Cost of Living in Riyadh 2025: What Expats Really Spend
- Sarah Green
- Mar 25, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 16
Updated for 2026: Riyadh’s cost of living continues to evolve as the city expands, new transport options open, and housing demand grows. For the latest figures and updated budgets, read our Cost of Living in Riyadh 2026 guide.
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 in 2025 as an expat.
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.
Planning your move to Saudi?
Relocating to Riyadh involves far more than just housing.Visas, healthcare, schools, banking, driving licences and compound rules can all catch newcomers off guard.
Download the Expat Relocation Checklist for Saudi Arabia — a practical step-by-step guide covering everything you need to organise before and after you arrive.
If you’re deciding where to base yourself, read our guide Where to Live in Riyadh: Schools & Compounds Mapped Out, which explains the best neighbourhoods and compounds for expat families.
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. Need to know where to shop in Riyadh? Check out our Expat Supermarket Guide.
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.
If you’re relocating with children, our guide to International Schools in Riyadh explains the different school systems, fees and what to expect from the admissions process. And if you’re wondering where families actually live, Where to Live in Riyadh: Schools & Compounds Mapped Out explores the compounds and neighbourhoods most popular with expats.
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
Monthly Budget Summary
Expense | Couple | Family of Four |
Rent | SAR 5,000–10,000 | SAR 7,000–15,000 |
Groceries | SAR 1,000–1,800 | SAR 2,000–3,500 |
Transport | SAR 500–2,000 | SAR 1,000–3,000 |
Lifestyle | SAR 500–2,000 | SAR 1,000–4,000 |
People Also Ask
Is Riyadh expensive for expats?
Riyadh can be affordable compared with cities like Dubai or London, especially because there is no income tax. However, housing, international school fees and imported food can significantly increase the cost of living for expat families.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Riyadh?
Most expat couples live comfortably on SAR 12,000–18,000 per month, while families of four often need SAR 20,000–35,000 per month, particularly if housing and schooling are not included in the employment package.
What is the biggest expense for expats in Riyadh?
Housing is usually the largest expense. A three-bedroom compound villa can cost SAR 90,000–140,000 per year, depending on location and facilities.
Is Riyadh cheaper than Dubai?
Yes. Rent, petrol and everyday living costs are generally lower in Riyadh, although lifestyle options and entertainment may be more limited.
Do expats pay tax in Saudi Arabia?
No personal income tax is charged in Saudi Arabia. However, a 15% VAT applies to most goods and services.
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.