Cost Of Living in Dammam 2025
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
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single
Currency: SAR
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple
Currency: SAR
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family
Currency: SAR
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student
Currency: SAR
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.
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
| 1,300 SAR | 1,900 SAR | 5,100 SAR |
1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 1,900 SAR | 3,000 SAR | 7,600 SAR |
2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 2,600 SAR | 3,800 SAR | 10,000 SAR |
3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 3,100 SAR | 5,100 SAR | 14,000 SAR |
Furnished apartment monthly rent cost
| 6,100 SAR | 15,000 SAR | 30,000 SAR |
Townhouse monthly rent cost
| 5,100 SAR | 7,600 SAR | 22,000 SAR |
House monthly rent cost
| 6,100 SAR | 15,000 SAR | 31,000 SAR |
Villa monthly rent cost
| 7,600 SAR | 19,000 SAR | 30,000 SAR |
The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Dammam ranges between 1,300 SAR and 5,100 SAR, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 1,900 SAR to 7,600 SAR. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 2,600 SAR and 10,000 SAR per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 3,100 SAR to 14,000 SAR. The average rent of a townhouse in Dammam is around 7,600 SAR while house rental costs can be as high as 15,000 SAR per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 7,600 SAR to 30,000 SAR per month.
Apartment and house prices in Dammam
Cost of buying a property
Studio apartment price
| 260,000 SAR | 380,000 SAR | 770,000 SAR |
| $68,000 | $100,000 | $200,000 |
1-bedroom apartment price
| 310,000 SAR | 510,000 SAR | 1.9M SAR |
| $82,000 | $140,000 | $510,000 |
2-bedroom apartment price
| 510,000 SAR | 1.5M SAR | 3M SAR |
| $130,000 | $400,000 | $810,000 |
3-bedroom apartment price
| 1.7M SAR | 2.5M SAR | 7.6M SAR |
Townhouse price
| 2.2M SAR | 5.1M SAR | 19M SAR |
House price
Villa price
The average price of a studio apartment in Dammam can range from 260,000 SAR to 770,000 SAR depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 310,000 SAR to 1.9M SAR. A villa can cost you 17M SAR on average with prices ranging from 3.1M SAR to 26M 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
| 50 | x149 monthly income | 239 |
Property prices in Dammam can be x149 to x239 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x149 multiples of the average monthly salary in Dammam.
Rent to income ratio
Rent to income ratio
( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100
The average rent-to-income ratio in Dammam is around 35%. This means that people pay 35% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 25% to 46% 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.
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.
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.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Dammam
Dining, food, and beverages costs
Fast food combo meal
Restaurant meal for one
Fine dining meal for one
Cappuccino or latte
Grocery and market costs
Milk large bottle
12 eggs
Fresh whole chicken
Pack of beef
Medium bag of rice
Bag of tomatos
Bag of apples
Commute, travel, and transportation costs
20 minutes taxi ride
Average car full tank
Average car 1-day rental
Average car price
| 36,000 SAR | 73,000 SAR | 97,000 SAR |
Bus ticket one way
Car Service
Utility cost (monthly)
Utility Bill - Individual
Utility Bill - Couple
Utility Bill - Family
| 160 SAR | 790 SAR | 7,900 SAR |
Internet and cable
Mobile phone charges
Leisure and activities costs
Movie ticket
One month gym membership
Cloths and accessories costs
Pair of jeans or pants
Woman dress
Woman shoes
Men's shoes
Men suit
Regular t-shirt
Housing costs / monthly rent
Studio apartment
| 1,300 SAR | 1,900 SAR | 5,100 SAR |
1-bedroom apartment
| 1,900 SAR | 3,000 SAR | 7,600 SAR |
2-bedroom apartment
| 2,600 SAR | 3,800 SAR | 10,000 SAR |
Housing costs / Buying
Studio apartment
| 260,000 SAR | 380,000 SAR | 770,000 SAR |
| $68,000 | $100,000 | $200,000 |
1-bedroom apartment
| 310,000 SAR | 510,000 SAR | 1.9M SAR |
| $82,000 | $140,000 | $510,000 |
2-bedroom apartment
| 510,000 SAR | 1.5M SAR | 3M SAR |
| $130,000 | $400,000 | $810,000 |
Furniture Costs
King Size Bed
| 1,500 SAR | 1,800 SAR | 2,400 SAR |
Double Bed
| 980 SAR | 1,500 SAR | 1,800 SAR |
Single Bed
| 870 SAR | 1,100 SAR | 1,500 SAR |
Living Room
| 1,700 SAR | 2,100 SAR | 7,500 SAR |
Dining Table
| 740 SAR | 980 SAR | 1,800 SAR |
Sofa or Couch
| 980 SAR | 1,300 SAR | 3,000 SAR |
Electronics and House Appliance Costs
TV Set
| 990 SAR | 1,500 SAR | 3,000 SAR |
Fridge or Freezer
| 870 SAR | 1,400 SAR | 1,900 SAR |
Washing Machine
| 1,100 SAR | 1,600 SAR | 2,900 SAR |
Stove or Cooker
| 1,100 SAR | 1,300 SAR | 1,800 SAR |
Mobile Phone
| 1,200 SAR | 1,500 SAR | 2,100 SAR |
Laptop or Computer
| 1,400 SAR | 1,700 SAR | 3,000 SAR |
Debt, loans, and mortgages in Dammam
Percentage of people who are in debt
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.
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 levelsMonthly 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 Mortgage | 12% |
| Auto Loan | 21% |
| Student Loan | 3% |
| Credit Card | 26% |
| Personal Loan | 37% |
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 managementManaging 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 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 |
|---|
| Never | 54% |
| Once a year | 22% |
| Twice a year | 11% |
| Three times a year | 8% |
| Four times a year | 4% |
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 | $86 320 SAR |
| AVERAGE | $860 3,200 SAR |
| HIGH | $13,000 48,000 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 3,200 SAR with expenditure ranging from 320 SAR to 48,000 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 52 SAR |
| AVERAGE | $140 520 SAR |
| HIGH | $2,100 7,900 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 520 SAR with 52 SAR and 7,900 SAR being the upper and lower limits.
Transport, Fuel, Commute8%
8% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)
| LOW | $28 110 SAR |
| AVERAGE | $280 1,100 SAR |
| HIGH | $4,300 16,000 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 110 SAR to 16,000 SAR on commuting with 1,100 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 | $71 270 SAR |
| AVERAGE | $710 2,700 SAR |
| HIGH | $11,000 40,000 SAR |
| Per Month |
The average outlay on groceries in a month in Dammam is 2,700 SAR. The cost of groceries can range between 270 SAR to 40,000 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 72 SAR |
| AVERAGE | $190 720 SAR |
| HIGH | $2,900 11,000 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 72 SAR to 11,000 SAR with 720 SAR being the norm.
Leisure and Shopping6%
6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)
| LOW | $11 42 SAR |
| AVERAGE | $110 420 SAR |
| HIGH | $1,700 6,400 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 42 SAR to 6,400 SAR with 420 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 | $17 64 SAR |
| AVERAGE | $170 640 SAR |
| HIGH | $2,500 9,500 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 640 SAR per month with 64 SAR being the minimum spent amount and 9,500 SAR being the maximum.
Other Expenses12%
12% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)
| LOW | $37 140 SAR |
| AVERAGE | $370 1,400 SAR |
| HIGH | $5,600 21,000 SAR |
| Per Month |
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 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:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 5x monthly salary at age 25 |
| 30 | 10x monthly salary at age 30 |
| 35 | 15x monthly salary at age 35 |
| 40 | 25x monthly salary at age 40 |
| 45 | 32x monthly salary at age 45 |
| 50 | 48x monthly salary at age 50 |
| 55 | 56x monthly salary at age 55 |
| 60 | 64x monthly salary at age 60 |
| 65 | 78x monthly salary at age 65 |
The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Dammam:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 29,000 SAR |
| 30 | 59,000 SAR |
| 35 | 100,000 SAR |
| 40 | 150,000 SAR |
| 45 | 220,000 SAR |
| 50 | 310,000 SAR |
| 55 | 370,000 SAR |
| 60 | 460,000 SAR |
| 65 | 540,000 SAR |
Retirement Income Distribution
We asked residents about their retirement income sources and below are the results.
| Source | % People |
|---|
| Pensions | 13% |
| Savings | 22% |
| Investments | 13% |
| Social Security | 8% |
| Annuities | 8% |
| Part-time Job | 11% |
| Real Estate | 17% |
| Dividends and Interest | 8% |
Retirement Monthly Expenses in Dammam 780 SAR
$210 | 7,000 SAR
$1,900 | 78,000 SAR
$21,000 |
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.
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 Fund | 7% |
| Debt Reduction | 34% |
| Retirement Savings | 8% |
| Education Funding | 8% |
| Homeownership | 17% |
| Investing | 8% |
| Travel or Lifestyle | 10% |
| Healthcare Expenses | 10% |
| Financial Independence | 8% |
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.
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 9,700 SAR. Expenses can range from 1,400 SAR at the minimum level to 110,000 SAR at the highest end.
Couples
The average monthly spending of couples in Dammam is 14,000 SAR. Expenditure can range from 2,200 SAR to 130,000 SAR per month.
Families
The average cost of living for families in Dammam is 16,000 SAR per month. Families spend anywhere from 3,300 SAR to 160,000 SAR.
Students
The average monthly expenditure for students in Dammam is 7,000 SAR. Students spend from 1,100 SAR to 77,000 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.
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.
Spending to Income Ratio
83%
74% to 94%
( 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 83%
This means that on average, people spend around 83% 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
75%
Spending-Income-Ratio
67%
85%
Couple
80%
Spending-Income-Ratio
71%
90%
Family
87%
Spending-Income-Ratio
77%
98%
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?
Almost 67% of the surveyed people in Dammam said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 34% said that aren't saving anything.
Percentage of people saving money by population group in Dammam
| Group | Savers | Non Savers |
|---|
| Singles | 75% | 25% |
| Couples | 70% | 30% |
| Families | 65% | 35% |
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.
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
450 SAR
$120 | 4,500 SAR
$1,200 | 67,000 SAR
$18,000 |
For most people, 15% to 35% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 24% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 4,500 SAR on average with savings ranging from 450 SAR to 67,000 SAR.
75% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 70% of couples said the same. 65% 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
Average Monthly Saved Amount
440 SAR
$120 | 4,000 SAR
$1,100 | 44,000 SAR
$12,000 |
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 18% to 37% of their monthly income to savings, with 28% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 4,000 SAR with 440 SAR and 44,000 SAR being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Couples
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
890 SAR
$240 | 5,800 SAR
$1,500 | 53,000 SAR
$14,000 |
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 16% to 36% of their monthly income, with 26% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 5,800 SAR with 890 SAR and 53,000 SAR being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Families
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
1,300 SAR
$360 | 6,700 SAR
$1,800 | 67,000 SAR
$18,000 |
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 32% of their monthly income, with 23% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 6,700 SAR with 1,300 SAR and 67,000 SAR being the minimum and maximum respectively.
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 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.
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 Income | 6% |
| High Expenses | 9% |
| Debt and Loans | 17% |
| Lack of Budgeting Skills | 10% |
| Impulsive Spending | 10% |
| Financial Emergencies | 6% |
| Living the moment | 7% |
| Will do it later | 17% |
| Inflation | 11% |
| Social Pressure | 3% |
| Market Instability | 3% |
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.
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?
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.
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
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family
| 160 SAR | 790 SAR | 7,900 SAR |
Internet and cable cost
Mobile phone bill and charges
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 81 SAR and 6,300 SAR with average being 570 SAR, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 610 SAR with 84 SAR and 6,900 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 790 SAR. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and ranges from 74 SAR to 200 SAR with 150 SAR being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 95 SAR but can range between 57 SAR and 290 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
The average utility-to-income ratio in Dammam is around 4.1%. This means that people pay 4.1% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 1% to 8.3% depending on salary and location.
Typical saving choices for people in Dammam
Where do people choose to put their savings?
| Saving Type | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Funds | 11% |
| Gold | 10% |
| Savings Accounts | 17% |
| Retirement Accounts | 11% |
| Cash Savings | 17% |
| Real Estate | 10% |
| Investment | 6% |
| Stocks | 6% |
| Bonds | 6% |
| Mutual Funds | 3% |
| Certificates of Deposit | 3% |
Financial Literacy in
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 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 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%
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
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 29 SAR with meal cost ranging from 15 SAR to 49 SAR. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.
Restaurant meal for one price
If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 50 SAR and 150 SAR with 74 SAR being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Dammam.
Fine dining meal for one price
The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 98 SAR to 590 SAR with the average cost being 150 SAR for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Dammam.
Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..
The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Dammam is around 20 SAR. Price ranges between 12 SAR and 30 SAR depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.
Grocery and market costs
Large bottle of milk price
The average price of a large bottle of milk in Dammam is 12 SAR. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 15 SAR and the minimum being 9.9 SAR depending on the brand of milk and other properties.
12 eggs price
A dozen eggs costs around 9.8 SAR on average with 7.4 SAR and 15 SAR being the lower and upper limits respectively.
Fresh whole chicken price
The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Dammam is between 17 SAR and 31 SAR depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 22 SAR.
Pack of beef price
The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 30 SAR. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.
Medium bag of rice price
A bag of rice in Dammam costs around 11 SAR on average with prices rangeing between 7.9 SAR and 15 SAR depending on the brand and quality.
Bag of tomatos price
A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 2.9 SAR to 7.4 SAR. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.
Bag of apples price
A bag of apples costs 6.9 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
The average grocery-to-income ratio in Dammam is around 25%. This means that people spend 25% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 17% to 31% 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 220 SAR and 17,000 SAR depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 1,900 SAR per month. That number can be get as low as 300 SAR or a high as 18,000 SAR. Families' spending on grocery ranges from 570 SAR to 29,000 SAR with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.
Cost of living comparison by city
#1 Tabuk
The average cost of living in Tabuk is 8,300 SAR, which is 27% less than the country average. Tabuk is ranked first in Saudi Arabia in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#2 Taif
The average cost of living in Taif is 8,900 SAR, which is 27% less than the country average. Taif is ranked second in Saudi Arabia in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#3 Abha
The average cost of living in Abha is 9,500 SAR, which is 18% less than the country average. Abha is ranked third in Saudi Arabia in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#4 Khubar
The average cost of living in Khubar is 10,000 SAR, which is 9.1% less than the country average. Khubar is ranked fourth in Saudi Arabia in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#5 Dammam
The average cost of living in Dammam is 11,000 SAR, which is same as the country average. Dammam is ranked fifth in Saudi Arabia in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#6 Medina
The average cost of living in Medina is 11,000 SAR, which is same as the country average. Medina is ranked sixth in Saudi Arabia in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#7 Mecca
The average cost of living in Mecca is 12,000 SAR, which is 9.1% more than the country average. Mecca is ranked seventh in Saudi Arabia in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#8 Jeddah
The average cost of living in Jeddah is 13,000 SAR, which is 18% more than the country average. Jeddah is ranked eighth in Saudi Arabia in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
#9 Riyadh
The average cost of living in Riyadh is 14,000 SAR, which is 27% more than the country average. Riyadh is ranked ninth in Saudi Arabia in terms of expendenture and cost of living.
Published: December 15, 2024 Last Update: April 27, 2025
