Can You Afford Life in the Kingdom?
Saudi Arabia is a culturally rich and historically significant country that only opened to international tourists in 2019, making it a relatively new and exciting destination to explore. From ancient heritage sites to striking desert landscapes, it offers a unique living experience at a surprisingly affordable cost.
Overall, the cost of living in Saudi Arabia is lower than in most Western countries, including the U.S., Western Europe, and Australia. Even in Riyadh, prices are comparable to mid-sized U.S. cities such as St. Louis, Missouri. Aside from rent, everyday expenses remain fairly consistent across the country.
This article provides a breakdown of typical costs in Saudi Arabia, including housing, food, transportation, and other daily expenses. All prices are sourced from Numbeo and converted from Saudi riyal to U.S. dollars, based on data available as of May 2026.
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Is Saudi Arabia Expensive?
Most people will find Saudi Arabia affordable. It is cheaper to live in Riyadh than in the neighboring capitals of Doha, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E., or Manama, Bahrain.
Similarly, travelers from the United States will find a very low cost of living in Saudi Arabia vs. the U.S. On average, consumer prices in the United States are 56% higher. When you add in rent prices, the United States has rates 83% higher than Saudi Arabia.
These numbers are similar in Australia; while France is a bit more reasonable, their overall costs are still 58.1% higher.
The Average Cost of Living in Saudi Arabia
To better understand everyday life in Saudi Arabia, it helps to break down typical monthly and daily expenses across major categories.
Below, we take a closer look at the average cost of living in Saudi Arabia, including housing, food, transportation, education, and healthcare.
Housing Costs in Saudi Arabia
While Saudi Arabia’s cost of living does not vary greatly throughout the country, rent and utility prices are the exceptions.
The capital, Riyadh, has the most expensive rents for one-bedroom apartments, ranging from $800 to $1,940. Mecca is the cheapest city to rent a one-bedroom apartment, with prices ranging from $187 to $1,109.
On average, in cities such as Al Khobar, Medina, Jubail, and Ad Dammam, a one-bedroom apartment costs $267 to $1,333.
Riyadh is where people can save the most money by moving out of the city center, with a one-bedroom dropping as low as $533.
If you are looking for a bigger apartment, the average three-bedroom will cost between $480 and $2,132. In the capital, where rent is more expensive, expect to pay between $400 and $1,386 for a three-bedroom.
Outside Riyadh’s center, prices are lower, ranging from $800 to $1,866.
Don’t forget utility bills when thinking about housing costs. Heating, electricity, water, and other standard utilities average $60 to $200 nationwide.
However, Medina has higher utility costs, with prices ranging from $76 to $267. If you have a larger home, you should expect prices to go up accordingly.
Additionally, home internet averages $53 to $93 per month. Again, Medina is the exception, where the Internet averages $77 to $120.
Food and Entertainment Costs in Saudi Arabia
Going out for an inexpensive meal in an average town in Saudi Arabia will set you back $4 to $13.13. This is almost three times cheaper than in the United States, where the average price is $12 to $40.
If you are looking for higher-quality restaurants, a three-course meal for two is still affordable by most standards, averaging under $40; prices range from $26.65 to $93.29.
With movie tickets ranging from $10.66 to $21.32, you can have a fancy date night for under $100. While alcohol is illegal in Saudi Arabia, many places sell non-alcoholic beers, which average $1.33 to $3.20. If you enjoy sport and exercise, a fitness club averages $53 to $160 per month.
Although consumer prices have gone up, it is still generally cheaper to eat in, depending on the dish you are craving.
The price of chicken has risen to around $4.12 per pound, while red meat ranges from $4 to $9.33. Rice is about a dollar per pound, while potatoes are even cheaper, ranging from $0.60 to $0.70.
Other typical kitchen staples include milk at $6 to $10 per gallon, eggs from $1.60 to $4.26, a loaf of white bread at $0.27 to $2.13, and a pound of apples for $0.67 to $1.74.
Transportation Costs in Saudi Arabia
Given that it’s the largest producer of oil in the world, it isn’t surprising that most people tend to drive in Saudi Arabia.
A Volkswagen Golf or other similar car costs between $26,121 and $66,635; this is more expensive than in the United States, where prices average $25,800 to $36,998. A gallon of gas costs an average of $2.32 to $2.52.
Taxis are a common way for people without cars to get around. The base fare for most taxis is $2.13 to $5.33, and fees range from $1.28 to $4.27 per additional mile.
Public transportation is available in Saudi Arabia. While it is a bit limited, numerous projects are underway to expand transit nationwide.
The Riyadh Metro is set to open later this year with billions of dollars invested in the project. Currently, there are intercity buses across the country, as well as some urban bus routes. A one-way ticket on an urban bus costs about $1.
Over the past year, the Saudi Public Transport Company (SAPTCO) has signed multiple contracts to expand its route network.
The Costs of Education in Saudi Arabia
Due to language and cultural barriers, most foreigners choose to send their children to private international schools.
An international primary school costs between $4,351 and $18,658 per child per year. Preschool or daycare averages between $187 and $817 per month.
While private schools are not cheap, they are far more affordable than in the United States, where a private international school costs nearly $10,000 more.
Healthcare Costs in Saudi Arabia
Through the Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia provides free healthcare for all citizens of the Kingdom as well as to pilgrims during Hajj.
Expats in Saudi Arabia are expected to access healthcare through the private system. All foreigners working in Saudi Arabia must have health insurance.
For employees in the private sector, this should be provided through their employers and cover dependent family members.
For tourists in Saudi Arabia, the visa fee includes comprehensive health insurance for the duration of the trip. However, private insurance is still recommended, as KSA tourist insurance has limitations.
A popular tourist activity, for example, is renting quad bikes to ride through the desert. The Kingdom classifies this as an adventure sport, and any accidents or injuries that happen will not be covered by the tourist insurance program.
International health insurance offers comprehensive plans that ensure you are fully covered not only in Saudi Arabia but worldwide.
Build Healthcare Into Your Cost of Living Plan
Your rent, food, and transportation matter, but so does access to quality healthcare. Compare international health plans designed for expats living in Saudi Arabia.
Is Saudi Arabia an Affordable Place to Live?
Overall, the cost of living in Saudi Arabia is relatively low compared to many Western countries, especially for housing, transportation, and everyday essentials.
For many expats, this makes it an attractive destination where salaries and savings can go further than they would in the U.S., Europe, or Australia.
That said, your overall experience will depend on your lifestyle, the city you choose, and your personal spending habits. While cities like Riyadh and Jeddah offer modern amenities and higher costs, many other areas remain very affordable.
For those willing to adapt to local customs and regulations, Saudi Arabia offers a unique blend of affordability, culture, and rapid development. With careful planning, it can be a comfortable and financially manageable place to live.
Enjoy Life Abroad With the Right Coverage
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Elizabeth Baugh is a versatile freelance writer specializing in education, travel, health, and wellness. She has international experience living in multiple countries, is fluent in Spanish, and holds a license as a TEFL teacher, sharing insights on travel and relocation.
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