Cost of Living in Riyadh

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Riyadh

"The cost of living in Riyadh is generally considered to be high. Prices for basic necessities such as food, housing, and transportation are all relatively expensive. However, the cost of living can vary depending on lifestyle and location. For example, expats living in more affluent areas of the city may find that their cost of living is higher than those living in more affordable areas. Additionally, the cost of entertainment and leisure activities can also be quite expensive," said one expat living in Riyadh.

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

"I've been living in Riyadh for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find affordable housing. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods in Riyadh include Al-Murabba, Al-Olaya, and Al-Sulaymaniyah. These areas have a mix of apartments and villas, and you can find a decent place for around $500 to $800 a month. I would avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Al-Nakhil, Al-Malaz, and Al-Rawdah, as rents there can easily go above $1,000 a month.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. Owning a car can be expensive, so I'd recommend using public transportation or ride-sharing apps like Uber and Careem. A monthly public transportation pass costs around $50, and ride-sharing apps are relatively affordable as well.When it comes to food, eating out can be quite expensive, especially in popular restaurants and cafes. To save money, I'd recommend cooking at home and shopping at local markets and supermarkets. You can find fresh produce, meats, and other groceries at reasonable prices. If you do eat out, try to stick to local eateries and fast food chains, as they tend to be more affordable.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Riyadh. You can visit parks, museums, and historical sites, or attend free events and festivals. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive activities like going to the movies, attending concerts, or joining a gym.In summary, living on $1,500 a month in Riyadh is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, cooking at home, and enjoying low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Riyadh.

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

"I've been living in Riyadh 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, let's talk about housing. If you want to live in a more affordable neighborhood, I'd recommend looking into areas like Al-Naseem, Al-Rawabi, or Al-Maseef. These neighborhoods are a bit further from the city center, but you can find decent apartments or small villas for around $800 to $1,200 a month. On the other hand, if you're looking for something more upscale, you might want to consider neighborhoods like Al-Olaya, Al-Malaz, or Al-Sulaimaniyah. However, keep in mind that rents in these areas can easily go up to $2,000 a month or more, which might not be feasible on your budget.As for transportation, owning a car is pretty much a necessity in Riyadh, as public transportation is limited. You can find a decent used car for around $5,000 to $10,000, and monthly expenses like gas, insurance, and maintenance should be around $200 to $300. Alternatively, you can use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Careem, but this can get expensive if you're using them daily.When it comes to groceries and dining out, you can definitely save money by cooking at home and shopping at local markets. Eating out can be affordable if you stick to local restaurants and fast food chains, but if you're used to dining at high-end restaurants, you'll need to cut back on that. A meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost you around $15 to $20 per person, while a fast food meal is around $5 to $7.Entertainment and leisure activities can also be a bit pricey in Riyadh, especially if you're into outdoor activities or nightlife, as these are quite limited. However, there are plenty of malls, cinemas, and family entertainment centers where you can spend your free time without breaking the bank. A movie ticket, for example, will cost you around $10 to $15.In terms of healthcare, if your employer provides health insurance, you should be covered for most medical expenses. However, if you need to purchase your own insurance, expect to pay around $100 to $200 a month for a decent plan.Overall, living on $3,000 a month in Riyadh is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing, dining, and entertainment. If you can manage that, you should be able to live comfortably and enjoy your time in this unique city," said one expat living in Riyadh.

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

"I've been living in Riyadh 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 some sacrifices in terms of housing and entertainment options.First, let's talk about housing. If you want to live in a more affordable neighborhood, I'd recommend looking into areas like Al-Nakhil, Al-Muruj, or Al-Wurud. These neighborhoods have a mix of apartments and villas, and you can find a decent 2-3 bedroom apartment for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month. On the other hand, if you're looking for something more upscale, you might want to consider neighborhoods like Al-Olaya, Al-Malaz, or Diplomatic Quarter. These areas have more luxurious housing options, but the rent can be quite high, sometimes reaching up to $3,000 a month or more for a 2-3 bedroom apartment.As for transportation, owning a car is pretty much a necessity in Riyadh, as public transportation is limited. You can find a decent used car for around $5,000 to $10,000, and the cost of gas is relatively cheap. If you prefer not to drive, you can always use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Careem, but this can add up if you're using them daily.When it comes to groceries and dining out, the cost of living in Riyadh is quite reasonable. You can find a variety of supermarkets and local markets where you can buy fresh produce and other essentials at affordable prices. Dining out can be as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be, with a wide range of options from fast food to high-end restaurants.Entertainment options in Riyadh can be a bit limited, especially if you're used to a more vibrant nightlife scene. Alcohol is prohibited in Saudi Arabia, so you won't find any bars or clubs. However, there are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shopping malls where you can spend your free time. You can also find movie theaters, amusement parks, and other entertainment venues, but these can be a bit pricey.In terms of healthcare, there are several private hospitals and clinics in Riyadh that offer high-quality medical services. However, the cost of healthcare can be quite high, especially if you don't have insurance. I'd recommend looking into getting a comprehensive health insurance plan to cover any medical expenses you might incur while living here.Overall, living in Riyadh on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, but you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of housing and entertainment options. If you're willing to live in a more affordable neighborhood and adjust your lifestyle a bit, you should be able to live comfortably and enjoy your time in this unique city," commented an expat living in Riyadh.