Cost of Living in Yanbu
Summary: If you're moving to Yanbu, understanding the the cost of living in Yanbu 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 Yanbu 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 Yanbu 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 Yanbu is very affordable. A one-way ticket on the bus is around SAR 2. Taxi fares start at SAR 10 and increase depending on the distance traveled. The cost of owning a car in Yanbu is relatively high due to the cost of fuel and insurance. |
Groceries | The cost of groceries in Yanbu is relatively low. A loaf of bread is around SAR 3, a liter of milk is around SAR 5, and a kilogram of rice is around SAR 10. Prices may vary depending on the store and the quality of the product. |
Restaurants | The cost of eating out in Yanbu is relatively low. A meal at a fast food restaurant is around SAR 20, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant is around SAR 50. Prices may vary depending on the restaurant and the quality of the food. |
Utilities | The cost of utilities in Yanbu is relatively low. 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. Prices may vary depending on the provider. |
Private School Tuition | The cost of private school tuition in Yanbu varies depending on the school and the grade level. The average cost of preschool tuition is around SAR 5,000 per year, while the average cost of elementary school tuition is around SAR 10,000 per year. The average cost of middle school tuition is around SAR 15,000 per year, while the average cost of high school tuition is around SAR 20,000 per year. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Yanbu
"The cost of living in Yanbu, is considered moderate compared to other cities in the country. Housing and rental prices are relatively affordable, especially when compared to larger cities like Riyadh or Jeddah. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water are also reasonably priced. Groceries and food prices are also moderate, with local markets offering fresh produce at lower prices. Eating out at restaurants can vary, with both budget-friendly and high-end options available. Transportation costs are relatively low, with affordable public transportation and reasonably priced petrol for private vehicles. Healthcare in Yanbu is also affordable, with both public and private healthcare options available. Education costs can vary significantly, with public schools being free for locals and private international schools charging higher fees. Overall, while the cost of living in Yanbu is not the cheapest in Saudi Arabia, it is still considered affordable, especially when compared to the larger cities," said one expat living in Yanbu.
Can I live in Yanbu on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Yanbu 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-Aziziyah, Al-Mahjar, or Al-Mujamma. These areas are more budget-friendly compared to more expensive neighborhoods like Royal Commission or Al-Shati.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive, so I suggest using public transportation or carpooling with colleagues. This will help you save a significant amount on fuel and maintenance costs.For groceries and household items, you'll need to shop smart. Look for discounts and promotions at local supermarkets like Panda, Danube, or Lulu Hypermarket. You can also save money by cooking at home instead of eating out frequently. Restaurants can be quite pricey, especially if you're used to Western-style dining.As for entertainment, you might have to cut back on some of your usual activities. Going to the movies, for example, can be expensive, so consider streaming movies at home instead. You can also take advantage of the many free or low-cost outdoor activities available in Yanbu, such as visiting the beach, going for a walk or jog along the Corniche, or exploring the nearby parks and gardens.In terms of healthcare, make sure you have a good health insurance plan that covers your needs. Medical expenses can add up quickly if you're not careful.Lastly, be prepared to adjust your lifestyle and expectations. Living on a tight budget in Yanbu means you'll have to be more conscious of your spending and make some sacrifices. But with careful planning and smart choices, you can still enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful city," commented an expat living in Yanbu.
Can I live in Yanbu on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Yanbu for a while 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 a place to live that's within your budget. I recommend looking for housing in neighborhoods like Al-Aziziyah, Al-Mahjar, or Al-Sharq, as these areas tend to have more affordable rental prices. You might have to settle for a smaller apartment or a slightly older building, but you can still find a decent place to live.On the other hand, I would avoid neighborhoods like Royal Commission or Al-Fahd, as these areas are known for their high-end housing and can be quite expensive. Additionally, you'll need to be mindful of your utility bills, as the cost of electricity and water can add up quickly, especially during the hot summer months when you'll be using the air conditioning a lot.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to the cost of insurance, maintenance, and fuel. I recommend using public transportation or carpooling with coworkers to save money. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available, but they can be costly if used frequently.As for food, eating out at restaurants can be pricey, so I suggest cooking at home as much as possible. Local markets and grocery stores offer a wide variety of fresh produce and other ingredients at reasonable prices. However, if you're craving Western food or imported products, you'll have to be prepared to pay a premium for them.Entertainment options in Yanbu are somewhat limited, but there are still ways to have fun without breaking the bank. You can visit the local parks, beaches, and shopping malls, or take advantage of the various sports facilities available. Just be prepared to adjust your expectations when it comes to nightlife, as alcohol is prohibited in Saudi Arabia and there are no bars or clubs.In conclusion, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Yanbu is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being conscious of your utility usage, and cooking at home more often, you can make it work," said one expat living in Yanbu.
Can I live in Yanbu on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Yanbu for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, especially 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 the more upscale areas like the Royal Commission and the beachfront properties. Instead, consider looking for accommodation in neighborhoods like Al-Aziziyah, Al-Mahjar, or Al-Sharq, where you can find more affordable housing options. You can expect to pay around $1,000 to $1,500 a month for a decent apartment in these areas.As for transportation, owning a car is pretty much a necessity in Yanbu, as public transportation is limited. You can find a decent used car for around $5,000 to $10,000, and with gas prices being relatively low, your monthly transportation costs shouldn't exceed $300.When it comes to groceries and dining out, you'll find that prices are generally reasonable. Local markets and supermarkets offer a good variety of products at affordable prices, and you can expect to spend around $300 to $400 a month on groceries. Dining out can be quite affordable too, especially if you stick to local restaurants and fast food chains. However, if you prefer dining at high-end restaurants or international chains, your monthly food expenses might be higher.Entertainment options in Yanbu are somewhat limited, but you can still find ways to enjoy your free time without breaking the bank. There are a few cinemas, shopping malls, and parks where you can spend your weekends. If you're into sports, you can join a local gym or sports club, which usually charge around $50 to $100 a month for membership.One sacrifice you might have to make is adjusting to the cultural differences and restrictions in Saudi Arabia. For example, alcohol is prohibited, and there are strict dress codes for women in public places. Additionally, you might find it challenging to socialize and make friends outside of your workplace, as there are limited opportunities for expats to mingle with locals.Overall, living in Yanbu on a $5,000 a month budget is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and be willing to adapt to the local culture and lifestyle," commented an expat living in Yanbu.
About the Author
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.