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Cost of living in Riyadh
Rent, everyday prices and the gross salary you may need to cover living costs in Riyadh.
One person, a month
SAR 3,448
Living costs excluding rent
Family of four, a month
SAR 12,219
Living costs excluding rent
One-bedroom rent, centre
SAR 4,127
A month
Gross salary, one person
SAR 80,000
to cover living costs in Riyadh
Riyadh's cost of living at a glance
Riyadh is the most expensive city in Saudi Arabia and one of the most expensive cities in Asia. The estimated monthly costs for a single person in Riyadh are SAR 3,448, excluding rent. Living costs for a family of four are SAR 12,219 a month, excluding rent.
A single person in Riyadh may need a gross salary of at least SAR 80,000 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 Riyadh compares
One person's monthly costs in Riyadh, excluding rent, are 9.7% higher than in the typical city in Saudi Arabia and 2.0% higher than in the typical city worldwide.
Where Riyadh ranks
In Saudi Arabia
1st of 9
One person's monthly costs including rent, most expensive first.
In Asia
31st of 407
Cities in Asia with a Numbeo estimate, most expensive first.
Worldwide
62nd percentile
Costs the same as or more than 62% of 1,942 cities: around the middle of the cost range.
One-bedroom rent, centre
1st of 9
Cities in Saudi Arabia, most expensive first.
Monthly costs against the typical city
- Riyadh
- Typical national city
- Typical city worldwide
Tap a line or a table row to read its three amounts.
| Monthly cost | Riyadh | Typical national city | Typical city worldwide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | SAR 4,127 | SAR 2,166 +90.6% | SAR 2,785 +48.2% |
| Groceries | SAR 964 | SAR 842 +14.5% | SAR 1,054 −8.5% |
| Eating out | SAR 513 | SAR 422 +21.6% | SAR 593 −13.5% |
| Transport | SAR 140 | SAR 140 0.0% | SAR 150 −6.7% |
| Utilities | SAR 656 | SAR 618 +6.0% | SAR 655 +0.1% |
| Leisure | SAR 565 | SAR 496 +13.9% | SAR 232 +143.2% |
| Total excluding rent | SAR 3,448 | SAR 3,142 +9.7% | SAR 3,382 +2.0% |
| Total including rent | SAR 7,576 | SAR 5,117 +48.1% | SAR 6,276 +20.7% |
Typical = the median of 9 cities in Saudi Arabia and 1,942 cities worldwide.
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Explore prices in Riyadh
The average price for each item, and the range from the lowest to the highest price people have reported.
Renting in Riyadh
Riyadh is the most expensive city in Saudi Arabia for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre. The next most expensive city in Saudi Arabia is Buraydah.
A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs SAR 4,127 a month.
Outside the centre, a one-bedroom apartment typically costs SAR 3,222 a month.
A one-bedroom apartment in the centre is around 28% more expensive to rent than one outside the centre.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment in the city centre Monthly rent | SAR 4,127 | SAR 2,499– |
| 1-bed apartment outside the centre Monthly rent | SAR 3,222 | SAR 1,999– |
| 3-bed apartment in the city centre Monthly rent | SAR 8,188 | SAR 4,499– |
| 3-bed apartment outside the centre Monthly rent | SAR 4,162 | SAR 2,499– |
| Price per m² in the city centre | SAR 10,800 | SAR 8,404– |
| Price per m² outside the centre | SAR 6,925 | SAR 4,998– |
Cost of everyday items in Riyadh
Groceries in Riyadh are around 12% more expensive than the average for Saudi Arabia, while eating out is around 21% more expensive than the country average.
A litre of milk typically costs SAR 6.19.
A 500g loaf of fresh white bread typically costs SAR 4.80.
A pack of 20 cigarettes typically costs SAR 26.48.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Milk, 1 litre | SAR 6.19 | SAR 4.99– |
| Fresh white bread, 500g | SAR 4.80 | SAR 1.99– |
| Eggs, 12 large | SAR 10.73 | SAR 6.00– |
| Local cheese, 1kg | SAR 33.20 | SAR 15.00– |
| Chicken fillets, 1kg | SAR 38.22 | SAR 15.00– |
| Beef round, 1kg | SAR 55.63 | SAR 39.99– |
| Apples, 1kg | SAR 9.27 | SAR 4.99– |
| Oranges, 1kg | SAR 6.86 | SAR 3.94– |
| Potatoes, 1kg | SAR 4.61 | SAR 1.99– |
| Lettuce, 1 head | SAR 5.14 | SAR 1.99– |
| White rice, 1kg | SAR 9.34 | SAR 4.50– |
| Tomatoes, 1kg | SAR 5.74 | SAR 3.00– |
| Bananas, 1kg | SAR 6.56 | SAR 4.01– |
| Onions, 1kg | SAR 5.25 | SAR 3.00– |
| Water, 1.5 litre bottle | SAR 2.18 | SAR 1.76– |
| Mid-range bottle of wine | SAR 29.97 | SAR 7.50– |
| Domestic beer, 0.5 litre bottle | SAR 6.75 | SAR 4.99– |
| Imported beer, 0.33 litre bottle | SAR 9.30 | SAR 6.00– |
| Cigarettes, 20 pack | SAR 26.48 | SAR 24.98– |
Eating out in Riyadh
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | SAR 29.97 | SAR 19.73– |
| Three-course meal for two | SAR 200 | SAR 112– |
| Fast food combo meal | SAR 32.00 | SAR 26.00– |
| Domestic beer, 0.5 litre draught | SAR 6.49 | SAR 4.99– |
| Imported beer, 0.33 litre bottle | SAR 9.00 | SAR 6.00– |
| Soft drink, 0.33 litre bottle | SAR 2.93 | SAR 1.99– |
| Water, 0.33 litre bottle | SAR 1.13 | SAR 1.01– |
| Cappuccino | SAR 15.76 | SAR 7.01– |
Transport in Riyadh
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| One-way public transport ticket | SAR 4.01 | SAR 4.01– |
| Monthly public transport pass | SAR 140 | SAR 133– |
| Gasoline, 1 litre | SAR 2.29 | SAR 2.10– |
| Taxi start | SAR 12.00 | SAR 9.98– |
| Taxi, per km | SAR 7.01 | SAR 4.99– |
| Taxi waiting, 1 hour | SAR 49.97 | SAR 44.98– |
| Volkswagen Golf, new | SAR 132,707 | SAR 89,971– |
| Toyota Corolla sedan, new | SAR 83,811 | SAR 79,324– |
Utilities in Riyadh
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment Monthly | SAR 414 | SAR 227– |
| Broadband internet Monthly | SAR 272 | SAR 230– |
| Mobile phone plan Monthly | SAR 125 | SAR 64.97– |
How is Riyadh for families?
A family of four with two adults and two children may need a gross household income of SAR 197,000 a year in Riyadh, excluding childcare costs.
Private preschool or kindergarten typically costs SAR 1,817 a month.
A three-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs SAR 8,188 a month.
Riyadh scores 75/100 on Numbeo's safety index.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Family of four, excluding rent Monthly, Numbeo household estimate | SAR 12,219 | Not applicable |
| Family of four, including rent Monthly, Numbeo household estimate | SAR 20,407 | Not applicable |
| Private preschool or kindergarten Monthly | SAR 1,817 | SAR 1,200– |
| International primary school Annual | SAR 35,518 | SAR 19,993– |
Leisure and clothing in Riyadh
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Gym membership Monthly | SAR 346 | SAR 200– |
| Tennis court rental, 1 hour | SAR 219 | SAR 143– |
| Cinema ticket | SAR 57.47 | SAR 39.99– |
| Jeans | SAR 182 | SAR 69.96– |
| Summer dress from a chain store | SAR 224 | SAR 110– |
| Nike running shoes | SAR 402 | SAR 250– |
| Men's leather business shoes | SAR 387 | SAR 150– |
Source: Numbeo, 1 June 2026.
What salary do I need to live in Riyadh?
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 Riyadh. Use the calculator below to see how much you would need to live in Riyadh, and where your money goes.
Recommended gross salary
SAR 80,044
Needed to support 1 adult and no children in Riyadh, living in a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre.
- Take-home pay
- SAR 80,044
- Living costs
- SAR 80,044
- Tax and contributions
- SAR 0
| Operator | Item | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary | SAR 80,044 | |
| − | Income tax and contributions | SAR 0 |
| = | Take-home pay | SAR 80,044 |
| − | Rent | SAR 38,666 |
| − | Groceries | SAR 11,570 |
| − | Eating out | SAR 6,156 |
| − | Transport | SAR 1,679 |
| − | Utilities | SAR 7,868 |
| − | Leisure | SAR 6,783 |
| − | Other estimated costs | SAR 7,322 |
| = | Left over: savings target | SAR 0 |
SAR 80,044 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 Riyadh costs an estimated SAR 3,222 per month. SAR 3,222 per month × 12 months = SAR 38,666 a year.
Groceries. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Riyadh spends an estimated SAR 964 on groceries per month. SAR 964 per month × 12 months = SAR 11,570 a year.
Eating out. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Riyadh spends an estimated SAR 513 on eating out per month. SAR 513 per month × 12 months = SAR 6,156 a year.
Transport. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Riyadh spends an estimated SAR 140 on transport per month. SAR 140 per month × 12 months = SAR 1,679 a year.
Utilities. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Riyadh spends an estimated SAR 656 on utilities per month. SAR 656 per month × 12 months = SAR 7,868 a year.
Leisure. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Riyadh spends an estimated SAR 565 on leisure per month. SAR 565 per month × 12 months = SAR 6,783 a year.
Other estimated costs. Numbeo's household estimate for miscellaneous costs: this may include things like clothing, shoes and entertainment costs. SAR 610 per month × 12 months = SAR 7,322 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 Riyadh: common questions
Is Riyadh expensive to live in?
Riyadh is the most expensive city in Saudi Arabia and one of the most expensive cities in Asia.
A single person spends about SAR 3,448 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, Riyadh costs the same as or more than 62% of the 1,942 cities with a Numbeo household estimate, which makes it around the middle of the cost range.
What salary do you need to live in Riyadh?
A single person may need a gross salary of at least SAR 80,000 a year to cover estimated living costs in Riyadh, 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 Riyadh?
A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs SAR 4,127 a month, and SAR 3,222 outside the centre, according to Numbeo averages as of 1 June 2026.
A three-bedroom apartment costs about SAR 8,188 a month in the centre and SAR 4,162 outside it.
Riyadh is the most expensive city in Saudi Arabia for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre.
How much does a family spend in Riyadh?
A family of four spends about SAR 12,219 a month on living costs excluding rent, or SAR 20,407 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 197,000 a year, excluding childcare costs.
Private preschool or kindergarten typically costs SAR 1,817 a month per child.
How does Riyadh compare with Saudi Arabia's other cities?
Riyadh ranks 1st 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 9.7% more 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 Riyadh'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.