Cost of Living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Are you considering a move to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and wondering about the cost of living? Riyadh is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Riyadh and help you understand whether $2421 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $2359.0.

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

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

8.0 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

53.32 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

7.86 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

--

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

--

Cappuccino (regular)

4.38 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

0.87 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

0.35 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

1.76 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

1.05 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

2.28 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

2.61 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

7.92 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

7.5 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

12.96 $

Apples (1 lb)

1.99 $

Banana (1 lb)

1.64 $

Oranges (1 lb)

1.59 $

Tomato (1 lb)

1.81 $

Potato (1 lb)

1.22 $

Onion (1 lb)

1.14 $

Lettuce (1 head)

0.94 $

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)

7.33 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

1.07 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

27.82 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

4.0 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

1.6 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

13.33 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

0.61 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

29323.38 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

22271.92 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

91.78 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

--

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

71.45 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

100.04 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

48.52 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

17.33 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

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

373.67 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

8830.34 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

50.85 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

56.76 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

109.26 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

99.52 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

1139.7 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

720.78 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

1638.33 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

953.63 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

1918.34 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

1241.09 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

2359.0 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

4.45 %

Cost of Living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly cost of living in Riyadh?

The monthly expenses for living in Riyadh come to a total of approximately $2421. This includes an average monthly rent of around $1139 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $127 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $609 per month.

How affordable is living in Riyadh?

Living in Riyadh appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $2359.0. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Riyadh, you would likely need an income exceeding $2359.0.

What is the average salary in Riyadh?

In Riyadh, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $2359.0, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.

What is the average rent in Riyadh?

The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Riyadh is approximately $1139. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $720.78 for such an apartment.

What is the cost of groceries in Riyadh?

The expense for groceries in Riyadh can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $433 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.

What is the cost of living in Saudi Arabia?

The cost of living in Saudi Arabia can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout Saudi Arabia.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

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

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Muggings or kidnappings might be a concern, though generally, they aren't common in Riyadh.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

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

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Riyadh is mainly safe but there are extremely unsafe areas, as in most major cities of the world. Some of the biggest concerns for tourists in Riyadh should be disrespecting their moral codes, as this is followed by severe punishments.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Reckless drivers are a major concern in Riyadh. Accidents on the road occur frequently. The roads outside of Riyadh 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: MEDIUM

Pickpocketing is relatively common in Riyadh 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 in Riyadh, 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.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Terrorists are extremely likely to try and carry out attacks in the capital of 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.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

There are some risks for women traveling to Riyadh, 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 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 Riyadh. 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

Riyadh has a desert climate, characterized by extremely high temperatures, exceeding 50C. The period from June to September is the hottest period of the year.

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Airports

King Khalid International Airport is an international airport serving Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. It is located 35 kilometres north of Riyadh.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Riyadh, since it covers not only medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

What about weather in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia ?
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 69°F 74°F 82°F 92°F 102°F 107°F 110°F 109°F 104°F 94°F 81°F 71°F
Temp 59°F 63°F 71°F 81°F 92°F 97°F 99°F 98°F 93°F 83°F 71°F 61°F
Low 49°F 53°F 61°F 70°F 80°F 84°F 86°F 86°F 80°F 71°F 60°F 52°F
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 20°C 23°C 27°C 33°C 38°C 41°C 43°C 42°C 40°C 34°C 27°C 21°C
Temp 15°C 17°C 21°C 27°C 33°C 36°C 37°C 36°C 33°C 28°C 21°C 16°C
Low 9°C 11°C 16°C 21°C 26°C 28°C 30°C 30°C 26°C 21°C 15°C 11°C

Comparison Cost of living in other cities in Saudi Arabia with Riyadh

Comparison Cost of living in other cities

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