Cost of Living in Saudi Arabia

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
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
Saudi Arabia
restaurant

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 $

store

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 $

commute

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 $

mark_as_unread

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 $

kitesurfing

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 $

child_friendly

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 $

checkroom

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 $

night_shelter

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 $

home

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 $

account_balance_wallet

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

How Safe Is Saudi Arabia for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in Saudi Arabia

OVERALL RISK: HIGH

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.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

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.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

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.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

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.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

Near the aforementioned borders, muggings or kidnappings might be a concern, though generally, they aren't common in Saudi Arabia.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

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.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Except for credit card frauds, expect virtually no scams in the territory of Saudi Arabia.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

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.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

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.

currency_exchange

Currency

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.

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Weather

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.

flight_takeoff

Airports

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.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

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.

Comparison of the Cost Of Living in Saudi Arabia with other countries

Cost of living in countries