Saudi ArabiaπΈπ¦
At a Glance
How Saudi Arabia compares across key indices
Cost of Living
44 vs NYC
100 = NYC
Safety Index
77/100
Healthcare
62/100
Quality of Life
164/200
Climate
39/100
Cost of Living
How far your money goes in Saudi Arabia
Cost of Living
44
100 = NYC baseline
Rent Index
13
100 = NYC rent
Groceries
42
100 = NYC groceries
Restaurant Prices
34
100 = NYC dining
City Costs Comparison
Ad Dammam
Cheapest$1,368/mo
Jeddah (Jiddah)
$1,465/mo
Al Khobar
$1,513/mo
Riyadh
$2,052/mo
Safety & Crime
Low RiskHow safe residents feel in Saudi Arabia β based on surveys of people living there
Safety Index
77/100
Crime Index
23/100
Lower is better
Crime Trend
40/100
Mixed perception
Walking Safety
12 point drop from day to night
Problem Severity
0 = no problem, 100 = severe problem
What Residents Worry About
Based on 1,091 survey responses. 0 = not worried, 100 = very worried.
Cities in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has 4 cities with Numbeo data. Monthly costs for a single person range from $1,368 in Ad Dammam to $2,052 in Riyadh. Riyadh leads on safety, scoring 75/100. Jeddah (Jiddah) ranks highest for quality of life at 175/200.
Ad Dammam
$1,368/mo
Riyadh
75/100
Jeddah (Jiddah)
175/200
Riyadh
66/100
| City | Monthly Cost | Safety | Quality of Life | Healthcare | Pollution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ad Dammam | $1,368 | 72/100 | 164/200 | 60/100 | 59 |
| Jeddah (Jiddah) | $1,465 | 75/100 | 175/200 | 61/100 | 65 |
| Al Khobar | $1,513 | β | β | β | β |
| Riyadh | $2,052 | 75/100 | 160/200 | 66/100 | 64 |
Data from Numbeo. Monthly cost estimates are for a single person including rent. Pollution: lower score = cleaner air. Click column headers to sort.
Compare Cities Side by Side
Detailed comparison of cost of living, safety, and quality of life
Healthcare
Healthcare system overview for Saudi Arabia
Healthcare Index
62/100
Quality Breakdown
How satisfied residents are with healthcare costs relative to quality
Based on 291 survey responses
Insurance Coverage
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Environment
PollutedAir quality, water, and environmental conditions in Saudi Arabia
Pollution Index
66/100
Lower is better
Environmental Quality
Concerns
0 = no concern, 100 = severe concern
Based on 496 survey responses. Perception scores are 0β100 where higher is better unless noted.
Transport & Commute
How people get around in Saudi Arabia
Average One-Way Commute
31minutes
Average
Traffic Index
143
Moderate congestion
Inefficiency
186
Time wasted in traffic
CO2 Emissions
7.5kg/trip
How People Commute
Based on 240 survey responses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about living in Saudi Arabia, answered with data
What is the cost of living in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia has a cost of living index of 44 relative to New York City (100). It is moderately affordable compared to the US. Monthly costs for a single person start around $1,368 in Ad Dammam and reach $2,052 in Riyadh.
What is the cheapest city in Saudi Arabia for expats?
Ad Dammam is the most affordable city in Saudi Arabia with Numbeo data, with estimated monthly costs of $1,368 for a single person including rent. Jeddah (Jiddah) is the next most affordable at $1,465/mo.
Is Saudi Arabia safe for expats?
Saudi Arabia has a safety index of 77/100, making it very safe for expats and travellers. Among cities with data, Riyadh scores highest on safety at 75/100.
What is the best city in Saudi Arabia for expats and digital nomads?
Jeddah (Jiddah) ranks highest for quality of life in Saudi Arabia, scoring 175/200 on Numbeo's quality of life index. Monthly costs there run around $1,465/mo for a single person. For budget-conscious expats, Ad Dammam offers the lowest monthly costs at $1,368/mo.
How good is healthcare in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia scores 62/100 on Numbeo's healthcare index, making it good by global standards. This index reflects the overall quality of the healthcare system, medical staff, and facilities.
Is Saudi Arabia cheaper than the United States?
Yes. Saudi Arabia's cost of living is roughly 56% lower than New York City and generally cheaper than most major US cities. Rent specifically is around 87% cheaper. This makes it a popular destination for remote workers looking to stretch their dollar.
What is the air quality and pollution like in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia has a pollution index of 66/100 (lower = cleaner). Pollution can be a concern in urban areas. Research specific cities before committing, as rural and coastal areas typically fare better.
Before You Go
Your pre-departure checklist for Saudi Arabia
Plan Your Move
Escape Plan Quiz
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Salary Calculator
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Compare Countries
Side-by-side breakdown of cost of living, safety, healthcare, and more.
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