Cost of Living in Riyadh vs. Jeddah for Expats (2025 Complete Breakdown)

In 2025, the desert hums with a quieter rhythm. Between Riyadh’s futuristic skyline and Jeddah’s seaside calm, expats wander—calculating budgets, balancing comfort with cost, and wondering where their Saudi chapter should begin. Because in a country that’s reinventing itself daily, the cost of living in Riyadh vs. Jeddah isn’t just about money—it’s about lifestyle, rhythm, and belonging. This is your complete 2025 breakdown, written with both facts and feeling.

Understanding the Cost of Living in Saudi Arabia

Before comparing cities, it’s essential to understand cost of living in Saudi Arabia have changed over recent years. As Vision 2030 continues to reshape the Kingdom’s economy, expats are witnessing a rise in infrastructure, international schools, luxury developments, and entertainment—all of which influence cost of living. For a broader view, Wasalt offers a detailed guide on the cost of living in Saudi Arabia: a clear overview. It explains everything from food prices to rental trends, helping expats prepare for life in one of the Gulf’s fastest-growing nations.

Riyadh vs. Jeddah: Two Cities, Two Stories of Cost of Living

Riyadh and Jeddah are the twin hearts of Saudi Arabia—but they beat to very different tunes and cost of living.

• Riyadh, the capital, is the center of politics, finance, and business. It’s where decisions are made, skyscrapers rise, and innovation never sleeps.
• Jeddah, on the other hand, leans toward leisure. A coastal city where art galleries, sea breeze, and Red Sea sunsets create a slower, more relaxed pace of life.

Yet when it comes to the cost of living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, versus Jeddah, numbers reveal nuances that expats must understand before packing their bags.

1. Housing and Expat Accommodation

Expat Accommodation in Riyadh

Finding expat accommodation in Riyadh can be both exciting and overwhelming. The city offers a mix of modern compounds, luxury apartments, and affordable flats depending on your salary and lifestyle. For listings that range from compact studios to grand villas, explore properties for rent in Riyadh. In 2025 the cost of living for:

• 1-bedroom apartment in city center: 3,000 – 5,000 SAR/month
• 3-bedroom apartment in compound: 9,000 – 14,000 SAR/month
• Utilities (electricity, water, internet): 500 – 800 SAR/month

Compounds often include gyms, pools, and community security—making them ideal for expats with families.

Expat Accommodation in Jeddah

Jeddah’s housing is more relaxed, often closer to the sea and slightly more affordable. For example, you can browse properties for rent in Jeddah to get a feel for the market. In 2025:

• 1-bedroom apartment in city center: 2,500 – 4,000 SAR/month
• 3-bedroom apartment near Corniche: 7,000 – 10,000 SAR/month
• Utilities (electricity, water, internet): 400 – 700 SAR/month

While Riyadh offers luxury and exclusivity, Jeddah wins out with its stunning sea views and a slightly lower price tag and cost of living. Verdict: Jeddah is about 10–15% cheaper in accommodation compared to Riyadh, but Riyadh offers more modern housing options.

2. Food and Dining Costs

Food connects people—and in Saudi Arabia, it’s a shared passion that transcends all cultures.

Grocery Prices

• Riyadh: Supermarkets like Carrefour and Tamimi offer imported goods, often at higher prices.
• Jeddah: Access to ports means fresher seafood and occasionally lower costs for international goods.

Average monthly grocery budget (for one person):

• Riyadh: 1,200 – 1,800 SAR
• Jeddah: 1,000 – 1,600 SAR

Dining Out

• Riyadh’s fine dining scene is booming—with Michelin-worthy restaurants and global chains everywhere.
• Jeddah’s food culture leans more towards a coastal style, rich in seafood and outdoor cafes.

Meal at a mid-range restaurant:

• Riyadh: 70 – 120 SAR per person
• Jeddah: 60 – 100 SAR per person

3. Transportation and Mobility

The way people move through a city says everything about its character.

Riyadh

With wide highways and an expanding metro system, Riyadh’s transportation is improving. But for now, most expats rely on cars or ride-hailing apps like Careem.

• Fuel (per liter): 2.18 SAR
• Taxi (10 km): ~25 SAR
• Car rental: ~1,800 – 3,000 SAR/month

Jeddah

Jeddah’s compact size makes commuting easier. Traffic is lighter, and the Corniche offers beautiful drives along the Red Sea.

• Fuel (per liter): 2.18 SAR
• Taxi (10 km): ~20 SAR
• Car rental: ~1,500 – 2,500 SAR/month

Verdict: Jeddah edges out slightly cheaper for mobility, though Riyadh’s infrastructure is rapidly modernizing.

4. Healthcare and Insurance

Healthcare is a vital consideration for expats when calculating living expenses in Riyadh or Jeddah.

• Both cities offer excellent private hospitals.
• Most employers provide health insurance as part of expat’s salary in Saudi Arabia.
• A private doctor visit without insurance may cost around 200–400 SAR.

Riyadh has more specialized hospitals, while Jeddah offers better access to international clinics and coastal wellness centers.

5. Education Costs for Families

For expats with children, international schooling is often the most significant living expense. Average yearly tuition (2025):

• Riyadh international schools: 45,000 – 100,000 SAR
• Jeddah international schools: 40,000 – 90,000 SAR

Riyadh schools often follow American or British curricula, while Jeddah includes international, bilingual, and faith-based options. Tip: Always compare a school’s accreditation and facilities before making a decision.

6. Entertainment and Lifestyle

Living in Saudi Arabia isn’t just work and rent—it’s also about joy, community, and connection.

Riyadh Lifestyle

Riyadh pulses with energy. Concerts, sports events, museums, and rooftop cafes dominate the capital’s weekends. The cost of entertainment in the city has increased, reflecting its growing modernity. Average monthly leisure spend:

• Riyadh: 1,000 – 1,500 SAR

Jeddah Lifestyle

Jeddah, by contrast, offers beach clubs, diving, and art scenes at a more relaxed pace. Nature lovers and creatives often prefer Jeddah’s open-air freedom. Average monthly leisure spend:

• Jeddah: 800 – 1,200 SAR

7. Utilities and Internet Costs

Both cities provide reliable utilities and internet connections. Monthly Averages:

• Electricity & Water: 300 – 500 SAR
• Internet (fiber optic): 250 – 400 SAR
• Mobile plan: 100 – 150 SAR

8. Comparing Expat Salary in Saudi Arabia

When calculating where to live, the expat salary in Saudi Arabia plays a defining role. Salaries differ between industries but generally follow national trends and somewhat cover the cost of living. Average Monthly Expat Salaries (2025):

• Riyadh: 12,000 – 30,000 SAR
• Jeddah: 10,000 – 27,000 SAR

Finance, engineering, and IT professionals often find higher pay scales in Riyadh, while the creative and hospitality sectors thrive in Jeddah. Still, the lower cost of living in Riyadh versus Jeddah often depends on personal lifestyle choices—luxury living versus comfort and calm.

9. Postal Code and Location Factors

An unexpected factor influencing rent and property value is postal zoning. Knowing your postal code in Saudi Arabia can help you understand the proximity of your neighborhood to work, schools, and entertainment areas.

• In Riyadh, prime postal codes such as Al Olaya and Al Nakheel indicate central locations with higher rental rates.
• In Jeddah, Al Rawdah and Al Shati districts are desirable coastal areas, often commanding premium prices.

10. Quality of Life: Which City Wins?

Let’s summarize the significant costs and quality of life factors:

Category	Riyadh	Jeddah
Housing	Higher	Lower
Food	Slightly higher	Moderate
Transport	More expensive	Cheaper
Healthcare	More specialized	More accessible
Education	Higher range	Slightly cheaper
Lifestyle	Modern, fast-paced	Relaxed, coastal
Weather	Hotter and drier	Humid but breezy

If you crave urban ambition and modern luxuries, Riyadh might be your match. If you want coastal calm, an artistic community, and a slower pace, Jeddah feels like home.

11. Living Expenses in Riyadh: 2025 Breakdown

According to the cost of living in Riyadh Saudi Arabia, expats can expect:

• Monthly single expat budget: 6,000 – 10,000 SAR
• Monthly family of four budget: 12,000 – 20,000 SAR

These include rent, groceries, transport, and basic leisure activities. Costs can rise significantly in central business districts. If you’re exploring property options, Wasalt offers listings that simplify your search: properties for rent in Riyadh.

12. Living Expenses in Jeddah: 2025 Breakdown

Jeddah remains about 10–12% cheaper overall, depending on lifestyle.

• Monthly single expat budget: 5,500 – 9,000 SAR
• Monthly family of four budget: 11,000 – 17,000 SAR

With the city’s continued development and proximity to the Red Sea Project and NEOM, prices may gradually increase—but for now, Jeddah remains the slightly more affordable coastal haven.

13. The Intangible Cost of Living

Some would say that not all living costs are measured in riyals. There’s the cost of isolation in a big city, the price of missing home, and the value of sunsets shared with new friends. In Riyadh, ambition thrives. In Jeddah, peace breathes. Both cities ask you what kind of life you want—not just what kind of salary you earn.

Your living expenses in Riyadh will buy skyscraper views and an ever-turning wheel of progress. Or are your living expenses in Saudi Arabia worth trading for a slower heartbeat in Jeddah? And somewhere between these two worlds—urban and coastal, intense and calm—you’ll find your balance. So, which city should you choose in 2025? If career growth and higher salaries call to you, Riyadh offers endless opportunities. If lifestyle, affordability, and coastal serenity matter more, Jeddah awaits.

Both cities, in their own ways, reflect the evolving soul of Saudi Arabia—a place where tradition meets innovation, and where expats can not only live, but belong. And if you ever need a reminder of how far this transformation reaches, take a look at the peaceful Abha City—proof that every corner of the Kingdom tells a different story.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cost of Living

1. Is Riyadh more expensive than Jeddah for expats?

Yes, generally. Riyadh has higher housing and schooling costs, while Jeddah offers slightly cheaper rent and food prices.

2. What is a good expat salary in Saudi Arabia?

A comfortable expat salary in Saudi Arabia typically ranges from 15,000 to 25,000 SAR per month, depending on lifestyle, family size, and city location.

3. How much do I need to live comfortably in Riyadh?

For a single expat, around 8,000–10,000 SAR per month is sufficient. Families may need between 15,000 and 20,000 SAR.

4. Which city is better for families—Riyadh or Jeddah?

Riyadh offers better schools and infrastructure, while Jeddah has a cheaper cost of living and provides a more relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere near the coast.

Sources

1. Numbeo – Cost of Living Data for Saudi Arabia (2025)
2. Saudi Gazette – Economic and Lifestyle Reports (2025)
3. Arab News – Expat Living Trends in Riyadh and Jeddah (2025)
4. General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) – Saudi Arabia Living Index (2025)