Cost of living in Riyadh
Indicative monthly costs for a Muslim household relocating to Riyadh, broken down by category so you can see what actually drives the total.
Single person
SAR 3,500–7,450
≈ A$1,440–3,050 per month
Couple
SAR 5,100–10,300
≈ A$2,090–4,220 per month
Family of four
SAR 10,500–29,000
≈ A$4,310–11,890 per month
Riyadh is the most common first stop for families making hijrah to Saudi Arabia: the widest job market, the deepest range of housing, and Islamic and international schooling in every district. It is also more expensive than Dammam or Taif, and school fees are usually the single biggest line in a family budget.
Monthly costs by category
All figures are monthly ranges in Saudi riyal. The family column assumes two school-age children. Last reviewed August 2026.
| Category | Single person | Couple | Family of four |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | SAR 1,800–3,800 | SAR 2,200–4,500 | SAR 3,800–10,000 |
| Utilities and internet | SAR 300–550 | SAR 400–700 | SAR 600–1,200 |
| Groceries | SAR 700–1,200 | SAR 1,200–2,000 | SAR 2,200–4,000 |
| Transport and fuel | SAR 300–700 | SAR 500–1,000 | SAR 800–1,800 |
| Schooling | — | — | SAR 1,700–8,000 |
| Healthcare | SAR 0–300 | SAR 200–700 | SAR 400–1,500 |
| Phone, household and misc. | SAR 400–900 | SAR 600–1,400 | SAR 1,000–2,500 |
| Monthly total | SAR 3,500–7,450 | SAR 5,100–10,300 | SAR 10,500–29,000 |
- Rent
- 1-bedroom apartment for a single person or couple; 3-bedroom apartment or small villa for a family. The lower end assumes suburbs such as Al Suwaidi or Badr; the higher end is central or compound living in Al Olaya, Hittin or the Diplomatic Quarter.
- Utilities and internet
- Electricity, water and fibre internet. Summer air conditioning roughly doubles the electricity bill between June and September, so budget toward the top of the range across the year.
- Groceries
- All meat sold in Saudi supermarkets is halal, so there is no halal premium — this is the biggest saving most families notice compared with a non-Muslim country. Imported Western brands cost noticeably more than local and Gulf products.
- Transport and fuel
- Riyadh is car-dependent. The range covers fuel, insurance and routine maintenance for one car, or two cars at the family high end. The Riyadh Metro covers a growing share of the city and cuts this considerably if you live near a line.
- Schooling
- Per-child fees vary enormously. Government schools are free but Arabic-medium. Private Islamic and Arabic-curriculum schools typically run SAR 10,000–25,000 per year; British, American and IB international schools run SAR 30,000–80,000 per year. The family figures below assume two children at mid-range private schools, spread across twelve months.
- Healthcare
- Employer-sponsored health insurance is mandatory for residents and usually covers the employee — dependants are often an added cost. The range covers dependant premiums and out-of-pocket visits.
- Phone, household and misc.
- Mobile plans, household goods, clothing, occasional eating out and a modest buffer.
What this means for a hijrah budget
Masjid access is not a budget line
In Riyadh a masjid is almost always within walking distance of your building, and the adhan is audible city-wide. Unlike a move within a non-Muslim country, you do not need to weight rent toward one specific neighbourhood to stay near a jamaah — which gives you more freedom to optimise for schools and commute instead.
School fees decide your budget
The gap between an Arabic-medium private Islamic school and a British-curriculum international school can be SAR 5,000 a month for two children. If your children have never studied in Arabic, many families budget for one or two years of a bilingual or international school followed by a transition — plan for the more expensive option first and revise down.
Housing is usually paid annually
Riyadh landlords commonly ask for the full year's rent up front, or in one or two instalments. Treat the annual figure, not the monthly one, as your arrival cash requirement — this catches out most families relocating from monthly-rent markets.
No income tax, but VAT applies
Saudi Arabia levies no personal income tax on salaries, which is why take-home pay often compares well despite similar headline costs. VAT of 15% is included in the prices you see. Confirm your own position with a qualified tax adviser in both countries before you move.
Estimate your own household
These ranges describe a typical household. The family living cost calculator uses your own family size, children's ages, schooling preference and housing type to produce a single monthly figure with a full breakdown. It is included with the Individual and Family memberships.
Sources
- Numbeo — Cost of Living in Riyadh
- Expatistan — Cost of Living in Riyadh
- Saudi Electricity Company — residential tariffs
- Saudi Ministry of Education — schools
Figures last reviewed August 2026. Prices move — always confirm current rent and school fees directly with the landlord or school before committing.
HijrahPlan.ai provides planning guidance only. It is not legal, immigration, financial, tax, or religious (fatwa) advice. Always verify with qualified scholars, licensed immigration lawyers, tax advisers, and the relevant local authorities before acting.