Cost of Living in Abha
Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Abha helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
Category | Details | 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 | |
Apartment Purchases | Price per square meter in city center | 3,000 - 4,500 SAR/sq. meter |
Price per square meter outside city center | 2,000 - 3,500 SAR/sq. meter | |
Transportation | One-way local transport ticket | 2 - 5 SAR |
Monthly local transport pass | 100 - 200 SAR | |
Gasoline (1 liter) | 1.50 - 2.00 SAR | |
Taxi (1 km) | 2 - 4 SAR | |
Groceries | Milk (1 liter) | 4 - 6 SAR |
Bread (500g) | 1 - 3 SAR | |
Rice (1 kg) | 4 - 7 SAR | |
Chicken breasts (1 kg) | 15 - 25 SAR | |
Restaurants | Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | 15 - 30 SAR |
Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | 80 - 150 SAR | |
Fast food meal | 12 - 20 SAR | |
Utilities | Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment | 100 - 300 SAR/month |
Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) | 150 - 300 SAR/month | |
Mobile call rate (1 minute, no discounts or plans) | 0.30 - 0.60 SAR | |
Private School Tuition | Preschool (or Kindergarten) | 8,000 - 15,000 SAR/year |
Elementary School | 12,000 - 25,000 SAR/year | |
Middle School | 15,000 - 30,000 SAR/year | |
High School | 18,000 - 35,000 SAR/year |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Abha
"The cost of living in Abha 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 in Abha are relatively inexpensive, with local markets offering fresh produce, meat, and dairy at lower prices. Eating out in restaurants can vary, with the cost depending on the type of restaurant, but it is generally affordable. Transportation costs in Abha are also reasonable. Public transportation is widely available and inexpensive, and the cost of owning and maintaining a car is lower than in many Western countries due to the low cost of petrol. Healthcare in Abha is of a high standard and is relatively affordable, especially for residents who are covered by the national healthcare system. Overall, while the cost of living in Abha can vary depending on lifestyle and personal spending habits, it is generally considered to be more affordable than many other cities in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East," said one expat living in Abha.
Can I live in Abha on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Abha 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 apartments in neighborhoods like Al-Nuzhah, Al-Salamah, and Al-Wadi. These areas are more budget-friendly and still offer decent amenities. You might have to settle for a smaller apartment or one that's not as modern as you're used to, but it's doable.On the other hand, I would avoid neighborhoods like Al-Rawdah and Al-Khaldiyah, as they tend to be more expensive and might not fit within your budget. When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite costly, so I suggest using public transportation or ride-sharing apps like Uber or Careem to get around. This will help you save money on gas, insurance, and maintenance.For groceries and other essentials, try shopping at local markets and discount stores like Al Raya or Lulu Hypermarket. They offer good quality products at lower prices compared to more upscale supermarkets. Eating out can also be affordable if you stick to local restaurants and avoid fancy international chains. There are plenty of delicious and budget-friendly options to choose from.In terms of entertainment, you might have to cut back on some of the more expensive activities like going to the movies or attending concerts. Instead, take advantage of the beautiful natural surroundings in Abha, like visiting the Asir National Park or exploring the Al-Habala Valley. There are also plenty of free or low-cost cultural events and festivals throughout the year that you can enjoy.Overall, living in Abha on $1,500 a month will require some adjustments and sacrifices, but it's definitely possible if you're willing to be flexible and budget-conscious," commented an expat living in Abha.
Can I live in Abha on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Abha 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 might be some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll want to consider the neighborhood you choose to live in. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods in Abha include Al-Nuzhah, Al-Salam, and Al-Waha. These areas offer a good mix of modern amenities and reasonable rent prices. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Al-Rawdah and Al-Khaldiyah, as the rent prices there can be quite high.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 quite affordable and reliable in Abha.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 groceries at reasonable prices.Entertainment and leisure activities can also add up, so you might want to look for more budget-friendly options. For example, instead of going to the cinema or other expensive attractions, you could explore the beautiful natural parks and outdoor spaces that Abha has to offer, like the Green Mountain or Asir National Park.Lastly, you might need to be mindful of your utility bills, as the cost of electricity and water can be quite high in Saudi Arabia. To save on these expenses, you could try to be more energy-efficient by turning off lights and appliances when not in use, and using water-saving devices.Overall, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Abha is definitely achievable, but it will require some adjustments and smart budgeting. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, cooking at home, and being mindful of your utility bills, you should be able to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank," said one expat living in Abha.
Can I live in Abha on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Abha 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. The cost of living here is generally lower than in many Western countries, so your money will go further. However, there might be some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll want to choose a neighborhood that's affordable but still offers a good quality of life. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods, like Al Soudah and Al Khaldiyah, might be out of your budget if you want to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Instead, consider looking for housing in areas like Al Nuzhah, Al Rawdah, or Al Faisaliyah. These neighborhoods are more affordable but still offer a decent standard of living.One sacrifice you might have to make is in terms of your housing. While you can find modern apartments and villas in Abha, they might be more expensive than what you're used to. You might have to settle for a smaller or older place to stay within your budget. However, you can still find comfortable and well-maintained homes in the more affordable neighborhoods I mentioned earlier.Another thing to consider is transportation. Owning a car in Abha can be expensive, especially if you're used to Western prices for fuel and maintenance. You might want to rely on public transportation or taxis to get around, which can be more affordable. However, this might mean sacrificing some convenience and flexibility in your daily commute.In terms of entertainment and dining out, you'll find that there are plenty of options in Abha, but you might have to be more selective about where you go and how often you indulge. There are plenty of affordable local restaurants and cafes, but if you're craving Western-style cuisine or fine dining, you might have to limit those experiences to special occasions.Overall, living in Abha on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, but you'll have to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing, transportation, and entertainment. However, the lower cost of living and the unique cultural experiences that Abha offers can make it a rewarding place to live as an expat," commented an expat living in Abha.
About the Author
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.