Quick Summary
- Riyadh is generally 5–15% more expensive than Jeddah overall
- Housing is the biggest cost difference — Riyadh premium areas command higher rents
- Food and daily expenses are broadly similar in both cities
- Jeddah has a more relaxed Mediterranean feel — Riyadh is more corporate and intense
- Both cities have excellent international schools — similar fee ranges
- A single expat can live comfortably on SAR 8,000–12,000/month in either city
City Overview — Riyadh vs Jeddah
Riyadh is Saudi Arabia's capital and financial hub — a rapidly growing inland city of over 7 million people. It is the centre of government, banking and corporate Saudi Arabia. Life here is fast-paced, ambitious and becoming increasingly cosmopolitan under Vision 2030.
Jeddah is Saudi Arabia's second city and commercial port on the Red Sea. It has a historically more open and cosmopolitan character, a beautiful waterfront (the Corniche), proximity to Makkah and Madinah and a slightly more relaxed daily atmosphere compared to the capital.
Housing Costs Compared
Housing is typically the single largest expense for expats in either city. Riyadh commands a premium for comparable properties particularly in expat-popular areas.
| Housing Type | Riyadh (SAR/year) | Jeddah (SAR/year) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (central) | SAR 35,000–55,000 | SAR 28,000–45,000 | Riyadh ~20% higher |
| 2-bed apartment (mid area) | SAR 45,000–75,000 | SAR 38,000–62,000 | Riyadh ~15% higher |
| 3-bed villa (family area) | SAR 80,000–140,000 | SAR 65,000–115,000 | Riyadh ~15% higher |
| Premium compound | SAR 120,000–200,000 | SAR 95,000–160,000 | Riyadh ~20% higher |
Food and Grocery Costs
Food costs are broadly similar between the two cities. Both have the same major supermarket chains — Tamimi, Danube, Lulu, Carrefour and Panda. Restaurant prices are comparable at equivalent quality levels.
- Monthly grocery budget (single person): SAR 600–1,200 depending on cooking habits and international product preferences — similar in both cities
- Casual restaurant meal: SAR 25–60 per person — similar in both cities
- Mid-range restaurant (two people): SAR 150–300 — comparable in both
- Fine dining: SAR 400–800+ for two — Riyadh arguably has a slight edge in high-end options due to Riyadh Season investments
Transport Costs
- Car purchase: Similar pricing nationwide — cars are heavily discounted in Saudi Arabia compared to most countries. A practical new car costs SAR 45,000–85,000. Used cars from SAR 15,000.
- Petrol: SAR 1.2–2.1 per litre depending on grade — among the cheapest in the world. Identical pricing across both cities.
- Uber/Careem: Comparable pricing in both cities. Short trips SAR 10–25, medium SAR 25–60.
- Metro (Riyadh only): Riyadh has an operational Metro (SAR 3–6 per journey) which Jeddah currently lacks. This can reduce Riyadh transport costs for those living and working along the Metro lines.
Utilities and Internet
- Electricity (SEC bill): SAR 200–600/month in summer with heavy AC use. SAR 80–200 in milder months. Jeddah's humidity means more AC use overall — costs can be similar or slightly higher than Riyadh on an annual basis.
- Internet: SAR 150–300/month for good home fibre — identical pricing across both cities
- Mobile phone plan: SAR 80–200/month for unlimited data plans — identical nationwide
School Fees
International school fees are broadly comparable between Riyadh and Jeddah:
- Indian CBSE schools: SAR 8,000–25,000 per year — both cities
- British curriculum: SAR 30,000–70,000 per year — both cities
- American curriculum: SAR 35,000–75,000 per year — both cities
- IB curriculum: SAR 45,000–85,000 per year — both cities
Monthly Budget Examples
| Profile | Riyadh Monthly Budget | Jeddah Monthly Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Single professional (shared apartment) | SAR 4,500–7,000 | SAR 3,800–6,000 |
| Single professional (own apartment) | SAR 7,000–12,000 | SAR 6,000–10,000 |
| Couple (no children) | SAR 10,000–16,000 | SAR 8,500–14,000 |
| Family (2 children, international school) | SAR 20,000–35,000 | SAR 17,000–30,000 |
Lifestyle — The Non-Financial Differences
Beyond the numbers, choosing between Riyadh and Jeddah is also a lifestyle decision:
- Jeddah feels more relaxed — historically more cosmopolitan, the Red Sea Corniche provides a genuine outdoor leisure destination year-round, the city has a more diverse social character
- Riyadh has more career opportunities — as the capital and financial hub most major corporate headquarters are here. For senior roles and ambitious career growth Riyadh has the edge
- Riyadh entertainment is now excellent — Riyadh Season has elevated the city's entertainment offering significantly. Both cities now have strong dining, cinema and events scenes
- Proximity to holy cities — Jeddah is 1 hour from Makkah and 4 hours from Madinah. For Muslim expats this is a significant quality-of-life advantage for Jeddah
- Weather — Riyadh has more extreme summers (up to 48°C) but cooler winters. Jeddah is more humid year-round with slightly less extreme summer temperatures
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city is better for expats overall?
It depends entirely on your priorities. Single professionals focused on career growth typically prefer Riyadh where the corporate opportunities are greater. Families and those prioritising lifestyle and a more relaxed environment often prefer Jeddah. Muslim expats frequently cite Jeddah's proximity to Makkah as a significant advantage. There is no objectively better city — only the better city for your specific situation.
Is there a third option — what about Dammam and the Eastern Province?
The Eastern Province — Dammam, Al Khobar and Dhahran — is a major expat hub particularly for oil and gas industry workers. Saudi Aramco is headquartered here. Cost of living is broadly similar to Jeddah — somewhat lower than Riyadh. The lifestyle has a distinct character shaped by the energy industry community. If you are in oil, gas or petrochemicals this is likely where your employer is based.
How much salary do I need to live comfortably in Saudi Arabia?
As a single expat, SAR 8,000–12,000 per month total package provides a comfortable lifestyle in either city — your own apartment, eating out regularly, a car and reasonable savings. For a family with two school-age children in an international school, SAR 25,000–40,000 per month is a realistic comfortable package. Senior expat packages with school fees, housing allowance and flights can reach SAR 50,000–80,000 per month for C-suite roles.
Evaluating a Saudi Job Offer?
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