Cost of Living in Al Qunfudhah
Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Al Qunfudhah helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
Apartment Rentals | Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Al Qunfudhah is around SAR 1,500 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around SAR 3,000 per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around SAR 1,000 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around SAR 2,000 per month. |
Apartment Purchases | The cost of purchasing a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Al Qunfudhah is around SAR 500,000. The cost of purchasing a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around SAR 1,000,000. The cost of purchasing a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around SAR 300,000. The cost of purchasing a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around SAR 600,000. |
Transportation | The cost of public transportation in Al Qunfudhah is very affordable. A one-way ticket on the bus is around SAR 2. Taxi fares start at SAR 10 and increase depending on the distance traveled. Gasoline is also very affordable, with prices around SAR 1.50 per liter. |
Groceries | The cost of groceries in Al Qunfudhah is very reasonable. A loaf of bread is around SAR 3, a liter of milk is around SAR 5, a kilogram of chicken is around SAR 20, and a kilogram of potatoes is around SAR 5. |
Restaurants | The cost of eating out in Al Qunfudhah is very affordable. A meal at a fast food restaurant is around SAR 15, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant is around SAR 50. A cup of coffee is around SAR 5. |
Utilities | The cost of utilities in Al Qunfudhah is very reasonable. The average cost of electricity is around SAR 0.30 per kilowatt-hour. The average cost of water is around SAR 0.50 per cubic meter. The average cost of internet is around SAR 100 per month. |
Private School Tuition | The cost of private school tuition in Al Qunfudhah varies depending on the school. The average cost of preschool tuition is around SAR 5,000 per year. The average cost of elementary school tuition is around SAR 10,000 per year. The average cost of middle school tuition is around SAR 15,000 per year. The average cost of high school tuition is around SAR 20,000 per year. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Al Qunfudhah
"The cost of living in Al Qunfudhah is relatively moderate compared to other cities in the country. Housing is quite affordable, with rental prices being significantly lower than in larger cities like Riyadh or Jeddah. The cost of groceries and other basic necessities is also relatively low, making it an affordable place for families. Utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water are also reasonably priced. Transportation costs are also low, with affordable public transportation and low fuel prices. However, dining out and entertainment can be a bit more expensive, although still cheaper than in larger cities. Overall, the cost of living in Al Qunfudhah is quite manageable, especially for those with a steady income," said one expat living in Al Qunfudhah.
Can I live in Al Qunfudhah on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Al Qunfudhah for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. The cost of living here is generally lower than in major cities like Riyadh or Jeddah, but you'll still need to be mindful of your expenses.First, you'll want to find an affordable place to live. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods in Al Qunfudhah include Al Rawabi, Al Safa, and Al Waha. These areas have a mix of apartments and villas, and you can find a decent one or two-bedroom apartment for around $400 to $600 a month. I'd recommend avoiding more expensive neighborhoods like Al Shati and Al Murooj, as rents there can be significantly higher.When it comes to utilities, you can expect to pay around $100 to $150 a month for electricity, water, and gas. Internet and mobile phone plans are relatively affordable, with a decent package costing around $50 a month.Transportation costs can vary depending on your needs. If you're planning to use public transportation, you can expect to spend around $50 to $100 a month. However, if you're planning to buy or rent a car, your expenses will be higher. Keep in mind that fuel prices are relatively low in Saudi Arabia, so driving can be a cost-effective option if you need to commute regularly.Groceries and eating out can be quite affordable in Al Qunfudhah, especially if you stick to local markets and restaurants. You can expect to spend around $300 to $400 a month on food, depending on your preferences and dietary needs.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are limited options in Al Qunfudhah compared to larger cities. However, you can still find some affordable activities like visiting local parks, beaches, and shopping centers. If you're into sports, there are some gyms and sports clubs in the city, with memberships costing around $50 to $100 a month.In summary, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Al Qunfudhah is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your expenses and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being conscious of your utility usage, and sticking to a budget for food and entertainment, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Al Qunfudhah.
Can I live in Al Qunfudhah on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Al Qunfudhah for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices and adjustments to make it work. For example, you might not find the same level of luxury or variety in shopping and dining options as you would in a more developed city. But overall, the cost of living is quite reasonable here.When it comes to housing, there are a few neighborhoods that I would recommend for affordability and comfort. Al Rawabi, Al Safa, and Al Waha are some of the more affordable areas where you can find decent apartments or villas for rent. These neighborhoods are generally safe and have good access to basic amenities like supermarkets, pharmacies, and schools. On the other hand, I would avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Al Shati and Al Khobar, as they might not fit within your budget.In terms of transportation, owning a car is quite common here, and fuel prices are relatively low. However, if you prefer not to drive, you can rely on taxis or ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem, which are quite affordable as well. Public transportation is not very well-developed in Al Qunfudhah, so that's something you might have to sacrifice.As for entertainment and leisure activities, you might not find as many options as you're used to in a more cosmopolitan city. However, there are still some nice parks, beaches, and shopping malls where you can spend your free time. You might also want to explore nearby cities like Jeddah or Taif for more variety in terms of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.In conclusion, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Al Qunfudhah is definitely achievable, but you might have to make some adjustments and sacrifices in terms of housing, transportation, and entertainment options. By choosing an affordable neighborhood and being mindful of your spending, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while staying within your budget," said one expat living in Al Qunfudhah.
Can I live in Al Qunfudhah on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Al Qunfudhah for a while 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, there are some sacrifices you might have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll need to choose the right neighborhood. Some of the more affordable areas in Al Qunfudhah include Al Rawdah, Al Khalidiyah, and Al Safa. These neighborhoods offer decent housing options at reasonable prices, and you should be able to find a comfortable apartment or villa within your budget. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Al Shati and Al Muntazah, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher.One of the sacrifices you might have to make is adjusting to the local lifestyle and culture. While Al Qunfudhah is a relatively modern city, it's still quite conservative compared to Western standards. This means you'll need to dress modestly, especially in public places, and be mindful of local customs and traditions.Another thing to consider is transportation. While public transportation is available in Al Qunfudhah, it's not as extensive or reliable as you might be used to. You might want to consider getting a car, which can be an additional expense, but it will make getting around much easier and more convenient.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, you might find that there are fewer options compared to what you're used to. However, there are still plenty of things to do, such as visiting local markets, exploring the beautiful coastline, and trying out various water sports. You might also want to consider joining local expat groups to meet new people and make friends.Overall, living in Al Qunfudhah on a $5,000 a month budget is definitely doable, but it will require some adjustments and sacrifices. By choosing the right neighborhood, being mindful of local customs, and finding ways to enjoy your free time, you should be able to live comfortably and enjoy your time in this unique and fascinating city," commented an expat living in Al Qunfudhah.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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