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Abha, Saudi Arabia
Capital City

Follows Saudi Arabia Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$1,000
Retiree Score
66.0
Safety Index
82.5
Healthcare
2 facilities

At 7,450 feet above sea level, Abha offers a temperate respite from Saudi Arabia's desert heat. But with a population of just 334,290, the city is a small-town backwater, far from the glitz of Riyadh or Jeddah. The trade-off is a heavy bureaucratic burden - Abha's history as the capital of the Asir province means government agencies and red tape are omnipresent. And while the mild climate is a draw, the city averages a mere 11 inches of rain per year, making it a dry, arid place.

Overall, Abha seems best suited for Saudis seeking a quieter, cooler lifestyle, perhaps as a retirement destination. For adventurous expats, the city's remoteness and bureaucratic headaches may prove more trouble than it's worth.

Can I afford Abha?

$

Abha

You could save

2,000/mo

Savings Rate67%

Monthly Costs

Rent $400
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$600

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
67/100
Retiree Score
(i)
66/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
34/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Saudi Arabia Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
83
Safety
2
Healthcare
30
Walkability
5
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $2
Bread (loaf) *$1
Eggs (12) $3
Rice (1kg) *$1
Chicken (1kg) *$4

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$5
Meal (Mid-range) $166
Cappuccino $3
Water (0.33L) *$0

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $83
Mobile Plan (mo) $37
Gym (mo) *$122
Cinema Ticket $19

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $320
1BR Outside (mo) *$357
3BR Center (mo) $680
3BR Outside (mo) *$559

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Limited
Expat Community
Small
Top Neighborhoods
As-Soudah Area
Best For
healthcare workers, families

Expat Life Notes

A mountain resort city in the clouds, offering a cooler alternative for expat health workers.

Pros

  • ✓ Beautiful mountains and cool weather
  • ✓ Safe and family-friendly

Cons

  • ✗ Very conservative
  • ✗ Limited English speakers
  • ✗ Quieter social scene

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
—
Annual Rainfall
368 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
Feb, Apr, May, Oct, Nov, Dec

Also Consider

Al Hufuf, Saudi ArabiaAr-rass, Saudi ArabiaKukës, AlbaniaLiving in Kukës, Albania offers Europe's cheapest rents amid rugged alpine terrain. Ideal for off-grid FIRE types who can handle isolation and harsh winters.Maracaju, BrazilLiving in Maracaju, Brazil offers ultra-low costs but requires adaptability. Best for Portuguese-speaking expats who thrive in agricultural towns.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Abha

Click any question to expand the answer.

Abha has a population of approximately 334,290 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $1,000 per month in Abha, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $400/month.

The nearest airport to Abha is AHB, approximately 16km away.

Abha is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 82.5. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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