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

By Betsy Burlingame

AGS Worldwide Movers
AGS Worldwide Movers

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Dammam helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Cost of Living Dammam
Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages around SAR 2,500 per month, while a three-bedroom apartment averages around SAR 4,500 per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center averages around SAR 1,500 per month, while a three-bedroom apartment averages around SAR 3,000 per month.
Apartment Purchases The cost of purchasing an apartment in Dammam varies depending on the size and location. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost around SAR 500,000, while a three-bedroom apartment can cost around SAR 1,000,000. A one-bedroom apartment outside the city center can cost around SAR 300,000, while a three-bedroom apartment can cost around SAR 600,000.
Transportation Public transportation in Dammam is relatively inexpensive. A one-way ticket on the bus costs around SAR 2.50, while a one-way ticket on the metro costs around SAR 4.00. Taxis are also available and the cost of a ride depends on the distance traveled.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Dammam is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs around SAR 2.50, a liter of milk costs around SAR 5.00, and a dozen eggs costs around SAR 8.00. Prices may vary depending on the store and the quality of the product.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Dammam varies depending on the type of restaurant. A meal at a fast food restaurant costs around SAR 20.00, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around SAR 50.00. Prices may vary depending on the restaurant and the type of food ordered.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Dammam is relatively low. The average cost of electricity is around SAR 0.20 per kilowatt-hour, while the average cost of water is around SAR 0.50 per cubic meter. Prices may vary depending on the provider and the type of service.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Dammam varies depending on the school and the grade level. Preschool tuition averages around SAR 10,000 per year, while elementary school tuition averages around SAR 15,000 per year. Middle school tuition averages around SAR 20,000 per year, while high school tuition averages around SAR 25,000 per year.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Dammam

"The cost of living in Dammam, is considered moderate compared to other major cities in the country. Housing and rental prices are relatively affordable, especially when compared to cities like Riyadh and Jeddah. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water are also quite reasonable. Groceries in Dammam are relatively inexpensive, with local markets offering fresh produce, meat, and dairy at lower prices. Eating out in restaurants can vary, with the cost depending on the type of restaurant. Fast food and casual dining options are quite affordable, while fine dining establishments can be more expensive.Transportation costs in Dammam are also quite reasonable. Public transportation is widely available and affordable, and the cost of owning and maintaining a car is lower than in many other countries due to the low cost of petrol.Healthcare in Dammam is of a high standard and is relatively affordable, especially when compared to countries such as the United States. However, it is recommended to have health insurance to cover any potential medical costs.Education costs can vary widely depending on the type of school. Public schools are free, but international schools can be quite expensive. Overall, while the cost of living in Dammam is not the cheapest in Saudi Arabia, it is still quite affordable compared to many other major cities in the country and around the world," said one expat living in Dammam.

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

"I've been living in Dammam 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 a shared apartment or a small studio in neighborhoods like Al Faisaliyah, Al Badiyah, or Al Mubarakiyah. These areas are more affordable compared to more upscale neighborhoods like Al Shati or Al Khobar, where rents can be quite high.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. Owning a car can be 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.When it comes to food, eating out can be pricey, especially if you're used to dining at fancy restaurants. I'd recommend cooking at home as much as possible and shopping at local markets for fresh produce. You can also find affordable eateries in the city, but you'll need to do some research to find the best deals.Entertainment and leisure activities can also add up, so you'll need to be selective about how you spend your free time. There are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Dammam, like visiting the Corniche, going to the beach, or exploring the local parks. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive hobbies like shopping or frequenting high-end cafes and lounges.In summary, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Dammam is possible, 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 being selective about your leisure activities, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Dammam.

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

"I've been living in Dammam 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 to your lifestyle. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods like Al Faisaliyah and Al Badiyah might be out of your budget, but there are plenty of other options. I'd recommend looking into neighborhoods like Al Adamah, Al Mubarakiyah, or Al Hamra. These areas are more affordable and still offer decent amenities.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to the high cost of insurance and maintenance. I'd suggest using public transportation or ride-sharing apps like Uber or Careem to get around. They're quite affordable and reliable.Eating out can also be a significant expense, especially if you're used to dining at high-end restaurants. However, there are plenty of local eateries and fast food options that offer delicious meals at a fraction of the cost. I've found that cooking at home and meal planning can help save a lot of money as well.Entertainment and leisure activities can also add up quickly, so you might have to cut back on some of your hobbies or find more affordable alternatives. For example, instead of going to the cinema every week, you could have movie nights at home or explore the local parks and beaches for some outdoor fun.Lastly, you'll need to be mindful of your utility usage, as electricity and water bills can be quite high in Dammam. Make sure to turn off lights and appliances when not in use and try to conserve water as much as possible.Overall, living in Dammam on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be more budget-conscious and make some lifestyle adjustments. It might take some time to get used to, but once you find the right balance, you'll be able to enjoy a comfortable life in this vibrant city," said one expat living in Dammam.

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

"I've been living in Dammam 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 in terms of housing and entertainment options.First, let's talk about housing. If you want to live in a more upscale neighborhood like Al Faisaliyah or Al Badiyah, you might have to spend a significant portion of your budget on rent. These areas have luxurious villas and apartments, but they can be quite expensive. On the other hand, if you're willing to live in a more affordable neighborhood like Al Adamah or Al Mubarraz, you can find decent apartments for a much lower price. I personally live in Al Adamah, and I've found it to be a nice area with all the basic amenities nearby.As for transportation, owning a car is pretty much a necessity in Dammam, as public transportation is limited. However, fuel prices are quite low, so it shouldn't be a major expense. If you're looking to save money, you can always opt for a more economical car instead of a luxury vehicle.When it comes to dining out and entertainment, you'll find a wide range of options in Dammam. There are plenty of affordable restaurants and cafes, as well as more expensive options if you're looking to splurge. However, keep in mind that alcohol is prohibited in Saudi Arabia, so your entertainment options might be more limited compared to what you're used to.In terms of groceries and other daily expenses, you'll find that prices are generally reasonable. There are plenty of supermarkets and local markets where you can find fresh produce and other essentials at affordable prices.Overall, I think it's definitely possible to live comfortably in Dammam on a $5,000 monthly budget, as long as you're willing to make a few sacrifices in terms of housing and entertainment. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood and being mindful of your spending, you should be able to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while still having access to modern amenities," commented an expat living in Dammam.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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