Cost of Living in Riyadh
Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, is the Kingdom’s main financial, political, and cultural hub. Known for its modern skyline, luxury malls, and fast-growing economy, it offers strong career opportunities but also has a higher cost of living, especially for housing and dining. The city experiences very hot summers, and while public transport is improving with the new metro and bus network, it is still expanding.
Basic lunchtime menu (business district)
SAR 40-45
Combo meal at fast food restaurant
SAR 30
500g boneless chicken breast
SAR 15
1 litre whole-fat milk
SAR 7
Monthly rent (85m², furnished, expensive area)
SAR 8,000
Monthly rent (85m², furnished, normal area)
SAR 5,500
Utilities (85m² flat, 2 people, monthly)
SAR 700
Monthly rent (45m², furnished studio, expensive)
SAR 5,000
40" flat-screen TV
SAR 1,500
Microwave (800/900W, major brands)
SAR 350
Laundry detergent (3L)
SAR 30
Hourly rate for cleaning help
SAR 40
1 pair of Levi's 501 jeans
SAR 250
1 summer dress (Zara, H&M, etc.)
SAR 180
1 pair of Nike/Adidas sports shoes
SAR 350
1 pair of men's leather business shoes
SAR 400
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI (new, no extras)
SAR 80,000
1 litre of gasoline
SAR 2.30
Monthly public transport pass
SAR 140
Cold medicine for 6 days (Tylenol, Coldrex)
SAR 25
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses)
SAR 45
Short private doctor visit (15 minutes)
SAR 150
1 box of 32 tampons
SAR 20
Roll-on deodorant (50ml)
SAR 15
2-in-1 shampoo (400ml)
SAR 12
4 rolls of toilet paper
SAR 10
Tube of toothpaste
SAR 8
Standard men's haircut (expat area)
SAR 50
Basic dinner for two (casual restaurant)
SAR 100
2 movie tickets
SAR 80
2 theatre tickets (best available seats)
SAR 250
Dinner for two at an Italian restaurant (wine)
SAR 300
1 cocktail drink (hotel lounge)
SAR 50
Cappuccino (expat area)
SAR 15
1 beer in a hotel lounge (non-alcoholic)
SAR 30
iPad Wi-Fi (128GB)
SAR 2,500
1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no plan)
SAR 0.30
Monthly gym membership (business district)
SAR 300
1 pack of Marlboro cigarettes
SAR 30
Cost of Living in Madinah
Madinah, also known as Al-Madinah Al-Monawara, is the second-holiest city in Islam after Makkah. It is home to the Prophet’s Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi), a major pilgrimage site for Muslims. Unlike Makkah, non-Muslims can enter certain parts of the city. Madinah has a quieter atmosphere compared to other Saudi cities, with a strong focus on religious tourism and historical significance. The cost of living is moderate, with housing and daily expenses generally more affordable than in Riyadh and Jeddah.
Basic lunchtime menu (business district)
SAR 30
Combo meal at fast food restaurant
SAR 28
500g boneless chicken breast
SAR 14
1 litre whole-fat milk
SAR 6.50
12 large eggs
SAR 11
1kg of tomatoes
SAR 7
500g local cheese
SAR 28
1kg apples
SAR 9
1kg potatoes
SAR 4.50
0.5L domestic beer (non-alcoholic, supermarket)
SAR 7
2L Coca-Cola
SAR 5.50
Bread
SAR 2.5
Monthly rent (85m², furnished, expensive area)
SAR 6,500
Monthly rent (85m², furnished, normal area)
SAR 4,500
Utilities (85m² flat, 2 people, monthly)
SAR 600
Monthly rent (45m², furnished studio, expensive)
SAR 4,000
Monthly rent (45m², furnished studio, normal)
SAR 2,500
Utilities (45m² studio, 1 person, monthly)
SAR 350
Internet (60 Mbps, per month)
SAR 160-200
40" flat-screen TV
SAR 1,400
Microwave (800/900W, major brands)
SAR 320
Laundry detergent (3L)
SAR 28
Hourly rate for cleaning help
SAR 35
1 pair of Levi's 501 jeans
SAR 230
1 summer dress (Zara, H&M, etc.)
SAR 170
1 pair of Nike/Adidas sports shoes
SAR 330
1 pair of men's leather business shoes
SAR 380
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI (new, no extras)
SAR 78,000
1 litre of gasoline
SAR 2.30
Monthly public transport pass
SAR 180
Cold medicine for 6 days (Tylenol, Coldrex)
SAR 24
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses)
SAR 42
Short private doctor visit (15 minutes)
SAR 140
1 box of 32 tampons
SAR 18
Roll-on deodorant (50ml)
SAR 14
2-in-1 shampoo (400ml)
SAR 11
4 rolls of toilet paper
SAR 9
Tube of toothpaste
SAR 7
Standard men's haircut (expat area)
SAR 45
Basic dinner for two (casual restaurant)
SAR 90
2 movie tickets
SAR 75
2 theatre tickets (best available seats)
SAR 230
Dinner for two at an Italian restaurant (wine)
SAR 280
1 cocktail drink (hotel lounge)
SAR 45
Cappuccino (expat area)
SAR 14
1 beer in a hotel lounge (non-alcoholic)
SAR 28
iPad Wi-Fi (128GB)
SAR 2,400
1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no plan)
SAR 0.28
Monthly gym membership (business district)
SAR 280
1 pack of Marlboro cigarettes
SAR 28
Note: Compared to Riyadh, Madinah generally has a lower cost of living. In normal areas, housing is more affordable in Madinah, and both food and personal care items are slightly cheaper than in Riyadh. Due to local regulations, alcoholic beverages are not available; only non-alcoholic versions are sold.
Cost of Living in Makkah
Makkah is the holiest city in Islam and the annual destination for millions of Muslim pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah. The city is known for the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) and the Kaaba, Islam’s most sacred site. Due to its religious significance, non-Muslims are not permitted to enter. The cost of living varies, with high prices near the Haram area due to tourism demand, while other parts of the city offer more affordable options.
Basic lunchtime menu (business district)
SAR 35
Combo meal at fast food restaurant
SAR 30
500g boneless chicken breast
SAR 15
1 litre whole-fat milk
SAR 7
12 large eggs
SAR 12
1kg of tomatoes
SAR 8
500g local cheese
SAR 30
1kg apples
SAR 10
1kg potatoes
SAR 5
0.5L domestic beer (non-alcoholic, supermarket)
SAR 8
2L Coca-Cola
SAR 6
Bread for two people (1 day)
SAR 3
Monthly rent (85m², furnished, expensive area)
SAR 7,000
Monthly rent (85m², furnished, normal area)
SAR 5,000
Utilities (85m² flat, 2 people, monthly)
SAR 650
Monthly rent (45m², furnished studio, expensive)
SAR 4,500
Monthly rent (45m², furnished studio, normal)
SAR 3,000
Utilities (45m² studio, 1 person, monthly)
SAR 400
Internet (100 Mbps, per month)
SAR 250
40" flat-screen TV
SAR 1,500
Microwave (800/900W, major brands)
SAR 350
Laundry detergent (3L)
SAR 30
Hourly rate for cleaning help
SAR 40
1 pair of Levi's 501 jeans
SAR 250
1 summer dress (Zara, H&M, etc.)
SAR 180
1 pair of Nike/Adidas sports shoes
SAR 350
1 pair of men's leather business shoes
SAR 400
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI (new, no extras)
SAR 80,000
1 litre of gasoline
SAR 2.30
Monthly public transport pass
SAR 150
Cold medicine for 6 days (Tylenol, Coldrex)
SAR 25
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses)
SAR 45
Short private doctor visit (15 minutes)
SAR 150
1 box of 32 tampons
SAR 20
Roll-on deodorant (50ml)
SAR 15
2-in-1 shampoo (400ml)
SAR 12
4 rolls of toilet paper
SAR 10
Tube of toothpaste
SAR 8
Standard men's haircut (expat area)
SAR 50
Basic dinner for two (casual restaurant)
SAR 100
2 movie tickets
SAR 80
2 theatre tickets (best available seats)
SAR 250
Dinner for two at an Italian restaurant (wine)
SAR 300
1 cocktail drink (hotel lounge)
SAR 50
Cappuccino (expat area)
SAR 15
1 beer in a hotel lounge (non-alcoholic)
SAR 30
iPad Wi-Fi (128GB)
SAR 2,500
1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no plan)
SAR 0.30
Monthly gym membership (business district)
SAR 300
1 pack of Marlboro cigarettes
SAR 30
Note: Makkah has a slightly higher cost of living than Madinah, but it is still cheaper than Riyadh. Housing costs fluctuate significantly, especially near the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram), where prices rise due to demand from pilgrims. Food and transportation costs remain affordable, with local produce and fuel being inexpensive. Public transport is improving, but taxis and private cars are still the main mode of travel. No alcohol is available, and entertainment options are limited compared to Riyadh.
Cost of Living in Jeddah
Jeddah is Saudi Arabia’s main port city on the Red Sea and a major commercial centre. It is known for its vibrant mix of modernity and tradition, with historic sites like Al-Balad, luxury beachfront resorts, and a lively arts and culture scene. Jeddah is often considered the most open and cosmopolitan city in the Kingdom. The cost of living is moderate to high, especially in upscale areas, but the city offers a more relaxed lifestyle compared to Riyadh.
Basic lunchtime menu (business district)
SAR 40
Combo meal at fast food restaurant
SAR 30
500g boneless chicken breast
SAR 14
1 litre whole-fat milk
SAR 8
12 large eggs
SAR 14
1kg of tomatoes
SAR 9
500g local cheese
SAR 22
1kg apples
SAR 12
1kg potatoes
SAR 6
0.5L domestic beer (non-alcoholic, supermarket)
SAR 9
2L Coca-Cola
SAR 7
Bread for two people (1 day)
SAR 4
Monthly rent (85m², furnished, expensive area)
SAR 8,000
Monthly rent (85m², furnished, normal area)
SAR 5,500
Utilities (85m² flat, 2 people, monthly)
SAR 700
Monthly rent (45m², furnished studio, expensive)
SAR 4,800
Monthly rent (45m², furnished studio, normal)
SAR 3,500
Utilities (45m² studio, 1 person, monthly)
SAR 450
Internet (100 Mbps, per month)
SAR 270
40" flat-screen TV
SAR 1,700
Microwave (800/900W, major brands)
SAR 400
Laundry detergent (3L)
SAR 35
Hourly rate for cleaning help
SAR 45
1 pair of Levi's 501 jeans
SAR 280
1 summer dress (Zara, H&M, etc.)
SAR 190
1 pair of Nike/Adidas sports shoes
SAR 380
1 pair of men's leather business shoes
SAR 450
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI (new, no extras)
SAR 85,000
1 litre of gasoline
SAR 2.30
Monthly public transport pass
SAR 220
Cold medicine for 6 days (Tylenol, Coldrex)
SAR 28
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses)
SAR 50
Short private doctor visit (15 minutes)
SAR 180
1 box of 32 tampons
SAR 22
Roll-on deodorant (50ml)
SAR 16
2-in-1 shampoo (400ml)
SAR 14
4 rolls of toilet paper
SAR 12
Tube of toothpaste
SAR 9
Standard men's haircut (expat area)
SAR 55
Basic dinner for two (casual restaurant)
SAR 120
2 movie tickets
SAR 90
2 theatre tickets (best available seats)
SAR 300
Dinner for two at an Italian restaurant (wine)
SAR 350
1 cocktail drink (hotel lounge)
SAR 55
Cappuccino (expat area)
SAR 18
1 beer in a hotel lounge (non-alcoholic)
SAR 35
iPad Wi-Fi (128GB)
SAR 2,700
1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no plan)
SAR 0.35
Monthly gym membership (business district)
SAR 320
1 pack of Marlboro cigarettes
SAR 32
Notes: Jeddah is one of the most expensive cities in Saudi Arabia, but it offers a coastal lifestyle with access to the Red Sea. Housing is relatively high-priced, especially in beachfront areas like the Corniche. Food is moderately priced, with a mix of affordable local markets and high-end dining options. Public transport is improving, but most residents rely on taxis or private cars. Entertainment options are broader compared to Makkah and Madinah, with more dining, shopping, and recreational facilities.
Cost of Living in Tabuk
Tabuk is a northern city in Saudi Arabia, close to the borders of Jordan and the Red Sea. It is becoming an important economic hub due to large-scale development projects like NEOM. Historically, Tabuk has been a key military and trade city, with a cooler climate compared to the central and southern regions of the Kingdom. The cost of living in Tabuk is lower than in major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, making it an affordable place to live
Basic lunchtime menu (business district)
SAR 32
Combo meal at a fast food restaurant
SAR 28
500g boneless chicken breast
SAR 16
1 litre whole-fat milk
SAR 7
12 large eggs
SAR 13
1kg of tomatoes
SAR 8
500g local cheese
SAR 32
1kg apples
SAR 11
1kg potatoes
SAR 6
0.5L domestic beer (non-alcoholic, supermarket)
SAR 8
1 bottle red table wine (imported, good quality)
SAR 110+
2L Coca-Cola
SAR 6
Bread for two people (1 day)
SAR 3.50
Monthly rent (85m², furnished, expensive area)
SAR 4,500
Monthly rent (85m², furnished, normal area)
SAR 3,500
Utilities (85m² flat, 2 people, monthly)
SAR 600
Monthly rent (45m², furnished studio, expensive)
SAR 3,200
Monthly rent (45m², furnished studio, normal)
SAR 2,500
Utilities (45m² studio, 1 person, monthly)
SAR 400
Internet (100 Mbps, per month)
SAR 250
40" flat-screen TV
SAR 1,500
Microwave (800/900W, major brands)
SAR 380
Laundry detergent (3L)
SAR 30
Hourly rate for cleaning help
SAR 40
1 pair of Levi's 501 jeans
SAR 260
1 summer dress (Zara, H&M, etc.)
SAR 180
1 pair of Nike/Adidas sports shoes
SAR 350
1 pair of men's leather business shoes
SAR 420
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI (new, no extras)
SAR 82,000
1 litre of gasoline
SAR 2.30
Monthly public transport pass
SAR 100-200
Cold medicine for 6 days (Tylenol, Coldrex)
SAR 27
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses)
SAR 45
Short private doctor visit (15 minutes)
SAR 160
1 box of 32 tampons
SAR 20
Roll-on deodorant (50ml)
SAR 15
2-in-1 shampoo (400ml)
SAR 12
4 rolls of toilet paper
SAR 10
Tube of toothpaste
SAR 8
Standard men's haircut (expat area)
SAR 50
Basic dinner for two (casual restaurant)
SAR 100
2 movie tickets
SAR 75
2 theater tickets (best available seats)
SAR 250
Dinner for two at an Italian restaurant (wine)
SAR 280
1 cocktail drink (hotel lounge)
SAR 50
Cappuccino (expat area)
SAR 15
1 beer in a hotel lounge (non-alcoholic)
SAR 30
iPad Wi-Fi (128GB)
SAR 2,600
1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no plan)
SAR 0.30
Monthly gym membership (business district)
SAR 250
1 pack of Marlboro cigarettes
SAR 30
Note: Tabuk is more affordable than major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. Housing costs are lower, though availability can be limited in high-end areas. Food and dining are slightly cheaper compared to Jeddah and Riyadh. Public transport options are limited, so most residents rely on cars. Entertainment is more relaxed, with fewer high-end venues than Jeddah.
Cost of Living in Buraydah
Buraydah is the capital of the Al-Qassim region, known for its agricultural industry, particularly dates and wheat production. The city has a more traditional and conservative atmosphere compared with coastal cities such as Jeddah. It offers a lower cost of living, with affordable housing and daily expenses. Buraydah is ideal for those seeking a quieter lifestyle with a strong connection to Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage.
Basic lunchtime menu (business district)
SAR 32
Combo meal at a fast food restaurant
SAR 27
500g boneless chicken breast
SAR 15
1 litre whole-fat milk
SAR 6.50
Monthly rent (85m², furnished, expensive area)
SAR 4,000
Monthly rent (85m², furnished, normal area)
SAR 1,358
Utilities (85m² flat, 2 people, monthly)
SAR 100
40" flat-screen TV
SAR 1,400
Microwave (800/900W, major brands)
SAR 350
Laundry detergent (3L)
SAR 28
Hourly rate for cleaning help
SAR 35
1 pair of Levi's 501 jeans
SAR 250
1 summer dress (Zara, H&M, etc.)
SAR 170
1 pair of Nike/Adidas sports shoes
SAR 340
1 pair of men's leather business shoes
SAR 400
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI (new, no extras)
SAR 80,000
1 litre of gasoline
SAR 2.30
Monthly public transport pass
SAR 150
Cold medicine for 6 days (Tylenol, Coldrex)
SAR 25
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses)
SAR 40
Short private doctor visit (15 minutes)
SAR 150
1 box of 32 tampons
SAR 18
Roll-on deodorant (50ml)
SAR 14
2-in-1 shampoo (400ml)
SAR 11
4 rolls of toilet paper
SAR 9
Tube of toothpaste
SAR 7
Standard men's haircut (expat area)
SAR 45
Basic dinner for two (casual restaurant)
SAR 90
2 movie tickets
SAR 70
2 theater tickets (best available seats)
SAR 230
Dinner for two at an Italian restaurant (wine)
SAR 260
1 cocktail drink (hotel lounge)
SAR 45
Cappuccino (expat area)
SAR 14
1 beer in a hotel lounge (non-alcoholic)
SAR 28
iPad Wi-Fi (128GB)
SAR 2,500
1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no plan)
SAR 0.30
Monthly gym membership (business district)
SAR 230
1 pack of Marlboro cigarettes
SAR 28
Note: Buraydah is relatively affordable compared to Riyadh and Jeddah, with lower housing and food costs than in larger Saudi cities. Public transport is minimal, so most people rely on private cars. Entertainment options are limited, with fewer high-end restaurants and nightlife related to Jeddah.
Prices shown are approximate averages and may vary by area, lifestyle, season, and market changes. Use this guide for general reference only.