Cost of Living in Saudi ArabiaExpat Guide — Riyadh, Jeddah & Dammam (2026)
Saudi Arabia offers tax-free salaries, cheap utilities, and affordable dining alongside significant costs for compound housing and international schools. This guide breaks down monthly expenses for expats across Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam so you can plan your budget accurately.
How much does it cost to live in Saudi Arabia as an expat?
A single expat can live comfortably in Riyadh or Jeddah on SAR 7,000–12,000 per month. A family of four typically needs SAR 18,000–28,000 per month. The key cost variables are housing (compound vs non-compound makes a 2–3x difference in rent) and international school fees for families. There is zero income tax, electricity and water are highly subsidised, and petrol remains relatively affordable (Aramco posted prices SAR 2.18/L for Gasoline 91 and SAR 2.33/L for Gasoline 95).
Monthly Living Costs by Category — Saudi Arabia (2026)
All amounts in SAR (Saudi Riyal). Exchange rate reference: SAR 1 ≈ USD 0.27.
Cost ranges are editorial planning estimates compiled from public listings, utility/provider price pages, and expat-reported packages as of 31 May 2026. Utility and petrol figures were checked in September 2026. Treat them as planning ranges, not guaranteed prices. Use the Cost Calculator for a personalised estimate.
By the Saudi Expats Editorial Team. Last updated 15 September 2026. Tax facts: ZATCA; fuel prices: Saudi Aramco; electricity tariff: SERA.
Housing (Rent)
Riyadh
SAR 2,500–15,000+
Jeddah
SAR 2,000–12,000
Dammam
SAR 1,800–10,000
Notes
Compounds cost 2–3x more than non-compound. Many employers provide a housing allowance.
Groceries (Monthly)
Riyadh
SAR 600–1,200
Jeddah
SAR 600–1,100
Dammam
SAR 550–1,000
Notes
Local produce and staples are cheap. Imported Western goods can be 30–50% more expensive.
Dining Out
Riyadh
SAR 40–150/meal
Jeddah
SAR 35–140/meal
Dammam
SAR 35–120/meal
Notes
Jeddah has the most diverse food scene. All prices are alcohol-free.
Transport (Monthly)
Riyadh
SAR 500–1,500
Jeddah
SAR 450–1,300
Dammam
SAR 400–1,200
Notes
Petrol is affordable (Aramco posted prices SAR 2.18/L for Gasoline 91, SAR 2.33/L for Gasoline 95). Uber/Careem are widely available. Many expats own a car.
Utilities (Monthly)
Riyadh
SAR 560–680
Jeddah
SAR 560–680
Dammam
SAR 560–680
Notes
One person in a one-bedroom flat, annual average: electricity and water about SAR 273 (SERA and NWC tariffs), 300 Mbps home fibre SAR 172.50–289, one mobile line SAR 115. Summer air-conditioning bills run well above the average.
Healthcare
Riyadh
Employer-provided
Jeddah
Employer-provided
Dammam
Employer-provided
Notes
CCHI insurance is mandatory and employer-paid. Co-pays: SAR 20–50 per visit depending on class.
Sample Monthly Budget Breakdowns
Realistic monthly budgets based on typical expat lifestyle choices:
Single Expat, Modest Lifestyle
Riyadh
Family of 4 (Non-Compound)
Riyadh
Note: These are editorial planning estimates compiled from public listings and expat-reported packages as of 31 May 2026; utility figures checked September 2026. Actual costs vary by lifestyle, neighbourhood, and negotiated packages. Use the Cost Calculator for a personalised estimate.
Key Factors That Affect Expat Cost of Living in Saudi Arabia
Compound vs Non-Compound Housing
Expat compounds offer security, pools, gyms, and community — but rent is 2–3x higher than comparable non-compound accommodation. Many companies provide a housing allowance; what you do with it affects your budget significantly.
International School Fees
International schools in Saudi Arabia cost SAR 25,000–80,000 per year per child, depending on curriculum (British, American, IB) and school ranking. This is often the biggest family expense. Many employers provide a schooling allowance.
No Income Tax
Saudi Arabia has zero personal income tax on employment income. This significantly increases your real purchasing power vs equivalent gross salaries elsewhere.
15% VAT
Saudi Arabia applies 15% VAT to most taxable goods and services; exemptions and zero-rates are limited and should be checked with ZATCA. This affects dining, shopping, and services.
Petrol & Transport
Petrol remains relatively affordable by global standards; current Aramco posted prices are SAR 2.18/L for Gasoline 91 and SAR 2.33/L for Gasoline 95, subject to official updates. This makes car ownership economical. Uber and Careem are available in all major cities.
Cost of Living Saudi Arabia — FAQs
Is Saudi Arabia expensive to live in as an expat?
Saudi Arabia is moderately priced for expats. No income tax, cheap petrol, and subsidised utilities are major advantages. Compound housing and international schools are expensive. A single expat needs SAR 7,000–12,000/month for a comfortable lifestyle.
What is the average rent for expats in Riyadh?
Non-compound: SAR 2,500–5,000/month for a 1BR, SAR 4,000–8,000 for a 2BR. Expat compound apartments: SAR 5,000–15,000 for a 2BR. Compound villas: SAR 10,000–30,000/month.
How much does food cost in Saudi Arabia for expats?
Weekly grocery shop for one person: SAR 150–300. Dining at a mid-range restaurant: SAR 40–80 per person. Fast food: SAR 20–40 per meal. Alcohol is not available in Saudi Arabia.
What are utility costs for expats in Saudi Arabia?
Electricity and water are heavily subsidised: SAR 100–300/month per apartment. Internet (fibre, 100–500 Mbps): SAR 200–400/month. Mobile (unlimited data SIM-only): SAR 50–150/month.