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 $1,152 including rent across Saudi Arabia.

Estimated average monthly cost for a couple: $1,756 including rent across Saudi Arabia.

Average monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,360 including rent across Saudi Arabia.

Living costs in Saudi Arabia vary widely – from $682 in more affordable cities to $1,736 in major hubs, spanning a $1,054 range across 33 cities.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$6.77 SAR 25.42

$4.06 SAR 15.24

$13.54 SAR 50.8

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$39.02 SAR 147

$26.02 SAR 97.7

$93.7 SAR 352

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.83 SAR 29.38

$6.53 SAR 24.50

$9.14 SAR 34.30

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.83 SAR 6.88

$1.31 SAR 4.91

$3.68 SAR 13.80

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.81 SAR 6.80

$1.29 SAR 4.86

$3.63 SAR 13.65

Cappuccino

$3.71 SAR 13.94

$1.62 SAR 6.07

$5.39 SAR 20.24

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

$0.79 SAR 2.96

$0.68 SAR 2.53

$1.35 SAR 5.07

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.25 SAR 0.94

$0.17 SAR 0.65

$0.51 SAR 1.91

Milk (1 liter)

$1.72 SAR 6.47

$1.34 SAR 5.02

$2.69 SAR 10.09

White Bread (500g)

$1.01 SAR 3.79

$0.26 SAR 0.96

$2.10 SAR 7.87

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.23 SAR 8.38

$1.36 SAR 5.10

$3.27 SAR 12.28

Eggs

$2.48 SAR 9.32

$1.55 SAR 5.84

$4.04 SAR 15.16

Local Cheese (1kg)

$7.21 SAR 27.07

$3.88 SAR 14.56

$12.94 SAR 48.57

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$8.30 SAR 31.17

$4.08 SAR 15.34

$11.99 SAR 45.00

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$13.24 SAR 49.69

$7.99 SAR 29.98

$18.65 SAR 70.0

Apples (1kg)

$2.24 SAR 8.42

$1.35 SAR 5.07

$3.26 SAR 12.22

Banana (1kg)

$1.76 SAR 6.61

$1.35 SAR 5.07

$2.98 SAR 11.19

Oranges (1kg)

$1.70 SAR 6.39

$1.05 SAR 3.94

$2.89 SAR 10.85

Tomato (1kg)

$1.59 SAR 5.98

$0.77 SAR 2.88

$2.57 SAR 9.66

Potato (1kg)

$1.32 SAR 4.96

$0.80 SAR 2.99

$2.14 SAR 8.03

Onion (1kg)

$1.33 SAR 4.98

$0.77 SAR 2.89

$2.32 SAR 8.71

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.19 SAR 4.48

$0.39 SAR 1.47

$2.33 SAR 8.73

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.58 SAR 2.17

$0.39 SAR 1.47

$1.04 SAR 3.89

Bottle of Non-Alcoholic Wine (Mid-Range)

$4.24 SAR 15.93

$1.36 SAR 5.09

$10.88 SAR 40.85

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.71 SAR 6.42

$1.07 SAR 4.03

$2.54 SAR 9.54

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.21 SAR 8.30

$1.33 SAR 4.98

$3.73 SAR 14.00

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$7.23 SAR 27.14

$6.45 SAR 24.21

$9.03 SAR 33.90

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.07 SAR 4.03

$0.92 SAR 3.46

$1.34 SAR 5.02

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$36.96 SAR 139

$15.84 SAR 59.5

$55.4 SAR 208

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.70 SAR 10.12

$2.16 SAR 8.10

$5.39 SAR 20.25

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.59 SAR 9.74

$0.77 SAR 2.90

$2.59 SAR 9.74

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$13.48 SAR 50.6

$8.08 SAR 30.35

$26.96 SAR 101

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.65 SAR 2.44

$0.61 SAR 2.28

$0.65 SAR 2.44

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

$65.0K SAR 244.0K

$26.0K SAR 97.6K

$65.0K SAR 244.0K

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

$21.2K SAR 79.7K

$20.9K SAR 78.4K

$22.4K SAR 84.0K

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

$97.2 SAR 365

$60.6 SAR 227

$200 SAR 753

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

$32.07 SAR 120

$18.55 SAR 69.7

$53.0 SAR 199

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$67.5 SAR 253

$52.8 SAR 198

$92.3 SAR 347

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$84.8 SAR 318

$53.4 SAR 200

$160 SAR 601

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$39.98 SAR 150

$20.99 SAR 78.8

$55.2 SAR 207

Cinema Ticket

$14.06 SAR 52.8

$10.41 SAR 39.08

$20.83 SAR 78.2

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

$433 SAR 1,627

$187 SAR 703

$830 SAR 3,115

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$9,197 SAR 34.5K

$4,306 SAR 16.2K

$19.4K SAR 72.8K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$45.41 SAR 170

$15.78 SAR 59.3

$105 SAR 395

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$56.6 SAR 212

$26.53 SAR 99.6

$92.9 SAR 349

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$90.7 SAR 340

$53.8 SAR 202

$134 SAR 505

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$87.2 SAR 328

$46.99 SAR 176

$134 SAR 504

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$599 SAR 2,249

$265 SAR 996

$1,327 SAR 4,980

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$446 SAR 1,674

$239 SAR 896

$1,061 SAR 3,983

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$985 SAR 3,699

$482 SAR 1,808

$2,542 SAR 9,542

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$666 SAR 2,500

$398 SAR 1,495

$1,380 SAR 5,183

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,300 SAR 8,635

$1,052 SAR 3,950

$4,893 SAR 18.4K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,362 SAR 5,113

$635 SAR 2,383

$3,024 SAR 11.4K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$1,859 SAR 6,979

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

5.41

6.5

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

Last update: August 30, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: $569 in Saudi Arabia. For reference, capital rent is $1,189 in Riyadh, and $667 in Khafji.

National average salary: $1,949. With average costs at $1,152, the salary-to-cost ratio is favorable for most workers.

Expect to spend about $200 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant averages $40.00 for two.

In Riyadh (capital), expect about $1,736 per month, while Khafji offers the lowest costs at $682 – which city you pick has a tangible effect on the budget.

Cost Highlights

Overall living costs ($1,152) is 16% below the global median of $1,374.

Dining out ($40.00) is 18% below the global median of $49.00.

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 $682 to $1,736 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. Khafji 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.