Cost of living in Riyadh
Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, is a bustling metropolis known for its modern architecture and rich cultural heritage. Understanding the cost of living in Riyadh is crucial for anyone considering moving to or working in the city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of various expenses, including housing, dining, transportation, and more, to help you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $9.32 on average, with a range between $5.33 and $13.32.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $53.27, with prices ranging from $34.63 to $106.54.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $7.99, with a range between $7.99 and $10.12.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.33 to $4, imported beer $1.6 to $3.46, cappuccino $2 to $6.39, and Coke/Pepsi $0.67 to $0.93.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.46 and $2.66 per liter, averaging $1.75.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.61 and $2.13, with an average price of $1.23.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.6 to $5.56, averaging $2.61.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.33 to $4 per kg, while oranges range from $1.07 to $4 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.79 and $2.4 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.4 to $2.26 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $1.07 and $1.33, with a monthly pass priced between $20.85 and $39.95.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.58 and $0.63 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.66, with a cost of $0.8 to $4 per km and $10.65 to $26.64 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $665.9 to $1953.91, averaging $1102.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $532.72 to $2397.22, averaging $777.65.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $932.25 to $5327.16, averaging $1932.14.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $532.72 to $1997.69, averaging $1031.19.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $1433.53 to $3153.76, averaging $2210.92.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $825.71 to $1997.69, averaging $1299.24.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $66.59 and $159.81, averaging $108.89.
- Internet - Internet services range from $61.26 to $79.91, with an average cost of $74.49.
Cost of Living Rankings
Riyadh ranks 1st on the Cost of Living rankings in Saudi Arabia. The cost of living indices for Saudi Arabia are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Saudi Arabia, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Riyadh offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many Western cities, particularly in terms of housing and transportation.
Dining out can be economical, especially at local restaurants, while international dining options are available at higher prices.
Public transportation and fuel costs are low, making commuting affordable.
Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced, contributing to manageable monthly expenses.
Conclusion
Overall, Riyadh presents a cost-effective living environment with a blend of modern amenities and traditional culture.
Whether you are planning to move for work or study, understanding these costs will help you budget effectively and enjoy your time in this vibrant city.