Cost of Living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Riyadh has a cost of living index of 62/100 (New York = 100). It is 38% cheaper than New York. Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

62/100
Cost Index
$3,500/mo
Median Income
75/100
Safety Index
hot desert
Climate

Cost Breakdown by Category

HousingScore: 68/100
1-Bed Apartment (City Center)$900/month
1-Bed Apartment (Outside Center)$550/month
3-Bed Apartment (City Center)$1,650/month
Food & GroceriesScore: 52/100
Milk (1 liter)$1/liter
Bread (500g loaf)$1.8/loaf
Rice (1 kg)$1.2/kg
Dining OutScore: 50/100
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant$8/meal
Meal for 2 (Mid-Range)$40/meal
McMeal at McDonald's$6/meal
TransportationScore: 48/100
Monthly Transit Pass$37/month
One-Way Ticket$1.1/trip
Taxi (1 km)$1.3/km
UtilitiesScore: 38/100
Basic (Elec, Heat, Water, Garbage) 85m2$110/month
Internet (60+ Mbps)$25/month
Mobile Plan (10GB+)$20/month
HealthcareScore: 65/100
Doctor Visit (15 min)$55/visit
Dentist Visit$75/visit
Prescription Medicine (avg)$12/course
EntertainmentScore: 45/100
Cinema Ticket (1 seat)$8/ticket
Theater Ticket$35/ticket
Museum Entry$10/ticket
FitnessScore: 42/100
Gym Membership (monthly)$65/month
Tennis Court Rent (1 hr)$18/hour
Swimming Pool (adult entry)$6/entry
Personal CareScore: 42/100
Haircut (Men)$15/cut
Haircut (Women)$35/cut
Shampoo (400ml)$4/bottle
ClothingScore: 52/100
Jeans (Levi's or similar)$55/pair
Summer Dress (Zara/H&M)$35/piece
Running Shoes (Nike/Adidas)$85/pair

Digital Nomad Profile

95 Mbps
Internet Speed
$350
Coworking/Month
good
Café WiFi
moderate
English Level
small
Nomad Community
35/100
Walkability

Best neighborhoods: Al Olaya, Diplomatic Quarter, Malaz

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Riyadh cheap to live in?

Riyadh has a cost of living index of 62/100, where New York = 100. It is 38% cheaper than New York. A single person can live comfortably for approximately $1,240–$1,736 per month.

How much does rent cost in Riyadh?

A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center of Riyadh costs approximately $900/month. Outside the center, expect to pay around $550/month.

Is Riyadh good for digital nomads?

Riyadh has a small digital nomad community. Average internet speed is 95 Mbps, café wifi reliability is good, and coworking spaces run about $350/month. English proficiency is moderate.

What is the average salary in Riyadh?

The median net monthly salary in Riyadh is approximately $3,500 USD. The income tax rate is around 0%.

How does Riyadh compare to New York for cost of living?

Riyadh (cost index 62) is 38% cheaper than New York (cost index 100). You could save roughly $950/month by moving from New York to Riyadh.

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