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

By Joshua Wood, LPC

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Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Jizan helps a newcomer 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 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 - 4 SAR
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): 1 - 2 SAR
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: 10 - 20 SAR
  • Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: 80 - 150 SAR
  • Fast food meal: 15 - 25 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 Jizan, as well as the current economic situation. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Jizan

"The cost of living in Jizan is considered to be relatively low compared to other major cities in the country. Housing and rental prices are quite affordable, especially when compared to cities like Riyadh or Jeddah. The cost of groceries and other basic necessities is also relatively low, making day-to-day living quite manageable. Eating out at restaurants or ordering takeout can be done at a reasonable price. Public transportation is also quite affordable, and the cost of gasoline is low due to the country's rich oil reserves. However, the cost of imported goods can be high due to import taxes. Overall, the cost of living in Jizan is manageable for both locals and expatriates," said one expat living in Jizan.

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

"I've been living in Jizan 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 Jizan 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'd recommend looking for a place in neighborhoods like Al Safa, Al Rawda, or Al Nuzha, where you can find a decent apartment for around $400 to $600 a month. You might have to settle for a smaller place or one that's not as modern as you're used to, but it's doable. I'd avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Al Andalus or Al Hamra, as rents there can easily go over $1,000 a month.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your utility bills. Electricity and water can be quite expensive, especially during the hot summer months when you'll be using the air conditioning a lot. Try to conserve energy and water as much as possible to keep your bills down.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Public transportation is limited in Jizan, so you'll likely need a car. However, you can find a used car for a reasonable price, and gas is relatively cheap. Just be prepared for the traffic, as it can get quite congested during rush hour.When it comes to food, eating out can be quite expensive, especially if you're used to Western-style restaurants. I'd recommend cooking at home as much as possible and shopping at local markets for fresh produce and groceries. You can find some great deals on fruits, vegetables, and meats if you're willing to shop around.Finally, entertainment and leisure activities can also be a bit pricey, especially if you're used to a more Western lifestyle. You might have to cut back on things like going to the movies, shopping, or traveling. However, there are still plenty of affordable activities to enjoy, like visiting the local parks, beaches, or exploring the nearby mountains.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Jizan is possible, but you'll have to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. It might take some getting used to, but you can still enjoy a comfortable life here," commented an expat living in Jizan.

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

"I've been living in Jizan 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 Jizan include Al Safa, Al Rawda, and Al Nuzha. These areas have a good mix of modern apartments and villas, and you can find a decent place to live for around $500 to $800 a month. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Al Andalus, Al Hamra, and Al Shatee, where rents can go up to $1,500 a month or more.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite affordable in Jizan, as gasoline prices are relatively low. However, if you want to save even more, you can rely on public transportation, which is quite efficient and affordable. A monthly pass for public transportation will cost you around $50.As for groceries and dining out, you'll find that the cost of living in Jizan is generally lower than in many Western countries. You can expect to spend around $200 to $300 a month on groceries, depending on your preferences. Dining out can be quite affordable too, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $10 to $15 per person.One sacrifice you might have to make is in terms of entertainment and leisure activities. While there are some malls, cinemas, and parks in Jizan, the options are somewhat limited compared to larger cities. However, you can still find ways to enjoy your free time, such as visiting the beautiful Farasan Islands or exploring the nearby mountains and desert landscapes.In terms of healthcare, you'll find that the quality of medical services in Jizan is quite good, with several hospitals and clinics available. However, it's important to have health insurance, as the cost of medical treatment can be quite high without it. You can expect to pay around $100 to $200 a month for a comprehensive health insurance plan.Overall, living in Jizan on a $3,000 a month budget is definitely doable, and you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with modern amenities. Just be prepared to make some adjustments in terms of housing, transportation, and entertainment options to ensure you stay within your budget," said one expat living in Jizan.

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

"I've been living in Jizan 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, you'll want to consider the neighborhood you choose to live in. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods in Jizan include Al Safa, Al Rawda, and Al Nuzha. These areas offer a good mix of local amenities and are generally more budget-friendly. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Al Balad and Al Hamra, as the cost of living in these areas can be significantly higher.When it comes to housing, you'll find that there are plenty of options available, from apartments to villas. However, if you're looking to save money, you might want to opt for a smaller apartment or even consider sharing with a roommate. This can help you cut down on your monthly rent and utility costs.As for transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive in Jizan, especially when you factor in the cost of fuel, insurance, and maintenance. Instead, you might want to consider using public transportation or even carpooling with colleagues to save on transportation costs.When it comes to dining out and entertainment, you'll find that there are plenty of options available in Jizan. However, if you're looking to save money, you might want to limit the number of times you eat out each month and instead focus on cooking at home. Additionally, you can take advantage of the many free or low-cost activities available in the city, such as visiting local parks, beaches, and cultural sites.In terms of shopping, you'll find that there are plenty of supermarkets and local markets where you can purchase groceries and other essentials at reasonable prices. However, you might want to avoid shopping at high-end malls and boutiques, as these can be quite expensive.Overall, living in Jizan on a $5,000 a month budget is definitely doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in order to make it work. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cutting down on transportation costs, and being smart about your dining and entertainment choices, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in this beautiful city," commented an expat living in Jizan.

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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