Saudi Arabia is a historic nation with distinctive landscapes and a warm, inviting culture. Since the nation remained closed to outside visitors until 2019, it is a fascinating new place to visit. In addition to having six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the nation is reasonably priced to reside in.
The cost of living is lower in Saudi Arabia than in the majority of Western European, American, and Australian nations. Prices in the capital city of Riyadh are comparable to those in Adelaide, Australia, or St. Louis, Missouri, in the United States. Overall, there is little variation in consumer costs across the nation, with the exception of rent.
Does Saudi Arabia have high prices?
For the majority of people, Saudi Arabia is a reasonably priced country. Living in Riyadh is less expensive than in the nearby capitals of Doha, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates or Manama, Bahrain.
In a similar vein, American tourists will discover that Saudi Arabia has a significantly lower cost of living than the US. The average American consumer price is 43% greater than that of Saudi Arabia; when rental prices are taken into account, the difference is 88.5%! These numbers are comparable in Australia; although France’s prices are somewhat more affordable, they are still 50.9% more expensive and nearly twice as high as those in Saudi Arabia. To obtain a long-term position, we therefore suggest that you consider relocating to Saudi Arabia to do this, you could use job search websites like Layboard.
Saudi Arabia’s cost of living
Saudi Arabia has a very uniform cost of living, excluding the cost of energy and rent.
One-bedroom apartment rent in the capital, Riyadh, is the highest, ranging from $693 to $848.
With rates ranging from $275 to $336, Mecca is the most affordable city to rent a one-bedroom flat. A one-bedroom apartment in a city like Al Khubar, Medina, Jubail, or Ad Dammam typically costs between $350 and $426. The cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment falls to $274 to $335 in these comparable cities. Moving outside of the city center in Riyadh is the best way to save money, as the cost of a one-bedroom flat has decreased to $431 to $527.
A typical three-bedroom apartment will cost between $598 and $731 if you’re seeking for a larger space. A three-bedroom apartment in the capital, where rent is higher, should cost between $866 and $1059. Prices outside of Riyadh’s center range from $659 to $805, making it less expensive. The exception to this rule is the city of Medina, where a three-bedroom apartment in the heart of the city typically costs between $1397 and $1708. This is only in the middle, to be sure. The cost of a three-bedroom apartment outside of Medina is between $371 and $454, which is less than the national average.
When considering housing costs, keep utility bills in mind. Across the country, the average cost of common utilities such as water, electricity, and heating ranges from $92 to $113. On the other hand, Medina and Al Hubar have more costly utility averages. Prices in Al Khubar vary from $159 to $194. The pricing range in Medina is between $134 and $164. You should anticipate that prices would rise in proportion to the size of your house. Additionally, the average monthly cost of home internet ranges from $66 to $80. Once more, Medina is an anomaly, with average internet charges ranging from $85 to $104.
Saudi Arabian food and entertainment costs
In a normal Saudi Arabian metropolis, you will pay between $5.99 and $7.33 for a cheap supper. Compared to the average price in the US, which is between $15.30 and $18.70, It is over three times less expensive. By most measures, a three-course supper for two may still be found for less than $50 at restaurants of a better caliber. The range of pricing is $40.73 to $49.79. With movie tickets ranging from $15.57 to $19.03, you may enjoy a lovely evening for less than $100.
Despite Saudi Arabia’s prohibition on alcohol, non-alcoholic beer is easily accessible and typically costs between $1.44 and $1.76. The average monthly cost of a fitness club, if you enjoy sports and exercise, is between $84 and $103.
Depending on the food you’re desiring, eating in is still less expensive even when consumer prices have increased. While red meat costs between $5.15 and $6.29, chicken now costs between $3.06 and $3.74. While potatoes are even less expensive, ranging from $0.50 to $0.60 per pound, rice costs roughly $1 per pound.
A white bread loaf costs between $0.69 and $0.85, a pound of apples costs between $0.84 and $1.02, milk costs between $5.54 and $6.78, and eggs cost between $2.24 and $2.74. Given these costs and salaries, it makes sense to hunt for work. Go to Layboard.in to begin your search.
Saudi Arabian transportation expenses
The majority of people choose to drive to Saudi Arabia, which is not surprising considering that it is the world’s greatest producer of oil. The Volkswagen Golf’s price range or comparable vehicle is $20,965 to $25,624; this is only marginally less expensive than the average of $22,325 to $27,285 in other nations. The average price of gasoline is between $2.09 and $2.55 a gallon.
For people without cars, taxis are a popular mode of mobility. Most taxis have a base rate of $2.39 to $2.93, and each extra mile costs between $2.31 and $2.83.
In Saudi Arabia, public transit is accessible. Despite its limitations, there are a number of initiatives underway to increase transit across the nation. Billions of dollars will be spent on the Riyadh Metro, which is scheduled to open later this year. There are currently intercity buses for traveling around the country, as well as some city bus routes.
A one-way ticket on a city bus costs about one dollar. Last year, the Saudi Public Transportation Company (SAPTCO) signed several contracts to expand its routes.
Saudi Arabia’s educational expenses
The majority of expats choose to send their kids to private international schools because of linguistic and cultural obstacles. The annual cost of an international elementary school ranges from $5,785 to $7,070 per child. The average monthly cost of preschool or kindergarten is between $278.71 and $340.65. Although private schools are not inexpensive, they are far less expensive than private foreign schools, which are almost $10,000 more expensive in the US.
Saudi Arabia’s health care expenses
Saudi Arabia offers free medical care to all Kingdom residents and Hajj pilgrims through the Ministry of Health. It is anticipated that Saudi Arabian expatriates will use the private healthcare system. Health insurance is mandatory for all foreign workers in Saudi Arabia. This needs to be covered for private sector workers by their employers and include dependent family members.
Comprehensive health insurance for the duration of the trip is included in the cost of the visa for visitors to Saudi Arabia. However, because KSA travel insurance has certain limitations, private insurance is still advised. For instance, renting quad bikes to ride in the desert is a common tourist pastime.
Since the Kingdom considers it an adventure sport, the travel insurance policy will not cover any mishaps or injuries. International Insurance provides all-inclusive policies that guarantee your complete coverage both in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
Saudi Arabia: The Middle East’s Most Economical Place to Live
Compared to all of its neighbors, Saudi Arabia the cost of living is lower there. Remember that quality of life also scores poorly in Mercer’s Quality of Life survey, even with the low pricing. Riyadh and Jeddah are ranked 164th and 168th, respectively, while Adelaide and St. Louis are ranked 29th and 70th, respectively, at similar prices. The alcohol rules and limitations on women may be difficult and constrictive for foreigners. Before traveling, all visitors or expats should familiarize themselves with local laws and customs to make sure they can enjoy their trip to the fullest without breaking any of them.
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