The Cost of Living in Riyadh: My Brain Hurts (But Here's the Breakdown)
okay, so riyadh. where do i even begin? it’s… something. the weather's currently doing that weird thing where it's like, desert furnace meets a mild breeze. think shimmering heat haze mixed with a slight whisper of ‘maybe it’ll rain?’ which, let's be real, it won’t. you’re just gonna sweat a lot. and the architecture? seriously, it’s a lot of concrete. like, a lot. it’s not ugly, just… purposeful. vaguely Brutalist, maybe? you can find some cool stuff though, check out some of the newer developments - super sleek. It’s a short flight (or drive, if you're feeling adventurous) to Dubai, and the vibe is totally different. Anyway, my brain is fried from trying to figure out my budget here, so let me spill what I'm actually spending. This isn’t some perfectly curated Instagram guide; this is the real deal.
first things first: rent. this is the big one. i’m holed up in a fairly decent apartment in Al Olaya for 8,000-10,000 SAR a month. it's not palace-level, but it’s got air conditioning - a must - and a view of… well, more concrete, mostly. apparently, asking for a view of the desert is a luxury here. *Al Olaya is definitely a popular spot for expats.
Food & Drink
this is where things get tricky. eating out is… expensive. like, really expensive. a decent meal at a mid-range restaurant will set you back 150-300 SAR. i’m trying to cook most of my meals - thankfully, grocery shopping isn’t horrendous. you can snag some decent produce at the hypermarkets (like Carrefour - basic, reliable). budget around 1,500-2,000 SAR for groceries. And coffee? oh god, the coffee. it’s everywhere, and it’s… strong. i’m trying to find a good cafe that isn’t just a Starbucks clone. someone on a local subreddit suggested checking out some of the cafes in Riyadh Park - apparently, they have some hidden gems.Riyadh Park Reddit
Transportation
owning a car is basically essential here. public transport is… developing. taxis are plentiful (and relatively cheap!), but ride-sharing apps like Uber and Careem are more common. petrol is shockingly cheap - like, ridiculously cheap. so, the car isn’t as bad as you might think. plus, it gives you freedom to explore. fuel and maintenance? around 800-1,200 SAR a month.
Entertainment & Social Life
this is where my budget really suffers. going out is pricey. bars are expensive (alcohol is heavily regulated, so don't expect happy hour deals), and movie tickets are… well, let's just say I'm mostly watching Netflix. there are a bunch of things to do though! museums (check out the National Museum), shopping malls (massive ones!), and cultural events. but yeah, budget 1,000-2,000 SAR for entertainment, depending on how much you splurge.
Other Expenses
internet: 150-300 SAR
phone bill: 100-200 SAR
visa/residency fees: varies wildly depending on your visa type - this can be a major expense.
health insurance: essential! factor in at least 500-1000 SAR per month.
toiletries/personal care: 200-400 SAR
Here’s a rough data table:Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost (SAR) Notes Rent (Al Olaya) 8,000 - 10,000 Varies greatly depending on size and location. Groceries 1,500 - 2,000 Hypermarkets are your friend. Transportation 800 - 1,200 Petrol and maintenance. Utilities (Electricity/Water) 500 - 800 Can be higher in summer. Internet/Phone 250 - 500 Entertainment 1,000 - 2,000 + Depends on your lifestyle. Health Insurance 500 - 1,000 + Non-negotiable! Total Estimated Monthly Budget 12,550 - 20,500+ This is a very rough estimate. You can definitely live on less if you're frugal.
Overheard Gossip:
“Don’t even think about drinking alcohol in public. Seriously. Just don't.” - overheard at a cafe near King Faisal Road. Seriously guys, play it safe.
“The traffic is insane during rush hour. You’ll lose your mind.” - a local shop owner I chatted with.
“Be prepared to haggle… everywhere. Seriously, even at the supermarket.” - a friend who's been living here for a year.
Honestly? it's a lot. but it's also… interesting. there's a weird energy here, a feeling of constant growth and change. it's definitely not for everyone. but it's definitely an experience. someone told me you need to learn a few Arabic phrases to really get around, but it's not impossible. check out Memrise for some basic vocabulary. [Memrise Arabic Course](https://www.memrise.com/courses/arabic/
if you’re looking for some budget-friendly eats, people rave about the food courts in the bigger malls. It’s not gourmet, but it’s cheap and cheerful. don’t be afraid to explore - you might stumble upon some hidden gems. and hey, if you see me wandering around looking bewildered, say hi! i’m probably lost. Riyadh's malls* are a popular hangout spot.
I’m still figuring things out, but that’s the gist of it. come prepared, do your research, and be ready for a sensory overload. and maybe pack a mental map. you’ll need it.
You might also be interested in:
- https://topiclo.com/post/religious-and-cultural-diversity-in-durban-a-real-talk-guide
- https://topiclo.com/post/10-things-you-must-know-before-moving-to-bahr-from-someone-who-actually-did
- https://topiclo.com/post/monrovias-secret-spots-that-even-locals-pretend-they-dont-know-about
- https://topiclo.com/post/dodoma-weather-diaries-surviving-the-heat-the-rain-and-the-dust
- https://topiclo.com/post/tolyatti-housing-rent-vs-buy-like-a-local