAR 50.6

$8.09 SAR 30.38

$32.36 SAR 122

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.65 SAR 2.43

$0.61 SAR 2.27

$0.70 SAR 2.63

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

$22.4K SAR 84.0K

$21.1K SAR 79.1K

$35.5K SAR 133.5K

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

$19.8K SAR 74.4K

$22.6K SAR 84.9K

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

$106 SAR 398

$76.3 SAR 287

$189 SAR 708

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

$37.03 SAR 139

$18.78 SAR 70.5

$53.7 SAR 202

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$59.7 SAR 224

$53.1 SAR 199

$77.0 SAR 289

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$95.5 SAR 359

$56.2 SAR 211

$135 SAR 506

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$56.9 SAR 214

$21.19 SAR 79.6

$92.7 SAR 348

Cinema Ticket

$15.13 SAR 56.8

$13.15 SAR 49.40

$17.10 SAR 64.2

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

$392 SAR 1,472

$183 SAR 687

$588 SAR 2,208

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$8,325 SAR 31.3K

$6,714 SAR 25.2K

$9,668 SAR 36.3K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$51.7 SAR 194

$15.92 SAR 59.8

$159 SAR 598

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$49.87 SAR 187

$21.00 SAR 78.9

$131 SAR 493

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$90.4 SAR 340

$52.5 SAR 197

$131 SAR 493

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$84.7 SAR 318

$73.8 SAR 277

$198 SAR 742

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$357 SAR 1,340

$211 SAR 794

$502 SAR 1,885

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$290 SAR 1,089

$216 SAR 810

$364 SAR 1,368

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$698 SAR 2,620

$526 SAR 1,976

$910 SAR 3,416

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$491 SAR 1,846

$333 SAR 1,250

$742 SAR 2,786

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$943 SAR 3,541

$576 SAR 2,164

$1,310 SAR 4,919

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$788 SAR 2,960

$508 SAR 1,907

$1,069 SAR 4,014

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$2,281 SAR 8,565

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: July 13, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $357 for a central one-bedroom, or $290 outside the center. At 16% of the average salary ($2,281), rent is manageable but leaves limited room for savings.

Average take-home pay sits at $2,281, while typical expenses reach $1,074. This leaves solid room for saving and lifestyle spending.

Expect to spend about $176 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $49.00 for two – above the Asian average of $35.00.

Public transport is priced at around $40.31 per month – above the Asian average of $31.00.

Cost Highlights

Gym membership is more expensive than 97% of cities in Asia

Internet is more expensive than 95% of cities in Asia

Average monthly net salary is higher than 91% 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.

About 16% of the average paycheck in Qatif goes to rent, which is fairly typical worldwide. It's not dirt cheap, but most residents manage housing costs alongside everyday expenses without major sacrifices.

All in, Qatif runs about $1,074 monthly with rent, or $763 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 $1,611 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 $290 to $357, 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 $40.31, with good coverage across residential and business areas. It's entirely feasible to live car-free here for daily commuting and errands.

At about $176 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 $1,074. 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 $1,074 per month including rent. It fits a wide range of remote salaries without compromising on comfort or connectivity.

Monthly expenses in Qatif run around $1,074, so putting money aside takes more than $1,611 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.