If you're planning to move to Saudi Arabia in 2026, here's what things cost
Monthly Cost Breakdown
| Category | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR, City Centre) | €850 | Largest expense |
| Rent (3BR, City Centre) | €1,800 | For families |
| Groceries | €250 | One person, home cooking |
| Public Transport | €60 | Monthly pass |
| Utilities (85m2) | €180 | Electricity, water, heating |
| Dining Out (per meal) | €8 | Inexpensive restaurant |
| Total (Single Person) | €1,404 | Comfortable lifestyle |
Income vs Expenses
| Income Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Average Salary (Gross) | €2,185/month |
| Minimum Wage | €2,100/month |
| Salary After Rent (1BR) | €1,335/month |
With an average salary of €2,185 and rent of €850, approximately 39% of income goes to housing.
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Cost Indices (vs New York City = 100)
| Index | Score | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living | 43.9 | Significantly cheaper NYC |
| Rent | 13.5 | Much cheaper NYC |
| Groceries | 41.2 | Cheaper NYC |
| Restaurant Prices | 34.5 | Cheaper NYC |
| Local Purchasing Power | 132.8 | Higher than NYC |
Money-Saving Tips
- Shop at local markets: Fresh produce is typically 20-40% cheaper than supermarkets
- Cook at home: Eating in saves 60-70% compared to dining out
- Use public transport: Monthly passes are much cheaper than car ownership
- Live outside the centre: Suburbs offer 20-40% lower rent with reasonable commutes
- Compare utilities: Switch providers for electricity and internet to get better deals
- Student discounts: Available for under-26s on transport, museums, and cultural events
Salary by Sector
| Sector | Entry Level | Median | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| It | €28,000 | €42,000 | €65,000 |
| Retail | €15,500 | €22,000 | €31,000 |
| Finance | €40,500 | €58,000 | €81,000 |
| Education | €26,500 | €38,000 | €53,000 |
| Healthcare | €22,000 | €35,000 | €52,000 |
| Engineering | €36,500 | €52,000 | €73,000 |
| Hospitality | €19,500 | €28,000 | €39,000 |
| Construction | €24,500 | €35,000 | €49,000 |
Figures are annual gross salaries in EUR.
Additional Practical Information
The following information is compiled from expat community sources and recent reports to complement the official data above.
Additional Data Points
Recent reports and expat sources provide these additional figures for Saudi Arabia:
- If you cannot afford the special iqama, which costs around SAR 800,000 for permanent residence or SAR 100,000 for renewable iqama, you will probably opt for renting accommodation.
- Rent in Saudi Arabia is usually paid 6 months or one year in advance; this may be a big expense to consider. Paying a whole year, as opposed to 6 months, will usually entail some sort of discount.
- Depending on your personal situation, your employer may take care of accommodation completely. It is common for employers to secure housing for employees. Sometimes, the employer may issue a housing allowance, whereby the employee must secure their own housing. It is also common that the employer will pay a portion of the rental fees.
- Once you have decided on your accommodation, there are a few things that are required at the time of lease signing:
- Important:
- Failure to pay rent is a criminal offense in Saudi Arabia; you can be charged and brought to court. It is very important to safeguard your lease in case of any legal dispute that may occur.
- The landlord must:
Additional data sourced from expat community reports. All information should be verified with official sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does purchasing power compare in Saudi Arabia?
The local purchasing power index in Saudi Arabia is 132.8/100 (NYC = 100), meaning residents enjoy higher purchasing power than NYC. This factors in both incomes and costs.
Can I live comfortably on a remote worker salary in Saudi Arabia?
With a monthly budget of approximately €1,404, a remote salary of €2,000-3,000/month would provide a very comfortable lifestyle. Research specific cities for the most accurate picture.
What is the average salary in Saudi Arabia?
The average monthly salary in Saudi Arabia is approximately €2,185 gross. The minimum wage is €2,100/month. Local purchasing power index is 132.8/100.
How much are utilities in Saudi Arabia?
Monthly utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment cost approximately €180. Internet typically adds another €20-50/month. In colder climates, heating can significantly increase winter bills.
How much does dining out cost in Saudi Arabia?
A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs approximately €8. The restaurant price index is 34.5/100 compared to New York City. Budget €240 per month if you eat out regularly.
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