Cost of living in Saudi Arabia for expats
A realistic monthly budget for one person living comfortably in Saudi Arabia — rent, food, transport, and everyday costs in Riyadh.
$1,500–2,500
One person, all-in, in Riyadh
$600–1,100
1-bedroom city-centre apartment, per month
Moderate
~$1,500–2,800/mo
What makes Saudi Arabia stand out, and what to watch for
Why expats choose Saudi Arabia
Tax-free income, rapidly modernising cities under Vision 2030, and Riyadh's cost of living runs noticeably lower than Dubai or Doha while offering a growing entertainment and dining scene.
Watch out for
Social restrictions are easing but still stricter than most expat destinations, the summer heat is extreme, and outside Riyadh and Jeddah the infrastructure thins quickly.
Costs vary a lot by city, neighbourhood, and lifestyle — these are directional monthly bands for the main expat city, current as of 2026. Treat them as a starting point, not a quote. Information only, not financial advice.
Cost of living elsewhere in Middle East
| Country | Monthly budget |
|---|---|
| Turkey | $1,100–1,800 |
| United Arab Emirates | $3,500–5,500 |
| Oman | $1,200–1,900 |
| Qatar | $2,200–3,500 |
| Israel | $3,200–4,500 |
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Information only, not legal advice — we never file anything with any government. Requirements change; verify with the official source or a licensed immigration advisor before you apply.