- Cost of Living in Riyadh 2026: Real Budget from a Single Expat - February 20, 2026
I’m a social media marketer living and working in Riyadh, and I want to share a realistic, ground-level view of what it actually costs to live here as a single expat. This guide is for people who are thinking to move to Riyadh and want honest numbers, not just generic estimates.
My Background and Area
I work full time in Riyadh as a social media marketer. I’m single and living in Al Yarmuk – a local residential area that is popular with expats on a budget. My company provides accommodation, which is one of the biggest financial advantages I have, because rent is usually the largest monthly expense in Riyadh.
Accommodation: Company Housing vs. Renting Yourself
Because my employer provides accommodation, I don’t pay rent personally, and that completely changes the cost of living equation. If you arrange your own accommodation in a similar area, here is what you can expect:
- Bed space in a shared room: around 500 SAR per month
- Single room (basic, local building): around 1,500 SAR per month
These options are usually in local buildings, not fancy compounds, but they are fine for single professionals who just need a clean place to sleep and work.
If utilities are not included in the rent, you should budget around 100 SAR per month for electricity and water for a small room, especially if you control your AC usage.
Utilities and Internet Costs
For a single person living in a small room or shared flat:
- Electricity + water: about 100 SAR per month (if not included in rent)
- Home or mobile internet: around 80 SAR per month for an unlimited package
So, for basic utilities and internet, you can think in the range of 180–200 SAR monthly. Keep in mind this is for a modest lifestyle, not for running multiple high-power devices or keeping the AC freezing cold all day.
Food: Daily Meals on a Budget
One of the best things about Riyadh for expats is the availability of affordable food options. If you stick to simple, local-style meals, you can survive very comfortably on around 20 SAR per day.
That gives you approximately 600 SAR per month for food, and in this budget you can still enjoy:
- Biryani
- Daal mash
- Simple chicken dishes
- Roti/naan and basic sides
This assumes you are not eating in expensive malls or Western restaurants every day. If you cook at home sometimes and mix it with budget restaurants, you might even go a bit lower than 600 SAR some months.
Transport: Living on the Riyadh Metro
Instead of buying a car or relying completely on taxis, I use the Riyadh Metro for my daily transport. This is a big cost saver for expats.
- Monthly unlimited metro pass: around 170 SAR
With this pass, you can use the metro as much as you want, which is perfect if your home and office are near metro stations. Compared to car installments, fuel, parking and maintenance, 170 SAR per month is very low and makes Riyadh much more affordable for a single expat.
If sometimes I need to go to places where there is no metro, I might use a taxi or ride-hailing, but I still keep my total transport budget very close to that 170 SAR mark most months.
Gym, Cleaner, and Personal Care
Health and cleanliness are part of my monthly budget too:
- Gym membership: up to 300 SAR per month
- Cleaner: around 20 SAR per week (roughly 80 SAR per month)
A 300 SAR gym membership is for a normal, mid-range gym – not a luxury compound. If you don’t care about a gym, that’s instant savings, but I personally consider it worth paying for.
Hiring a cleaner once a week for 20 SAR keeps my place tidy without costing much. For a single expat, this is a very manageable luxury that improves quality of life.
Clothing and Shopping
For basic clothing, Riyadh can be quite affordable if you know where to shop and don’t chase brands. On average:
- You can buy around 3 pants or 3 shirts for under 100 SAR total from budget-friendly markets or offers
I don’t shop every month, so I take this as an average. Some months I buy nothing, other months I might buy a few pieces together. If you are careful, clothing will not be a big part of your monthly expenses.
My Realistic Monthly Budget (Without Rent)
Here is how my typical month looks in numbers, ignoring rent because my company covers it:
| Category | Monthly Cost (SAR) |
|---|---|
| Food (daily meals) | 600 |
| Utilities (if I had to pay) | 100 |
| Internet | 80 |
| Metro pass | 170 |
| Gym | 300 |
| Cleaner | 80 |
| Clothing (averaged) | 100 |
| Total | ~1,430 |
This leaves room for savings, remittances, or emergencies. General estimates for a single expat in Riyadh range from 3,000–8,000 SAR per month depending on rent and lifestyle, so this pattern is on the budget-friendly side.
Is Riyadh Affordable for a Single Expat?
Yes, Riyadh can be affordable for a single expat, especially if:
- Your company provides accommodation, or
- You are okay with a shared room or a simple single room in a local area, and
- You use the metro instead of owning a car, and
- You eat mainly local or budget-friendly food instead of high-end restaurants
If you try to live in a compound, eat in expensive places, and use taxis all the time, costs rise quickly. But with a practical mindset and some planning, you can live decently.
Practical Tips for New Expats Coming to Riyadh
Here are my personal suggestions if you’re considering moving to Riyadh:
- Negotiate housing: Try to get accommodation included in your job offer. This is the biggest factor in your cost of living.
- Choose local areas: Places like Al Yarmuk and similar neighborhoods are more affordable than high-end, central or compound areas.
- Use public transport: Take advantage of the Riyadh Metro monthly pass instead of buying a car immediately.
- Eat like locals and expats: Budget eateries are much cheaper than Western-style cafes and restaurants.
- Control lifestyle expenses: Gym, cleaner and clothing are manageable if you don’t overspend on brands or luxury services
FAQs About Cost of Living in Riyadh for Single Expats
1. How much does a single room cost in Riyadh for expats?
In a local area like Al Yarmuk, a basic single room can cost around 1,500 SAR per month, while a bed space in a shared room can be around 500 SAR per month. Prices are higher in premium areas and compounds.
2. What is the average monthly food cost for a single person in Riyadh?
Around 600 SAR per month (about 20 SAR per day) is realistic for simple, budget-friendly meals. If you eat regularly in malls or international chains, you should expect to pay more.
3. Do I need a car in Riyadh or can I survive on metro and taxis?
You don’t need a car if your home and work are near metro stations. A monthly unlimited metro pass around 170 SAR is very cost-effective.
4. Which area in Riyadh is best for budget-friendly expat living?
Local residential areas away from premium compounds, such as parts of Al Yarmuk and similar neighborhoods, are usually more budget-friendly. They have access to shops, food options, and are suitable for single expats who don’t need luxury housing.
5. What are hidden costs new expats forget about?
People often forget about things like visa and iqama renewal charges (if not fully covered by employer), occasional medical and dental costs, and one-time setup costs like buying furniture or utensils if housing is unfurnished.