Cost of Living in Saudi Arabia


By Dave - Posted on 01 December 2009

The Saudi Arabia expats highest cost of living is housing, which has been increasing in price over the past few years. Depending on the standard of living one aspires to, accommodation in Saudi Arabia can cost from SAR3,500 per month to upwards of ten times that amount.

Bread is very cheap, as is fuel which costs around SAR0.50 per litre. A can of Coke costs SAR1. Local fresh ingredients purchased in Saudi Arabia are of a high quality and are quite cheap; imported goods tend to be more expensive.
   
Domestic services in Saudi Arabia are very affordable with a house keeper costing on average SAR2,000 per month.

In general, expats find that the cost of living in Saudi Arabia is similar to that of the US or UK.

Here follows a cost guide for the essentials for living in Saudi Arabia (courtesy of www.tefl.com):

Accommodation (monthly rent in good area)
Furnished 2 bedroom house SAR 3,400
Unfurnished 2 bedroom house SAR 2,100
Furnished 2 bedroom apartment SAR 4,200
Unfurnished 2 bedroom apartment SAR 2,200
Room in shared apartment SAR 1,100
Food and Drink
Milk SAR 5
Cheese SAR 8
White bread SAR 2
Rice   SAR 6
White sugar  SAR 3
Coca Cola SAR 3
Still mineral water    SAR 2.30
Tomatoes SAR 3
Apples SAR 6
Fresh beef filet SAR 28
Lamb chops SAR 30
Fresh white fish SAR 17
Fresh whole chicken SAR 11
Table salt SAR 1.50
Imported cigarettes SAR 5.00
Household
Laundry detergent SAR 12
Dishwashing liquid SAR 5
Soap SAR 3
Toothpaste SAR 7
Shampoo SAR 13.50
Deodorant SAR 13
Aspirin SAR 4
Utilities
Telephone line (monthly rental)    SAR 39
Purchase of low cost cell phone    SAR 240
Monthly energy costs (apartment) SAR 130
Eating Out, Entertainment & Health
Three-course dinner in restaurant    SAR 50
Fast-food meal    SAR 14
Cup of coffee in bar/cafe    SAR 5
Fitness club annual fee    SAR 3,500
Private doctor consultation   SAR 100
Public transportation
Taxi rate per km SAR 0.50
City centre bus fare    SAR 2.50
Daily car hire   SAR 140


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