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Cost of living in Qatif
Rent, everyday prices and the gross salary you may need to cover living costs in Qatif.
One person, a month
SAR 2,682
Living costs excluding rent
Family of four, a month
SAR 9,286
Living costs excluding rent
One-bedroom rent, centre
SAR 800
A month
Gross salary, one person
SAR 42,000
to cover living costs in Qatif
Qatif's cost of living at a glance
Qatif is the cheapest city in Saudi Arabia but among the more expensive cities in Asia. The estimated monthly costs for a single person in Qatif are SAR 2,682, excluding rent. Living costs for a family of four are SAR 9,286 a month, excluding rent.
A single person in Qatif may need a gross salary of at least SAR 42,000 a year to cover estimated living costs, renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre and saving nothing.
One person's monthly costs
Numbeo household estimate in SAR, with the rent of a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre
Source: Numbeo, 1 June 2026.
How Qatif compares
One person's monthly costs in Qatif, excluding rent, are 14.6% lower than in the typical city in Saudi Arabia and 20.7% lower than in the typical city worldwide.
Where Qatif ranks
In Saudi Arabia
9th of 9
One person's monthly costs including rent, most expensive first.
In Asia
169th of 407
Cities in Asia with a Numbeo estimate, most expensive first.
Worldwide
20th percentile
Costs the same as or more than 20% of 1,942 cities: one of the more affordable cities.
One-bedroom rent, centre
9th of 9
Cities in Saudi Arabia, most expensive first.
Monthly costs against the typical city
- Qatif
- Typical national city
- Typical city worldwide
Tap a line or a table row to read its three amounts.
| Monthly cost | Qatif | Typical national city | Typical city worldwide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | SAR 800 | SAR 2,166 −63.1% | SAR 2,785 −71.3% |
| Groceries | SAR 786 | SAR 842 −6.7% | SAR 1,054 −25.4% |
| Eating out | SAR 338 | SAR 422 −19.8% | SAR 593 −43.0% |
| Transport | SAR 150 | SAR 140 +7.1% | SAR 150 −0.1% |
| Utilities | SAR 614 | SAR 618 −0.8% | SAR 655 −6.3% |
| Leisure | SAR 288 | SAR 496 −41.9% | SAR 232 +24.0% |
| Total excluding rent | SAR 2,682 | SAR 3,142 −14.6% | SAR 3,382 −20.7% |
| Total including rent | SAR 3,482 | SAR 5,117 −31.9% | SAR 6,276 −44.5% |
Typical = the median of 9 cities in Saudi Arabia and 1,942 cities worldwide.
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Explore prices in Qatif
The average price for each item, and the range from the lowest to the highest price people have reported.
Renting in Qatif
Qatif is the cheapest city in Saudi Arabia for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre. The next cheapest city in Saudi Arabia is Abha.
A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs SAR 800 a month.
Outside the centre, a one-bedroom apartment typically costs SAR 800 a month.
One-bedroom rents are about the same in and outside the city centre.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment in the city centre Monthly rent | SAR 800 | Not available |
| 1-bed apartment outside the centre Monthly rent | SAR 800 | Not available |
| 3-bed apartment in the city centre Monthly rent | SAR 2,499 | Not available |
| 3-bed apartment outside the centre Monthly rent | SAR 1,500 | Not available |
| Price per m² in the city centre | SAR 3,599 | SAR 2,199– |
| Price per m² outside the centre | SAR 2,949 | SAR 1,899– |
Cost of everyday items in Qatif
Groceries in Qatif are around 8% cheaper than the average for Saudi Arabia, while eating out is around 21% cheaper than the country average.
A litre of milk typically costs SAR 6.53.
A 500g loaf of fresh white bread typically costs SAR 3.49.
A pack of 20 cigarettes typically costs SAR 27.98.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Milk, 1 litre | SAR 6.53 | SAR 6.00– |
| Fresh white bread, 500g | SAR 3.49 | SAR 1.01– |
| Eggs, 12 large | SAR 8.78 | SAR 6.00– |
| Local cheese, 1kg | SAR 21.98 | SAR 18.01– |
| Chicken fillets, 1kg | SAR 29.52 | SAR 12.00– |
| Beef round, 1kg | SAR 48.02 | SAR 39.99– |
| Apples, 1kg | SAR 8.40 | SAR 1.99– |
| Oranges, 1kg | SAR 6.08 | SAR 1.99– |
| Potatoes, 1kg | SAR 4.13 | SAR 1.99– |
| Lettuce, 1 head | SAR 3.49 | SAR 3.00– |
| White rice, 1kg | SAR 7.16 | SAR 4.01– |
| Tomatoes, 1kg | SAR 2.51 | SAR 1.99– |
| Bananas, 1kg | SAR 6.30 | SAR 4.01– |
| Onions, 1kg | SAR 4.20 | SAR 1.99– |
| Water, 1.5 litre bottle | SAR 1.99 | SAR 1.99– |
| Mid-range bottle of wine | SAR 9.98 | SAR 6.00– |
| Domestic beer, 0.5 litre bottle | SAR 5.55 | SAR 3.00– |
| Imported beer, 0.33 litre bottle | SAR 8.18 | SAR 6.00– |
| Cigarettes, 20 pack | SAR 27.98 | SAR 24.98– |
Eating out in Qatif
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | SAR 12.98 | SAR 9.98– |
| Three-course meal for two | SAR 135 | SAR 79.98– |
| Fast food combo meal | SAR 24.98 | SAR 21.98– |
| Domestic beer, 0.5 litre draught | SAR 7.01 | SAR 4.99– |
| Imported beer, 0.33 litre bottle | SAR 7.99 | SAR 6.49– |
| Soft drink, 0.33 litre bottle | SAR 2.89 | SAR 2.51– |
| Water, 0.33 litre bottle | SAR 0.79 | SAR 0.49– |
| Cappuccino | SAR 10.92 | SAR 4.99– |
Transport in Qatif
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| One-way public transport ticket | SAR 3.49 | Not available |
| Monthly public transport pass | SAR 150 | Not available |
| Gasoline, 1 litre | SAR 2.25 | SAR 2.18– |
| Taxi start | SAR 9.00 | SAR 6.00– |
| Taxi, per km | SAR 1.99 | SAR 1.99– |
| Taxi waiting, 1 hour | SAR 49.97 | SAR 29.97– |
| Volkswagen Golf, new | SAR 134,956 | SAR 134,956– |
| Toyota Corolla sedan, new | SAR 77,975 | SAR 77,975– |
Utilities in Qatif
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment Monthly | SAR 393 | SAR 350– |
| Broadband internet Monthly | SAR 220 | SAR 200– |
| Mobile phone plan Monthly | SAR 123 | SAR 69.96– |
How is Qatif for families?
A family of four with two adults and two children may need a gross household income of SAR 129,000 a year in Qatif, excluding childcare costs.
Private preschool or kindergarten typically costs SAR 1,000 a month.
A three-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs SAR 2,499 a month.
Qatif scores 70/100 on Numbeo's safety index.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Family of four, excluding rent Monthly, Numbeo household estimate | SAR 9,286 | Not applicable |
| Family of four, including rent Monthly, Numbeo household estimate | SAR 11,785 | Not applicable |
| Private preschool or kindergarten Monthly | SAR 1,000 | SAR 1,000– |
| International primary school Annual | SAR 29,790 | SAR 23,992– |
Leisure and clothing in Qatif
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Gym membership Monthly | SAR 208 | Not available |
| Tennis court rental, 1 hour | SAR 79.98 | Not available |
| Cinema ticket | SAR 49.97 | SAR 48.99– |
| Jeans | SAR 120 | SAR 84.96– |
| Summer dress from a chain store | SAR 79.98 | SAR 49.97– |
| Nike running shoes | SAR 362 | SAR 240– |
| Men's leather business shoes | SAR 341 | SAR 280– |
Source: Numbeo, 1 June 2026.
What salary do I need to live in Qatif?
By combining Numbeo's living-cost estimates with the tax rates in Saudi Arabia, we can estimate the gross salary you would need to live in Qatif. Use the calculator below to see how much you would need to live in Qatif, and where your money goes.
Recommended gross salary
SAR 41,785
Needed to support 1 adult and no children in Qatif, living in a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre.
- Take-home pay
- SAR 41,785
- Living costs
- SAR 41,785
- Tax and contributions
- SAR 0
| Operator | Item | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary | SAR 41,785 | |
| − | Income tax and contributions | SAR 0 |
| = | Take-home pay | SAR 41,785 |
| − | Rent | SAR 9,597 |
| − | Groceries | SAR 9,430 |
| − | Eating out | SAR 4,060 |
| − | Transport | SAR 1,799 |
| − | Utilities | SAR 7,363 |
| − | Leisure | SAR 3,459 |
| − | Other estimated costs | SAR 6,076 |
| = | Left over: savings target | SAR 0 |
SAR 41,785 gross salary modelled as one employment income gives a 0.0% effective tax rate and SAR 0 estimated deductions a year. Use our salary tax calculator for a more detailed estimate.
What the estimate includes
- Rent for your housing choice and Numbeo's household living costs for your household size
- National income tax for 2026
What it doesn't include
- Employee social contributions
- Regional, state or local income tax
- Joint filing, partner income and household allowances
- Age, pension, expat-regime or special-residency rules
- Bonuses, benefits and other income
- Child care or school unless you choose it
Don't agree with our estimates? Help us improve our cost-of-living model.
How each cost is worked out
Rent. The selected one-bedroom apartment outside the centre in Qatif costs an estimated SAR 800 per month. SAR 800 per month × 12 months = SAR 9,597 a year.
Groceries. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Qatif spends an estimated SAR 786 on groceries per month. SAR 786 per month × 12 months = SAR 9,430 a year.
Eating out. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Qatif spends an estimated SAR 338 on eating out per month. SAR 338 per month × 12 months = SAR 4,060 a year.
Transport. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Qatif spends an estimated SAR 150 on transport per month. SAR 150 per month × 12 months = SAR 1,799 a year.
Utilities. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Qatif spends an estimated SAR 614 on utilities per month. SAR 614 per month × 12 months = SAR 7,363 a year.
Leisure. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Qatif spends an estimated SAR 288 on leisure per month. SAR 288 per month × 12 months = SAR 3,459 a year.
Other estimated costs. Numbeo's household estimate for miscellaneous costs: this may include things like clothing, shoes and entertainment costs. SAR 506 per month × 12 months = SAR 6,076 a year.
See the prices behind each category · How living costs and salaries are calculated
Tax estimate assumptions
Tax year 2026. One resident employee and one employment income are assumed. Zero personal income tax on employment income. No employee social security contributions for non-Saudi expatriates. Saudi nationals pay 9.75% GOSI (9% social insurance + 0.75% SANED unemployment) with employer paying 11.75%. Non-employment income may be subject to corporate/withholding tax.
Important
This calculator gives an estimate of the income needed to cover living costs. It is not tax, legal or financial advice. It uses Numbeo prices as of 1 June 2026, Saudi Arabia's tax rules for 2026 and Wise exchange rates of 21 October 2026, and models one employment income. Check your figures with the salary tax calculator or the official rules in PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries / GOSI.
Figures for 1 adult, outside the centre, no savings target.
Cost of living in Qatif: common questions
Is Qatif expensive to live in?
Qatif is the cheapest city in Saudi Arabia but among the more expensive cities in Asia.
A single person spends about SAR 2,682 a month excluding rent, against SAR 3,142 in the typical city in Saudi Arabia (the median of 9 cities, Numbeo, as of 1 June 2026).
Worldwide, Qatif costs the same as or more than 20% of the 1,942 cities with a Numbeo household estimate, which makes it one of the more affordable cities.
What salary do you need to live in Qatif?
A single person may need a gross salary of at least SAR 42,000 a year to cover estimated living costs in Qatif, renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre and saving nothing.
This is an estimate from Numbeo prices as of 1 June 2026 and Saudi Arabia's tax rules for 2026. Use the salary calculator to add your household, housing and a savings target.
How much is rent in Qatif?
A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs SAR 800 a month, and SAR 800 outside the centre, according to Numbeo averages as of 1 June 2026.
A three-bedroom apartment costs about SAR 2,499 a month in the centre and SAR 1,500 outside it.
Qatif is the cheapest city in Saudi Arabia for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre.
How much does a family spend in Qatif?
A family of four spends about SAR 9,286 a month on living costs excluding rent, or SAR 11,785 including rent, according to Numbeo's household estimate as of 1 June 2026.
With two adults earning and a three-bedroom home outside the centre, the household may need a gross income of SAR 129,000 a year, excluding childcare costs.
Private preschool or kindergarten typically costs SAR 1,000 a month per child.
How does Qatif compare with Saudi Arabia's other cities?
Qatif ranks 9th of 9 cities in Saudi Arabia for one person's monthly costs including rent, where 1st is the most expensive.
Excluding rent, one person's costs are 14.6% less than in the typical city in Saudi Arabia.
Where this data comes from
- Living costs and prices
- Numbeo, snapshot of 1 June 2026
- Exchange rates
- Wise mid-market rates, 21 October 2026
- Tax rules
- Expatica salary tax calculator, Saudi Arabia 2026
- Locations and population
- GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 1 October 2026
- Regions for continent ranks
- UN M49 regions
Important
All amounts are indicative estimates, not quotes or financial advice. Numbeo's prices are reported by users, so coverage and recency vary by city: check rents and prices locally before you commit to a move.
Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you click and make a purchase.
How living costs and salaries are calculated
- Your household size (adults and children, one to six people) picks Numbeo's household estimate for groceries, eating out, transport, utilities, leisure and rent.
- Rent is replaced by the price of a one-bedroom apartment (one or two people) or a three-bedroom apartment (three or more), in or outside the centre. A flatshare, for one adult without children, is a third of a three-bedroom home.
- "Other estimated costs" is Numbeo's household total less the named categories, not a separately reported price. Where a total is below its own categories, we use the categories, and a larger household's costs other than rent are never lower than a smaller household's.
- Child care and school are optional: preschool uses the city's monthly price for each child, international primary school its annual fee spread over 12 months. Children's ages, eligibility and public provision are not modelled.
- The salary is the gross income that leaves these costs, plus your savings target, after tax under Expatica's rules for Saudi Arabia (2026). One adult has one employment income; two adults are two earners splitting it evenly, with no joint filing or household allowances. What the tax model covers is listed with the result.
- Numbeo's figures are in US dollars, converted with one set of Wise mid-market rates. Without them, amounts stay in US dollars and no salary is estimated.
How cities are compared and matched
- A typical city is the median of one person's monthly costs across the 9 cities in Saudi Arabia in this guide and across the 1,942 cities worldwide with a Numbeo household estimate. Each row is its own median, so the rows do not add up.
- Ranks put the most expensive city first, and equal estimates share a rank. The worldwide percentile is the share of those 1,942 cities whose one-person monthly total, rent included, is the same or lower than Qatif's.
- Nearby cities are places in this guide, possibly across a border, by straight-line distance between GeoNames location points.
- Comparable cities are in the same GeoNames population band (under 100,000, 100,000–499,999, 500,000–999,999, or 1 million and above; a neighbouring band, labelled, when a band has too few countries), one per country, outside Saudi Arabia and not already listed as nearby. Population years and boundaries vary, so the bands are rough size guides.
- The match score compares a single person's costs excluding rent and the rent of a central one-bedroom apartment. For each, we divide the lower city's price by the higher; the score is the square root of the two ratios multiplied together, × 100. If both prices are 80% of the other city's, the match is 80%; if both are twice as high, 50%. It measures how close the costs are, not which city is cheaper or how alike they are to live in.