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Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Capital City

Follows Saudi Arabia Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$1,700
Retiree Score
100.0
Safety Index
82.1
Healthcare
48 facilities

Moving to Riyadh requires a thick skin. The capital of Saudi Arabia boasts a population of over 7 million, but bureaucracy is a persistent headache and the climate is brutally hot. With temperatures reaching 111°F in the summer, the city experiences little rainfall and frequent dust storms. However, Riyadh is a rapidly developing economic hub, home to the headquarters of many major banks and corporations. For those who can handle the heat and red tape, the city offers ample professional opportunities.

Can I afford Riyadh?

$

Riyadh

You could save

1,300/mo

Savings Rate43%

Monthly Costs

Rent $850
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$850

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
43/100
Retiree Score
(i)
100/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
50/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Saudi Arabia Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
82
Safety
48
Healthcare
100
Walkability
20
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $6
Bread (loaf) *$1
Eggs (12) $10
Rice (1kg) *$1
Chicken (1kg) *$4

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$30
Meal (Mid-range) $408
Cappuccino $16
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $379
Mobile Plan (mo) $124
Gym (mo) *$351
Cinema Ticket $55

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $850
1BR Outside (mo) *$446
3BR Center (mo) $1,800
3BR Outside (mo) *$699

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Common in Tourist Areas
Expat Community
Large & Active
Top Neighborhoods
Al Olaya, Al Malqa, Diplomatic Quarter
Best For
finance professionals, engineers

Expat Life Notes

The capital is rapidly modernizing under Vision 2030, with new entertainment and business hubs emerging weekly.

Pros

  • ✓ High salaries for skilled expats
  • ✓ Very safe city
  • ✓ Rapidly improving infrastructure

Cons

  • ✗ Extreme summer heat
  • ✗ Congested traffic
  • ✗ Religious and social restrictions remain factors

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
9°C°C - 43°C°C
Annual Rainfall
143 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Also Consider

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Riyadh

Click any question to expand the answer.

Riyadh has a population of approximately 7,009,100 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $2,125 per month in Riyadh, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $850/month.

The nearest airport to Riyadh is RUH, approximately 36km away.

Riyadh is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 82.1. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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