Cost of Living in Riyadh: What Expats Really Spend in 2025

Cost of Living in Riyadh

Let’s be honest—trying to figure out the real cost of living in Riyadh is like asking how long a piece of string is. One site says it’s dirt cheap. Another says you’ll need a sheikh’s salary just to afford cheese. The truth? Somewhere in between.

Whether you're budgeting for a move, negotiating a contract, or simply nosy about where your SAR goes each month, this guide breaks down the real cost of living in Riyadh as an expat in 2025.

Housing: The Big One

Let’s start with the biggest bite out of your monthly budget: rent. Housing costs vary massively depending on where you live and what kind of lifestyle you want.

What does rent cost in Riyadh?

• Expats in compounds: SAR 90,000–140,000/year for a 3-bedroom villa

• Apartments in Western-style complexes: SAR 50,000–100,000/year

• Local neighbourhood flats: SAR 25,000–60,000/year

If your company includes housing in your package, that’s a huge win. If not, you’ll want to prioritise location, traffic, and proximity to schools or work when choosing your place.

Utilities and Internet

The good news? Utilities are relatively cheap in Saudi Arabia, thanks to government subsidies—though prices have crept up in recent years.

• Electricity & water: SAR 300–600/month (higher in summer if you’re blasting the AC)

• Internet (fibre): SAR 300–400/month

• Mobile data (with plenty of GBs): SAR 100–200/month

Many compounds include some utilities in rent, but always read the fine print.

Getting Around: Car or Metro?

The Riyadh Metro officially opened in late 2024—and it’s gorgeous. Clean, modern, air-conditioned. Buses are also running, and they’re inexpensive. But here’s the rub: stations are widely spaced, and the city's still very car-centric. You’ll often get where you’re going faster in a car. If you’re driving, fuel is still refreshingly cheap. In 2025, petrol costs around SAR 2.18 per litre. But the real expense is in car ownership—think insurance, servicing, and a car loan or lease.

Alternatives:

• Ride-hailing (Careem/Bolt): SAR 15–30 per short ride

• Riyadh Metro: recently launched, with ticket prices around SAR 4–6 per journey

• Buses: also operational, very affordable, but stations are often far apart

Most expats still find a car—or a very patient driver—is the most practical option.

Buying a Car vs Renting

Should you buy, lease, or just ride-share? Here’s how it stacks up:

Buying a Car

• Used sedan (Toyota/Camry): SAR 30,000–60,000

• New SUV (family car): SAR 80,000–150,000+

• Comprehensive insurance: SAR 1,500–3,500/year

• Annual servicing: SAR 1,000–3,000

Renting or Leasing

• Monthly rental (sedan): SAR 1,500–2,500

• Monthly rental (SUV): SAR 2,500–4,000

• Long-term lease: SAR 2,000–3,500/month (may include insurance & servicing)

Most expats start by renting—especially in the early months when you're still finding your feet. Families, on the other hand, often buy a car straightaway, particularly if school runs and weekend outings are part of the routine. One thing to consider: will you buy outright, or borrow to make the purchase? Financing can be tempting, but be cautious—if you’re ever given notice unexpectedly (it happens), having outstanding debt could complicate your exit from the country.

Hiring Help: Drivers, Domestic Workers & Cleaners

Many expats have some kind of help—be it a weekly cleaner or a full-time driver and nanny.

Drivers

• Live-in driver (direct hire): SAR 2,000–3,000/month + food & accommodation

• Shared/part-time driver: SAR 1,500–2,500/month

• Driver + car (company service): SAR 4,000–6,000/month

Buying a Car (again, because it matters)

Don’t forget: buying might cost more upfront, but it’s usually cheaper long term if you’re here for two years or more.

Domestic Help

• Live-in maid (direct hire): SAR 2,000–2,500/month

• Through agency (all-inclusive): SAR 3,500–4,500/month

• Part-time cleaner (weekly): SAR 500–800/month

• Ad hoc cleaning (via apps like Matic): SAR 100–150 per visit

Agency hires cost more but save you admin headaches. Direct hires require sponsorship, visas, and a bit more paperwork.

Food & Groceries

This depends entirely on your style. Local produce and markets are affordable. Imported cheese, vegan granola, and British biscuits... not so much.

What’s the monthly grocery spend?

• Modest, local shopping: SAR 1,000–1,500/month for two people

• Western-style supermarket shop: SAR 2,000–3,500/month for a family of four

• Dining out: SAR 40–100 per person at mid-range places; fancier dinners start at SAR 250+

Pro tip: Mix up your Carrefour and Danube runs with a visit to Lulu or a local 5 SAR shop or Souq for spices, produce, and bargains.

School Fees and Kids' Expenses

If you’re bringing children, school fees will likely be your biggest fixed cost after housing.

• International schools: SAR 40,000–100,000/year per child

• Nursery/preschool: SAR 15,000–35,000/year

• After-school activities and tutoring: SAR 200–1,000/month depending on interests

Some employers offer education allowances—but not all. Always double-check what’s covered in your contract.

Health Insurance & Medical Costs

Saudi Arabia has excellent private healthcare, but it’s pricey without insurance. Most expats have coverage via their employer, which is a legal requirement.

• GP visit (private): SAR 200–400

• Dental clean: SAR 300–500

• Emergency care or specialists: can climb quickly if not insured

Lifestyle & Extras

Here’s where it gets personal. Some families spend generously on leisure, others keep it simple. But here's a snapshot:

• Gym membership: SAR 200–500/month

• Entertainment (cinemas, concerts): SAR 50–300/event

• Desert trips & weekends away: Fuel + accommodation = SAR 300–1,000 depending on how fancy you go

• Clothing & personal care: Similar to UK prices if shopping at malls, less if you explore local options

People Also Ask

Is Riyadh cheaper than Dubai?

Yes—generally. Rent, fuel, and everyday groceries are lower in Riyadh, though salaries and lifestyle perks can vary depending on the sector.

How much do you need to live comfortably in Riyadh?

For a couple: SAR 12,000–18,000/month

For a family of four: SAR 20,000–35,000/month

(More if school fees and rent aren’t covered.)

Do expats pay tax in Saudi Arabia?

No income tax. Which is music to most ears. But VAT (15%) applies on most goods and services, so factor that into your budget.

Final Thoughts: Is Riyadh Affordable?

For many expats, Riyadh offers a chance to save while living well—especially if your benefits package includes housing and school support. The key is knowing where to splurge and where to scale back.

Want help budgeting your move or comparing expat packages? Check out our Expat Relocation Checklist for Saudi Arabia or sign up for our newsletter packed with real-life advice from people who’ve done it.