An Expat COST OF LIVING in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

A question which I’ve been meaning to answer for some time is “what is the cost of living over there for an expat?” It seems like it can be a very confusing question.
To give you the short answer, it's very reasonable and for me, coming from London, it's refreshing!
I’m going to take you through what you need to consider and keep in mind all costs shown are in Saudi Arabian Riyals.
THE BIG STUFF!
Accommodation
- This will be the biggest chunk and you should receive 25% of your salary each month to cover accommodation, this is standard and is a requirement when hiring expats
- Costs vary significantly from city to city, apartment vs compound vs villa etc, so this is what I’ve found based in Jeddah for the past 4 years.
- 1 bedroom - 40-70,000 annual
- 2 bedroom - 70-100,000 annual
- 3 bedroom - 100,000+ annual
Travel
- You should receive 10% of your salary each month as your travel allowance; again this is a standard
- Taxi life - 30-75 per trip / 140 per day / 950 per week / 3,800 per month
- Car rental - 2,500 and upwards
- Car purchase - as you like… (!)
Health Insurance
This will be covered as standard as part of your employment; I really recommend finding out what bracket your company are putting you so you’re aware and can request an upgrade.
I won’t include these in the total budget because the fluctuations are vast; I’ll let you do some of the math ;)
THE MONTHLY EXPENSES!
Pretty sure I’ve covered most things here. Again, huge fluctuations based on what life you want to life.
- Bills (water and electric) - 400
- Wi-Fi - 400
- Mobile - 100
- Gas / Petrol - 400
- Car Wash - 60
- Gym - 700
- Groceries - 1000
- Meat - 1000
- Veg & Fruit - 400
- Water - 60
- Supplements - 500
- Higher end restaurants - 2,000
- Mid-range restaurants - 1,200
- Takeaways - 1,500
- Coffees - 300
- Haircuts - 300
- Entertainment - 600
Total for monthly expenses are around 10,500 SAR for a couple.
You should comfortably be able to cut this by half if you're prioritising on saving or spending a little more carefully.
I hope this helps!
As always, ping us of Instagram @pete_kami_ or @teratai.yogastrong

[@user-fd6mj3lt8r]

Hi Pete, thank you so much for all your videos! I am moving from London to Jeddah in Feb next year for work, and your clips give a really clear idea on what it is like to live out there....keep it up!! 🙏🫡

[@petedoessaudi]

Thank you Daniele, I’m glad you found it useful! Good luck and let’s grab a coffee when you’re in town 👍🏼

[@philiparmstrong9312]

Thanks mate, very insightful video. Hit the nail on the head with what expenses to account for 👍🏻

[@petedoessaudi]

Awesome mate, happy that it helped! Good luck

[@adama.3178]

I was in Jeddah, 3 weeks ago, I love it in Saudi. I go back and forth from NYC to KSA, every few months due to work.

[@petedoessaudi]

Ahh awesome, reach out next time, would be good to connect!

[@andrija_mihalic]

The breakdown of all the costs is super realistic for a couple in Jeddah, I believe, and the amount you stated is something I can see myself spending. Thanks a lot for the insights, Pete!

[@petedoessaudi]

Thank you mate 🙏🏼

[@CanadianTips]

Hey Buddy, thanks so much I am a canadian and I am moving to saudi next feb. Honestly you helped me a lot with this video i was lost till i found ur video❤

[@petedoessaudi]

Hey Ahmed, thanks for the comment 🫶🏼🫶🏼 Really appreciate it and always love hearing the light my videos shine on life here. Good luck in the move, bet you’re excited now?!

[@CanadianTips]

@@petedoessaudi Hey, How are you doing? I urgently need your advice. I am prepaing to move to Riyadh, and they told me that however housing is included in my salary, I need to pay the rental + insurance fees by myself first and then then company will give me the allowance on monthly bases. Is this right? Thank you!

[@Trupak786]

Great video, Pete. 😊 Have to say that the cost of living in London is far more expensive than Saudi. You’ve done extremely well to get out there when you did and hope to join you one day InshAllah 😎

[@petedoessaudi]

You’re too kind, thanks mate. Appreciate the love 🫶🏼

[@aleksanderapinski8720]

Thanks Pete. Could you consider a video overview of different jobs' payscales ?

[@Xdisagreementastride]

Good job man I’m a local and I can tell the prices you provided it’s pretty good. Most working foreigners from the US or Europe are going to experience something similar of what you had. But I’m pretty sure their employers will give any new arrivals some accommodation options and they usually take care of them if they are here for work. After all well done I also gained useful information myself thanks

[@petedoessaudi]

Thank you mate, I appreciate the comment 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@basimsalim1988]

Very timely as I’m exploring an opportunity in Riyadh! Will reach out to you if I have more questions.

[@petedoessaudi]

Perfect! I’m glad it came at the right time for you

[@haroldes3315]

Awesome video dude! Perhaps you already have responded this question, but those amounts you are breaking down are in SAR?

[@petedoessaudi]

Thank you, appreciate the kind words. Yes, all in SAR

[@zhayat]

5:17 thanks for the great video!can I please check regarding the different tiers you mentioned.I have chronic meds which I get a scripts for from my local GP in my country and the collect from my local pharmacy.does this work the same way over there and if I have possession of said scripts can I still receive this medication is Saudi/Jeddah?Or will I need to consult a physician in Saudi first? Lastly does the employer only cover the employee for medical insurance meaning my dependants wont be covered?Would their costs for medical insurance need to be covered by my salary? Keep up the good content as it helps get a sense of living over there coming from a western society PS - your video with the labour law specialist was very informative 🙏🏼🤓

[@petedoessaudi]

Thanks for the love 🫶🏼 I haven’t had experience of this, but I know other expats who have taken their doctors prescription to the doctors here and they can write another one for you here to get filled at the pharmacy, assuming the medication is legal here. In terms of the health insurance, there are various brackets and so it would depend on what your employee puts you on. It’s a mandatory for your employee to cover your health insurance, but it may be suuuuper basic. Worth asking the question.

[@motionraycreatives]

Thank You

[@DR_dunya]

Housing in the city of Jeddah depends on the way you think financially anywhere in the world, it can be very financially acceptable and it can be expensive.

[@Elev8wDavid]

Honest 360 view on spending, cheers Pete, perhaps you ought to talk about investing from Saudi too! If I’m not wrong, the video you guys did with your friend the lawyer, you are not allowed to make extra money if you have a work visa, but how can you make extra income still flow with investments? 👏

[@petedoessaudi]

No problem mate, glad it was useful. If you’ve got investments overseas then that would be different - you just can’t have a second income or do a second job outside of the contract you’re under to be in the Kingdom. If you’ve got investments at home, then that wouldn’t be an issue.

[@MHA-km2qu]

you handsome pal, love your vlogs and vids

[@macfahad]

These numbers are pretty much on par, for me, some are higher, some lower. For me, with a family of 3, a monthly budget is around 7k sar, this includes phone/internet/gas/eating out. I remember when I first came to Saudi in 2014, my budget was less than 4k sar. An annual repat back home to California reminds me its not too expensive to live in Saudi lol There are no taxes, but there are government fees, especially if youre living there with family (dependents)

[@MinedTactics]

Thanks for the video, Pete! Would you be able to share the name of the company you rented the car from?

[@petedoessaudi]

It wasn’t so much a company as an individual, shady dealings I think.

[@MinedTactics]

Appreciate the quick reply, Pete! One more question if you don't mind, what area(s) would you recommend expats to look for apartments in, if they're looking to live in the newer, more modern part of the city? E.g. to live close to central shops & restaurants to minimise time in traffic.@@petedoessaudi

[@assagr]

I see many upper employers ( companies ) pays 100% housing car medical , everything else it’s up to u , so a 40k for housing free medical and free car ( company car ) and u still have like 30k salary in ur pocket is magnificent .

[@mattwilliams3504]

Do you have comments or advice for people who are new to rotating in and out of Saudi Arabia for work on a set schedule?

[@Snowfox23]

What do you guys do for a living? I’m planning on moving to Riyadh next year. I’m a blogger living that life! 🤩 can’t wait to be in KSA

[@petedoessaudi]

Out of interest, what’s the move you’re making? Business, visit visa, residency?

[@Snowfox23]

@@petedoessaudi well, I’m a blogger so I basically just wanna change my residency. So first I will spend time there probably as a tourist for few months or a year even then I will see from there…

[@AlreadyTiredOfYou]

@@Snowfox23 There's a video he made with a lawyer, and you can't transfer your tourist visa to work visa. Just saying. It'd be sad for you to get in trouble there.

[@Snowfox23]

@@AlreadyTiredOfYou I won’t be working in Saudi ever. I run online businesses. I just want to live there without working. First as a tourist then I will see maybe just be in the category with influencer with all my niche websites. Will see..but first year as a tourist to test it out and see if I want to move for a longer period! But thanks for the advice

[@FQXZ7]

I suggest that you come to Riyadh at the end of the summer, so that you have a long time to enjoy as a tourist, cuz events and activities etc are not active in the summer, unlike other countries,Also, when next summer comes, you'll be used to the city. I am sure that you will love Riyadh and its people, I am Saudi, but I am from another city, I lived in Riyadh for a year and a half and loved that period and I made many friends there. good luck

[@manymoms920]

When you were quoting figures at the start for accommodation what currency are you talking about please

[@ahmed.s.3843]

Hello! My family and I will be relocating to Riyadh in a couple of weeks. We would be grateful if someone could provide information about the cost of living in Riyadh.

[@Abdul0T4]

It’s the same except for accommodation. Riyadh is more expensive. I’d say add 15-20 % to Jeddah

[@arashahad8733]

Which city would you recommend for living and work, in terms of work-life balance? Riyadh, Jeddah or any other city?

[@rajaali4446]

I think you opt for slightly expensive things when it comes to day-to-day stuff eg barber meat etc

[@petedoessaudi]

Yep, and I mentioned this throughout.

[@Abdul0T4]

Great job mate. You can as you say cut the prices you provided by half by living outside a compound. Those apartment buildings are better quality now except for the social life. Also the gym you are at a premium price normal high quality gyms will cost you half the price if not less. Enjoy Saudi

[@MrGameMeister]

Question regarding housing and travel allowances. You note that you should receive allowances as part of a typical expat package. Does this mean that if i am making *example 40,000/month sar, that for the travel and housing i would be making 40,000 + 10,000 (housing) and + 4000 sar for transportation each month? or is the assuming that whatever base they give you that all such things are "all in"?

[@SS-eq8cb]

Hi - just wondering if youve got any advice on finding jobs while in Saudi? If we move I'll already have quite a decent job but the Mrs will need to look around while we're in Saudi. Is this easy to do for British Expats? And will it still be reasonably paid if shes not got any professional qualifications but has a good University degree? Appreciate youre in the fitness industry so may not have much knowledge on this but was worth an ask. Your videos are very helpful though thanks!

[@SS-eq8cb]

Or better yet do you know any way of finding recruiters specially for UK Expats in Saudi?

[@seano89]

Looking for an assistant project manager job in KSA. Do you know where is best to search for this industry? Thank you

[@baconandeggs820]

What website can I go on to look for an apartment to rent?

[@Slava_2425]

How much rent is the average studio apartment in Jeddah???

[@Slava_2425]

So if your monthly income is 5,000 they give you 1250 for housing?

[@Slava_2425]

Will you please send a apartment site for 1 bed room in Jeddah please 🙏

[@Slava_2425]

Please send a official website for forklift /warehouse jobs does anyone know what the average monthly income for warehouse /forklift workers? A us citizen native English speaker

[@9LimaAlpha7]

when using headphones, theres no audio coming from the right earpiece!!!!

[@SultanaKsa]

40k is . Lot for 1-2 bdroom unless you Are looking to live in those towers at the corniche or a compound on the seaside. I live in alzahra next to al malik road which is a high end district one of the top in jeddah and i pay 38k for a 180m 5 room (3 bedroom on is master - 3 bathrooms- 2 living rooms - 2 entrances a huge kitchen with a washing room and Storage space - security cmeras and security cide entrance to the building) 7 year old building and im th first renter for my appartment mayb ibas lucky but to be honest as a local you are paying too much. But hey if your fine and happy that is al That mtters. Have a nice day

[@Xdisagreementastride]

He is giving you the prices of living in compounds in Jeddah city. foreigner people from the US or Europe don’t live in regular apartments that local live in. So the prices he provided it’s pretty good and accurate

[@SultanaKsa]

@@Xdisagreementastride that is not true you can live wherever you wish but some big companies who have a lot of foreign employees they have their own gated accommodation or tend to rent a whole compounds not saying that there is no compounds that have mostly foreigners as tenants because they like to be close to other foreigners due to the huge gap between western and middle eastern cultures it is a choice and i was just giving him another look at that for that amount he is paying he could get way better than a 2 bedroom unit

[@Xdisagreementastride]

@@SultanaKsa well again he gave you the costs of living in a compound where usually foreigners from Europe or the US prefer to live in for a lot of reasons. By the way consider yourself lucky for having an apartment with the price you got in the location you mentioned. I just googled the prices with your description it’s way more than what you mentioned. anyhow, Enjoy your day and happy Ramadan!

[@SultanaKsa]

Never said it wasnt accurate But asa local i was haooy to provide my prespective i dont know why ur mad !!!

[@Xdisagreementastride]

@@SultanaKsa feel free to provide your opinion; No one is mad here! Happy Eid!

[@Slava_2425]

Does us citizens that work in ksa get housing allowance or stay in a dorm to work ?

[@giacaceres8643]

Where can I find software engineering jobs in Jeddah? or companies to look for?

[@gi2gi05]

Does anyone know what is average salary in Saudi Aramco for engineers?

[@Slava_2425]

How much SAR. Per month Does a single person need for studio apartment rent /utilities/wifi/1 month metro bus card/food Money to eat at the house For Jeddah

[@AlexanderGoliger]

all the money you're talking about is in ryial(SAR)?

[@friendly421]

Are communicated prices in SAR?

[@Ahmed-pf3lg]

As a Saudi from Jeddah, I can confidently say you definitely live a very “luxury” lifestyle. Sure, not a millionaires one. But you live like a doctor or a lawyer. I think the total is a bit exaggerated for normal/regular people.

[@VerzyCheez]

For Riyadh it’s double , As Saudi we drink coffee 2 times in a day 😅

[@petedoessaudi]

😂👍🏼

[@Snowfox23]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Slava_2425]

In Jeddah for studio how much is the average rent /utilities / metro bus monthly card and how much are weekly groceries please let me know 🙏🙏

[@samialkhammash1985]

In Jeddah, we do not have public transportation, most people have two cars.. one fancy for weekends and one beater to commute daily to work 😂. You can also use taxis, or Uber. Stuido apartment furnished in ok location is around 6k to 7k SAR a month. I am a local from Jeddah.

[@Zsauk]

Can you please share the name of the Veg & Fruit supplier. I, too, dislike the ones in supermarket.

[@petedoessaudi]

If you’re in Jeddah it’s called Sharbatly Club - I’ve actually just recorded a video on the top apps needed here, this being one of them!

[@rb7454]

What is it in dollars on average?

[@applerox101]

Thanks for sharing. I thought there was a 20% income tax for non-saudis?

[@petedoessaudi]

Nope, zero income tax here

[@AgricUltra]

Are you suggesting that housing is 25% of your salary, in addition to your salary? Similarly, 10% for a vehicle or travel? So, if you were on 100k (for the sale of easy maths), you’d expect a further 25k towards housing and a further 10k towards a vehicle/transport? Is that how it works there?

[@petedoessaudi]

It depends on the company. They will either include it in your salary package or will add it on top of your basic. The latter was what my company did with me so I had my basic and then I’d get and extra 25% for accommodation and 10% for travel each month.

[@AgricUltra]

@@petedoessaudi brilliant, thanks Pete! I’m headed over next week on an exploratory trip, with the potential of a contract. These things are essential info. I’ll be in Jeddah too. Watching all your vids for hints and tips! 👍

[@petedoessaudi]

@@AgricUltra awesome, good luck! 🙌🏼 You’ll have to let me know how you get on.

[@AgricUltra]

@@petedoessaudi I definitely will!

[@haroldes3315]

​@peteandtheadosaudi awesome videos and very helpful. May I ask which company hired you? I'm in a hiring process right now, so I'm doing some research for my negotiation.

[@azermehraliyev3700]

👍

[@islamicreminders3090]

Pete . What football team do you support ? 😮 you sound like a Tottenham fan lool

[@petedoessaudi]

Haha not at all, I don’t actually like football 😂😅

[@islamicreminders3090]

@petedoessaudi I have a different question . It's a sensitive topic . You've obviously been in Saudi for a few years now. Why are not muslim ? Has anyone spoken to you about this ? Do you believe in God? I love your videos , keep up the good work . Brother

[@tariqh8699]

Where do you get your meat and fruits from?

[@jimbojimbo6873]

Accommodation allowance??? Damn you guys getting it good over there

[@petedoessaudi]

Yes mate, one of the perks I guess

[@rajat001able]

I am planning to relocate to Jeddah and I have a pet dog. Is the place open and friendly with dogs. Is it easy to get an apartment on rent if you have a dog?Can u pls provide some info on that?

[@TruthOnTube]

Dogs are not allowed in rentals. Muslim countries do not keep dogs in their houses or apartments

[@ASsA-hn1wj]

While what the other comment said is true, it's not illegal to own a dog in Saudi, there might be a possibility to find a compound that allows pets inside apartments, and tbh more and more people are seen with pet dogs in Saudi more than usual

[@fatezero1919]

How are the salaries? For example as a software engineer at a big tech company.

[@petedoessaudi]

I’d love to help but I’m just a personal trainer, I’d have absolutely no idea about these salaries. Sorry I can’t be of any help!

[@VerzyCheez]

It depends in your experience and where u come from, As Saudi fresh graduate 11k-14k sar per month

[@petedoessaudi]

@@VerzyCheez thanks for filling this in here! 🫶🏼

[@micaelalgarrao6043]

​@@VerzyCheezis a good salary? I'm from Brazil, thinking about Saudi to live.

[@VerzyCheez]

@@micaelalgarrao6043 will i'm not sure anyone get this salary if he's not Saudi , as I said It depends in your experience but if u get it its good, we don't have salary taxes.

[@andredei8492]

Please next time record voice in stereo ;-) I had only right headphone and thought why I don’t hear any voice 😂

[@petedoessaudi]

Whoooops, amateur here 🙋🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️

[@andredei8492]

@@petedoessaudi All good ))

[@SSJ2084]

House prices are u telling us in pounds or SAR?

[@petedoessaudi]

In SAR 👌🏼

[@suzan698]

Do you like it over there 😊

[@petedoessaudi]

I can’t complain, life is good!

[@waheedullah2923]

Nowadays, the condition of Saudi Arabia is very bad. I worked for three months in a company. But there was no benefit because the company did not give all and ran away. In three years, I had an experience that 90% of people here beat others. Only nominal Muslims live here, whoever comes here for labor is of no use.

[@christopherw179]

40k to 70k? That is USD or local currency?

[@petedoessaudi]

Local currency - Saudi Riyals

[@user-mv2jh8rq6e]

So how much are you making?

[@petedoessaudi]

Quite a personal question there…

[@user-mv2jh8rq6e]

Now tell me what migrants make that kinda money in thr west? Thank you for being honest

[@petedoessaudi]

It depends on the job and the industry - unfortunately I wouldn’t know

[@SultanaKsa]

If you would like a local to help you with accommodation options or just Hang out or just asking any questions let me know how to contact

[@petedoessaudi]

You’ll have to message me on Instagram 🙏🏼

[@SultanaKsa]

Great already did .. Sorry was a litte away with ramadan hope you enjoy eid 🎉

[@jericjohn231]

What about School for children?

[@petedoessaudi]

I do not have kids so really talk to this I’m afraid 😊

[@bingus_the_dongus]

let me tell you somthing us saudis don't speek english well so public school is a no no maybe try international schools maybe

[@Ilyasdawah]

Are we talking in dollar

[@petedoessaudi]

All costs here are in Saudi Riyals 👍🏼

[@andrija_mihalic]

Saudi Arabian Riyals

[@richardrockie5475]

Just hurry up ! Good by

[@user-bk3gl9fk8d]

Best way to find a little apartment in a Compound? if you are still in Europe ? Thanks for sharing

[@ianoliver7271]

When I worked in Saudi back in 2014 a bottle of whisky, vodka or gin would set you back around $150.00!!!

[@petedoessaudi]

It doesn’t make it seem worth it does it?!

[@Linet3Wesonga-qp7wu]

Bro i need to talk to you in private please 😢its personal