Real figures for expat budgets in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. Saudi Arabia offers tax-free salaries and subsidised fuel — but rent and international schooling add up fast.
The "right" budget depends heavily on whether your employer provides housing and schooling allowances — the two biggest variables. Below are realistic monthly budgets for three expat lifestyles in Riyadh (add ~10% for Jeddah, subtract ~15% for Dammam).
Saudi Arabia has no personal income tax and no tax on savings or investment income. A SAR 25,000/month salary in Saudi Arabia is equivalent to roughly £10,000–£12,000/month after tax in the UK, or $8,500–$9,500 after tax in the US — depending on your home country tax situation.
| Property Type | Riyadh | Jeddah | Dammam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio apartment | SAR 1,800–2,800 | SAR 2,000–3,200 | SAR 1,500–2,500 |
| 1-bedroom apartment | SAR 2,800–5,000 | SAR 3,000–5,500 | SAR 2,200–4,000 |
| 2-bedroom apartment | SAR 4,500–8,000 | SAR 5,000–9,000 | SAR 3,500–6,500 |
| 3-bedroom apartment | SAR 7,000–12,000 | SAR 7,500–13,000 | SAR 5,500–9,000 |
| 3BR villa (standalone) | SAR 10,000–20,000 | SAR 9,000–18,000 | SAR 7,000–14,000 |
| Compound villa (premium) | SAR 15,000–30,000 | SAR 14,000–25,000 | SAR 10,000–18,000 |
Monthly rental figures. Landlords often request 2–4 post-dated cheques upfront. Compounds include amenities (pool, gym, security) in the rent.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Petrol (95 octane, per litre) | SAR 1.29 |
| Petrol (91 octane, per litre) | SAR 0.91 |
| Monthly petrol cost (avg driver) | SAR 200–400 |
| Uber/Careem (per km, approx) | SAR 1.2–1.8 |
| Monthly Uber budget (no car) | SAR 600–1,200 |
| New car (economy, e.g. Toyota Corolla) | SAR 65,000–85,000 |
| Car insurance (annual) | SAR 1,200–3,500 |
| Metro (Riyadh, single trip) | SAR 4–8 |
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Milk (1 litre) | SAR 5–8 |
| Eggs (12) | SAR 10–16 |
| Chicken breast (1 kg) | SAR 18–28 |
| Rice (1 kg, basmati) | SAR 7–15 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | SAR 3–6 |
| Coffee at café | SAR 15–25 |
| Meal at local restaurant (1 person) | SAR 25–45 |
| Meal at Western restaurant (1 person) | SAR 60–120 |
| Family dinner (restaurant, 4 people) | SAR 200–500 |
| Monthly groceries (local brands, 2 adults) | SAR 1,200–1,800 |
| Monthly groceries (Western brands, 2 adults) | SAR 2,500–3,500 |
| School Type | Annual Fees |
|---|---|
| Government school (Saudi nationals only) | Free |
| Low-cost private (Arabic curriculum) | SAR 12,000–30,000 |
| Mid-range international school | SAR 40,000–70,000 |
| British/American curriculum (mid-tier) | SAR 60,000–95,000 |
| Top international schools (IB, BSB, AISK) | SAR 90,000–150,000 |
Many senior expat packages include a schooling allowance — always negotiate this before accepting an offer. Per-child, per-year.
Saudi Arabia subsidises electricity and water — utilities are cheap by international standards. Internet is fast and affordable.
| Utility | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity (apartment) | SAR 50–200 | Heavily subsidised. Villas with AC all day: SAR 300–600 |
| Water | SAR 15–50 | Most expats also buy bottled/filtered drinking water (SAR 30–80) |
| Internet (fibre, 200 Mbps) | SAR 199–249 | STC, Zain, Mobily. 1 Gbps plans available from SAR 349 |
| Mobile plan (50 GB data) | SAR 100–180 | Unlimited data plans available from SAR 200 |
| Streaming (Netflix, Shahid, OSN) | SAR 50–150 | Netflix Standard: SAR 65/mo; Shahid Plus: SAR 35/mo |
| Gym membership | SAR 150–400 | Leejam (Fitness Time) most widespread. Compound gyms often free |
| Domestic helper (full-time, live-in) | SAR 1,200–2,500 | Common in expat families. Additional costs: visa, flights, food |
VAT Note: Saudi Arabia introduced VAT at 5% in 2018, raised to 15% in 2020. Most retail goods and services are subject to 15% VAT — prices displayed in stores typically include VAT. Restaurant bills show the breakdown.
Each major city has a distinct cost profile. Your employer's location will usually determine where you live, but knowing the differences helps with salary negotiation.
| Category | Riyadh | Jeddah | Dammam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost index | High | High | Medium |
| Rent (2BR central) | SAR 5,000–8,000 | SAR 5,500–9,000 | SAR 3,500–6,000 |
| Dining out (avg meal) | SAR 40–80 | SAR 45–90 | SAR 35–70 |
| Traffic congestion | High | Medium | Low-Medium |
| International schools | Most choice | Good choice | Limited choice |
| Western supermarkets | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Expat social scene | Large | Very large | Moderate |
Most job opportunities (especially government-adjacent roles), most Western amenities, but heaviest traffic and highest demand for premium real estate. Best compound options. Cold winters (5°C) and very hot summers (45°C+).
More relaxed culture, coastal lifestyle, best weather (milder winters, breezy). Strong expat community from the business and trade hub. Popular for families. Slightly more expensive than Riyadh for Western groceries and dining.
Most affordable of the three. Heavily influenced by the oil & gas sector — many Aramco, SABIC, and petrochemical expats. Al-Khobar is the preferred expat residential area. Easy access to Bahrain (30 min drive). Smaller social scene but tight-knit community.
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