Cost of Living in Saudi Arabia

Updated: March 01, 2025

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 %

Dining Out

The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 6.65 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 45.19 USD.

Groceries

Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 1.59 USD, a loaf of bread 0.82 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 2.39 USD.

Transportation

Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 1.06 USD and a monthly pass around 26.58 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.

Utilities

For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 101.51 USD.

Sports and Recreation

For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 96.52 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 34.48 USD.

Childcare and Education

Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 304.87 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 6409.38 USD.

Clothing and Footwear

Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 44.85 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 97.29 USD.

Apartment Rentals

Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 437.62 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 311.41 USD.

Real Estate for Purchase

If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 1315.67 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 941.74 USD.

Average Salary and Mortgage Rates

The average monthly net salary here is about 2105.7 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 4.21% annually.

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.

Cost of Living in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Utilities (Monthly)

Sports And Leisure

Childcare

Clothing And Shoes

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment Price

Salaries And Financing