Cost of Living in Riyadh – Mid-2025 Deep Dive

Relocating takes courage. Here’s what it’ll cost you – and how to plan smart.

Cost of Living in Riyadh 2025

Why This Guide Now?

Life moves fast in Saudi Arabia, and nowhere is that more obvious than Riyadh. In just the past year, land prices have continued to climb, pushing up rents across the board, and several long-standing compounds have closed their gates for good. I wrote this update because the question keeps popping up in expat Facebook groups: "How much does it actually cost to live in Riyadh now?"

The truth is: it depends. Your lifestyle, your contract, and where you choose to live all play a huge role. But this 2025 deep dive will help you cut through the noise and plan smartly — whether you’re negotiating a package, relocating soon, or simply auditing your Riyals.

Cost of Living in Riyadh 2025: Housing, Bills, Food & More

Still the budget-killer, but with new dynamics.

Compound Living (3BR Villa): SAR 95K–160K/year Why the surge? High demand + proximity to giga-projects like Diriyah = premium pricing.

Western-style Apartments: SAR 55K–115K/year

Local Flats: SAR 28K–70K/year → Insider Note: Compounds now offer "all-inclusive" tiers (utilities, gym, security) – scrutinize what’s truly covered. Non-compound? Prioritize metro access; traffic is gnarly. Use this useful map to plan your commute when planning schools and home life

Utilities & Internet: Subsidies Fraying

Cheap, but less than before:

• Electricity/Water: SAR 400–750/month* (Summer AC = 60% spike; subsidies phased slightly in 2025)*

• Fiber Internet: SAR 300–450/month (No change)

• Mobile: SAR 100–300/month (5G is king) → Hack: Stagger AC usage + blackout curtains = 20% savings.
  

Transport: Metro’s Rise vs. Car Culture

The metro’s growing, but Riyadh remains a driving city:

• Petrol: ~SAR 2.25/L (Still a steal)

• Ride-Hailing: SAR 18–40/short trip (Uber is here but Careem/Bolt dominate or try a local like Jeeny)

• Metro: SAR 4–8/trip (6 lines operational; check Green Line extensions)

• Buses: Cheap but niche (Ideal for hyper-local commutes)
  

  → Reality Check: Families need a car long term if you like to adventure further than the city. If you live right by a metro station then it's a no brainer to metro + ride-hail.
  

Car Strategy: Buy vs. Rent (The 2025 Math)

Option	Upfront/Long-Term	Who It’s For
Buy Used	SAR 35K–70K + insurance/maintenance	Settled expats (1+ years)
Lease	SAR 2K–4.5K/month (all-in)	Newcomers / Short-term
Ride-Hail Only	SAR 1.5K–3K/month	Everyone who doesn't have a car (Uber, Bolt, Careem, Jeeny are popular here but unreliable in rush hour)
→ Warning: Financing traps remain. Always secure an exit clause if borrowing.

Domestic Help: Costs & Compliance

Saudization policies tightened in 2025 – agencies are smoother but pricier:

• Driver (Live-in): SAR 2.5K–3.8K/month + accommodation

• Maid (Agency): SAR 4K–5.5K/month (Visa/medical included)

• Weekly Cleaner: SAR 700–1K/month → Key Shift: Direct hires require Nitaqat compliance – many employers now avoid this.
  

Food: Where Inflation Bites Hardest

Imported luxuries surged 15% this year:

Category	Monthly Spend	Savings Tip
Local Groceries	SAR 1.3K–2K (couple)	Souq Al Zal for spices/produce
Western Brands	SAR 3K–4.5K (family)	Danube > Carrefour for deals
Dining Out	SAR 60–150 (mid-range)	Lunch specials save 30%

International School Fees in Riyadh 2025: The Unavoidable Earthquake

Demand > supply at top schools. Act EARLY:

• Tier 1 International (BISR, AISR): SAR 50K–120K/child

• Mid-Tier Schools: SAR 35K–75K/child

• Preschool: SAR 20K–45K/year → Brutal Truth: Waitlists stretch to 2026. Demand tuition coverage in your contract.

  
  

Hidden Costs Expats Underestimate

1. VAT (15%): On everything from phones to furniture.

2. Summer Escape Trips: 40°C summers = flights to Europe/Oman/Georgia (SAR 5K+/family).

3. "Compound Life" Social Tax: Brunches, events – adds SAR 500–1K/month.

FAQs: The 2025 Edition

Q: Riyadh vs. Dubai?

A: Riyadh wins on rent (15% cheaper) and fuel. Dubai wins on convenience, schools, and VAT-free zones.

Q: "Comfortable" salary for a family?

A: SAR 25K–45K/month – assuming school/housing NOT covered. (With coverage: SAR 15K–25K).

Q: Can I save money here?

A: YES – if disciplined. Target 20–30% savings by avoiding compound upgrades and imported luxuries.

The Bottom Line

Riyadh in 2025 is affordable for savers, expensive for lifestylers. Success hinges on:

• Your contract (housing/school coverage = non-negotiable),

• Location strategy (metro vs. compound trade-offs),

• Resisting "expat inflation" (that SAR 200 artisanal coffee habit adds up).
  

Still stressed? Grab our 2025 Riyadh Budget Calculator (free download) or book a relocation consult. We help you negotiate – and thrive.