Understanding the cost of living in Saudi Arabia is one of the biggest concerns for Indian students planning their education abroad. The challenge becomes even bigger when you start hearing conflicting numbers, some claiming Saudi Arabia is highly expensive, while others say it’s cheaper than major Western countries. According to Numbeo 2025, living in Saudi Arabia is significantly cheaper for international students, with the overall cost of living being 35-45% lower than the UK and rent being 65-70% cheaper on average. This makes Saudi Arabia a highly affordable study destination compared to many Western countries.
Students worry about accommodation, food expenses, transport, and monthly budgets. Without clear guidance, planning your finances can feel overwhelming.
The good news? With the right information, you can confidently estimate your living expenses in Saudi Arabia, compare options, and create a budget that aligns with your goals.
Average Monthly Cost of Living in Saudi Arabia for Students (2026)
Here’s the complete breakdown of monthly expenses in Saudi Arabia for an Indian student.
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(SAR = Saudi Arabian Riyal)
Average Monthly Expenses (Student Living Alone)
| Expense Category | Cost in SAR (Per Month) | Cost in INR (Per Month) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 900 - 2,000 SAR | ₹21,276 - ₹47,280 |
| Food & Groceries | 400 - 700 SAR | ₹9,456 - ₹16,548 |
| Transportation | 120 - 200 SAR | ₹2,836 - ₹4,728 |
| Utilities | 200 - 300 SAR | ₹4,728 - ₹7,092 |
| Health Insurance | 60 -100 SAR | ₹1,418 - ₹2,364 |
| Miscellaneous | 200 - 350 SAR | ₹4,728 - ₹8,274 |
| Total | 1,880 - 3,650 SAR | ₹44,446 - ₹86,286 |
This budget range helps students understand that Saudi Arabia offers affordable living, especially compared to UAE, UK, or Australia. Expenses are predictable, and cities like Jeddah and Riyadh offer student-friendly options.
Accommodation Cost in Saudi Arabia (2026)
Accommodation is the biggest component of living cost in Saudi Arabia for an Indian. You can choose between on-campus housing and private apartments.
1. On-Campus Accommodation
- Cost: 700 – 1,200 SAR/month (₹16,548 – ₹28,368)
- Includes utilities, WiFi, and basic facilities
- Best option for first-year and international students
2. Off-Campus / Private Apartments
| City | Monthly Rent (SAR) | Monthly Rent (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Riyadh | 1,500 – 2,500 | ₹35,460 – ₹59,100 |
| Jeddah | 1,800 – 2,800 | ₹42,552 – ₹66,192 |
| Dammam | 1,200 – 2,000 | ₹28,368 – ₹47,280 |
| Medina | 1,000 – 1,800 | ₹23,640 – ₹42,552 |
If you're a student, choose campus housing or a shared apartment which brings down rent to 900–1,200 SAR/month, making living costs stable and manageable.
Food and Grocery Expenses in Saudi Arabia
Most students spend 400–700 SAR/month (₹9,456 – ₹16,548). Groceries are cheaper than UAE and Qatar, and Indian food products are widely available.
1. Sample Grocery Prices
- Milk (1 litre): 5 SAR (₹118)
- Rice (1 kg): 7–9 SAR (₹165 – ₹213)
- Chicken (1 kg): 12–16 SAR (₹284 – ₹378)
- Vegetables (1 kg): 4–7 SAR (₹95 – ₹165)
2. Eating Out Costs
- Fast food meal: 15–20 SAR (₹355 – ₹473)
- Restaurant meal: 25–35 SAR (₹591 – ₹827)
Transportation Cost in Saudi Arabia (2026)
Transportation is one of the most manageable expenses in your monthly cost living in Saudi Arabia, especially for students. The country has invested heavily in improving public transport systems, making travel within major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam smooth and budget-friendly.
Saudi Arabia’s metro systems (especially the Riyadh Metro) are becoming student favourites due to reliability, safety, and modern infrastructure. Buses, shared taxis, and app-based services like Uber and Careem are widely available, offering flexible commuting options for international students.
Average Monthly Transportation Expense
Most students spend around 120–200 SAR/month (₹2,836 – ₹4,728), depending on:
- Daily travel distance
- Class schedules
- Whether they use metro passes or taxis
- Campus location
Breakdown of Transportation Options
1. Metro
- Cost per trip: 3–5 SAR
- Monthly pass: 100–150 SAR
- Best for students in Riyadh and Jeddah
- Fastest travel method with air-conditioned coaches
2. City Buses
- Cost per trip: 2–4 SAR
- Well-connected routes
- Ideal for short distances
3. Taxi Services
- Regular taxi fare: 6–10 SAR per km
- Minimum fare: 10–12 SAR
- Useful when metro/bus stops are far
4. Uber & Careem
- Slightly higher than taxis but extremely reliable
- 24/7 availability
- Safe option for late evening travel
Expert Tip for Students
Get a monthly metro/bus pass if you stay off-campus it cuts transportation expenses by nearly 40% and gives you unlimited travel access.
Utilities and Internet Cost in Saudi Arabia (2026)
Utilities form an important part of living expenses in Saudi Arabia, especially if you choose off-campus housing. The climate in Saudi Arabia means air conditioning runs for most of the year, which influences electricity charges.
Monthly Utility Breakdown
| Utility | Monthly Cost (SAR) | Monthly Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | 120-200 SAR | ₹2,836-₹4,728 |
| Water | 30-50 SAR | ₹709-₹1,182 |
| Internet (High-Speed) | 70-120 SAR | ₹1,654-₹2,836 |
| Gas (if applicable) | 10-20 SAR | ₹236-₹472 |
Total Utilities: 200–300 SAR/month (₹4,728 – ₹7,092)
Key Insights
- On-campus housing often includes utilities in rent, saving ₹4,000-₹7,000 every month.
- Off-campus students may split bills among roommates, reducing costs significantly.
- High-speed WiFi is available almost everywhere, with speeds between 100-300 Mbps.
Expert Tip: Choose a fully-furnished apartment with included utilities. This helps you avoid unexpected seasonal electricity spikes during peak summer months.
Miscellaneous Student Expenses (2026)
Beyond accommodation and food, students should budget for personal expenses that vary based on lifestyle. These include entertainment, study materials, mobile recharge, clothing, and occasional medical needs.
Most students spend 200–350 SAR/month (₹4,728 – ₹8,274) on extras.
Miscellaneous Student Expenses
1. Mobile Recharge
- Monthly cost: 30–60 SAR (₹709 – ₹1,418)
- Popular student SIM cards: STC, Zain, Mobily
- Affordable plans with unlimited calling + 5–10GB data
2. Entertainment
- Movie ticket: 35–40 SAR (₹827 – ₹945)
- Eating out with friends: 25–40 SAR per meal (₹591 – ₹945)
- Occasional outings: 100–150 SAR/month (₹2,364 – ₹3,546)
3. Study Materials
- Books, printing, stationery: 100–150 SAR/month (₹2,364 – ₹3,546)
- Many universities offer digital libraries, reducing book costs
4. Clothing & Personal Care
- Clothes: 80–150 SAR occasionally (₹1,891 – ₹3,546)
- Grooming/essentials: 30–50 SAR/month (₹709 – ₹1,182)
Expert Tip: Track your weekly expenses using a budgeting app. Saudi Arabia offers plenty of affordable stores (like Lulu, Danube, and HyperPanda) that help students stay within budget.
Cost Comparison with Other Countries (2026)
Understanding how the cost of living in Saudi Arabia compares with other popular countries helps students make an informed financial decision.
| Country | Avg Monthly Cost (INR) | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | ₹44k – ₹86k | Most affordable option |
| India | ₹25k – ₹55k | 20–40% cheaper than Saudi Arabia (depends on city & lifestyle) |
| UAE | ₹80k – ₹1.2L | 40–60% higher than the Saudi |
| UK | ₹1L – ₹1.7L | 2–3x higher |
| Canada | ₹90k – ₹1.5L | Nearly double |
| Australia | ₹1.2L – ₹1.8L | 2–3x higher |
Key Insight
Saudi Arabia offers Western-level education at Middle Eastern living costs, making it an attractive choice for Indian students aiming to manage their financial load.
Budget Tips for Students in Saudi Arabia
Use these expert-recommended strategies to cut your monthly expenses and manage your cost of living efficiently:
1. Prioritise On-Campus Housing (Immediate Savings)
Opt for university dorms whenever available they eliminate costs for furniture, utilities, and daily commuting. Students typically save 700–1,200 SAR (₹16,548–₹28,368) every month compared to off-campus housing.
2. Cook at Least 5 Days a Week (Cut Food Costs by 30–40%)
Dining out frequently increases your living expenses quickly. Groceries in Saudi Arabia are budget-friendly, so cooking at home can reduce your food spending by 150–250 SAR (₹3,546–₹5,910) per month.
3. Use Metro & Bus Passes (Pay Half for Transport)
Avoid relying on taxis or ride-hailing apps. Monthly metro/bus passes bring down transportation costs by up to 50%, keeping your monthly travel budget within 120–200 SAR (₹2,836–₹4,728).
If you cannot live in dorms, choose shared apartments. Splitting rent brings your share down to 900–1,200 SAR (₹21,276–₹28,368) and also reduces shared utility costs.
5. Apply Early for Scholarships (Reduce Total Study Costs by 20–40%)
Saudi universities offer fully funded and partially funded scholarships for international students. Applying early (before deadlines) increases your chances of reducing tuition + living expenses significantly.
6. Track & Review Weekly Expenses (Guaranteed 15–20% Savings)
Use budgeting apps like Wally, Monefy, or Notion templates to monitor where your money goes. Students who track spending weekly save 15–20% on average because they avoid impulse purchases.
7. Buy Essentials in Bulk (Monthly Savings of 50–80 SAR)
Stores like Lulu Hypermarket, Carrefour, and Danube offer bulk discounts on rice, poultry, oil, and household staples. This lowers monthly grocery bills by 50–80 SAR (₹1,182–₹1,891).
8. Use Student Discounts Everywhere
Show your student ID at cinemas, restaurants, and transport counters. Discounts range between 10–20%, adding up to 60–100 SAR (₹1,418–₹2,364) of monthly savings.
Conclusion
Studying in Saudi Arabia in 2026 is a financially smart choice, especially for Indian students who want world-class education in an affordable and culturally familiar environment. From accommodation to food and transportation, the cost of living in Saudi Arabia is reasonable and predictable, allowing you to plan your budget with confidence.
If you’re considering Saudi Arabia for your higher education, LeapScholar can guide you with personalised university selection, scholarship support, visa guidance, and end-to-end application assistance.
Start your study abroad journey with LeapScholar today and make smarter financial decisions for your future.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ’s)
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Is Saudi Arabia tax free for Indians?
Yes, Saudi Arabia is tax-free for Indians in terms of personal income. Students and working professionals do not pay income tax on their earnings. This is one reason why many Indians find Saudi Arabia financially attractive for both education and work opportunities.
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Is Saudi Arabia costly than India?
Yes, Saudi Arabia is generally more expensive than India, particularly for rent, eating out, and branded products. However, essentials like fuel, groceries, and basic transportation are more affordable in Saudi Arabia. Many students find that living costs balance out due to tax-free earnings and subsidised university services.
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How much salary is required to live in Saudi Arabia?
On average, an individual needs 3500-6000 SAR (₹82,740-₹1,41,840) per month to live comfortably in Saudi Arabia. This includes rent, food, transportation, utilities, and personal expenses. Students usually spend less because they live in campus housing and benefit from subsidised services.
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Is 5000 Riyal a good salary?
A salary of 5000 SAR (₹1,18,200) is considered decent for individuals living alone in Saudi Arabia, especially in smaller cities. It comfortably covers accommodation, food, transportation, and basic expenses. However, in major cities like Riyadh or Jeddah, you may need more depending on your housing choices.
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Is Saudi Arabia expensive to live in?
Saudi Arabia is moderately affordable for students, especially compared to popular study destinations like the UK, USA, or Australia. Essentials such as groceries, transportation, and utilities are reasonably priced. Living costs mainly depend on your lifestyle and the city you choose, with cities like Riyadh and Jeddah being slightly more expensive than smaller regions.
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What is the cost of living in Saudi Arabia with a family?
Families living in Saudi Arabia generally spend SAR 4,200 to SAR 10,600 per month, or ₹99,288 to ₹2,50,584, depending on city, lifestyle, and accommodation choice. Housing represents the biggest expense, ranging from SAR 2,100 to SAR 6,500 (₹49,644 – ₹1,53,660) per month. Groceries cost around SAR 1,300 to SAR 2,100 (₹30,732 – ₹49,644), and other essential expenses such as utilities, transportation, and healthcare contribute to the remaining budget. Many employers provide housing allowances or family benefits, helping reduce overall living expenses.
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What is the monthly cost of living in Saudi Arabia for a single person?
For a single person, monthly expenses in Saudi Arabia typically range from SAR 1,900 to SAR 5,600, which equals ₹44,916 to ₹1,32,384. This budget usually covers accommodation, groceries, utilities, transportation, and personal expenses. Many single expatriates and students lower their monthly costs by opting for shared apartments or studio units. Groceries remain affordable, especially when choosing local brands, and public transportation offers cost-efficient commuting across major cities.
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How does the cost of living in Riyadh compare to other cities in Saudi Arabia?
The cost of living in Riyadh is generally higher than in other Saudi cities due to its status as the capital and a major commercial hub. On average, living expenses in Riyadh range from SAR 6,500 to SAR 12,700 per month, which converts to ₹1,53,660 to ₹3,00,228. In comparison, cities like Dammam and Khobar are more affordable, with typical monthly expenses falling between SAR 5,000 and 10,500 (₹1,18,200 – ₹2,48,220) in Dammam and SAR 5,500 and 11,500 (₹1,29,020 – ₹2,71,860) in Khobar. The higher costs in Riyadh are primarily due to more expensive housing, a wider range of dining and lifestyle options, and slightly higher transportation costs. However, the city offers superior infrastructure, amenities, and opportunities that justify the increased budget.
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What are the average living expenses in Saudi Arabia for a family?
A family in Saudi Arabia typically spends between SAR 2,500 and SAR 8,500 per month, which equals ₹59,100 to ₹2,00,940. Housing continues to be the biggest monthly expense, especially in major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, where rent is higher than the national average. Monthly utility bills, particularly electricity during the summer months, also add to the overall cost. Groceries and dining out tend to be reasonably priced if families choose local products and affordable eateries, making day-to-day living manageable for most expatriate families.
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