Cost of Living in Al Khobar
Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Al Khobar helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
Apartment Rentals | Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Al Khobar is around SAR 2,500 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around SAR 4,500 per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around SAR 1,500 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around SAR 3,000 per month. |
Apartment Purchases | The cost of purchasing a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Al Khobar is around SAR 500,000. The cost of purchasing a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around SAR 800,000. The cost of purchasing a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around SAR 300,000. The cost of purchasing a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around SAR 500,000. |
Transportation | The cost of public transportation in Al Khobar is around SAR 2.50 per ride. The cost of a monthly bus pass is around SAR 100. The cost of a taxi ride in the city center is around SAR 10. The cost of a taxi ride outside the city center is around SAR 15. |
Groceries | The cost of groceries in Al Khobar is relatively low. A loaf of bread is around SAR 3. A liter of milk is around SAR 5. A dozen eggs is around SAR 8. A kilogram of chicken is around SAR 20. A kilogram of apples is around SAR 10. |
Restaurants | The cost of eating out in Al Khobar is relatively low. A meal at a fast food restaurant is around SAR 15. A meal at a mid-range restaurant is around SAR 50. A meal at a high-end restaurant is around SAR 100. |
Utilities | The cost of utilities in Al Khobar is relatively low. The cost of electricity is around SAR 0.50 per kilowatt-hour. The cost of water is around SAR 0.50 per cubic meter. The cost of internet is around SAR 100 per month. |
Private School Tuition | The cost of private school tuition in Al Khobar varies depending on the school. The cost of preschool tuition is around SAR 5,000 per year. The cost of elementary school tuition is around SAR 10,000 per year. The cost of middle school tuition is around SAR 15,000 per year. The cost of high school tuition is around SAR 20,000 per year. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Al Khobar
"The cost of living in Al Khobar is generally considered to be quite high. Prices for basic necessities such as food, housing, and transportation are all higher than in many other parts of the world. Additionally, the cost of entertainment and leisure activities can be quite expensive. However, the cost of living in Al Khobar is offset by the fact that wages are generally higher than in other parts of the world, making it an attractive place to live and work," said one expat living in Al Khobar.
Can I live in Al Khobar on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Al Khobar for a few years 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'd recommend looking for apartments in neighborhoods like Al Aqrabiyah, Al Olaya, or Al Thuqbah. These areas are more budget-friendly and still offer decent living conditions. 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'd avoid neighborhoods like Al Bandariyah, Al Rakkah, or Al Rawdah, as these 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'd recommend using public transportation or ride-sharing apps like Uber or Careem. They're quite affordable and can help you save a lot on transportation costs.For groceries and other household items, try shopping at local markets and discount stores like Lulu Hypermarket or Carrefour. They offer good deals and can help you save on your monthly expenses. Eating out can also be quite affordable if you stick to local restaurants and avoid high-end dining establishments.One of the sacrifices you might have to make is cutting back on entertainment and leisure activities. Al Khobar has a lot of malls and entertainment options, but they can be quite expensive. Instead, try to find free or low-cost activities like visiting parks, beaches, or attending local events.In conclusion, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Al Khobar is possible, but you'll have to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, shopping smart, and cutting back on entertainment expenses, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Al Khobar.
Can I live in Al Khobar on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Al Khobar for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to make some adjustments and sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods, like Al Bandariyah and Al Olaya, might be out of your budget. Instead, consider looking for housing in areas like Al Aqrabiyah or Al Thuqbah, which are more affordable and still offer decent amenities.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive, so you might want to rely on public transportation or taxis to get around. The good news is that the public transportation system in Al Khobar is quite reliable and affordable. You can also use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Careem, which are relatively cheap compared to owning a car.As for dining out and entertainment, you'll need to be more selective about where you go and how often you indulge. There are plenty of affordable local restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy a meal without breaking the bank. However, you might have to cut back on visits to high-end restaurants and bars, as they can be quite pricey.Shopping for groceries and other essentials can also be done on a budget if you're smart about it. Look for local markets and discount stores, and try to buy in bulk when possible. You might also want to consider cooking at home more often, as this can save you a significant amount of money compared to eating out.In terms of leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options available in Al Khobar. You can enjoy the beautiful Corniche area, visit local parks, or take advantage of the many cultural events and festivals that take place throughout the year. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive activities like frequent trips to the cinema or joining a high-end gym.Overall, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Al Khobar is possible, but it will require some adjustments and sacrifices. By being mindful of your spending and prioritizing your needs, you can make it work and still enjoy a good quality of life," said one expat living in Al Khobar.
Can I live in Al Khobar on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Al Khobar for a few years 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, you might have to make a few sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might not be able to live in the most luxurious neighborhoods or have a huge apartment, but you can still find a nice place to live in a decent area.One of the more affordable neighborhoods I'd recommend is Al Aqrabiyah. It's a nice area with a mix of locals and expats, and you can find a decent apartment for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month. There are also plenty of shops, restaurants, and other amenities nearby, so you won't feel like you're missing out on anything.On the other hand, if you're looking for something more upscale, you might want to consider Al Olaya or Al Bandariyah. These neighborhoods are more expensive, with rents for a nice apartment starting at around $2,500 a month. However, they're also more modern and have a lot of high-end amenities, so if you're willing to spend a bit more, you might find them worth it.As for other expenses, you'll find that groceries and dining out are relatively affordable in Al Khobar. You can expect to spend around $300 to $400 a month on groceries, and eating out at a decent restaurant will usually cost you around $10 to $15 per meal. Transportation is also quite affordable, with a monthly public transport pass costing around $50, and taxis being reasonably priced as well.One thing to keep in mind is that the cost of living in Saudi Arabia can be quite different for men and women, especially when it comes to clothing and personal care items. As a woman, you might find that you need to spend more on things like abayas and other modest clothing, as well as on beauty products and services. However, these expenses can still be managed within your $5,000 a month budget.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Al Khobar on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, as long as you're willing to make a few sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. It's a great city with a lot to offer, and I'm sure you'll enjoy your time here," commented an expat living in Al Khobar.
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.
Additional Information:
- Cost of Living in Al Khobar
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Saudi Arabia
- Best Places to Live in Saudi Arabia
- Real Estate in Saudi Arabia
- Pros & Cons of Living in Saudi Arabia
- Best Places to See While on a Look-See Trip to Saudi Arabia (Plus, Itineraries)
- Pros and Cons of Living in Saudi Arabia 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to Saudi Arabia