Cost of living in Saudi Arabia in 2026

@Cheryl

Though essentials are not impacting,

The overall "Cost of living" seem increasing (low inflation as compared to other countries too) to me.

Eatting out is a luxury.

I use Metro and its pretty good as compared to the driving hassles.

Hey PepMan,

Thanks for sharing your perspective. When you mention that eating out is a luxury, do you mean in terms of prices, frequency, or both?

Could you give a rough idea of what eating out typically costs for you?

Cheers,

Cheryl

I have been 12 years in Saudi Arabia for me that it's not a question I can advise someone hu want  move in Saudi arabia 

If bachlor can save money.Family and education no savings

@Cheryl

Assalamualaikum I live in Saudi Arabia since 2022

i am living with my family with two kids SR.5500/- is the monthly cost

Hello everyone,

Thank you for your messages.

It would be very helpful if you could provide more detailed answers based on the questions I asked earlier. This will give future expats a clearer idea of the costs and help them plan their budgets more effectively.

Cheers,

Cheryl

Hello Cheryl,

I’m currently living in Saudi Arabia, so sharing a rough idea based on my experience (prices can vary a lot depending on city and lifestyle).

Rent for a one-bedroom apartment usually ranges between SAR 1,500–3,000 per month outside prime areas, while in big cities like Riyadh or Jeddah it can easily go higher. Buying property depends heavily on location, but apartments generally start from around SAR 400,000+.

Public transport is improving, but most people rely on cars or taxis. Local bus fares are cheap (around SAR 3–5 per ride), and taxi or ride-hailing apps usually cost SAR 15–40 for short trips.

Groceries for a small family typically come to around SAR 800–1,500 per month, depending on eating habits and brands.

Health insurance is usually provided by employers. If paying privately, basic plans can start around SAR 1,500–3,000 per year. A normal doctor consultation costs roughly SAR 100–250 without insurance.

School fees vary widely. Private schools can range from SAR 10,000 to over SAR 40,000 per year depending on curriculum and city.

Monthly utilities (electricity, water, internet, mobile) usually fall between SAR 300–600 for an average household.

Leisure expenses depend on lifestyle, but personally I spend around SAR 300–800 monthly on dining out, coffee, and small activities.

Overall, Saudi Arabia can be quite affordable compared to many countries, especially if accommodation and health insurance are covered by your employer.

Hope this helps someone planning their move

If you draft a tabular form asking any details it's easier for all to jot it in the table rather than creating individuals scenes