The cost of living in Saudi Arabia remains reasonable for many people from different nationalities. Even with the global economic crisis causing rising prices, living expenses in the Kingdom are still more manageable compared to other countries in the region. Saudi Arabia stands as one of the major sovereign nations with a strong economy and diverse investments, making it an attractive destination for job seekers worldwide. In this article, we’ll explore the average costs of essential living aspects such as housing, food, and transportation.
Through Sakan platform — Saudi Arabia’s leading real estate website — you can access a comprehensive guide on average prices for citizens and expats alike. It offers detailed insights into real estate investments and helps you find ideal housing that fits your budget and preferences. Find apartments for rent in Riyadh or Villas for Rent in Riyadh.
What is the Cost of Living in Saudi Arabia 2025?
Many people wonder, “Is life expensive in Saudi Arabia?” Prices naturally vary from city to city and region to region. However, overall, the cost of living in Saudi Arabia is moderate compared to neighboring countries.
What’s the Cost of Living in Riyadh in 2025?
The cost of living in Riyadh in 2025 depends on various factors like lifestyle, location, and spending habits. On average, monthly expenses for a single person range between 3,000 to 5,000 SAR.
What’s a Suitable Salary to Live Comfortably in Saudi Arabia?
What’s a good salary to live in Saudi Arabia? According to the Saudi General Authority for Statistics in January 2025, the average monthly salary in the private sector is around 9,890 SAR for Saudi citizens and 4,500 SAR for expatriates.
Salaries in Saudi Arabia for 2025 vary based on industry, job type, education level, and experience. Government jobs typically offer higher salaries than private-sector roles. Similarly, tech and engineering fields tend to pay more than other industries. Employees with higher education levels and extensive experience also earn more.
Here’s a breakdown of average salaries by industry:
- Teaching: Approximately 12,000 SAR
- Agriculture: Around 10,000 SAR
- Media: About 12,500 SAR
- Commerce: Roughly 13,000 SAR
How Much Does Housing Cost in Saudi Arabia?
How much is rent in Saudi Arabia? Housing costs are among the most significant factors influencing the overall cost of living in Saudi Arabia in 2025. Prices vary by city, neighborhood, size, and amenities — all of which you can easily compare on the Sakan real estate platform. You can explore apartments for rent in Riyadh based on property size, number of rooms, and furnishing level to find what suits you best.
How Much is Rent in Saudi Arabia?
What’s the cost of an apartment in Saudi Arabia? Rental prices fluctuate depending on location, neighborhood, size, and finish quality.
Here’s a look at average rental prices:
- 1-bedroom apartment: 500 to 2,000 SAR per month
- 2-bedroom apartment: 1,000 to 3,000 SAR per month
- 3-bedroom apartment: 2,000 to 5,000 SAR per month
Housing costs also depend on factors like:
- Location: Central and upscale neighborhoods are more expensive than suburban or less-developed areas.
- Family size: A single person’s living costs are lower than a family’s.
- Property size: Larger properties or those with more rooms typically cost more.
- Amenities: Extra features like maid rooms, parking spaces, internet services, or on-site security can raise rental prices.
How Much Does Family Living Cost in Saudi Arabia?
For a family of four, monthly living costs (including rent) range between 5,000 to 7,000 SAR. These expenses vary based on lifestyle, location within Riyadh, and personal preferences.
The Sakan platform — Saudi Arabia’s top real estate website — helps you find properties with the best amenities for a comfortable family stay. It also offers a wide selection of properties in Jeddah with diverse prices and sizes. Expats can even apply for premium residency options under specific conditions.
Stay tuned for the next part — we’ll dive into food prices and other daily expenses!
How Much Does Food Cost in Saudi Arabia in 2025?
How much does food cost in Saudi Arabia? Food prices in Saudi Arabia in 2025 are considered moderate compared to other countries in the region. The cost of food varies based on lifestyle. For a family of four cooking at home, weekly grocery expenses range between 500 and 1,000 SAR. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs around 50 to 100 SAR per meal.
Saudi Arabia is also home to a variety of upscale restaurants serving international cuisine at reasonable prices. You can explore more about the top luxury restaurants in Riyadh and their signature dishes during your next visit.
Let’s dive into the average food prices in Saudi Arabia for 2025:
What are the prices of fruits and vegetables in Saudi Arabia?
- 1 kg of apples: 8.34 SAR
- 1 kg of oranges: 4.95 SAR
- 1 kg of tomatoes: 3.25 SAR
- 1 kg of potatoes: 2.99 SAR
- 1 kg of carrots: 2.85 SAR
What are the prices of meat, poultry, and fish in Saudi Arabia?
- 1 kg of beef: 84.59 SAR
- 1 kg of lamb: 106.67 SAR
- 1 kg of fresh chicken: 13.76 SAR
- 1 kg of fresh fish: 28.96 SAR
What are the prices of dairy and eggs in Saudi Arabia?
- 1 liter of milk: 7.99 SAR
- 30 eggs: 22.95 SAR
What are the prices of grains and seeds in Saudi Arabia?
- 1 kg of rice: 13.85 SAR
- 1 kg of sugar: 2.85 SAR
- 1 kg of wheat: 2.64 SAR
What are the prices of beverages in Saudi Arabia?
- 1 liter of bottled water: 2.85 SAR
- 330 ml can of soda: 3.25 SAR
What are the prices of oils and fats in Saudi Arabia?
- 1 liter of vegetable oil: 12.59 SAR
- 1 kg of butter: 53.95 SAR
Keep in mind that food prices in Saudi Arabia can vary depending on the city, location, and product type.
How Much Does Transportation Cost in Saudi Arabia?
Transportation costs are relatively low compared to other countries in the region. The cost depends on the type of transport. A single bus ticket costs around 2 SAR, while gasoline is priced at approximately 1 SAR per liter — adding up to about 500 SAR per month for regular car users.
Saudi Arabia also offers modern transportation options like the Haramain High-Speed Railway, connecting major cities. For example, the Riyadh-Dammam and Mecca-Medina trains cost around 50 SAR per ticket. Ride-hailing apps are also widely available.
How Much Do Utilities Cost in Saudi Arabia?
Utility costs are a key factor in living expenses. In Saudi Arabia, utility costs are moderate compared to other regional countries. Monthly internet subscription costs around 100 SAR, while electricity bills for a family of four average 100 SAR per month.
How Much Does Entertainment Cost in Saudi Arabia?
Thanks to the country’s recent cultural and entertainment boom, entertainment expenses have become a more significant part of living costs. Demand for activities and events is rising. A cinema ticket costs about 50 SAR, visiting public parks in Riyadh costs around 5 SAR, and the average monthly entertainment budget is roughly 300 SAR.
What Are the Downsides of Living in Saudi Arabia?
Despite Saudi Arabia’s economic growth and development, there are a few drawbacks that expats might face. These include:
- Hot, dry weather: Saudi Arabia has a desert climate, with summer temperatures soaring up to 50°C, while winter temperatures can drop to 0°C in some regions.
- Strict laws and regulations: Saudi Arabia enforces strict laws, especially regarding Islamic teachings and public behavior.
- Gender segregation: Many public spaces like restaurants, malls, and entertainment venues enforce gender segregation. Some shopping centers even have designated days for men and women.
- Language barrier: Arabic is the official language, and learning it is essential for better communication. However, it can be challenging for non-Arabic speakers.
Expats may also face challenges adapting to Saudi culture, social norms, and, in some areas, higher living costs — especially in major cities.
Whether you’re planning to move to Saudi Arabia or just curious about life there, understanding the cost of living is essential for better financial planning and a smoother transition.
My Experience Living in Saudi Arabia
Many people share their experiences of living in Saudi Arabia, describing it as an ideal environment for gaining more skills and knowledge. The government focuses on technological advancements across various fields, hosting numerous international exhibitions and events to introduce both locals and expatriates to the latest global innovations that make life easier.
How Much Do You Need to Live in Saudi Arabia?
The cost of living in Saudi Arabia for expats is considered reasonable for many working in major sectors like healthcare, engineering, or the oil industry. However, some may struggle with rising prices due to lower salaries.
After understanding the cost of living in Saudi Arabia and the suitable salary for living in Riyadh, it’s worth noting that the global economic crisis in recent years has directly contributed to higher prices in the country. Nevertheless, Saudi Arabia remains a leading force in the Arab region, maintaining a strong economy and stable currency despite challenges that have affected other neighboring countries.
The cost of living in Saudi Arabia ranges from moderate to high, especially in major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah. However, smaller cities tend to be more affordable. Is the Cost of Living in Saudi Arabia Expensive?
The cheapest cities to live in Saudi Arabia are Hail and Taif. Taif, in particular, offers lower living costs compared to larger cities like Riyadh and Jeddah. What Is the Cheapest City to Live in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, foreigners can work in Saudi Arabia, provided they obtain a valid work visa and residence permit from a Saudi employer. Jobs are available across various sectors, including engineering, medicine, and education. However, some jobs are reserved for Saudi nationals under the Saudization (Nitaqat) program. Recent labor reforms have also granted more flexibility to expats, allowing them to switch jobs without employer consent under specific conditions. Can Foreigners Work in Saudi Arabia?
