If you've ever considered moving to Saudi Arabia, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Saudi Arabia?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Saudi Arabia and whether the reported $1654 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $2105.7.
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
6.65 $ |
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
45.19 $ |
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
6.65 $ |
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
-- |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
-- |
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
3.78 $ |
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
0.75 $ |
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
0.25 $ |
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.59 $ |
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
0.82 $ |
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
2.09 $ |
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
2.39 $ |
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
6.72 $ |
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
7.4 $ |
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
12.42 $ |
|
Apples (1 lb) |
2.05 $ |
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.56 $ |
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
1.57 $ |
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
1.73 $ |
|
Potato (1 lb) |
1.15 $ |
|
Onion (1 lb) |
1.06 $ |
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
1.3 $ |
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
0.6 $ |
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
-- |
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
-- |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
-- |
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
7.44 $ |
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
1.06 $ |
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
26.58 $ |
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
2.66 $ |
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
1.33 $ |
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
13.29 $ |
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
0.61 $ |
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
22862.64 $ |
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
20294.83 $ |
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
101.51 $ |
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
0.13 $ |
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
71.53 $ |
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
96.52 $ |
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
34.48 $ |
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
17.28 $ |
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
304.87 $ |
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
6409.38 $ |
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
44.85 $ |
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
58.9 $ |
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
97.29 $ |
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
88.52 $ |
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
437.62 $ |
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
311.41 $ |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
713.59 $ |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
540.97 $ |
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
1315.67 $ |
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
941.74 $ |
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
2105.7 $ |
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
4.21 % |
|
Saudi Arabia is mainly safe but there are extremely unsafe areas, particularly near the border with Iraq and Yemen. Some of the biggest concerns for tourists in Saudi Arabia should be disrespecting their moral codes, as this is followed by severe punishments.
Reckless drivers are a major concern in Saudi Arabia. Accidents on the road occur frequently. If you're visiting Saudi Arabia as part of a pilgrimage, be prepared for extreme traffic jams and severely overcrowded public transport. The roads outside of the main cities vary in quality from well maintained to extremely poor. Vessels operating in the Northern Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and Gulf of Oman are at risk of a pirates' attack.
Pickpocketing is relatively common in Saudi Arabia despite the constant presence of police on the streets. Pickpockets are especially active during pilgrimages. Avoid wearing purses and keep your money in a hidden place, not easily accessible by pickpockets. Also, be wary of people trying to distract you, it might very well be a way to take your money.
As for natural disasters, you can expect extremely high temperatures, reaching as high as 50C. This is why it is highly recommended that you always carry water with you and maintain hydrated. Sandstorms and thunderstorms are also common.
Near the aforementioned borders, muggings or kidnappings might be a concern, though generally, they aren't common in Saudi Arabia.
Terrorists are extremely likely to try and carry out attacks in Saudi Arabia. The main threat comes from Daesh that was formerly referred to as ISIL. Remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times.
Except for credit card frauds, expect virtually no scams in the territory of Saudi Arabia.
There are some risks for women traveling to Saudi Arabia, especially if they're not respecting their codes of morality, like wearing an abaya at all times. Apart from that, women should apply basic precaution measures.
All nationals are required to get a visa in order to enter Saudi Arabia. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six-month from your planned date of return from Saudi Arabia. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
Saudi Riyal is the official currency of Saudi Arabia. Airports offer the best exchange rates, and ATMs are widespread throughout the country. Credit cards are accepted in most establishments.
Saudi Arabia has a desert climate, characterized by extremely high temperatures, exceeding 50C. The period from June to September is the hottest period of the year.
King Fahd International Airport is an airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. It is located about 20 km northwest of Dammam and it is the largest airport serving Saudi Arabia.
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Saudi Arabia, since it covers not only medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.