Cost of Living in Saudi Arabia
Last updated on Feb 07, 2024
Summary: The cost of living in Saudi Arabia is generally considered to be quite reasonable. A nice 1 bedroom apartment in Saudi Arabia can cost anywhere from $400 to $800 per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment can cost anywhere from $600 to $1,200 per month. The cost of dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Saudi Arabia is usually around $15 to $20 per person.
Is the cost of living in Saudi Arabia high?
We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Saudi Arabia, they wrote:
"The cost of living in Saudi Arabia is generally moderate, though some items can be expensive. In terms of housing, expats tend to pay high rental prices for westernized homes. On the other hand, the cost for basic food items and groceries can be reasonable. In addition, petrol is relatively inexpensive, transportation is available and relatively affordable, and healthcare is accessible and of a high quality. Overall, the cost of living can vary from low to moderate, depending on individual spending habits," said one expat in Saudi Arabia.
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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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Will I save money living in Saudi Arabia?
"Living in Saudi Arabia may offer some cost savings compared to living in the United States. The cost of living in Saudi Arabia is generally much lower than that of the United States. In addition, wages in Saudi Arabia tend to be lower than those found in the United States. Additionally, it is also possible to find good quality housing and services at more competitive prices than is typically found in the United States. As such, with careful price comparison and budgeting, living in Saudi Arabia is likely to be more affordable than living in the United States," said one expat in Saudi Arabia.
What is the average cost of housing in Saudi Arabia?
If you are thinking about moving to Saudi Arabia, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:
"Costs are much lower in Saudi Arabia. Avg cost of housing is approximately $400 US per month which includes all utilities," wrote a person living in Dhahran.
"The average cost of housing in Saudi Arabia varies widely depending on the area and type of accommodation. In general, housing prices in Saudi Arabia tend to be some of the highest in the Middle East, with luxury apartments and villas often costing significantly more than those in other cities. However, housing in some areas may be considered affordable in comparison to other major cities in the region," explained one expat living in Saudi Arabia.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
What are typical rental prices for expats in Saudi Arabia?
"The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Saudi Arabia can vary greatly, depending on the location. A 1 bedroom apartment in a good area can range from 3,000 to 8,000 Saudi Riyals (US$ 800 to 2,133) per month. A nice 2 bedroom apartment in Saudi Arabia can range from 5,000 to 12,000 Saudi Riyals (US$ 1,333 to 3,200) per month, depending on the location," wrote an expat living in Saudi Arabia.
What appliances are typically included in a rental?
We asked foreigners in Saudi Arabia what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:
"In Saudi Arabia, rental properties typically include appliances such as a refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, washing machine, and air conditioner. Some properties may also include additional appliances like a dishwasher and dryer," commented one expat living in Saudi Arabia.
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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