Cost of Living in Saudi Arabia | How Expats Manage Life in the KSA?

Thinking of moving to Saudi Arabia for work, business, or living a completely new life, you might wonder how much it costs to live in Saudi Arabia and what life is like every day? The good news is that it is not as pricey as many believe, and it is shockingly cheap for some things compared to other places like Dubai, London, or New York.

Let us break down the entire thing like a friend sitting with you at a café.

Tax-Free Salaries and Affordable Living

This was a game-changer for me. Your paycheck here is 100% yours. No income tax, no hidden deductions. Whatever your company offers – SAR 15,000, SAR 25,000, whatever—hits your account monthly. That alone makes living in Saudi Arabia appealing, especially when comparing your lifestyle to folks earning similar pay elsewhere.

Rents

You can plan a good budget stay or a full-on luxury stay. That’s up to you. Consider staying in Riyadh, in a bare apartment that costs me around SAR 2,800 a month. Nothing fancy, but clean and in a decent area. On the other hand, the outskirts are even cheaper. Think SAR 1,500–2,000 if you’re okay with a longer drive into town.

Grocery & Food Expense

Shop weekly for two. Local veggies, rice, chicken, and some snacks usually come out at SAR 350–500. You’ll pay more if you’re big on imported stuff like organic almond milk or fancy cheeses. No surprises there.

Pro tip: Stick to local brands when you can. The quality’s fine, and it saves a lot of time.

Commuting Charges

A full tank costs me less than dinner at a mid-range restaurant if you drive a sedan. I’m serious. Around SAR 70–100 for a full refill. And even with regular driving, I hardly cross SAR 250 in fuel a month. It still amazes me every time I fill up.

Healthcare in Saudi Arabia

Healthcare in Saudi Arabia is solid; they have modern hospitals, helpful staff, and surprisingly short wait times. I had a dental emergency once and was sorted within an hour. If you’re working legally, your employer must give you health insurance. Mine covers doctor visits, meds, and even some dental. Haven’t had to pay much out-of-pocket, to be honest.

Expat Life in KSA

You’ll hear English everywhere. It’s the go-to in offices, malls, and even hospitals. If you’re worried about fitting in, don’t be. You’ll meet people from all over: India, Egypt, the UK, the US, the Philippines, you name it. A lot of expats live in compounds. You can witness a small American suburb: kids on bikes, BBQs on weekends, and the whole deal. But even outside the compounds, people are welcoming. Just be respectful of local customs, and you’re golden.

Schools and Education for Expats

Saudi Arabia offers an impressive range of international schools. You’ll find British, American, French, and IB curriculum schools across Riyadh, Jeddah, and other major cities.

Most of these schools offer English-medium instruction and cater specifically to expat families. Fees can range from SAR 30,000 to SAR 100,000 annually, depending on the school and grade level. Demand can be high, especially for top-tier schools, so planning and applying early is wise.

Safety and Security

Safety shouldn’t be a concern anymore! People can walk alone at night, leave their car unlocked by accident, and even forget their phone in a coffee shop once. Got it back in 10 minutes. Crime here is low. Security cameras are everywhere, and police respond fast if there’s an issue. It’s where people feel comfortable raising kids and going out at night without much worry.

Leisure and Lifestyle

Back in the day, people said Saudi had no fun. That changed fast! There are concerts now. Cinemas. Food festivals. Sports events. People attend Formula E races, which are wild and thrilling. Also, there are DJ live streaming sets in Riyadh that feel like a music festival. They’re pushing for tourism and entertainment under Vision 2030. Beaches on the Red Sea, hiking in AlUla, and even desert camping with full-on luxury tents. It’s a mix of old and new, and it works.

So is KSA Worth Living?

So, what’s the actual cost of living in Saudi Arabia? Honestly? If you’re earning decently and don’t mind adjusting, you can live comfortably, save money, and enjoy yourself. It’s not flashy unless you want it to be. And it’s not dull anymore. Come with an open mind, a bit of patience, and some curiosity, and you might find that Saudi Arabia is much more livable than you’d expect.

Thinking about moving here or starting a business? Let us know that our experts will better clarify the businesses and lifestyle in Saudi Arabia. Get a free consultation now!

Also Read: Relationship Between the U.S & Saudi Arabia in 2025