Cost of Living in Jeddah

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Jeddah

"The cost of living in Jeddah is generally considered to be high. Prices for basic necessities such as food, housing, and transportation are all relatively expensive. Eating out can be costly, and the cost of rent is usually quite high. However, the cost of utilities such as electricity and water are relatively low. Additionally, the cost of entertainment and leisure activities can vary depending on the activity," said one expat living in Jeddah.

Can I live in Jeddah on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Jeddah for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods like Al Hamra, Al Andalus, and Al Rawdah might be out of your budget. Instead, consider looking for a place in neighborhoods like Al Salamah, Al Aziziyah, or Al Safa. These areas are more affordable and still offer decent living conditions.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. Owning a car can be expensive, so you might want to consider using public transportation or ride-sharing services like Uber or Careem. They're quite affordable and can help you save money on transportation.When it comes to food, eating out at fancy restaurants can quickly eat into your budget. Instead, try to cook at home as much as possible and shop at local markets for fresh produce. There are also many affordable local eateries where you can enjoy delicious Saudi cuisine without breaking the bank.Entertainment can also be a significant expense, so you'll need to be creative in finding low-cost or free activities. Jeddah has many beautiful parks, beaches, and public spaces where you can spend your time without spending too much money. You can also take advantage of the numerous free events and festivals that take place throughout the year.Finally, be prepared to cut back on some of the luxuries you might be used to, like frequent shopping trips or expensive vacations. Living on a tight budget means prioritizing your needs and being mindful of your spending habits.Overall, it's possible to live comfortably in Jeddah on $1,500 a month, but you'll need to be disciplined with your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being mindful of transportation and food costs, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Jeddah.

Can I live in Jeddah on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Jeddah for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to make some adjustments and sacrifices. First, let's talk about housing. If you want to live in a more affordable neighborhood, I'd recommend looking into Al-Salamah, Al-Rawdah, or Al-Naeem. These areas have a mix of apartments and villas, and you can find a decent 2-bedroom apartment for around $800 to $1,000 a month. On the other hand, if you're looking for something more upscale, you might want to check out Al-Zahraa, Al-Andalus, or Al-Hamra, but keep in mind that rents in these areas can go up to $2,000 a month or more for a 2-bedroom apartment.As for transportation, owning a car is pretty much a necessity in Jeddah, as public transportation is limited. You can find a decent used car for around $5,000 to $10,000, and monthly expenses like gas, insurance, and maintenance should be around $200 to $300. If you're not comfortable driving, you can always use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Careem, but this can add up quickly if you're using them daily.When it comes to groceries and dining out, you'll find that prices are generally lower than in Western countries. You can expect to spend around $300 to $400 a month on groceries if you cook most of your meals at home. Dining out can be quite affordable too, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $10 to $15 per person. However, if you're used to eating out at high-end restaurants or ordering takeout frequently, you might need to cut back on that to stay within your budget.Entertainment and leisure activities can also be quite affordable in Jeddah. A movie ticket costs around $10, and there are plenty of parks, beaches, and shopping malls to explore. However, if you're into nightlife, you should know that there are no bars or clubs in Saudi Arabia due to the country's strict alcohol laws. Instead, you'll find that socializing often takes place at cafes, restaurants, or private gatherings.In terms of healthcare, you'll want to make sure you have health insurance, as medical costs can be quite high without it. Many expats choose to get private insurance, which can cost around $100 to $200 a month, depending on the coverage you choose.Overall, living on $3,000 a month in Jeddah is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, cooking at home more often, and cutting back on luxury expenses, you should be able to live comfortably and enjoy your time in this fascinating city," said one expat living in Jeddah.

Can I live in Jeddah on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Jeddah for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of the neighborhood you choose to live in and the size of your accommodation.For instance, if you want to live in a more upscale neighborhood like Al Hamra or Al Rawdah, you might have to settle for a smaller apartment or villa, as the rents in these areas can be quite high. On the other hand, if you're willing to live in a more affordable neighborhood like Al Salamah or Al Naeem, you can find larger accommodations at a more reasonable price.In terms of other expenses, you'll find that groceries, transportation, and utilities are generally affordable in Jeddah. However, if you're used to dining out frequently or enjoying a vibrant nightlife, you might have to cut back on those activities, as they can be quite expensive in the city.Another thing to consider is that Jeddah is a more conservative city, so you'll have to adapt to the local customs and dress code. This might be a bit of a challenge at first, but you'll get used to it over time.Overall, I think you can live comfortably on $5,000 a month in Jeddah if you're willing to make some adjustments to your lifestyle and choose your neighborhood wisely. It's a great city with a lot to offer, and I'm sure you'll enjoy your time here," commented an expat living in Jeddah.