What is the cost of living in Riyadh?

The cost of living in Riyadh is 61.5% cheaper than New York City (index: 38.5). Groceries are 50.5% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 53.1% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately SAR 4,452 per month. Local purchasing power index is 102.7 (NYC = 100).

🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia · #293 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Riyadh?

Q: Should I move to Riyadh?

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia has a cost of living 61.5% cheaper than New York City (index: 38.5). It is ranked #293 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is strong (index: 102.7 vs NYC = 100). Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

61.5% cheaper than NYC, and purchasing power is strong.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-61.5%

vs NYC

SAR 4,452

1-BR, city centre

102.7

Purchasing Power

Strong

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to Riyadh?

Cost breakdown: Riyadh

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

38.5 Mid-priced

Rent

25.2 Very affordable

Groceries

49.5 Affordable

Restaurants

46.9 Affordable

Purchasing Power

102.7 Strong

Rent in Riyadh

1-BR, city centre SAR 4,452/mo

1-BR, outside centre SAR 3,127/mo

3-BR, city centre SAR 8,440/mo

3-BR, outside centre SAR 4,592/mo

Save by going outside centre 30% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Considering alternatives?

Cities in the same country or region with a comparable cost of living.

🇸🇦 Al Khobar

Saudi Arabia

CoL index 33.1

Compare Al Khobar vs Riyadh →

🇸🇦 Jeddah

Saudi Arabia

CoL index 30.1

Compare Jeddah vs Riyadh →

🇸🇦 Ad Dammam

Saudi Arabia

CoL index 26.5

Compare Ad Dammam vs Riyadh →

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Compare salaries → Full cost of living data

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