Cost Planner

Living Costs in Saudi Arabia for Students

Plan your budget effectively with this comprehensive breakdown of living expenses for international students in Saudi Arabia. From accommodation and food to transportation and recreation, understand the real costs of studying in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia Cost Estimator 2025

Monthly

HousingSAR 1,500 - SAR 3,500

Food & DiningSAR 800 - SAR 1,500

TransportationSAR 300 - SAR 700

Utilities & InternetSAR 250 - SAR 500

Personal & RecreationSAR 300 - SAR 800

HealthcareSAR 50 - SAR 150

Monthly Total:SAR 3,200 - SAR 7,150

Annual Total:SAR 38,400 - SAR 85,800

Based on average costs in major Saudi Arabia cities for international students

Monthly Expense Breakdown for Students

Understanding your monthly expenses is crucial for effective financial planning when studying in Saudi Arabia. Costs vary significantly between cities and lifestyle choices.

Accommodation

University dormitory800 - 2,000 SAR

University dormitories offer convenience and community. Usually furnished with utilities included.

Shared apartment1,200 - 2,500 SAR

Sharing an apartment with roommates is typically the most economical option.

Studio apartment2,500 - 4,500 SAR

Private studio apartments offer independence but at a premium cost.

Housing Tip

Many universities guarantee housing for first-year students, but you'll need to apply early. Off-campus housing should be secured 2-3 months before the semester begins.

Food & Dining

Groceries (cooking at home)800 - 1,500 SAR
University meal plan1,000 - 1,800 SAR
Restaurants (occasional)400 - 800 SAR
Fast food/takeout200 - 500 SAR

Food costs depend heavily on your dining choices. University meal plans offer convenience but cooking at home provides significant savings.

Transportation

Public transport pass100 - 300 SAR
Bike purchase/maintenance50 - 150 SAR
Occasional taxi/rideshare200 - 500 SAR
Weekend travel300 - 800 SAR

Many universities offer free or discounted public transportation passes. Consider proximity to campus when choosing housing to minimize transport costs.

Utilities & Internet

Internet/WiFi150 - 300 SAR
Mobile phone plan50 - 150 SAR
Electricity100 - 400 SAR
Water & heating50 - 150 SAR

Utility costs vary significantly by region and season. Many on-campus accommodations include utilities in rent.

Personal & Recreation

Personal care items100 - 250 SAR
Clothing & shoes200 - 600 SAR
Entertainment200 - 700 SAR
Textbooks & supplies150 - 500 SAR

Personal expenses can vary widely based on lifestyle choices. Many students find ways to save on textbooks through used books, rentals, or digital copies.

Healthcare

Health insurance100 - 300 SAR
Medical visits50 - 200 SAR
Prescription medications50 - 250 SAR
Dental/vision care100 - 400 SAR

Health insurance is mandatory for international students at most universities. Campus health centers offer basic services, often at reduced rates.

Cost Comparison Across Major Saudi Arabia Cities

Living costs can vary significantly depending on where you study in Saudi Arabia. Choose your destination wisely based on your budget.

City	Housing (shared)	Food	Transport	Utilities	Monthly Total
Riyadh	2,500 - 4,500 SAR	1,500 - 2,500 SAR	300 - 700 SAR	300 - 800 SAR	4,600 - 8,500 SAR
Jeddah	2,000 - 4,000 SAR	1,400 - 2,300 SAR	250 - 600 SAR	250 - 700 SAR	3,900 - 7,600 SAR
Dammam	1,800 - 3,500 SAR	1,200 - 2,000 SAR	200 - 500 SAR	200 - 600 SAR	3,400 - 6,600 SAR
Khobar	1,800 - 3,500 SAR	1,200 - 2,000 SAR	200 - 500 SAR	200 - 600 SAR	3,400 - 6,600 SAR
Medina	1,500 - 3,000 SAR	1,000 - 1,800 SAR	150 - 400 SAR	150 - 500 SAR	2,800 - 5,700 SAR

Highest Cost Cities

Major metropolitan areas like Riyadh and Jeddah typically rank as the most expensive places to study in Saudi Arabia due to higher demand for housing and services.

Budget-Friendly Options

Smaller cities and university towns often offer excellent education quality at significantly lower living costs, especially for accommodation and daily expenses.

Housing Cost Factors

Housing costs can vary significantly within the same city depending on proximity to universities and city centers, as well as the type and age of the building.

Smart Budgeting Tips for Students in Saudi Arabia

Proven strategies to make your budget go further while studying in Saudi Arabia. Small changes can lead to significant savings over time.

Housing Strategies

Consider university dormitories for all-inclusive housing – often the most cost-effective and convenient option.
Share apartments or villas with other students to split rent and utility costs, especially in major cities like Riyadh or Jeddah.
Look for housing in suburban areas (e.g., Al-Malaz in Riyadh, Al-Hamra in Jeddah) which are often cheaper than city centers but still have good transport links.
Negotiate rent for longer-term leases (e.g., annual contracts) as landlords may offer discounts.
Apply early for university housing – it's often significantly cheaper and includes utilities compared to the private market.
Explore compounds offering all-inclusive rates (utilities, internet, sometimes even cleaning) to avoid hidden costs.

Food & Groceries

Cook meals at home instead of eating out frequently; restaurant meals can be expensive, especially in tourist areas.
Shop at discount supermarkets like Panda, Carrefour, or Lulu Hypermarket and buy generic brands where available.
Take advantage of university meal plans if offered and if they are cost-effective for your eating habits.
Buy in bulk, especially for staples like rice, oil, and spices, and meal prep for the week to save time and money.
Look for student discounts at local eateries and cafes, particularly around university campuses.
Utilize local 'souks' or traditional markets for fresh produce, which can be cheaper than large supermarkets.

Smart Spending

Use student discounts for transportation (e.g., some ride-sharing apps or public transport if available) and entertainment (e.g., cinemas, theme parks).
Buy used textbooks or rent them online; check university libraries for available copies.
Take advantage of free campus activities, workshops, and resources (gyms, libraries, sports facilities).
Use public libraries or university study spaces for free internet and a conducive study environment.
Look for student deals on technology and software through university portals or educational discounts.
Compare prices before making major purchases, especially for electronics or household items, using online comparison sites or visiting multiple stores.

Find more student discounts

UNiDAYS

Student Beans

ISIC Card

Local University Student Affairs Office

STC/Mobily/Zain Student Plans

Hidden Costs & Unexpected Expenses in Saudi Arabia

Account for less obvious expenses when budgeting for studies in Saudi Arabia. These often-overlooked costs can significantly impact your budget.

Academic & Administrative Fees

Student visa application & Iqama (Residency Permit)

SAR 300 - SAR 1,000+

Initial visa fees plus potential renewal costs for the Iqama (residency permit) which is mandatory for long-term stays. Universities often assist, but fees apply.

Mandatory health insurance

SAR 500 - SAR 2,000 annually

Mandatory health insurance requirements for international students, often arranged by the university but the cost is borne by the student.

University application fees

SAR 0 - SAR 500 per application

Application fees for multiple universities during the admission process, though many Saudi universities do not charge for applications.

Textbooks and supplies

SAR 500 - SAR 2,000 per semester

Course materials, lab supplies, and specialized equipment for studies, especially for STEM fields. Digital versions can be cheaper.

Translation & Attestation of Documents

SAR 100 - SAR 500 per document

Costs for translating academic transcripts and degrees into Arabic and having them attested by relevant authorities (e.g., Ministry of Foreign Affairs).

Living & Lifestyle Expenses

Security deposits (housing)

1-3 months rent

Housing deposits typically equal to 1-3 months' rent, refundable at lease end, but can tie up significant capital initially.

Initial setup costs (furniture, appliances)

SAR 1,000 - SAR 5,000+

If renting unfurnished accommodation, costs for basic furniture, kitchen appliances, and household items can be substantial.

Utilities (electricity, water, internet)

SAR 200 - SAR 800 per month (if not included in rent)

Electricity costs can be high, especially during summer due to AC usage. Water is generally cheaper. Internet packages vary.

Transportation (initial setup)

SAR 500 - SAR 2,000 (driving license, car rental deposit)

If planning to drive, costs for obtaining a Saudi driving license (if applicable) or initial car rental deposits. Ride-hailing is common but adds up.

Banking fees & currency exchange

Variable

International banking fees for transfers, ATM withdrawals, account maintenance, and currency exchange rate losses when converting funds.

Seasonal clothing & accessories

SAR 500 - SAR 1,500

Essential purchases for adapting to the climate (e.g., lightweight clothing for summer, modest attire for public, warmer clothes for winter nights).

Emergency Fund

Financial advisors recommend maintaining an emergency fund of SAR 5,000 - SAR 15,000 for unexpected situations. Maintain an emergency fund covering 2-3 months of living expenses (excluding tuition) for unexpected situations such as medical emergencies, travel disruptions, or unforeseen academic costs during your studies in Saudi Arabia.

Travel Expenses

Flights home, visa runs (if applicable for certain nationalities/situations), and local travel within Saudi Arabia (e.g., exploring other cities) can add up quickly.

Social Activities & Cultural Experiences

Maintaining a social life, participating in cultural events, weekend trips, and dining out require budgeting. While some activities are free, many involve costs.

Emergency Medical Expenses

While health insurance is mandatory, it might not cover all eventualities. Unexpected medical needs or specialist consultations can incur out-of-pocket expenses.

Repatriation Costs

Consider the cost of shipping personal belongings back home at the end of your studies, especially if you accumulate many items.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about managing finances and living costs while studying in Saudi Arabia.

What is the average monthly cost of living for students in Saudi Arabia?

For 2024-2025, the average monthly cost of living for a student in Saudi Arabia, excluding tuition, can range from SAR 2,500 to SAR 4,500 (approximately $660 - $1,200 USD). This range accounts for accommodation, food, transportation, utilities, and personal expenses. Costs vary significantly based on city (e.g., Riyadh and Jeddah are pricier), lifestyle choices, and accommodation type. Students living in university housing or sharing apartments generally incur lower costs.

How much should I budget for the first month in Saudi Arabia?

For your first month in Saudi Arabia, it's advisable to budget SAR 5,000 to SAR 8,000 (approximately $1,330 - $2,130 USD). This higher initial budget accounts for one-time setup costs such as security deposits for housing, purchasing essential household items, initial transportation, setting up a local SIM card, and other unforeseen expenses. Having extra funds ensures a smooth transition and covers any immediate needs before you settle into a regular spending pattern.

Are living costs higher in major cities compared to smaller towns?

Yes, living costs are generally higher in major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam compared to smaller university towns or less populated areas. Accommodation, in particular, can be significantly more expensive in urban centers. While food and transportation costs might see slight increases, the primary difference stems from rental prices. Students opting for universities in smaller cities or those with comprehensive on-campus facilities often find their overall expenses more manageable.