Cost Of Living For a Student in Saudi Arabia 2025

Average monthly spending for students in Saudi Arabia

How much money does a student need in a month to survive in Saudi Arabia?

Students in Saudi Arabia spend around 6,500 SAR per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a student can survive with a monthly budget as low as 1,000 SAR or as high as 44,000 SAR. Location is a very important factor and has a huge influence on expenditure and budget.

How do students spend their money in Saudi Arabia?

We asked thousands of students about their spending habits and expenditure break down.

Housing and accomodation expenditure for students

Students in Saudi Arabia typically spend from 18% to 29% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 23% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 1,600 SAR with expenditure ranging from 240 SAR to 10,000 SAR. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for students

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Saudi Arabia ranges from 2% to 8% of total expenses with 4% being the average for most students. The average monthly cost of utilities is 260 SAR with 40 SAR and 1,700 SAR being the upper and lower limits for a student of four.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for students

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a student resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a student would expect to spend from 71 SAR to 3,000 SAR in a month on commuting with 460 SAR being the norm for most students. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 7% of total spending on average but can go as low as 6% or as high as 13%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for students

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical student in a month in Saudi Arabia is 1,300 SAR. The cost of groceries can range between 200 SAR to 8,700 SAR. Students spend on average about 20% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 14% and 24% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for students

Students in Saudi Arabia allocate 3% to 9% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending on medical services and clinic visits is around 6%. The range of medical expenses range from 61 SAR to 2,600 SAR with 390 SAR being the norm for most students.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for students

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 51 SAR to 2,200 SAR with 330 SAR being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 9% of total expenses with an average of 5% for most students.

Education and schooling expenditure for students

Spending on education can vary drastically between different students. On average, education constitutes 19% of the monthly expenditure of students with 12% and 24% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 1,200 SAR per month with 190 SAR being the minimum spent amount and 8,300 SAR being the maximum.

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

Affordable living in Saudi Arabia

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked students one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Saudi Arabia?

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

Low-cost alternatives in Saudi Arabia

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 students 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 students living in Saudi Arabia 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 For Students

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 students of Saudi Arabia whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes72%

No28%

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

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 student guardians and parents in 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 students 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%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Saudi Arabia

Rent Cost in Saudi Arabia

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

7,100 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

$630

$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

7,100 SAR

20,000 SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1,300

$1,900

$5,400

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

7,100 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 Saudi Arabia 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 7,100 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 Saudi Arabia is around 7,100 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 7,100 SAR to 29,000 SAR per month.

Apartment and house prices in Saudi Arabia

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

240,000 SAR

360,000 SAR

710,000 SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$63,000

$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

7.1M SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$420,000

$630,000

$1.9M

Townhouse price

2M SAR

4.8M SAR

18M SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$540,000

$1.3M

$4.8M

House price

2.4M SAR

14M SAR

20M SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$630,000

$3.8M

$5.4M

Villa price

2.9M SAR

16M SAR

24M SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$760,000

$4.2M

$6.3M

The average price of a studio apartment in Saudi Arabia can range from 240,000 SAR to 710,000 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.

House / apartment prices to income ratio

Property prices in Saudi Arabia can be x140 to x224 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x140 multiples of the average monthly salary in Saudi Arabia.

Rent to income ratio

The average rent-to-income ratio in Saudi Arabia 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.

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.

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.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Saudi Arabia

Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Saudi Arabia

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Student

40 SAR

260 SAR

1,700 SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$11

$70

$460

Internet and cable cost

71 SAR

140 SAR

190 SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$19

$38

$51

Mobile phone bill and charges

57 SAR

95 SAR

290 SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$15

$25

$76

The average monthly energy and water consumption of students is around 260 SAR. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 71 SAR to 190 SAR with 140 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

The average utility-to-income ratio in Saudi Arabia 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 Saudi Arabia

Prices and cost of goods and services in Saudi Arabia

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

Fast food combo meal price

14 SAR

29 SAR

48 SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$3.8

$7.6

$13

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Saudi Arabia is approximatly 29 SAR with meal cost ranging from 14 SAR to 48 SAR. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

48 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 48 SAR and 140 SAR with 71 SAR being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Saudi Arabia.

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 Saudi Arabia.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

12 SAR

19 SAR

29 SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$3.2

$5.1

$7.6

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Saudi Arabia is around 19 SAR. Price ranges between 12 SAR and 29 SAR depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.

Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

9.5 SAR

11 SAR

14 SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$2.5

$3

$3.8

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Saudi Arabia is 11 SAR. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 14 SAR and the minimum being 9.5 SAR depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

7.1 SAR

9.5 SAR

14 SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.9

$2.5

$3.8

A dozen eggs costs around 9.5 SAR on average with 7.1 SAR and 14 SAR being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

16 SAR

21 SAR

30 SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$4.3

$5.6

$7.9

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Saudi Arabia is between 16 SAR and 30 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

29 SAR

57 SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$5.1

$7.6

$15

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 29 SAR. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

7.7 SAR

10 SAR

15 SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$2

$2.8

$4

A bag of rice in Saudi Arabia costs around 10 SAR on average with prices rangeing between 7.7 SAR and 15 SAR depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

2.9 SAR

3.8 SAR

7.1 SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.76

$1

$1.9

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 2.9 SAR to 7.1 SAR. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

5.1 SAR

6.7 SAR

11 SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.4

$1.8

$2.9

A bag of apples costs 6.7 SAR on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Saudi Arabia is around 24%. This means that students 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 students