Once you set foot in the richest country in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia, you quickly wish to know which city is best for your budget. Everyday expenses such as healthcare, groceries and utilities can press hard on your finances especially when working on a budget. As the Saudi Vision 2030 comes into shape, citizens and expats are pouring into the cities to take a sip at the newly found spaces. This is good news to the real estate sector that continues to witness a boom. While making the choice of a suitable Saudi city, you have to consider factors such as work, family living, luxury, and overall welfare.
So here we answer the question, which Saudi city is suitable for your budget? Let’s first take a look at the overall economic situation in Saudi Arabia.
The Cost of Living in Saudi Arabia in 2025
In the year 2024, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was ranked the richest country in the Gulf Region with a GDP of SAR1.1 trillion and a per capita income of $33,040. These numbers are expected to grow by 3.3% and 4.1% in 2025 and 2026 respectively.
Additionally, the inflation rate in 2025 is expected to be 1.7% in Saudi Arabia compared to the average 3.4% in the GCC. Your household expenses will mainly consist of food and non-alcoholic drinks. In this regard, you’ll likely spend an average of $199.17 per person per month.
The real estate sector is also a significant part of your budget especially in terms of housing. In 2025, the average monthly housing cost is expected to reach $299.96 per person. This amount covers rent, mortgage payment and other utilities. In case you’re eyeing homeownership, the average monthly rent stood at $2119.44 while property owners will spend an average of $0.31 billion.
Which Saudi City Is Best For Your Budget?
Based on this background, now we can look at the cities to determine the best for you to reside. For those who don’t bother to look at the balance after withdrawal, the three most appropriate cities for you to find a house and probably throw a little investment into the real estate are:
- Riyadh
- Dammam
- Jeddah
In Riyadh, the average monthly rent for a house will be between $1333.15 and $7998.91 while in Jeddah the range is between $1333 and $3888.27. In Dammam, the rental cost ranges between $888.68 and $2666.30. Places that are reserved for the “who is who” of the town include Al Khobar, especially Dhahran, as well as Jeddah, and Riyadh.
On a Low Budget for Rent?
Not everyone can afford the luxury that comes with the three major Saudi cities. Those working on a budget too have a fair share of cities that welcome tips for rents such as Abha, Ha’ll, and Najran. In these cities the maximum average rent is $599.92while on the lower side you can get houses with rent as low as $346.62 on average. Those who wish to reside in the suburbs of these budget cities can cut their budgets to $266.63.
Read Also: The Opportunity You’re Missing in Energy Efficient Building
In Sum
Saudi economic transformation into a modern hub with rich cultural heritage has made it desirable for career relocation. One thing that must remain in your to-do list as you plan to relocate to Saudi is the suitable city for your budget. These are not the only places you can live in Saudi Arabia. However, towns hide greener pastures for economic development and career progress. The best Saudi City depends on your budget. If you’re looking for some luxury and extreme modern living, Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar is your option. Those who are working on a stretched budget can look no further than Abha.