Cost Of Living in Dammam 2025

cost of living chart - average monthly expenditure in Dammam

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Dammam

Whether you're living in Dammam or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: SAR
1,000 13,000 130,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$270 $3,500 $35,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single

Currency: SAR
1,300 9,100 61,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$350 $2,400 $16,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple

Currency: SAR
5,100 15,000 81,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,400 $4,100 $22,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family

Currency: SAR
7,100 20,000 130,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,900 $5,400 $35,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student

Currency: SAR
1,000 6,600 44,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$270 $1,800 $12,000
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Dammam is 9,100 SAR. Expenses can range from 1,300 SAR at the minimum level to 61,000 SAR at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Dammam is 15,000 SAR. Expenditure can range from 5,100 SAR to 81,000 SAR per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Dammam is 20,000 SAR per month. Families spend anywhere from 7,100 SAR to 130,000 SAR.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Dammam is 6,600 SAR. Students spend from 1,000 SAR to 44,000 SAR per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.



Prices and cost of goods and services in Dammam


Chart showing the prices and cost of grocery, food, restaurant meals, market, and beverages in Dammam

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

14 SAR 28 SAR 47 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.7 $7.5 $12

Restaurant meal for one

47 SAR 71 SAR 140 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $19 $38

Fine dining meal for one

95 SAR 140 SAR 570 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$25 $38 $150

Cappuccino or latte

12 SAR 19 SAR 28 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.1 $5 $7.5

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

9.4 SAR 11 SAR 14 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.5 $3 $3.7

12 eggs

7 SAR 9.4 SAR 14 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.9 $2.5 $3.7

Fresh whole chicken

16 SAR 21 SAR 29 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.3 $5.5 $7.8

Pack of beef

19 SAR 28 SAR 56 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5 $7.5 $15

Medium bag of rice

7.5 SAR 10 SAR 15 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2 $2.8 $3.9

Bag of tomatos

2.8 SAR 3.7 SAR 7 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.75 $1.00 $1.9

Bag of apples

5 SAR 6.6 SAR 11 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.3 $1.7 $2.9
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in Dammam

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

12 SAR 14 SAR 28 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.2 $3.8 $7.6

Average car full tank

70 SAR 94 SAR 190 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$19 $25 $50

Average car 1-day rental

72 SAR 95 SAR 140 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$19 $25 $38

Average car price

35,000 SAR 70,000 SAR 94,000 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9,400 $19,000 $25,000

Bus ticket one way

2.4 SAR 3.6 SAR 7.2 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.64 $0.95 $1.9

Car Service

95 SAR 140 SAR 290 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$25 $38 $76
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas for a family in Dammam

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual

78 SAR 550 SAR 3,700 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $150 $980

Utility Bill - Couple

200 SAR 690 SAR 4,500 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$54 $180 $1,200

Utility Bill - Family

360 SAR 1,000 SAR 6,600 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$95 $270 $1,800

Internet and cable

70 SAR 140 SAR 190 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$19 $37 $50

Mobile phone charges

56 SAR 94 SAR 280 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $25 $75

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

35 SAR 47 SAR 70 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.4 $12 $19

One month gym membership

110 SAR 140 SAR 290 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$31 $38 $76
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Dammam

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

84 SAR 120 SAR 180 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $32 $48

Woman dress

80 SAR 110 SAR 360 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $29 $95

Woman shoes

75 SAR 100 SAR 240 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $27 $64

Men's shoes

65 SAR 80 SAR 160 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $21 $42

Men suit

72 SAR 90 SAR 480 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$19 $24 $130

Regular t-shirt

36 SAR 48 SAR 140 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.5 $13 $38
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Dammam

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

1,200 SAR 1,800 SAR 4,800 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$320 $480 $1,300

1-bedroom apartment

1,800 SAR 2,900 SAR 7,200 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$480 $760 $1,900

2-bedroom apartment

2,400 SAR 3,600 SAR 9,500 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$640 $950 $2,500

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

240,000 SAR 360,000 SAR 720,000 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$64,000 $95,000 $190,000

1-bedroom apartment

290,000 SAR 480,000 SAR 1.8M SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$76,000 $130,000 $480,000

2-bedroom apartment

480,000 SAR 1.4M SAR 2.9M SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130,000 $380,000 $760,000
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Dammam

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

1,400 SAR 1,800 SAR 2,300 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$370 $470 $620

Double Bed

940 SAR 1,400 SAR 1,800 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$250 $370 $470

Single Bed

830 SAR 1,100 SAR 1,400 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$220 $290 $370

Living Room

1,600 SAR 2,000 SAR 7,000 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$420 $530 $1,900

Dining Table

700 SAR 940 SAR 1,800 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$190 $250 $470

Sofa or Couch

940 SAR 1,300 SAR 2,800 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$250 $340 $750
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Dammam

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

940 SAR 1,400 SAR 2,800 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$250 $370 $750

Fridge or Freezer

830 SAR 1,300 SAR 1,800 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$220 $340 $470

Washing Machine

1,100 SAR 1,600 SAR 2,800 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$290 $420 $750

Stove or Cooker

1,000 SAR 1,300 SAR 1,800 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$270 $340 $470

Mobile Phone

1,200 SAR 1,400 SAR 2,000 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$310 $370 $530

Laptop or Computer

1,300 SAR 1,600 SAR 2,800 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$340 $420 $750

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Dammam

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.

Cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Dammam

Spending to Income Ratio

81%

72% to 92%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%6%
50% - 60%11%
60% - 70%18%
70% - 80%26%
80% - 90%16%
90% - 100%9%
100% - 110%5%
110% - 120%3%
120% - 130%2%
130% - 140%2%
> 140%1%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Dammam is 81% This means that on average, people spend around 81% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 18% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
73%
Spending-Income-Ratio
65%
82%

Couple
77%
Spending-Income-Ratio
69%
87%

Family
86%
Spending-Income-Ratio
76%
96%
Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses in Dammam

How do people spend their money in Dammam?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing Expenditure26%

26% of total expenses on average (15% to 34%)

LOW$81   300 SAR
AVERAGE$1,100   4,000 SAR
HIGH$11,000   40,000 SAR
Per Month

People living in Dammam typically spend from 15% to 34% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 26% being the average. The average spend on housing is 4,000 SAR with expenditure ranging from 300 SAR to 40,000 SAR. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile6%

6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)

LOW$14   51 SAR
AVERAGE$180   660 SAR
HIGH$1,800   6,600 SAR
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Dammam ranges from 3% to 10% of total expenses with 6% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 660 SAR with 51 SAR and 6,600 SAR being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$27   100 SAR
AVERAGE$350   1,300 SAR
HIGH$3,500   13,000 SAR
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 100 SAR to 13,000 SAR on commuting with 1,300 SAR being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 8% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 12%.

Food and Groceries Cost27%

27% of total expenses on average (19% to 33%)

LOW$68   250 SAR
AVERAGE$880   3,300 SAR
HIGH$8,800   33,000 SAR
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Dammam is 3,300 SAR. The cost of groceries can range between 250 SAR to 33,000 SAR. People spend on average about 27% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 19% and 33% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services9%

9% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$19   71 SAR
AVERAGE$250   920 SAR
HIGH$2,500   9,200 SAR
Per Month

People in Dammam allocate 4% to 12% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 9%. The range of medical expenses range from 71 SAR to 9,200 SAR with 920 SAR being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping6%

6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)

LOW$11   41 SAR
AVERAGE$140   530 SAR
HIGH$1,400   5,300 SAR
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 41 SAR to 5,300 SAR with 530 SAR being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 10% of total expenses with an average of 6% for most residents.

Education and Schooling6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$16   61 SAR
AVERAGE$210   790 SAR
HIGH$2,100   7,900 SAR
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 6% of the monthly expenditure with 4% and 12% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 790 SAR per month with 61 SAR being the minimum spent amount and 7,900 SAR being the maximum.

Other Expenses12%

12% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)

LOW$35   130 SAR
AVERAGE$460   1,700 SAR
HIGH$4,600   17,000 SAR
Per Month
Percentage of people who manage to save money from their income every month in Dammam

How much money can you save in Dammam every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.


What percentage of people in Dammam manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
65%
Not Saving
35%

Almost 65% of the surveyed people in Dammam said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 35% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Dammam

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles74%27%
Couples68%32%
Families63%37%

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


Savings to income ratio in Dammam

Saving to Income Ratio

14% 23% of income 34%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

420 SAR
$110
5,400 SAR
$1,400
54,000 SAR
$14,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 14% to 34% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 23% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 5,400 SAR on average with savings ranging from 420 SAR to 54,000 SAR.

74% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 68% of couples said the same. 63% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Dammam?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

17% 27% of income 36%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

420 SAR
$110
3,700 SAR
$1,000
25,000 SAR
$6,700
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%29%
10% - 20%23%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%16%
40% - 50%12%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 17% to 36% of their monthly income to savings, with 27% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 3,700 SAR with 420 SAR and 25,000 SAR being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

15% 25% of income 35%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

2,100 SAR
$560
6,200 SAR
$1,700
33,000 SAR
$8,900
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%33%
10% - 20%25%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%11%
40% - 50%9%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 15% to 35% of their monthly income, with 25% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 6,200 SAR with 2,100 SAR and 33,000 SAR being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

13% 22% of income 31%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

2,900 SAR
$780
8,300 SAR
$2,200
54,000 SAR
$14,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%36%
10% - 20%28%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%8%
40% - 50%6%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Dammam can save anywhere between 13% to 31% of their monthly income, with 22% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 8,300 SAR with 2,900 SAR and 54,000 SAR being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money in Dammam

Saving Challenges in Dammam

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Dammam. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income6%
High Expenses9%
Debt and Loans17%
Lack of Budgeting Skills10%
Impulsive Spending10%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment7%
Will do it later17%
Inflation11%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability3%

Around 6% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 9% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 17% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 10% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 10% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 7% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 17% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 11% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Where do people choose to put their savings in Dammam

Typical saving choices for people in Dammam

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds11%
Gold10%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts11%
Cash Savings17%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks6%
Bonds6%
Mutual Funds3%
Certificates of Deposit3%
A typical and healthy budgeting structure. The 50-30-20 rule

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Income and cost of living compatibility. Is it affordable or economical to live in Dammam

Affordable living in Dammam

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Dammam?


Yes
76%
No
24%

Around 76% of surveyed residents think that living in Dammam is affordable with proper budgeting while 24% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

How easily is cost-cutting. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Dammam

Low-cost alternatives in Dammam

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options60%

Few low-cost options40%


Based on the survey, 60% of the people living in Dammam have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 40% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents of Dammam whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes72%

No28%


Based on the survey, 28% of the people living in Dammam said that they don't have an emergency fund while 72% said that they do.

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning in Dammam

Financial Literacy in Saudi Arabia

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy71%


We asked residents of Saudi Arabia whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 29% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 71% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether residents of Saudi Arabia have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 31% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 69% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance31%

Easily manages finances69%

Financial goals and targets of people living in Dammam

Financial goals of people in Dammam

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Dammam, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund7%
Debt Reduction34%
Retirement Savings8%
Education Funding8%
Homeownership17%
Investing8%
Travel or Lifestyle10%
Healthcare Expenses10%
Financial Independence8%

Around 7% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 34% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 8% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 8% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 17% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 8% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 10% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 10% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Dammam

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Dammam and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in Saudi Arabia is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Dammam:
AgeAmount
2537,000 SAR
3074,000 SAR
35130,000 SAR
40190,000 SAR
45280,000 SAR
50390,000 SAR
55470,000 SAR
60580,000 SAR
65690,000 SAR

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Dammam about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions13%
Savings22%
Investments13%
Social Security8%
Annuities8%
Part-time Job11%
Real Estate17%
Dividends and Interest8%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Dammam

730 SAR
$190
6,600 SAR
$1,800
44,000 SAR
$12,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Chart showing the percentage of people who are in debt in Dammam

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Dammam


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
29%
Debt Free
71%

According to the survey, 29% of the people in Dammam have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 71% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Dammam

Debt-to-income ratio in Dammam

Debt to income ratio

26%

16% to 36%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 26% of the people's monthly income in Dammam goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%12%
40% - 50%12%
30% - 40%14%
20% - 30%14%
10% - 20%18%
0% - 10%27%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Dammam pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 12% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 12% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 14% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 14% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Dammam

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage12%
Auto Loan21%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card26%
Personal Loan37%

12% of debtors in Dammam confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 26% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 21% of people and personal loans rose at 37%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Dammam.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Dammam

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Dammam how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never54%
Once a year22%
Twice a year11%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year4%
Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in Dammam

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Dammam

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Dammam

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

1,200 SAR 1,800 SAR 4,800 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$320 $480 $1,300

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

1,800 SAR 2,900 SAR 7,200 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$480 $760 $1,900

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

2,400 SAR 3,600 SAR 9,500 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$640 $950 $2,500

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

2,900 SAR 4,800 SAR 13,000 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$760 $1,300 $3,500

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

5,700 SAR 14,000 SAR 29,000 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,500 $3,800 $7,600

Townhouse monthly rent cost

4,800 SAR 7,200 SAR 20,000 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,300 $1,900 $5,500

House monthly rent cost

5,700 SAR 14,000 SAR 29,000 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,500 $3,800 $7,600

Villa monthly rent cost

7,200 SAR 18,000 SAR 29,000 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,900 $4,800 $7,600

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Dammam ranges between 1,200 SAR and 4,800 SAR, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 1,800 SAR to 7,200 SAR. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 2,400 SAR and 9,500 SAR per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 2,900 SAR to 13,000 SAR. The average rent of a townhouse in Dammam is around 7,200 SAR while house rental costs can be as high as 14,000 SAR per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 7,200 SAR to 29,000 SAR per month.



Apartment and house prices in Dammam

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

240,000 SAR 360,000 SAR 720,000 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$64,000 $95,000 $190,000

1-bedroom apartment price

290,000 SAR 480,000 SAR 1.8M SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$76,000 $130,000 $480,000

2-bedroom apartment price

480,000 SAR 1.4M SAR 2.9M SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130,000 $380,000 $760,000

3-bedroom apartment price

1.6M SAR 2.4M SAR 7.2M SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$420,000 $640,000 $1.9M

Townhouse price

2M SAR 4.8M SAR 18M SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$550,000 $1.3M $4.8M

House price

2.4M SAR 14M SAR 20M SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$640,000 $3.8M $5.5M

Villa price

2.9M SAR 16M SAR 24M SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$760,000 $4.2M $6.4M

The average price of a studio apartment in Dammam can range from 240,000 SAR to 720,000 SAR depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 290,000 SAR to 1.8M SAR. A villa can cost you 16M SAR on average with prices ranging from 2.9M SAR to 24M SAR.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Dammam will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


47 x141 monthly income 225
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Dammam can be x141 to x225 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x141 multiples of the average monthly salary in Dammam.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


24% 34% of income 44%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Dammam is around 34%. This means that people pay 34% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 24% to 44% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
32%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2.4%
AVERAGE
3.3%
TO
4.3%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


20 SAR 260 SAR 2,600 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Dammam

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Dammam

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Individual

78 SAR 550 SAR 3,700 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $150 $980

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple

200 SAR 690 SAR 4,500 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$54 $180 $1,200

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family

360 SAR 1,000 SAR 6,600 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$95 $270 $1,800

Internet and cable cost

70 SAR 140 SAR 190 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$19 $37 $50

Mobile phone bill and charges

56 SAR 94 SAR 280 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $25 $75

Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.


The average monthly expenditure for individuals on electricty, water, and gas in Dammam ranges between 78 SAR and 3,700 SAR with average being 550 SAR, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 690 SAR with 200 SAR and 4,500 SAR being the upper and lower limits respectively. As expected, the energy and water consumption of families is the highest among the three groups with an average of 1,000 SAR. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and ranges from 70 SAR to 190 SAR with 140 SAR being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 94 SAR but can range between 56 SAR and 280 SAR depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.


Energy / Utility expense to income ratio


( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100


1% 4% of income 8%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in Dammam is around 4%. This means that people pay 4% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 1% to 8% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Dammam

Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Dammam

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

14 SAR 28 SAR 47 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.7 $7.5 $12

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Dammam is approximatly 28 SAR with meal cost ranging from 14 SAR to 47 SAR. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

47 SAR 71 SAR 140 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $19 $38

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 47 SAR and 140 SAR with 71 SAR being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Dammam.

Fine dining meal for one price

95 SAR 140 SAR 570 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$25 $38 $150

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 95 SAR to 570 SAR with the average cost being 140 SAR for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Dammam.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

12 SAR 19 SAR 28 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.1 $5 $7.5

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Dammam is around 19 SAR. Price ranges between 12 SAR and 28 SAR depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

9.4 SAR 11 SAR 14 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.5 $3 $3.7

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Dammam is 11 SAR. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 14 SAR and the minimum being 9.4 SAR depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

7 SAR 9.4 SAR 14 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.9 $2.5 $3.7

A dozen eggs costs around 9.4 SAR on average with 7 SAR and 14 SAR being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

16 SAR 21 SAR 29 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.3 $5.5 $7.8

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Dammam is between 16 SAR and 29 SAR depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 21 SAR.

Pack of beef price

19 SAR 28 SAR 56 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5 $7.5 $15

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 28 SAR. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

7.5 SAR 10 SAR 15 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2 $2.8 $3.9

A bag of rice in Dammam costs around 10 SAR on average with prices rangeing between 7.5 SAR and 15 SAR depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

2.8 SAR 3.7 SAR 7 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.75 $1.00 $1.9

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 2.8 SAR to 7 SAR. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

5 SAR 6.6 SAR 11 SAR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.3 $1.7 $2.9

A bag of apples costs 6.6 SAR on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.


Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio


( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100


16% 24% of income 30%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Dammam is around 24%. This means that people spend 24% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 16% to 30% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for every population group

A single person living alone spends approximately 1,500 SAR per month on grocery and food with expenditure fluctuating between 210 SAR and 9,800 SAR depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 2,100 SAR per month. That number can be get as low as 710 SAR or a high as 11,000 SAR. Families' spending on grocery ranges from 1,300 SAR to 24,000 SAR with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.


Single
Spending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Dammam

Housing cost for a single person32%

32% of total expenses on average (20% to 44%)

LOW$130   470 SAR
AVERAGE$880   3,300 SAR
HIGH$5,900   22,000 SAR
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile7%

7% of total expenses on average (3% to 12%)

LOW$21   78 SAR
AVERAGE$150   550 SAR
HIGH$980   3,700 SAR
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$28   100 SAR
AVERAGE$200   730 SAR
HIGH$1,300   4,900 SAR
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 23%)

LOW$56   210 SAR
AVERAGE$390   1,500 SAR
HIGH$2,600   9,800 SAR
Per Month

Healthcare Cost11%

11% of total expenses on average (5% to 15%)

LOW$31   120 SAR
AVERAGE$220   820 SAR
HIGH$1,500   5,500 SAR
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Expenditure4%

4% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)

LOW$17   65 SAR
AVERAGE$120   460 SAR
HIGH$810   3,000 SAR
Per Month

Education Cost2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$6.9   26 SAR
AVERAGE$49   180 SAR
HIGH$330   1,200 SAR
Per Month

Other Expenses20%

20% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$63   230 SAR
AVERAGE$440   1,600 SAR
HIGH$2,900   11,000 SAR
Per Month


Couple
Average monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Dammam

Housing cost for a couple29%

29% of total expenses on average (22% to 39%)

LOW$460   1,700 SAR
AVERAGE$1,400   5,200 SAR
HIGH$7,400   28,000 SAR
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$54   200 SAR
AVERAGE$180   690 SAR
HIGH$1,200   4,500 SAR
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost10%

10% of total expenses on average (4% to 15%)

LOW$160   610 SAR
AVERAGE$490   1,800 SAR
HIGH$2,600   9,800 SAR
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost16%

16% of total expenses on average (11% to 21%)

LOW$190   710 SAR
AVERAGE$570   2,100 SAR
HIGH$3,000   11,000 SAR
Per Month

Healthcare Cost13%

13% of total expenses on average (7% to 17%)

LOW$150   560 SAR
AVERAGE$450   1,700 SAR
HIGH$2,400   8,900 SAR
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost5%

5% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$81   300 SAR
AVERAGE$240   910 SAR
HIGH$1,300   4,900 SAR
Per Month

Education Cost2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$27   100 SAR
AVERAGE$81   300 SAR
HIGH$430   1,600 SAR
Per Month

Other Expenses19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)

LOW$230   860 SAR
AVERAGE$690   2,600 SAR
HIGH$3,700   14,000 SAR
Per Month


Family
Average monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Dammam

Housing cost for a family28%

28% of total expenses on average (23% to 38%)

LOW$610   2,300 SAR
AVERAGE$1,700   6,500 SAR
HIGH$11,000   42,000 SAR
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$95   360 SAR
AVERAGE$270   1,000 SAR
HIGH$1,800   6,600 SAR
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Expenses6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 8%)

LOW$190   710 SAR
AVERAGE$540   2,000 SAR
HIGH$3,500   13,000 SAR
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost20%

20% of total expenses on average (13% to 26%)

LOW$340   1,300 SAR
AVERAGE$980   3,700 SAR
HIGH$6,300   24,000 SAR
Per Month

Healthcare Expenses10%

10% of total expenses on average (6% to 15%)

LOW$170   640 SAR
AVERAGE$540   2,000 SAR
HIGH$2,800   11,000 SAR
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$95   360 SAR
AVERAGE$270   1,000 SAR
HIGH$1,800   6,600 SAR
Per Month

Education Cost14%

14% of total expenses on average (7% to 22%)

LOW$270   1,000 SAR
AVERAGE$760   2,800 SAR
HIGH$4,900   18,000 SAR
Per Month

Other Expenses14%

14% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)

LOW$150   570 SAR
AVERAGE$430   1,600 SAR
HIGH$2,800   11,000 SAR
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in Dammam

Housing costs for Student20%

20% of total expenses on average (15% to 26%)

LOW$65   240 SAR
AVERAGE$420   1,600 SAR
HIGH$2,800   11,000 SAR
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, and Mobile Expenses5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 9%)

LOW$11   41 SAR
AVERAGE$70   260 SAR
HIGH$470   1,800 SAR
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost5%

5% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$19   71 SAR
AVERAGE$120   460 SAR
HIGH$820   3,100 SAR
Per Month

Food and Groceries Expenditure22%

22% of total expenses on average (16% to 26%)

LOW$54   200 SAR
AVERAGE$350   1,300 SAR
HIGH$2,300   8,800 SAR
Per Month

Healthcare Cost8%

8% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$16   61 SAR
AVERAGE$110   390 SAR
HIGH$700   2,600 SAR
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$14   51 SAR
AVERAGE$88   330 SAR
HIGH$580   2,200 SAR
Per Month

Education Cost19%

19% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$51   190 SAR
AVERAGE$330   1,200 SAR
HIGH$2,200   8,300 SAR
Per Month

Other Expenses17%

17% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)

LOW$41   150 SAR
AVERAGE$260   980 SAR
HIGH$1,800   6,600 SAR
Per Month
evoeicarsraw©copound