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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Al Ula 2024
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Cost of Living in Al Ula

By Joshua Wood, LPC

SJB Global
SJB Global

Summary: If you're moving to Al Ula, understanding the the cost of living in Al Ula helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Apartment Rentals Apartment rentals in Al Ula range from SAR 1,000 to SAR 5,000 per month, depending on the size and location of the apartment. Furnished apartments are more expensive than unfurnished apartments.
Apartment Purchases The cost of purchasing an apartment in Al Ula varies depending on the size and location of the apartment. Prices range from SAR 500,000 to SAR 2,000,000.
Transportation Public transportation in Al Ula is inexpensive. A one-way ticket on the bus costs SAR 2. Taxis are also available and cost around SAR 10 for a one-way trip.
Groceries Groceries in Al Ula are relatively inexpensive. A loaf of bread costs around SAR 5, a liter of milk costs SAR 8, and a kilogram of rice costs SAR 10.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Al Ula varies depending on the type of restaurant. A meal at a fast food restaurant costs around SAR 20, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around SAR 50.
Utilities Utility costs in Al Ula are relatively low. The average cost of electricity is SAR 0.20 per kilowatt-hour, and the average cost of water is SAR 0.50 per cubic meter.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Al Ula varies depending on the school and the grade level. Preschool tuition costs around SAR 5,000 per year, elementary school tuition costs around SAR 10,000 per year, middle school tuition costs around SAR 15,000 per year, and high school tuition costs around SAR 20,000 per year.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Al Ula

"The cost of living in Al Ula is considered moderate compared to other cities in the country. Housing and rental prices are relatively affordable, especially when compared to larger cities like Riyadh or Jeddah. The cost of groceries and dining out is also reasonable, with a variety of options available to suit different budgets. Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are also reasonably priced. Transportation costs are low, especially considering the low cost of petrol in the country. However, the cost of imported goods and luxury items can be high due to import taxes and duties. Overall, the cost of living in Al Ula is manageable for both locals and expatriates," said one expat living in Al Ula.

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

"I've been living in Al Ula 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. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. I recommend looking for a rental in neighborhoods like Al Madinah or Al Qassim, where you can find a decent apartment for around $400 to $600 a month. Avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Riyadh or Jeddah, as the cost of living there is much higher.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your utility bills. Electricity and water can be quite expensive, so try to conserve energy and water as much as possible. Also, consider using a prepaid mobile plan instead of a postpaid one, as it can help you save on your phone bill.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to the cost of fuel, insurance, and maintenance. Instead, consider using public transportation or ride-sharing services like Uber or Careem, which are more affordable options.For groceries, shop at local markets and avoid imported goods, as they tend to be more expensive. Cooking at home instead of eating out can also help you save money. If you do want to eat out occasionally, look for local restaurants that offer affordable meals.Entertainment and leisure activities can also be a significant expense, so try to find free or low-cost activities to enjoy. Al Ula has many beautiful natural sites and historical places that you can visit without spending much money. You can also take advantage of the local community events and festivals that are often free to attend.In conclusion, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Al Ula is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, conserving utilities, using public transportation, shopping smartly, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Al Ula.

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

"I've been living in Al Ula 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, there are some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. I'd recommend looking into areas like Al Madinah Street or Al Qasr, as they tend to have more reasonably priced housing options. You might have to settle for a smaller apartment or a slightly older building, but you'll still be able to find a comfortable place to live.On the other hand, I'd avoid neighborhoods like Al Shara'i or Al Muzaylif, as they tend to be more expensive and might not fit within your budget.When it comes to transportation, you'll probably want to rely on public transportation or ride-sharing services like Uber or Careem, as owning a car can be quite expensive in terms of maintenance, fuel, and insurance. Plus, traffic can be a bit of a headache here, so it's often more convenient to use public transport anyway.As for groceries and dining out, you'll find that local markets and smaller restaurants are quite affordable, so you'll be able to eat well without breaking the bank. However, you might have to cut back on dining at high-end restaurants or ordering takeout from international chains, as these can be quite pricey.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of affordable options available, such as visiting local parks, museums, or historical sites. However, you might have to limit your trips to more expensive attractions like luxury resorts or high-end shopping malls.Overall, living in Al Ula on a $3,000 a month budget is definitely doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing, transportation, and leisure activities. But in my experience, it's been worth it to live in such a unique and culturally rich city," said one expat living in Al Ula.

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

"I've been living in Al Ula for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, there are some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll need to be mindful of your housing choices. Al Ula is a small town, so there aren't many neighborhoods to choose from. I'd recommend looking for a place in the central part of the town, as it's more affordable and still offers decent housing options. You might have to compromise on the size or the luxury of your accommodation, but you'll still be able to find a comfortable place to live.As for expensive neighborhoods, you might want to avoid the areas closer to the tourist attractions, like the Al Ula Museum and the Old Town. These areas tend to have higher rent prices due to their proximity to popular sites.When it comes to transportation, you'll find that owning a car is pretty much essential in Al Ula, as public transportation options are limited. However, fuel prices are relatively low in Saudi Arabia, so this shouldn't be a significant burden on your budget.In terms of food and groceries, you'll find that local markets and supermarkets offer affordable options. However, if you're looking for imported or specialty items, you might have to pay a premium. To save money, I'd recommend trying to adapt your diet to include more local ingredients and dishes.Entertainment options in Al Ula are somewhat limited, especially compared to larger cities. You'll find that most social activities revolve around family gatherings, local events, and outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the beautiful natural surroundings. While this might be a significant change from what you're used to, it's a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and save money at the same time.In conclusion, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Al Ula is achievable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and be willing to adapt to a different lifestyle. By choosing affordable housing, being conscious of your transportation and food expenses, and embracing local entertainment options, you'll be able to make the most of your time in this unique and beautiful part of Saudi Arabia," commented an expat living in Al Ula.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


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