Cost of Living in Al Wajh
Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Al Wajh helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
Apartment Rentals | Apartment rentals in Al Wajh are relatively inexpensive. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost around SAR 1,000 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment can cost around SAR 1,500 per month. Outside of the city center, prices can be even lower. |
Apartment Purchases | The cost of purchasing an apartment in Al Wajh, Saudi Arabia can vary greatly depending on the size and location of the property. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost around SAR 500,000, while a two-bedroom apartment can cost around SAR 800,000. Outside of the city center, prices can be even lower. |
Transportation | Public transportation in Al Wajh, Saudi Arabia is relatively inexpensive. A one-way ticket on the bus costs around SAR 2.50, while a one-way ticket on the train costs around SAR 5. Taxis are also available and can cost around SAR 10 for a short ride. |
Groceries | Groceries in Al Wajh, Saudi Arabia are relatively inexpensive. A loaf of bread can cost around SAR 2, while a liter of milk can cost around SAR 5. A kilogram of rice can cost around SAR 10, while a kilogram of chicken can cost around SAR 20. |
Restaurants | Eating out in Al Wajh, Saudi Arabia can be relatively inexpensive. A meal at a fast food restaurant can cost around SAR 15, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost around SAR 50. A meal at a high-end restaurant can cost around SAR 100. |
Utilities | Utilities in Al Wajh, Saudi Arabia are relatively inexpensive. The average cost of electricity is around SAR 0.30 per kilowatt-hour, while the average cost of water is around SAR 0.50 per cubic meter. The average cost of internet is around SAR 100 per month. |
Private School Tuition | Private school tuition in Al Wajh, Saudi Arabia can vary greatly depending on the school. Preschool tuition can cost around SAR 5,000 per year, while elementary school tuition can cost around SAR 10,000 per year. Middle school tuition can cost around SAR 15,000 per year, while high school tuition can cost around SAR 20,000 per year. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Al Wajh
"The cost of living in Al Wajh 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 dining out is also reasonable, with a variety of options available to suit different budgets. Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are also reasonably priced. Transportation costs are relatively low, especially considering the low cost of petrol in the country. However, the cost of imported goods and international schooling can be high. Overall, the cost of living in Al Wajh is manageable for both locals and expatriates," said one expat living in Al Wajh.
Can I live in Al Wajh on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Al Wajh for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. The cost of living here is generally lower than in major cities like Riyadh or Jeddah, but you'll still need to be mindful of your spending.First, you'll want to find an affordable place to live. I'd recommend looking for a small apartment or a shared accommodation in neighborhoods like Al Balad or Al Rawdah. These areas are relatively affordable and still offer decent amenities. You might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Al Shati or Al Hamra, as the rent prices there can be quite high.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive, so I'd suggest 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 essentials, I'd recommend 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 affordable if you stick to local restaurants and avoid high-end dining establishments.As for entertainment and leisure activities, you might have to cut back on some of your hobbies or interests. For example, if you're used to going to the gym, you might want to consider working out at home or finding a more affordable gym membership. Similarly, if you enjoy going to the movies or other entertainment venues, you might have to limit those outings to once or twice a month.In general, living on $1,500 a month in Al Wajh is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By finding affordable housing, using public transportation, shopping smart, and cutting back on leisure activities, you can make it work and still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle," commented an expat living in Al Wajh.
Can I live in Al Wajh on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Al Wajh for a couple of years 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 a few 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 the Al Balad or Al Rawdah neighborhoods. These areas are more affordable and still offer decent living conditions. You can find a nice apartment for around $500 to $800 a month, depending on the size and location. On the other hand, I'd avoid the more expensive neighborhoods like Al Shati and Al Hamra, as the rent prices there can be quite high, sometimes reaching up to $1,500 a month or more.As for transportation, owning a car is pretty much a necessity in Al Wajh, as public transportation is not very reliable. 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 keep in mind that this can add up over time.Groceries and other daily expenses are generally affordable in Al Wajh. You can find most of the products you're used to at local supermarkets like Panda or Tamimi Markets, although some imported items might be a bit more expensive. Overall, I'd say you can expect to spend around $300 to $500 a month on groceries and other household items.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there are a few options available in Al Wajh, such as visiting the beach, going to the cinema, or checking out local cafes and restaurants. However, you might find that the options are somewhat limited compared to what you're used to in a more cosmopolitan city. To make the most of your time here, I'd recommend exploring the natural beauty of the surrounding areas, like the Red Sea coast and the nearby mountains.All in all, living in Al Wajh on a $3,000 a month budget is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and be willing to make a few sacrifices. If you can find a comfortable place to live in an affordable neighborhood and keep your daily expenses in check, you should be able to enjoy a decent quality of life here," said one expat living in Al Wajh.
Can I live in Al Wajh on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Al Wajh 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 a neighborhood that's more affordable. I'd recommend looking into areas like Al Balad or Al Rawdah, as they tend to have more reasonably priced housing options. On the other hand, you might want to avoid neighborhoods like Al Shati or Al Hamra, as they can be quite expensive.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite costly, so I'd suggest using public transportation or ride-sharing services like Uber or Careem. They're quite reliable and can help you save a significant amount of money.As for dining out, there are plenty of affordable local restaurants that offer delicious food at reasonable prices. However, if you're craving international cuisine or want to dine at high-end restaurants, you might have to limit those experiences to special occasions, as they can be quite pricey.In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, such as visiting local parks, beaches, or attending cultural events. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive activities like going to the cinema or attending concerts.Lastly, when it comes to shopping, you'll need to be mindful of your spending habits. While there are plenty of malls and shops in Al Wajh, it's important to stick to a budget and avoid impulse purchases.Overall, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Al Wajh is definitely achievable, but it does require some adjustments and sacrifices. By being mindful of your spending and choosing more affordable options, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while staying within your budget," commented an expat living in Al Wajh.
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.
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