Al Shamalia vs City Center
Side by side: average rent, what each area is known for, and what residents say.
The centers of Al Shamalia and City Center are about 3.3 km apart.
Average rent (yearly)
City Center is SAR 5,000 a year more (56%).
City Center is SAR 8,000 a year more (57%).
City Center is SAR 14,000 a year more (70%).
Known for
Only Al Shamalia: Developing, New construction, Affordable, Spacious, Growing, Budget
Only City Center: Central, Traditional market, Historical, Convenient, Cultural
Al Shamalia
Northern district with mixed development, growing infrastructure, and competitive prices. Good for budget-conscious expats willing to commute.
Pros and cons
- New, modern construction
- Competitive rental prices
- Spacious apartments and villas
- Growing infrastructure
- Potential for improvement
- Less congestion than city center
- Ongoing construction noise
- Longer commute to work
- Limited current amenities
- Fewer social opportunities
- Dependent on future development
- Public transportation limited
What residents say
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City Center
Central district with markets, government services, and traditional souqs
Pros and cons
- Walking distance to traditional souqs and markets
- Central location with easy access to services
- Rich cultural heritage and historical sites nearby
- Good public transportation connectivity
- Vibrant commercial activity and dining options
- Can be crowded especially during market days
- Limited parking in old souq areas
- Higher traffic during peak hours
- Older buildings may have maintenance issues
What residents say
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