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Cost of Living in Saudi Arabia for Single Person & Family in 2026
In Western Asia, Saudi Arabia is famous for its rich Islamic heritage and significant contributions to the global oil market. In recent years, major developments have changed the country's economic and social face.
This country has undergone massive modernisation and has improved the quality of life for its people. With access to modern facilities and recreational facilities, Saudi Arabia is quietly expecting an influx of students and the working class.
If you are planning to move to this country, knowing the cost of living in Saudi Arabia can be greatly helpful. This article can provide you with this information.
Table of Contents
Average Cost of Living in Saudi Arabia for International Students
Being a developing country, Saudi Arabia can be expensive, but it comes with great living facilities and a good education system.
Below is a breakdown of the typical living costs for international students in Saudi Arabia:
Average Cost of Living in Saudi Arabia for Bachelors, Couples & Families
Understanding the average cost of living in Saudi Arabia helps with financial planning, especially if you want to settle in Saudi Arabia, whether you are settling with your family or alone as a student or bachelor.
The table below will help you plan your finances accordingly:
Cost of Living in Major Cities in Saudi Arabia
Here is an overview of the average cost of living in some of the top cities in Saudi Arabia:
Cost of Living in Riyadh
Cost of Living in Makkah
Cost of Living in Al Khobar
Cost of Living in Medina
Cost of Living in Tabuk
Factors Impacting the Cost of Living in Saudi Arabia
Several factors influence the cost of living in Saudi Arabia:
Location
Cities like Riyadh, Mecca, and Madinah can be costly, as Mecca and Madina mostly see worshippers through the years, and Riyadh is the capital city. However, the country attracts a lot of students and bachelors every year, and you can choose to live somewhere within your budget.
Lifestyle
Food and entertainment expenses can be high, as most of these are tourist destinations, so restaurant meals can be expensive. However, you can try different street food and small cafes, which can be equally good and light on the pocket.
Housing
The standard of living in Saudi Arabia is almost 101 times higher than in many cities in India, making it an expensive country to live in. Therefore, international students often take up part-time jobs or share space with a few people to fund themselves while living alone here.
Transportation
Transportation by public means is moderately cheap, but personal vehicles and their maintenance can be pricey.
Utilities and Groceries
Prices for food and other necessities may differ from city to city in Saudi Arabia. Exported products are usually more expensive than locally produced ones.
What is the Average Income in Saudi Arabia?
The income needed to live comfortably in Saudi Arabia varies based on individual circumstances:
- Student: A student typically needs 3,000 SAR to 5,000 SAR monthly to live comfortably, excluding tuition fees.
- Bachelor: An income of 7,000 SAR to 10,000 SAR per month is enough to cover basic expenses for a single person.
- Couple: Though Saudi Arabia usually does not recognise the cohabitation of people outside marriage, a couple will need approximately 20,000 SAR to 40,000 SAR.
- Families: A family of four may need an income of 70,000 SAR to 1,50,000 SAR per month for families.
The table below mentions some of the highest-paying jobs in Saudi Arabia, along with their salaries:
How Expensive is Saudi Arabia Compared to Other Countries?
Saudi Arabia is known for its excellent quality of living and safety standards for its people. Due to the higher standard of living, it can get more expensive if you are looking to live comfortably there.
Below is a comparison of living costs between Saudi Arabia and other major cities:
Tips for Reducing the Cost of Living in Saudi Arabia
Here are some tips to help reduce the average cost of living in Saudi Arabia:
- Students and bachelors can share apartments in cities like Riyadh to reduce rent.
- Saudi Arabia offers relatively cheap public transport that can be utilised while travelling across cities. Additionally, it is quite safe and efficient to use while travelling in cities like Riyadh and Makkah.
- Buying foods and groceries from local and traditional markets is much cheaper than buying them from departmental stores and supermarkets.
- Switch off electrical appliances when you leave your house to save money on your electricity bill. The same can be done for Wi-Fi and water usage.
- Preparing your meals at home is cheaper than eating out, so make sure to eat home-cooked food as much as possible.
- Entertainment can be expensive in Saudi Arabia, so you can look for free fun activities like going to parks and beaches, attending free cultural events, etc.
Saudi Arabia offers a range of entertainment options for bachelors, couples and families. Still, you need to be smart in dealing with those expenses to ensure you do not empty your account. Though Saudi Arabia is moderately expensive, there are a lot of ways to save money and enjoy the city while you are there.
This article provides all the necessary information about the average cost of living in Saudi Arabia so that you can make informed decisions and manage your expenses effectively.
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FAQs about the Cost of Living in Saudi Arabia
What is the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Saudi Arabia in the city centre?
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Saudi Arabia ranges from SAR 1900 to SAR 2,100 per month, depending on the location and amenities.
Is it expensive to live in Saudi Arabia?
The average cost of living in Saudi Arabia can be high as it is a moderately expensive country. However, students can fare well with approximately 7000 SAR per month, excluding tuition fees.
Is 5000 Riyal a good salary to live in Saudi Arabia comfortably?
If the employer pays the accommodation and phone bills then 5000 Riyal is a decent salary to live in Saudi Arabia.
How much does it cost to live in Saudi Arabia as a student?
A student in Saudi Arabia can expect to spend between SAR 5050 and SAR 7500 per month on living expenses, including accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses.
How much salary do I need to live in Saudi Arabia?
You need around approximately SAR 1,50,000 to live a comfortable life in Saudi Arabia.
Is Saudi Arabia safe to live in?
Saudi Arabia is generally quite safe and has low crime rates, but it is always advised to take precautions if you live alone.
What is the cost of transportation in Saudi Arabia?
Transportation in Saudi Arabia is moderately cheap, costing between SAR 200-SAR 250 for public transportation.
Is Saudi Arabia expensive to live in for Indians?
Yes, it is more expensive for Indians to live in Saudi Arabia, as the average cost of living in India is 95% cheaper than in Saudi Arabia.
Are there any rules that I need to know before shifting to Saudi Arabia?
Some social etiquettes need to be followed, such as no public display of affection, etc. Additionally, alcohol and gambling are banned by the government and can lead to severe repercussions.
What should I keep in mind for short-term relocation to Saudi Arabia for work?
Moving to Saudi Arabia, even temporarily, requires planning beyond accommodation and transport. The cost of private healthcare and limited public medical access for foreigners can be a concern. Overseas travel insurance becomes essential here, as it offers coverage for medical care, travel delays, and emergency evacuation, giving you the confidence to focus on your assignment without financial worry.