Last update: Oct 2026 33M

Cost of Living in Saudi Arabia

Name: Saudi Arabia
Address: SA

Across Saudi Arabia, living costs for one person average $1,255 a month, including rent and utilities, which take more than a third of the total. Other living expenses average about $24 a day.

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🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Saudi Arabia

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Saudi Arabia actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

Average monthly costs for a single person come to about $1,255 including rent across Saudi Arabia.

$1,255 /mo

Estimated average monthly cost for a couple: $1,878 including rent across Saudi Arabia.

$1,878 /mo

Average monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,501 including rent across Saudi Arabia.

$2,501 /mo

Living costs in Saudi Arabia vary widely – from $675 in the most affordable city to $1,738 in the most expensive one, spanning a $1,063 range across 33 cities.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$6.56 SAR 24.60

$3.93 SAR 14.76

$13.12 SAR 49.23

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$39.20 SAR 147

$26.13 SAR 98.1

$94.1 SAR 353

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.89 SAR 29.60

$6.56 SAR 24.63

$9.20 SAR 34.52

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.97 SAR 7.39

$1.36 SAR 5.10

$4.07 SAR 15.29

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.92 SAR 7.19

$1.32 SAR 4.96

$3.96 SAR 14.87

Cappuccino

$3.56 SAR 13.36

$1.55 SAR 5.82

$5.16 SAR 19.36

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

$0.74 SAR 2.77

$0.65 SAR 2.45

$1.29 SAR 4.85

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.27 SAR 1.02

$0.19 SAR 0.71

$0.42 SAR 1.58

Milk (1 liter)

$1.69 SAR 6.34

$1.30 SAR 4.87

$2.60 SAR 9.74

White Bread (500g)

$1.06 SAR 3.97

$0.26 SAR 0.98

$2.07 SAR 7.76

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.18 SAR 8.17

$1.32 SAR 4.96

$3.17 SAR 11.91

Eggs

$2.51 SAR 9.42

$1.56 SAR 5.87

$4.06 SAR 15.22

Local Cheese (1kg)

$7.64 SAR 28.68

$4.10 SAR 15.38

$16.40 SAR 61.6

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$7.80 SAR 29.27

$3.88 SAR 14.56

$11.65 SAR 43.72

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$13.02 SAR 48.87

$7.86 SAR 29.49

$18.33 SAR 68.8

Apples (1kg)

$2.17 SAR 8.14

$1.31 SAR 4.90

$3.13 SAR 11.75

Banana (1kg)

$1.77 SAR 6.65

$1.35 SAR 5.08

$2.98 SAR 11.19

Oranges (1kg)

$1.73 SAR 6.49

$1.05 SAR 3.93

$3.15 SAR 11.83

Tomato (1kg)

$1.62 SAR 6.10

$0.79 SAR 2.97

$2.64 SAR 9.89

Potato (1kg)

$1.28 SAR 4.81

$0.78 SAR 2.94

$2.08 SAR 7.82

Onion (1kg)

$1.32 SAR 4.94

$0.79 SAR 2.95

$2.36 SAR 8.84

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.28 SAR 4.81

$0.41 SAR 1.54

$2.46 SAR 9.24

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.58 SAR 2.16

$0.39 SAR 1.46

$1.03 SAR 3.88

Bottle of Non-Alcoholic Wine (Mid-Range)

$4.21 SAR 15.80

$1.35 SAR 5.06

$12.97 SAR 48.66

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.66 SAR 6.21

$1.05 SAR 3.94

$2.40 SAR 9.00

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.15 SAR 8.07

$1.30 SAR 4.88

$3.12 SAR 11.69

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$7.59 SAR 28.49

$6.51 SAR 24.43

$9.50 SAR 35.64

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.08 SAR 4.06

$0.94 SAR 3.53

$1.36 SAR 5.10

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$36.85 SAR 138

$22.89 SAR 85.9

$67.1 SAR 252

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.73 SAR 10.23

$2.18 SAR 8.19

$5.45 SAR 20.47

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.64 SAR 9.91

$0.79 SAR 2.98

$3.17 SAR 11.89

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$13.19 SAR 49.51

$7.92 SAR 29.72

$26.39 SAR 99.0

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.59 SAR 2.22

$0.55 SAR 2.07

$0.59 SAR 2.22

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

$65.5K SAR 245.7K

$26.2K SAR 98.3K

$65.5K SAR 245.7K

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

$21.6K SAR 81.0K

$21.2K SAR 79.5K

$23.2K SAR 87.1K

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

$98.5 SAR 369

$60.7 SAR 228

$201 SAR 754

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

$31.34 SAR 118

$18.33 SAR 68.8

$52.4 SAR 197

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$67.9 SAR 255

$53.1 SAR 199

$92.9 SAR 349

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$86.8 SAR 326

$54.2 SAR 203

$163 SAR 610

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$38.33 SAR 144

$19.83 SAR 74.4

$55.6 SAR 209

Cinema Ticket

$13.67 SAR 51.3

$10.52 SAR 39.47

$21.03 SAR 78.9

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

$432 SAR 1,620

$190 SAR 712

$840 SAR 3,153

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$8,904 SAR 33.4K

$3,932 SAR 14.8K

$18.9K SAR 70.8K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$48.65 SAR 183

$17.54 SAR 65.8

$108 SAR 405

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$56.3 SAR 211

$26.61 SAR 99.9

$93.2 SAR 350

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$89.1 SAR 334

$53.4 SAR 200

$133 SAR 500

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$87.5 SAR 328

$47.28 SAR 177

$135 SAR 507

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$598 SAR 2,244

$261 SAR 979

$1,305 SAR 4,897

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$434 SAR 1,629

$238 SAR 894

$1,059 SAR 3,974

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$976 SAR 3,663

$483 SAR 1,814

$2,551 SAR 9,572

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$668 SAR 2,505

$402 SAR 1,509

$1,394 SAR 5,230

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,326 SAR 8,727

$1,064 SAR 3,992

$4,947 SAR 18.6K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,375 SAR 5,161

$641 SAR 2,405

$3,055 SAR 11.5K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$1,885 SAR 7,072

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

5.4

6.5

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

Last update: October 10, 2026

Monthly budget structure

Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.

Saudi Arabia $1,255

Accommodation & Living

$434 34.6%

Groceries & Markets

$202 16.1%

Monthly Utilities & Internet

$198 15.8%

Clothing & Footwear

$127 10.1%

Eating Out

$123 9.8%

Sport & Entertainment

$114 9.1%

Getting Around

$57 4.6%

Cost Breakdown

Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: $546 in Saudi Arabia. For reference, capital rent is $1,179 in Riyadh, and $678 in Khafji.

National average salary: $1,947. With average costs at $1,255, the salary-to-cost ratio is favorable for most workers.

Expect to spend about $203 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant averages $40.00 for two.

In Riyadh (capital), expect about $1,738 per month, while Khafji offers the lowest costs at $675 – which city you pick has a tangible effect on the budget.

Cost Highlights

Overall cost of living ($1,255) is 7% below the global median of $1,350.

Average rent ($546) is 16% below the global median of $652.

Dinner for two at a restaurant ($40.00) is 17% below the global median of $48.00.

Good to know

🕒 Local time

19:50 7:50 PM

🌤 Weather

👥 Population

33,000,000

💱 Currency

Saudi Riyal SAR ر.س

📈 Exchange rate

1 SAR = 0.266 USD

1 SAR = 0.237 EUR

Exchange rates and currency converter

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	51	$721	$1,060	$1,792	$2,454	250.91	174.02
2	Ad Dammam	903312	58	$699	$1,198	$1,664	$2,471	240.4	192.9
3	Al Hufuf	660788	55	$652	$1,133	$1,602	$2,283	204.55	135.41
4	AL Kharj	425300	47	$591	$957	$1,408	$1,971	180.15	174.59
5	Al Khobar	219679	68	$806	$1,405	$2,008	$2,967	246.03	199.81
6	Al Majma'ah	-	62	$791	$1,267	$1,989	$2,664	-	-
7	Al Mubarraz	290802	62	$790	$1,270	$1,840	$2,520	241.45	135.41
8	Al-hawiyah	148151	53	$647	$1,081	$1,481	$2,125	174.49	175.62
9	Al-Ula	32413	57	$706	$1,184	$1,652	$2,330	354.74	115.6
10	Ar-rass	121359	55	$649	$1,154	$1,554	$2,226	92.67	84.67
11	Arar	167057	57	$706	$1,185	$1,654	$2,330	78.9	149.79
12	Buraydah	467410	60	$833	$1,238	$1,971	$2,876	115.44	148.12
13	Dammam	903312	59	$737	$1,215	$1,765	$2,502	25.38	192.9
14	Dhahran	120521	64	$805	$1,317	$1,967	$2,026	172.49	232.13
15	Ha'il	310897	51	$621	$1,040	$1,521	$2,139	62.88	171.2
16	Hafar Al Batin	271642	58	$704	$1,183	$1,650	$2,334	167.06	162.93
17	Jeddah	3430697	67	$752	$1,374	$2,000	$2,922	28.17	202.02
18	Jizan	127743	45	$694	$930	$1,667	$2,131	64.46	103.14
19	Jubail	337778	53	$721	$1,097	$1,730	$2,347	149.89	178.69
20	Khafji	67012	33	$544	$675	$1,316	$1,447	6.84	162.2
21	Khamis Mushayt	430828	55	$677	$1,207	$1,554	$2,176	18.33	168.41
22	Mecca	1675368	45	$579	$936	$1,380	$1,970	18.99	176.49
23	Medina	1100093	65	$673	$1,339	$1,533	$2,263	281.74	191.79
24	Najran	298288	60	$746	$1,219	$1,823	$2,495	9.39	140.68
25	Qatif	87332	54	$629	$1,102	$1,503	$2,183	56.07	175.27
26	Rabigh	92072	46	$649	$954	$1,482	$1,979	297.26	89.29
27	Riyadh	5188286	85	$801	$1,738	$2,066	$3,396	160.2	207.47
28	Sakakah	242813	58	$706	$1,188	$1,653	$2,324	98.72	107.34
29	Tabuk	512629	60	$752	$1,234	$1,716	$2,434	117.63	178.85
30	Taif	579970	61	$733	$1,239	$1,712	$2,416	231.07	195.61
31	Umluj	37757	57	$705	$1,182	$1,653	$2,333	182.97	135.05
32	Unaizah	163729	55	$655	$1,130	$1,564	$2,232	147.56	146
33	Yanbu	233236	50	$724	$1,031	$1,721	$2,236	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 $675 to $1,738 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.