Cost of Living in Jeddah: 2025 Budget Guide

Jeddah blends coastal charm, a relaxed lifestyle, and a lower cost base than some other major Saudi cities — but budgeting well still matters. Whether you're a single professional or moving with a family, this guide from سعودي ليفنج breaks down the realistic monthly numbers so you can plan with confidence. Remember that all figures below are market estimates, not fixed government tariffs, and prices vary by neighbourhood, lifestyle, and spending habits.

Monthly living costs at a glance

Excluding rent, a single person typically spends around SAR 2,915–2,979 per month to cover food, transport, utilities, and everyday essentials. A family of four should budget roughly SAR 7,558–10,857 per month, again excluding accommodation. The wide family range reflects big differences in schooling, dining out, and shopping choices.

Rent and housing

Housing is usually the single largest expense. Typical flat rents range from about SAR 1,000 to SAR 4,500 per month, depending heavily on location and size.

• One-bedroom apartment (outside centre): approximately SAR 1,776–2,352/month.
• One-bedroom apartment (city centre): approximately SAR 2,351–3,339/month.
• Two-bedroom in Al Zahra or Al Shati: approximately SAR 60,000–120,000 annually.

Many landlords in Jeddah prefer annual or semi-annual payment, so factor in upfront costs when planning your move.

Utilities and connectivity

For an apartment of roughly 85 square metres, expect basic utilities (electricity, water, cooling, and waste) of around SAR 401–524 per month — bills climb in the hot summer months when air conditioning runs constantly.

• Home broadband: approximately SAR 248–355/month.
• Mobile plan (10 GB+ data): approximately SAR 129/month.

Groceries and food shopping

A single person usually spends between SAR 800 and SAR 1,800 per month on groceries, depending on where you shop and what you buy. Sample everyday prices:

• Milk: SAR 6.50/litre
• Bread: SAR 4/loaf
• Rice: SAR 8/kg
• Chicken fillet: SAR 31/kg
• Beef: SAR 50/kg
• Eggs: SAR 9.50 per dozen
• Bananas: SAR 6/kg

Eating out

Jeddah's dining scene is one of its highlights. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant runs about SAR 25–37, and a fast-food combo is around SAR 30–34. A mid-range dinner for two costs roughly SAR 167–202, excluding drinks.

Getting around

A one-way local transport fare is about SAR 4.66, while a monthly public-transport pass costs roughly SAR 135–203. Many residents rely on ride-hailing apps or their own cars, so factor fuel and parking into your budget if you drive.

Planning your budget

As a rough benchmark, a single person renting a modest one-bedroom outside the centre might budget around SAR 5,000–5,500 while a family of four will need considerably more once rent and schooling are included. Track your first few months closely — utilities in particular swing with the seasons. Because these are estimates, always confirm current prices with providers and landlords before committing.

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