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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Tabuk 2024
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Cost of Living in Tabuk

By Betsy Burlingame

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

Category Cost
Apartment Rentals
  • 1-bedroom apartment in city center: 1,500 - 2,500 SAR/month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: 1,000 - 1,800 SAR/month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in city center: 3,000 - 5,000 SAR/month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: 2,500 - 4,000 SAR/month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in city center: 3,000 - 4,500 SAR
  • Price per square meter outside city center: 2,000 - 3,500 SAR
Transportation
  • One-way local transport ticket: 2 - 5 SAR
  • Monthly local transport pass: 100 - 200 SAR
  • Taxi starting tariff: 5 - 10 SAR
  • Taxi 1 km tariff: 2 - 4 SAR
  • Gasoline (1 liter): 1.5 - 2.5 SAR
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): 4 - 6 SAR
  • Bread (500g): 1 - 2.5 SAR
  • Rice (1 kg): 4 - 7 SAR
  • Eggs (12): 6 - 10 SAR
  • Chicken breasts (1 kg): 15 - 25 SAR
  • Beef (1 kg): 30 - 50 SAR
  • Apples (1 kg): 5 - 10 SAR
  • Oranges (1 kg): 3 - 6 SAR
  • Tomatoes (1 kg): 2 - 5 SAR
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): 1 - 2 SAR
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: 10 - 25 SAR
  • Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: 80 - 150 SAR
  • Fast food meal: 15 - 30 SAR
  • Cappuccino: 8 - 15 SAR
  • Soft drink (0.33-liter bottle): 1 - 3 SAR
  • Water (0.33-liter bottle): 0.5 - 2 SAR
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment: 100 - 300 SAR/month
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data): 200 - 350 SAR/month
  • Mobile call rate (1 minute, no discounts or plans): 0.30 - 0.60 SAR
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool (or kindergarten) tuition per year: 10,000 - 20,000 SAR
  • Elementary school tuition per year: 15,000 - 30,000 SAR
  • Middle school tuition per year: 20,000 - 40,000 SAR
  • High school tuition per year: 25,000 - 50,000 SAR
Please note that the costs provided are approximate and may vary depending on the specific area within Tabuk, as well as individual preferences and lifestyle choices. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices in the area you plan to live in to get a more accurate understanding of the cost of living.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Tabuk

"The cost of living in Tabuk, 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 utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water are also reasonably priced. Groceries and food prices are also moderate, with local markets offering fresh produce at lower costs. Eating out at restaurants can vary, with both budget-friendly and high-end options available. Transportation costs are relatively low, with affordable public transportation and reasonably priced petrol for private vehicles. Healthcare is generally high quality and affordable, especially for residents who benefit from the country's public healthcare system. Education costs can vary significantly, with public schools being free for residents, while international and private schools can be quite expensive. Overall, while the cost of living in Tabuk is generally lower than in larger Saudi cities, it can still be considered high compared to many other countries around the world," said one expat living in Tabuk.

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

"I've been living in Tabuk 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 in Tabuk is generally lower than in other major cities in Saudi Arabia, but it's still not exactly cheap. First, you'll need to find affordable housing. I recommend looking for apartments in neighborhoods like Al Ula, Al Qadisiyah, and Al Waha. These areas are relatively affordable and still offer decent living conditions. You can expect to pay around $400 to $600 a month for a one-bedroom apartment in these neighborhoods. I would avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Al Salam and Al Rawabi, as rents there can easily go above $1,000 a month.Next, you'll need to budget for utilities and groceries. Utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, will cost you around $100 to $150 a month. Groceries can be quite affordable if you shop at local markets and avoid imported goods. I usually spend around $200 to $300 a month on groceries.Transportation is another expense you'll need to consider. Public transportation is limited in Tabuk, so you might need to rely on taxis or rent a car. Taxis can be quite affordable, but if you plan to travel a lot within the city, renting a car might be a better option. You can find a decent car for around $300 to $400 a month.As for entertainment and dining out, you'll need to be mindful of your spending. There are plenty of affordable local restaurants where you can enjoy a meal for around $5 to $10. However, if you prefer dining at more upscale restaurants or frequenting cafes, your expenses can quickly add up. I usually allocate around $200 a month for dining out and entertainment.In summary, living on $1,500 a month in Tabuk is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. Stick to affordable neighborhoods, shop at local markets, and limit your dining out and entertainment expenses, and you should be able to live comfortably," commented an expat living in Tabuk.

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

"I've been living in Tabuk for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 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 find a suitable place to live. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods in Tabuk include Al Ula, Al Qadisiyah, and Al Murooj. These areas offer decent housing options at reasonable prices. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Al Salam, Al Rawabi, and Al Waha, as the cost of living in these areas can be significantly higher.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to the cost of fuel, insurance, and maintenance. Instead, you might want to consider using public transportation or ride-sharing services like Uber or Careem, which are more affordable options.Eating out can also be a significant expense, especially if you're used to dining at high-end restaurants. To save money, you might want to cook at home more often or explore some of the more affordable local eateries. There are plenty of supermarkets and local markets where you can find fresh produce and other ingredients at reasonable prices.Entertainment and leisure activities can also add up quickly, so you might need to be more selective about how you spend your free time. Instead of going to the movies or visiting expensive tourist attractions, you could explore some of the free or low-cost activities available in Tabuk, such as visiting historical sites, going for walks in the parks, or attending local cultural events.Lastly, you might need to be more conscious of your utility usage, as electricity and water bills can be quite high in Saudi Arabia. By being mindful of your consumption and implementing energy-saving measures, you can help keep these costs under control.Overall, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Tabuk is achievable, but it does require some adjustments and sacrifices. By being mindful of your spending and making smart choices, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while staying within your budget," said one expat living in Tabuk.

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

"I've been living in Tabuk 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 might be some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, housing can be quite expensive in certain neighborhoods, so you'll want to avoid areas like Al Salam and Al Rawabi, as they tend to be on the pricier side. Instead, consider looking for accommodation in more affordable neighborhoods like Al Waha or Al Qadisiyah. You should be able to find a decent apartment or even a small villa within your budget in these areas.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to the high cost of insurance and maintenance. However, public transportation is limited in Tabuk, so you might want to consider getting a fuel-efficient car or even a motorcycle to get around. Alternatively, you could try carpooling with coworkers or using ride-sharing apps like Uber or Careem.As for groceries and dining out, you'll find that local markets and restaurants are generally quite affordable. However, if you're looking for imported goods or dining at high-end restaurants, the costs can add up quickly. To save money, try shopping at local markets for fresh produce and sticking to more budget-friendly restaurants or cooking at home.Entertainment options in Tabuk might be more limited compared to what you're used to, but there are still plenty of things to do. You can visit historical sites like the Tabuk Castle, go hiking in the nearby mountains, or take weekend trips to the Red Sea coast. Just be mindful of your spending on these activities, as they can also add up if you're not careful.Lastly, keep in mind that the cost of living in Saudi Arabia can be quite different from what you're used to, especially when it comes to utilities and communication services. Electricity and water can be more expensive, and you might find that internet and mobile phone plans are pricier than what you're used to. To save on these costs, try to conserve energy and water usage at home and look for the best deals on communication services.Overall, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Tabuk is definitely achievable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, being smart about transportation, and being conscious of your spending on groceries, dining, and entertainment, you should be able to enjoy a comfortable life in Tabuk without breaking the bank," commented an expat living in Tabuk.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame 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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