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Cost of Living Guide in Saudi Arabia

Complete pricing for housing, food, transportation, and everyday expenses

Saudi Arabia offers a low overall cost of living compared to Western standards, about 2.7% higher than the Asia regional average but with significantly cheaper rent at 13.7% below the Asia average. It stands out in Asia for its high purchasing power and quality of life, making it attractive for expats and digital nomads seeking value. Major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah have higher costs than smaller ones, but no income tax enhances savings potential.

Estimated Monthly Budget

Frugal
SAR 3,000–5,000 (USD 800–1,330) for a single person living locally: modest housing outside center, local groceries, public transport, minimal dining out
Comfortable
SAR 6,000–10,000 (USD 1,600–2,665) for a single expat: 1BR city-center or compound, mix of local/imported food, occasional dining, reliable internet/utilities
Family of four
SAR 15,000–25,000 (USD 4,000–6,665) for a family of four: 3BR housing, international groceries, car/taxis, utilities, some schooling/dining

Saudi Arabia delivers excellent value for money with costs just 2.7% above the Asia average yet high purchasing power (over 140% of NYC) and no income tax, ideal for expats saving aggressively. It's particularly strong for housing affordability in the region.

Economic & Living Costs in Saudi Arabia
Food & Dining Costs

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

15-50 ﷼
Avg: 32.5 ﷼
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant (3-course)

100-350 ﷼
Avg: 225 ﷼
+12.5% vs 3 months ago

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

25-35 ﷼
Avg: 30 ﷼
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Domestic Beer (0.5L draught)

5-12 ﷼
Avg: 8.5 ﷼
+6.3% vs 3 months ago
Housing & Real Estate Costs

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

1200-5000 ﷼
Avg: 3100 ﷼
+3.3% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside Centre

900-4000 ﷼
Avg: 2450 ﷼
+2.1% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

2000-10000 ﷼
Avg: 6000 ﷼
1.7% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside Centre

1500-5500 ﷼
Avg: 3500 ﷼
+4.5% vs 3 months ago
Transportation Costs

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

3.45-6 ﷼
Avg: 4.72 ﷼
+18.1% vs 3 months ago

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

15-45 ﷼
Avg: 30 ﷼
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Monthly Transport Pass

50-207 ﷼
Avg: 128.5 ﷼
-1.2% vs 3 months ago

Gasoline (1L)

2.18-2.43 ﷼
Avg: 2.31 ﷼
1.1% vs 3 months ago
Utilities & Communications Costs

Utilities for 85m² Apartment

226.67-700 ﷼
Avg: 463.33 ﷼
-7.3% vs 3 months ago

Internet (60 Mbps+, Unlimited)

200-350 ﷼
Avg: 275 ﷼
-3.5% vs 3 months ago

Mobile Plan (10GB+ Data)

70-200 ﷼
Avg: 135 ﷼
+4.2% vs 3 months ago
Grocery Costs

Milk (1L)

5-9 ﷼
Avg: 7 ﷼
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

1-7 ﷼
Avg: 4 ﷼
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Eggs (12)

6-16.8 ﷼
Avg: 11.4 ﷼
-5.0% vs 3 months ago

Local Cheese (1kg)

15-50 ﷼
Avg: 32.5 ﷼
-13.3% vs 3 months ago
Entertainment & Sports Costs

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee

200-720 ﷼
Avg: 460 ﷼
+17.5% vs 3 months ago

Tennis Court (1 hour, weekend)

80-212.75 ﷼
Avg: 146.38 ﷼
-2.6% vs 3 months ago

Cinema Ticket

40-80 ﷼
Avg: 60 ﷼
-4.0% vs 3 months ago

Preschool / Kindergarten (monthly, private)

700-3000 ﷼
Avg: 1850 ﷼
+19.4% vs 3 months ago
Last updated: 2026-04-03

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    Cost of living in Saudi Arabia — full breakdown | NestFainder