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

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Summary: If you're moving to Jubail, understanding the the cost of living in Jubail helps you know 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 Jubail 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 an apartment in Jubail varies depending on the size and location. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center range from SAR 500,000 to SAR 1,000,000. Prices for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center range from SAR 1,000,000 to SAR 2,000,000. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center range from SAR 300,000 to SAR 600,000. Prices for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center range from SAR 600,000 to SAR 1,200,000.
Transportation The cost of transportation in Jubail is relatively low. A monthly bus pass costs around SAR 100. Taxi fares start at SAR 10 and increase depending on the distance traveled. Gasoline is relatively inexpensive, costing around SAR 0.90 per liter.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Jubail is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs around SAR 5, a liter of milk costs around SAR 8, and a kilogram of chicken costs around SAR 25.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Jubail is relatively low. A meal at a fast food restaurant costs around SAR 20, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around SAR 50.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Jubail is relatively low. The average monthly cost for electricity is around SAR 100, while the average monthly cost for water is around SAR 20.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Jubail varies depending on the school and grade level. Preschool tuition ranges from SAR 5,000 to SAR 10,000 per year. Elementary school tuition ranges from SAR 10,000 to SAR 20,000 per year. Middle school tuition ranges from SAR 15,000 to SAR 25,000 per year. High school tuition ranges from SAR 20,000 to SAR 30,000 per year.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Jubail

"The cost of living in Jubail, is considered moderate compared to other major cities in the country. Housing is relatively affordable, with a variety of options available from apartments to villas. The cost of utilities such as electricity, water, and internet is also reasonable. Food expenses in Jubail are quite low, with a wide range of inexpensive local produce and groceries available. Eating out at restaurants can be affordable or expensive depending on the type of restaurant. Transportation costs are also relatively low, with affordable public transportation and inexpensive fuel for private vehicles. Healthcare in Jubail is of high quality and is reasonably priced, with both public and private healthcare options available. Education costs can vary widely, with public schools being free for locals and private international schools being more expensive. Overall, while the cost of living in Jubail is not the cheapest in Saudi Arabia, it is still quite affordable compared to many other cities in the country," said one expat living in Jubail.

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

"I've been living in Jubail 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. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. I recommend looking for housing in neighborhoods like Al Huwailat, Al Mubarraz, and Al Fanateer. These areas are more budget-friendly compared to more expensive neighborhoods like Al Rawabi and Al Khobar.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. Owning a car can be expensive, so I suggest using public transportation or carpooling with coworkers. If you do decide to buy a car, consider purchasing a used one to save money.When it comes to food, eating out can be quite expensive, especially in high-end restaurants. To save money, I recommend cooking at home and shopping at local markets for fresh produce. You can also find affordable meals at smaller, local restaurants.As for entertainment, you'll need to be creative to stay within your budget. Instead of going to expensive movie theaters or shopping malls, consider exploring the city's parks, beaches, and cultural sites. There are also many free or low-cost events and activities happening throughout the city.In terms of utilities and other monthly expenses, you'll need to be conscious of your usage to keep costs down. For example, try to limit your air conditioning use and be mindful of your water consumption.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Jubail is doable, but you'll need to be disciplined with your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being mindful of transportation and food costs, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Jubail.

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

"I've been living in Jubail 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. The cost of living in Jubail is generally lower than in major Western cities, but some things can still be quite expensive, especially if you're used to certain modern amenities.First, let's talk about housing. If you want to live in a Western-style compound, you'll probably have to pay a premium. These compounds offer a more familiar lifestyle, with amenities like gyms, swimming pools, and social clubs, but they can be quite expensive. A two-bedroom apartment in a compound can easily cost you around $1,500 to $2,000 a month. However, if you're willing to live in a local neighborhood, you can find a decent two-bedroom apartment for around $800 to $1,000 a month. Some affordable neighborhoods to consider are Al Huwailat, Al Mubarraz, and Al Fanateer.As for transportation, owning a car is pretty much a necessity in Jubail, as public transportation is limited. You can find a decent used car for around $5,000 to $10,000, and gas is very cheap, so your monthly transportation costs shouldn't be too high. If you prefer not to drive, you can always use taxis or ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem, but this can add up over time.When it comes to groceries and dining out, you'll find that local produce and products are quite affordable, while imported goods can be more expensive. If you're willing to adapt your diet and cook more at home, you can save a significant amount on food expenses. Dining out can be relatively cheap if you stick to local restaurants, but Western-style restaurants and fast food chains can be more expensive.Entertainment options in Jubail are somewhat limited, especially compared to what you might be used to in a Western city. There are no movie theaters or bars, and most social activities revolve around shopping malls, restaurants, and outdoor activities like beach visits and desert trips. This can actually help you save money, as you'll likely spend less on entertainment than you would back home.In terms of healthcare, you'll find that private clinics and hospitals can be quite expensive, especially for expats. It's important to have a good health insurance plan to cover any medical expenses you might incur.Overall, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Jubail is possible, but you'll have to make some sacrifices and adjustments to your lifestyle. By living in a local neighborhood, cooking more at home, and finding affordable entertainment options, you can make it work," said one expat living in Jubail.

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

"I've been living in Jubail 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, there might be some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, housing can be quite expensive in certain neighborhoods, so you'll want to avoid areas like Al Fanateer and Al Huwaylat, as they tend to be on the pricier side. Instead, consider looking for accommodation in more affordable neighborhoods like Al Mubarraz or Al Madinah Al Munawarah. You should be able to find a decent apartment or even a small villa within your budget in these areas.When it comes to transportation, owning a car is pretty much a necessity in Jubail, as public transportation is limited. However, fuel prices are quite low, so this shouldn't be a major expense. Just make sure to factor in the cost of purchasing a car and maintaining it, as well as any potential traffic fines.As for groceries and dining out, you'll find that the cost of living in Jubail is generally lower than in many Western countries. There are plenty of supermarkets and local markets where you can find affordable groceries, and dining out at local restaurants can be quite inexpensive. However, if you prefer to eat at high-end restaurants or shop at international supermarkets, you might find that your expenses add up quickly.One sacrifice you might have to make is in terms of entertainment and leisure activities. While there are some options available, such as shopping malls, cinemas, and a few recreational facilities, you might find that there's less variety compared to what you're used to. Additionally, alcohol is prohibited in Saudi Arabia, so if you're used to enjoying a drink or two, you'll have to adjust to a dry lifestyle.Lastly, keep in mind that the cost of international schools can be quite high if you have children, so you'll need to factor that into your budget as well.Overall, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Jubail is definitely achievable, but you'll need to be mindful of your expenses and be willing to make some adjustments to your lifestyle," commented an expat living in Jubail.

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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