Cost of Living in Saudi Arabia: Rent, Housing & Income

Saudi Arabia is a large country where daily life is organized around a few major cities. Riyadh is the capital and the biggest job market. Jeddah is the western port and commercial city. Dammam, Khobar and Dhahran in the Eastern Province are centred on the oil industry. Many foreign workers arrive on employment contracts that include housing or a housing allowance, which changes what the rent figures mean for them.

The numbers come from Numbeo and Livingcost, both crowd-sourced, and are converted to US dollars. The Saudi riyal is pegged to the US dollar, so the converted figures do not move with the exchange rate the way they do in most countries.

The World Bank's price level ratio for Saudi Arabia was 46.8 in 2025, with the U.S. at 100. At market exchange rates, the same basket of goods and services cost about 47% of its U.S. price.

GDP per capita, adjusted for purchasing power, was 73,784 international dollars in 2025 (U.S.: 90,027 international dollars in 2025). Consumer prices rose 2.0% in 2025 (U.S.: 2.9% in 2024).

Numbeo lists $770.90/mo excluding rent. Livingcost lists $606/mo excluding rent and $1,259/mo including it. Numbeo's non-rent figure is the higher of the two.

A one bedroom apartment in a city centre is listed at $266.19 – $1,330.93/mo, with a typical value of $610.02/mo. Outside the centre the range is $239.57 – $1,064.74/mo, with a typical value of $436.46/mo.

Three bedroom homes are listed at $479.14 – $2,528.77/mo in a centre and $399.28 – $1,384.17/mo outside it. The highest figures probably come from villas and compounds in Riyadh and Jeddah.

Compounds, apartments and villas

Many Western and other foreign residents live in gated compounds that offer security, shared facilities and a social community, and they are priced above typical apartments. Local-style apartments and villas are more common among long-term residents and cost less. Rent in Saudi Arabia is often paid in large installments, such as annually or semi-annually, rather than monthly, so ask what the payment schedule is before signing. Employers often provide housing, so check your contract before searching on your own.

Utilities for an 85 square meter apartment are listed at $60.34 – $199.64/mo, with a typical value of $97.83/mo. Air conditioning dominates summer bills.

A monthly public transport pass shows $23.15 – $67.88/mo, with a typical value of $37.27/mo. Public transport is developing in the major cities, with new metro and bus systems in Riyadh, but many residents rely on cars and ride-hailing apps. Car costs, including fuel, insurance and registration, are outside this estimate.

Internet is listed at $53.24 – $93.17/mo, with a typical value of $68.09/mo, which is a larger line than the transport pass.

An inexpensive restaurant meal is listed at $3.99 – $13.31 each, with a typical value of $6.65 each. A liter of milk shows $1.73 each and a dozen large eggs show $2.57 each. Supermarket chains and hypermarkets are widespread, and shopping malls double as social spaces. Delivery apps are widely used.

The non-rent total looks moderate, and rent depends on the city and housing type. Because many expatriate packages include housing, a household's out-of-pocket cost can be quite different from the rent ranges above. For people moving without such a package, rent will probably be the largest single line.

Summers are very hot, and many people shift errands to the evening. Working hours, prayer times and Ramadan schedules affect when shops and offices are open. Local laws and customs differ from those in many countries, including rules about dress, public conduct and alcohol. Read your government's travel guidance and your employer's orientation material, and ask colleagues who live there what to expect.

Riyadh is large and spread out, built around highways, and most people drive or use ride-hailing. Its neighborhoods vary from diplomatic and business districts to residential areas with villas. Jeddah sits on the Red Sea, with a more relaxed feel, a historic district and a milder climate than the interior. The Eastern Province cities have a long history of expatriate employment tied to energy companies, with established compounds and company housing.

Where you live determines the commute and the cost of getting around. Ask your employer which neighborhoods are practical for your workplace, how far it is to schools and clinics, and whether a car is necessary. Visit the area before committing to a lease whenever you can.

• Health insurance, which employers often provide
• Visa and residence permit fees
• Car purchase, fuel and insurance
• International school tuition
• Travel home

Rules for work and residence are specific and change. Use official Saudi government resources and a licensed adviser.