104 cities covered · Currency: SAR (﷼) · Capital: Riyadh
| Expense | Estimated cost | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | ﷼26.83 ($7.16) | per meal |
| Three-course meal for two, mid-range | ﷼107 ($28.62) | per meal |
| Cappuccino | ﷼8.05 ($2.15) | each |
| Monthly groceries (single person) | ﷼608 ($162) | per month |
| Monthly public transport pass | ﷼98.38 ($26.24) | per month |
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment | ﷼259 ($69.17) | per month |
| Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited) | ﷼75.13 ($20.03) | per month |
| Fitness club membership | ﷼75.13 ($20.03) | per month |
| Cinema ticket | ﷼19.68 ($5.25) | each |
| One-bedroom apartment in city centre | ﷼1,391 ($371) | per month |
| One-bedroom apartment outside centre | ﷼968 ($258) | per month |
| Three-bedroom apartment in city centre | ﷼2,904 ($774) | per month |
Ar Riyāḑ · pop. 7,237,000
Makkah al Mukarramah · pop. 4,697,000
Makkah al Mukarramah · pop. 2,427,924
Ash Sharqīyah · pop. 1,532,326
Al Madīnah al Munawwarah · pop. 1,411,599
‘Asīr · pop. 1,353,000
Tabūk · pop. 886,036
Al Qaşīm · pop. 467,410
Ash Sharqīyah · pop. 389,993
Ash Sharqīyah · pop. 378,949
Ḩā’il · pop. 310,897
Al Madīnah al Munawwarah · pop. 298,675
Najrān · pop. 298,288
Ar Riyāḑ · pop. 295,462
Makkah al Mukarramah · pop. 272,424
Al Qaşīm · pop. 250,000
Al Jawf · pop. 241,669
‘Asīr · pop. 236,157
‘Asīr · pop. 228,979
Jāzān · pop. 228,375
Ash Sharqīyah · pop. 219,679
Jāzān · pop. 201,656
Al Jawf · pop. 167,080
Makkah al Mukarramah · pop. 148,151
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Saudi Arabia
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Saudi Arabia
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Saudi Arabia
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Saudi Arabia
Living costs in Saudi Arabia vary significantly depending on city size. Large metropolitan areas with populations over one million typically see housing costs 15–30% above the national average, while smaller towns can be 10–20% below it. The national baseline of ﷼2,757 ($735) per month represents a mid-sized city estimate.
Capital cities and major economic hubs command the highest rents and overall expenses. For budget-conscious residents, mid-sized cities offer a balance of amenities and affordability. Rural and small-town living remains the most economical option, though transport and service access may be limited.