Cost of Living in Saudi Arabia - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: Saudi Arabia
Address: SA

Monthly Cost of Living

Average monthly costs for a single person come to about $1,170 including rent across Saudi Arabia.

Estimated average monthly cost for a couple: $1,795 including rent across Saudi Arabia.

Average monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,419 including rent across Saudi Arabia.

Living costs in Saudi Arabia vary widely – from $916 in more affordable cities to $1,758 in major hubs, spanning a $842 range across 33 cities.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$6.64 SAR 24.94

$3.99 SAR 14.98

$13.28 SAR 49.88

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$39.85 SAR 150

$26.56 SAR 99.8

$80.5 SAR 302

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$8.23 SAR 30.90

$6.86 SAR 25.76

$9.61 SAR 36.08

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.84 SAR 6.92

$1.05 SAR 3.96

$3.15 SAR 11.85

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.83 SAR 6.86

$1.30 SAR 4.88

$3.12 SAR 11.73

Cappuccino

$3.57 SAR 13.40

$1.57 SAR 5.91

$5.90 SAR 22.15

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

$0.71 SAR 2.67

$0.64 SAR 2.42

$1.03 SAR 3.87

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.25 SAR 0.94

$0.14 SAR 0.54

$0.51 SAR 1.91

Milk (1 liter)

$1.67 SAR 6.28

$1.32 SAR 4.94

$2.37 SAR 8.92

White Bread (500g)

$0.98 SAR 3.66

$0.26 SAR 0.99

$1.82 SAR 6.85

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.24 SAR 8.42

$1.35 SAR 5.07

$2.97 SAR 11.16

Eggs

$2.49 SAR 9.36

$1.58 SAR 5.92

$4.73 SAR 17.75

Local Cheese (1kg)

$7.17 SAR 26.92

$3.93 SAR 14.77

$15.72 SAR 59.1

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$7.90 SAR 29.67

$3.91 SAR 14.69

$11.73 SAR 44.04

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$13.00 SAR 48.83

$7.96 SAR 29.88

$18.57 SAR 69.7

Apples (1kg)

$2.11 SAR 7.94

$1.30 SAR 4.86

$3.12 SAR 11.70

Banana (1kg)

$1.67 SAR 6.28

$1.36 SAR 5.09

$2.71 SAR 10.18

Oranges (1kg)

$1.70 SAR 6.38

$0.82 SAR 3.08

$2.72 SAR 10.23

Tomato (1kg)

$1.63 SAR 6.11

$0.81 SAR 3.05

$2.44 SAR 9.16

Potato (1kg)

$1.35 SAR 5.06

$0.74 SAR 2.78

$2.19 SAR 8.23

Onion (1kg)

$1.31 SAR 4.91

$0.79 SAR 2.95

$2.09 SAR 7.86

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.23 SAR 4.63

$0.40 SAR 1.52

$2.43 SAR 9.11

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.57 SAR 2.14

$0.39 SAR 1.45

$1.03 SAR 3.88

Bottle of Non-Alcoholic Wine (Mid-Range)

$4.08 SAR 15.31

$1.31 SAR 4.91

$10.45 SAR 39.25

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.70 SAR 6.40

$1.06 SAR 3.98

$2.63 SAR 9.89

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.08 SAR 7.80

$1.32 SAR 4.94

$3.17 SAR 11.89

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$7.39 SAR 27.77

$6.33 SAR 23.78

$9.25 SAR 34.73

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.10 SAR 4.12

$0.82 SAR 3.08

$1.37 SAR 5.13

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$37.63 SAR 141

$13.44 SAR 50.5

$56.4 SAR 212

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.64 SAR 9.91

$2.11 SAR 7.94

$5.29 SAR 19.87

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.63 SAR 9.88

$0.79 SAR 2.96

$3.15 SAR 11.84

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$13.20 SAR 49.58

$7.92 SAR 29.74

$26.40 SAR 99.2

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.59 SAR 2.23

$0.56 SAR 2.09

$0.60 SAR 2.27

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

$25.3K SAR 95.0K

$19.9K SAR 74.6K

$39.5K SAR 148.3K

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

$22.1K SAR 83.0K

$20.0K SAR 75.2K

$25.2K SAR 94.6K

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

$106 SAR 397

$66.2 SAR 248

$198 SAR 745

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

$33.57 SAR 126

$19.99 SAR 75.1

$49.04 SAR 184

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$71.0 SAR 267

$53.0 SAR 199

$98.0 SAR 368

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$94.3 SAR 354

$53.6 SAR 201

$161 SAR 604

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$41.11 SAR 154

$21.00 SAR 78.9

$57.9 SAR 217

Cinema Ticket

$16.31 SAR 61.3

$12.23 SAR 45.92

$21.74 SAR 81.7

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

$347 SAR 1,304

$158 SAR 593

$658 SAR 2,471

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$7,026 SAR 26.4K

$3,941 SAR 14.8K

$14.4K SAR 54.3K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$52.5 SAR 197

$17.60 SAR 66.1

$108 SAR 407

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$58.3 SAR 219

$21.22 SAR 79.7

$106 SAR 398

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$93.3 SAR 350

$52.6 SAR 197

$137 SAR 513

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$81.9 SAR 308

$39.33 SAR 148

$157 SAR 591

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$493 SAR 1,851

$271 SAR 1,017

$1,219 SAR 4,577

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$408 SAR 1,532

$217 SAR 813

$1,083 SAR 4,066

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$903 SAR 3,390

$488 SAR 1,834

$2,713 SAR 10.2K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$645 SAR 2,421

$405 SAR 1,520

$1,403 SAR 5,270

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,240 SAR 8,414

$1,062 SAR 3,986

$4,936 SAR 18.5K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,281 SAR 4,812

$677 SAR 2,543

$2,979 SAR 11.2K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$1,854 SAR 6,963

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

4.65

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

Last update: July 13, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: $420 in Saudi Arabia. For reference, capital rent is $1,110 in Riyadh, and $215 in Taif.

National average salary: $1,949. With average costs at $1,170, the salary-to-cost ratio is favorable for most workers.

Expect to spend about $195 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant averages $40.00 for two.

In Riyadh (capital), expect about $1,758 per month, while Taif offers the lowest costs at $916 – which city you pick has a tangible effect on the budget.

Cost Highlights

Overall living costs ($1,170) is 12% below the global median of $1,336.

Average rent ($420) is 33% below the global median of $631.

Dining out ($40.00) is 17% below the global median of $48.00.

Public transport ($40.00) is 21% above the global median of $33.00.

By City in Saudi Arabia

Lowest

Highest

Rank	City	Population	Living Index	Solo costs (no rent) / month	Solo costs (with rent) / month	Family of 3 costs (no rent) / month	Family of 3 costs (with rent) / month	Mobile download speed (Mbps)	Internet download speed (Mbps)
1	Abha	236157	57	$853	$1,132	$2,093	$2,643	250.91	174.02
2	Ad Dammam	903312	61	$649	$1,211	$1,722	$2,503	240.4	192.9
3	Al Hufuf	660788	52	$632	$1,037	$1,494	$2,186	204.55	135.41
4	AL Kharj	-	48	$672	$943	$1,376	$2,050	180.15	174.59
5	Al Khobar	219679	67	$867	$1,332	$2,182	$2,868	246.03	199.81
6	Al Majma'ah	-	62	$860	$1,235	$2,109	$2,630	-	-
7	Al Mubarraz	-	64	$811	$1,270	$1,760	$2,660	241.45	135.41
8	Al-hawiyah	148151	61	$811	$1,204	$1,723	$2,504	174.49	175.62
9	Al-Ula	32413	61	$693	$1,194	$1,534	$2,489	354.74	115.6
10	Ar-rass	121359	58	$634	$1,174	$1,535	$2,431	92.67	84.67
11	Arar	167057	61	$734	$1,198	$1,883	$2,501	78.9	149.79
12	Buraydah	467410	60	$780	$1,224	$1,804	$2,768	115.44	148.12
13	Dammam	903312	61	$734	$1,219	$1,734	$2,542	25.38	192.9
14	Dhahran	120521	66	$854	$1,302	$1,696	$2,697	172.49	232.13
15	Ha'il	310897	51	$636	$1,017	$1,344	$1,897	62.88	171.2
16	Hafar Al Batin	271642	60	$790	$1,195	$1,521	$2,403	167.06	162.93
17	Jeddah	3430697	61	$624	$1,218	$1,876	$2,474	28.17	202.02
18	Jizan	127743	51	$691	$1,024	$1,744	$2,168	64.46	103.14
19	Jubail	337778	53	$740	$1,048	$1,756	$2,281	149.89	178.69
20	Khafji	67012	59	$694	$1,189	$1,796	$2,419	6.84	162.2
21	Khamis Mushayt	430828	48	$851	$966	$1,556	$2,163	18.33	168.41
22	Mecca	1675368	53	$619	$1,041	$1,568	$2,721	18.99	176.49
23	Medina	1100093	74	$604	$1,451	$1,758	$2,255	281.74	191.79
24	Najran	298288	53	$817	$1,056	$1,923	$2,257	9.39	140.68
25	Qatif	87332	54	$763	$1,074	$1,934	$2,258	56.07	175.27
26	Rabigh	92072	57	$577	$1,134	$1,268	$2,252	297.26	89.29
27	Riyadh	5188286	89	$882	$1,758	$1,936	$3,192	160.2	207.47
28	Sakakah	242813	59	$614	$1,191	$1,734	$2,079	98.72	107.34
29	Tabuk	512629	67	$721	$1,311	$1,982	$2,672	117.63	178.85
30	Taif	579970	46	$730	$916	$1,695	$2,023	231.07	195.61
31	Umluj	37757	61	$683	$1,218	$1,581	$2,463	182.97	135.05
32	Unaizah	163729	58	$719	$1,149	$1,482	$2,348	147.56	146
33	Yanbu	233236	50	$614	$988	$1,765	$2,021	208.06	173.79

Saudi Arabia 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

Cost of Living in Saudi Arabia - Frequently Asked Questions

Cost of Living in Saudi Arabia is a useful framework to compare neighborhoods, cities, and your lifestyle choices on arrival. In Riyadh or Jeddah, housing and utilities can occupy a larger portion of your budget, while smaller towns tend to be more affordable. You may also see savings from domestic services, moderate grocery costs, and a car-friendly layout. Public transit quality varies, but ride-hailing and well-planned developments ease getting around. Seasonal heat drives cooling needs, yet modern compounds and amenities help keep costs predictable. Optimize your budget with longer leases, shared housing, and shopping at local markets for staples. Tip: Start with a short, flexible lease and compare neighborhoods by commute, amenities, and climate.

Daily life blends modern convenience with regional flavor. You'll find housing options from secure compounds to affordable apartments; seek leases that include utilities or offer flexible terms. Food choices span lively markets, casual eateries, and international supermarkets. Transport leans car-centric in many areas, with ride-hailing and limited public transit as practical options. For work or study, co-working spaces and cafes can be your go-to spots. Plan errands around prayer times and traffic rhythms. Having visibility into Saudi Arabia living cost helps you budget for housing, groceries, and utilities as you plan a stay. Tip: Map out a few reliable neighborhoods and set up a tour before you commit to a lease.

Quality of life in Saudi Arabia often comes from neighborhood fit, daily routines, and smart budgeting. Use a simple framework: essentials, flexible extras, and savings. Look for neighborhoods with good services, green spaces, and walkable streets that fit your pace. Be mindful of climate-driven energy use in summer; choosing energy-efficient housing and sensible cooling can keep bills reasonable. Balance dining out with market purchases and home cooking, and leverage coworking spaces to manage work-life balance. If you travel seasonally, plan trips during shoulder periods when crowds and prices ease. Tip: Prioritize areas with easy access to supermarkets, healthcare, and safe public spaces to reduce errand time.

By international standards, Saudi Arabia is moderately priced. Smaller cities offer better deals, while capitals run higher. Most visitors and residents find costs manageable without extreme budgeting.

As of 2026, living expenses in Saudi Arabia span $916 to $1,758 monthly. Capitals and tourist hotspots sit at the top end; provincial towns offer substantially cheaper living.

Outside the capital and tourist areas, costs in Saudi Arabia drop fast. Taif is one of the best budget options – lower costs without giving up access to essential services and everyday amenities.

$1,000 supports a modest but comfortable life in the smaller cities of Saudi Arabia, but feels tight in Riyadh. Rent is the deciding factor – keep housing costs low and the rest of the budget opens up.

Living costs in Saudi Arabia are average by world standards. Regional cities offer better value than Riyadh, and most residents with steady jobs or remote income find things manageable.