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

By Joshua Wood, LPC

SJB Global
SJB Global

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Najran 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: 3 - 5 SAR
  • Monthly local transport pass: 150 - 250 SAR
  • Taxi starting tariff: 5 - 10 SAR
  • Taxi 1 km tariff: 2 - 3 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 round (1 kg): 30 - 50 SAR
  • Apples (1 kg): 5 - 10 SAR
  • Oranges (1 kg): 3 - 6 SAR
  • Tomatoes (1 kg): 2 - 4 SAR
  • Potatoes (1 kg): 2 - 4 SAR
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): 1 - 2 SAR
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: 15 - 30 SAR
  • Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: 80 - 150 SAR
  • Fast food combo meal: 20 - 30 SAR
  • Cappuccino: 8 - 15 SAR
  • Soft drink (0.33-liter bottle): 1 - 3 SAR
  • Water (0.33-liter bottle): 1 - 2 SAR
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment: 200 - 400 SAR/month
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data): 200 - 350 SAR/month
  • Mobile call rate (1 minute, no discounts or plans): 0.30 - 0.50 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 Najran, 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 Najran

"The cost of living in Najran is considered to be relatively moderate compared to other cities in the country. Housing and rental prices are quite affordable, especially when compared to larger cities like Riyadh or Jeddah. The cost of groceries and other basic necessities is also reasonable, with local markets and supermarkets offering a wide range of products at competitive prices. Eating out in restaurants or cafes can vary, with both budget-friendly and more upscale options available. Transportation costs are also relatively low, with affordable public transport and reasonably priced fuel for private vehicles. However, the cost of education, particularly for private or international schools, can be quite high. Overall, the cost of living in Najran is manageable for both locals and expatriates, with a variety of options to suit different budgets," said one expat living in Najran.

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

"I've been living in Najran 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 Najran is generally lower than in other major cities in Saudi Arabia, but you'll still need to be mindful of your expenses.First, you'll need to find affordable housing. I recommend looking for apartments in neighborhoods like Al Faisaliah, Al Maseef, and Al Khaldiyah. These areas offer more budget-friendly options compared to more upscale neighborhoods like Al Fahd and Al Rawda. You can expect to pay around $400 to $600 a month for a decent one or two-bedroom apartment in these areas.Next, you'll need to consider transportation costs. Public transportation is limited in Najran, so you might need to rely on taxis or rent a car. Taxis can be relatively affordable if you don't use them too often, but renting a car will set you back around $300 to $400 a month. If you can manage to carpool with colleagues or use taxis sparingly, you can save some money on transportation.When it comes to groceries and dining out, you'll find that food prices are generally lower in Najran compared to other cities in Saudi Arabia. However, if you're used to eating out at fancy restaurants or buying imported goods, you'll need to cut back on those expenses. Stick to local markets and supermarkets for groceries, and try to cook at home as much as possible. When you do eat out, opt for more affordable local restaurants instead of high-end establishments.As for entertainment and leisure activities, you'll need to be mindful of your spending. Najran has some beautiful parks and historical sites that you can visit for free or at a low cost, but if you're used to frequenting expensive bars, clubs, or other entertainment venues, you'll need to cut back on those activities. Instead, try to find more affordable ways to enjoy your free time, like exploring the local culture, joining a sports club, or attending community events.In summary, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Najran is possible, but you'll need to make some sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. By choosing affordable housing, cutting back on transportation costs, cooking at home, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Najran.

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

"I've been living in Najran 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 to make it work. For example, you might not be able to dine out at fancy restaurants as often as you'd like, or you might have to cut back on shopping for luxury items.When it comes to housing, I'd recommend looking for a place in neighborhoods like Al Fahd or Al Khaldiyah, as they tend to be more affordable. You can find a decent apartment for around $500 to $800 a month, depending on the size and location. On the other hand, I'd avoid neighborhoods like Al Faisaliyah or Al Murooj, as they tend to be more expensive and might not fit within your budget.As for transportation, owning a car is pretty much a necessity in Najran, as public transportation isn't very reliable. You can find a decent used car for around $5,000 to $10,000, and gas prices are relatively low, so it shouldn't be too much of a burden on your budget. Alternatively, you could consider carpooling with coworkers or using ride-sharing apps like Uber or Careem to get around.When it comes to groceries and other daily expenses, you'll find that prices are generally lower than in Western countries. You can save even more by shopping at local markets and buying fresh produce, meat, and fish. Eating out can be quite affordable too, especially if you stick to local restaurants and avoid the more expensive international chains.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, you might have to adjust your expectations a bit. While there are some modern amenities like shopping malls and movie theaters, the options are more limited compared to what you might be used to. However, you can still find ways to enjoy your free time, such as exploring the beautiful natural landscapes around Najran or visiting historical sites like the Al-Ukhdood ruins.Overall, living in Najran on a $3,000 a month budget is doable, but it will require some adjustments and sacrifices. By being mindful of your spending and prioritizing your needs, you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while experiencing a new culture and environment," said one expat living in Najran.

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

"I've been living in Najran 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 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 Najran include Al Faisaliah, Al Khaldiyah, and Al Maseef. These neighborhoods 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 Fahd and Al Rawda, as the cost of living there 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 consider sharing an apartment or villa with other expats. This can help you cut down on rent and utility costs, while still enjoying a comfortable living space.In terms of transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive in Najran, especially when you factor in the cost of fuel, insurance, and maintenance. To save money, you might want to consider using public transportation or ride-sharing services like Uber or Careem. Alternatively, you could also look into purchasing a more fuel-efficient vehicle or even a used car to help keep costs down.As for groceries and dining out, you'll find that local markets and restaurants are generally more affordable than their Western counterparts. To save money, try shopping at local markets for fresh produce and cooking at home more often. When you do dine out, opt for local eateries instead of international chains, as the prices tend to be more reasonable.Finally, while there are plenty of entertainment options in Najran, some can be quite pricey. To stay within your budget, look for free or low-cost activities, such as visiting local parks, attending community events, or exploring the city's historical sites. Additionally, you might want to consider cutting back on expensive habits like frequent shopping or going out to bars and clubs.Overall, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Najran is definitely achievable, but it does require some careful budgeting and a willingness to make a few sacrifices. By choosing the right neighborhood, being mindful of your spending, and embracing local culture, you can enjoy a fulfilling and comfortable life in this unique city," commented an expat living in Najran.

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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