Cost of Living: Australia vs Saudi Arabia

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Australia and Saudi Arabia.

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Australia is 162.6% more expensive than Saudi Arabia. The biggest difference is in Other Expenses, where costs are 317.0% higher. This means that for every $100 you spend in Saudi Arabia, you would spend about $263 in Australia for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Other Expenses 317.0%

Australia is 317.0% more expensive

Property Prices 305.5%

Australia is 305.5% more expensive

Rent Per Month 172.1%

Australia is 172.1% more expensive

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 162.6%

Australia is 162.6% more expensive than Saudi Arabia

Most Expensive Categories

  • Other Expenses +317.0%
  • Property Prices +305.5%
  • Rent Per Month +172.1%

Is Australia cheaper than Saudi Arabia?

No, Saudi Arabia is cheaper than Australia

Overall, living costs in Saudi Arabia are 162.6% lower than in Australia.

Where Saudi Arabia is cheaper:

  • Other Expenses 317.0% cheaper
  • Property Prices 305.5% cheaper
  • Rent Per Month 172.1% cheaper

Where Saudi Arabia is more expensive:

  • Sports And Leisure 47.7% more expensive
  • Mobile and Internet 24.5% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Australia: 16.22 $ Saudi Arabia: 6.67 $
143.2% more expensive in Australia

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Australia: 1,381.57 $ Saudi Arabia: 482.08 $
186.6% more expensive in Australia

Monthly public transport pass

Australia: 97.35 $ Saudi Arabia: 37.33 $
160.8% more expensive in Australia

1 liter of gasoline

Australia: 1.18 $ Saudi Arabia: 0.62 $
90.3% more expensive in Australia

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Saudi Arabia is indeed cheaper than Australia. You would spend approximately 162.6% on living expenses by choosing Saudi Arabia over Australia. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

162.6%

Australia is 162.6% more expensive than Saudi Arabia

Restaurants

82.4%

Australia is 82.4% more expensive than Saudi Arabia in this category

Markets

94.6%

Australia is 94.6% more expensive than Saudi Arabia in this category

Other Expenses

317.0%

Australia is 317.0% more expensive than Saudi Arabia in this category

Transportation

10.3%

Australia is 10.3% more expensive than Saudi Arabia in this category

Household Utilities

63.9%

Australia is 63.9% more expensive than Saudi Arabia in this category

Mobile and Internet

24.5%

Australia is 24.5% cheaper than Saudi Arabia in this category

Sports And Leisure

47.7%

Australia is 47.7% cheaper than Saudi Arabia in this category

Childcare

85.6%

Australia is 85.6% more expensive than Saudi Arabia in this category

Clothing And Shoes

15.2%

Australia is 15.2% more expensive than Saudi Arabia in this category

Rent Per Month

172.1%

Australia is 172.1% more expensive than Saudi Arabia in this category

Property Prices

305.5%

Australia is 305.5% more expensive than Saudi Arabia in this category

Salaries And Financing

67.9%

Australia is 67.9% more expensive than Saudi Arabia in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Australia Saudi Arabia Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 16.22 $ 6.67 $ 143.2%
Australia is 143.2% more expensive
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 77.88 $ 39.99 $ 94.7%
Australia is 94.7% more expensive
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 9.73 $ 8.00 $ 21.6%
Australia is 21.6% more expensive
Regular Cappuccino 3.48 $ 3.63 $ 4.1%
Australia is 4.1% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 2.62 $ 0.74 $ 254.1%
Australia is 254.1% more expensive
Bottled Water (330ml) 2.16 $ 0.25 $ 764.0%
Australia is 764.0% more expensive
Bottled Water (1.5L) 1.51 $ 0.59 $ 155.9%
Australia is 155.9% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml) 5.69 $ 2.24 $ 154.0%
Australia is 154.0% more expensive
Imported Beer (330ml) 1.29 $ 3.07 $ 58.0%
Australia is 58.0% cheaper
Mid-Range Wine 7.97 $ 4.76 $ 67.4%
Australia is 67.4% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 1.43 $ 1.34 $ 6.7%
Australia is 6.7% more expensive
Milk (1L) 1.53 $ 1.70 $ 10.0%
Australia is 10.0% cheaper
Fresh Bread (500g) 2.45 $ 1.00 $ 145.0%
Australia is 145.0% more expensive
White Rice (1kg) 2.05 $ 2.21 $ 7.2%
Australia is 7.2% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 4.31 $ 2.58 $ 67.1%
Australia is 67.1% more expensive
Local Cheese (1kg) 8.89 $ 7.33 $ 21.3%
Australia is 21.3% more expensive
Chicken Breast (1kg) 8.44 $ 7.98 $ 5.8%
Australia is 5.8% more expensive
Beef (1kg) 13.88 $ 10.61 $ 30.8%
Australia is 30.8% more expensive
Apples (1kg) 3.19 $ 2.17 $ 47.0%
Australia is 47.0% more expensive
Bananas (1kg) 2.75 $ 1.64 $ 67.7%
Australia is 67.7% more expensive
Oranges (1kg) 2.93 $ 1.65 $ 77.6%
Australia is 77.6% more expensive
Tomatoes (1kg) 4.30 $ 1.61 $ 167.1%
Australia is 167.1% more expensive
Potatoes (1kg) 2.47 $ 1.33 $ 85.7%
Australia is 85.7% more expensive
Onions (1kg) 2.14 $ 1.33 $ 60.9%
Australia is 60.9% more expensive
Lettuce (1 head) 2.22 $ 1.20 $ 85.0%
Australia is 85.0% more expensive
Monthly Transit Pass 97.35 $ 37.33 $ 160.8%
Australia is 160.8% more expensive
Cigarettes (20 pack) 31.15 $ 7.47 $ 317.0%
Australia is 317.0% more expensive
Single Bus/Train Ticket 2.92 $ 1.07 $ 172.9%
Australia is 172.9% more expensive
Taxi Base Fare 3.89 $ 2.67 $ 45.7%
Australia is 45.7% more expensive
Taxi per Kilometer 1.88 $ 2.40 $ 21.7%
Australia is 21.7% cheaper
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 37.90 $ 13.33 $ 184.3%
Australia is 184.3% more expensive
Gasoline (1L) 1.18 $ 0.62 $ 90.3%
Australia is 90.3% more expensive
New Economy Car 28,829.12 $ 24,395.14 $ 18.2%
Australia is 18.2% more expensive
New Mid-Range Car 22,658.59 $ 22,298.33 $ 1.6%
Australia is 1.6% more expensive
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 175.90 $ 107.32 $ 63.9%
Australia is 63.9% more expensive
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 26.66 $ 33.71 $ 20.9%
Australia is 20.9% cheaper
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 52.98 $ 71.74 $ 26.1%
Australia is 26.1% cheaper
Gym Membership 47.43 $ 93.18 $ 49.1%
Australia is 49.1% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 16.59 $ 40.53 $ 59.1%
Australia is 59.1% cheaper
Movie Ticket 14.28 $ 16.00 $ 10.8%
Australia is 10.8% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 1,570.69 $ 342.07 $ 359.2%
Australia is 359.2% more expensive
International School (Yearly) 12,354.33 $ 7,158.91 $ 72.6%
Australia is 72.6% more expensive
1 Pair of Jeans 71.57 $ 51.09 $ 40.1%
Australia is 40.1% more expensive
1 Summer Dress 50.87 $ 58.78 $ 13.5%
Australia is 13.5% cheaper
1 Pair of Running Shoes 102.13 $ 94.82 $ 7.7%
Australia is 7.7% more expensive
1 Pair of Business Shoes 109.73 $ 85.57 $ 28.2%
Australia is 28.2% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,381.57 $ 482.08 $ 186.6%
Australia is 186.6% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 1,095.96 $ 403.92 $ 171.3%
Australia is 171.3% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 2,332.99 $ 882.12 $ 164.5%
Australia is 164.5% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 1,729.44 $ 635.50 $ 172.1%
Australia is 172.1% more expensive
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 6,794.53 $ 1,807.56 $ 275.9%
Australia is 275.9% more expensive
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 5,084.33 $ 1,122.20 $ 353.1%
Australia is 353.1% more expensive
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 3,619.71 $ 2,154.45 $ 68.0%
Australia is 68.0% more expensive
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 6.35 4.68 35.7%
Australia is 35.7% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Saudi Arabia. Enter your monthly expenses in Australia to see the equivalent costs.

Housing

Food & Dining

Transportation

Other Expenses

Our Methodology

Our cost of living comparisons are based on a robust methodology that combines multiple data sources and regular updates to ensure accuracy:

Data Collection

  • Regular price surveys conducted in major cities
  • Official government statistics and economic indicators
  • User-contributed data from expatriates and local residents
  • Real estate market reports and rental price indices
  • Consumer price indices and inflation data

Calculation Methods

  • Prices are normalized to USD for consistent comparison
  • Exchange rates are updated monthly
  • Regional price variations are weighted by population
  • Seasonal fluctuations are accounted for in the averages
  • Quality of life factors are considered in the overall assessment

Quality Assurance

  • Data is verified by local experts
  • Regular cross-checking with multiple sources
  • User feedback is incorporated into updates
  • Statistical outliers are identified and reviewed
  • Methodology is reviewed quarterly

Note: While we strive for accuracy, cost of living data can vary significantly within countries and cities. These comparisons should be used as a general guide, and we recommend conducting additional research for specific locations.

Lifestyle Impact

Understanding the cost of living differences between Australia and Saudi Arabia goes beyond just numbers. Here's how these differences might affect your daily life:

Daily Living

  • Grocery shopping habits and meal planning
  • Public transportation usage vs. car ownership
  • Frequency of dining out and entertainment
  • Healthcare access and insurance coverage
  • Housing choices and neighborhood selection

Long-term Planning

  • Savings and investment strategies
  • Retirement planning considerations
  • Education costs for children
  • Property ownership opportunities
  • Business and career development

Quality of Life Considerations

While cost of living is important, it's just one aspect of quality of life. Consider also:

  • Healthcare system quality and accessibility
  • Education system standards
  • Public safety and security
  • Environmental quality
  • Cultural and recreational opportunities
  • Work-life balance norms

Making the Most of Your Budget

Tips for adapting to cost of living differences:

  • Research local shopping habits and markets
  • Learn about public transportation options
  • Understand local tax systems and benefits
  • Explore community resources and discounts
  • Network with locals for insider tips

Local Insights for Australia vs Saudi Arabia

While both countries have similar overall costs, there are nuanced differences in how money is spent on daily necessities.

Cultural Cost Differences

Australia

  • Higher fuel costs indicate different transportation preferences.

Saudi Arabia

  • Lower grocery costs suggest different shopping and consumption patterns.

Seasonal Cost Variations

Both countries experience moderate seasonal variations in living costs, with prices typically higher during peak tourist seasons and major holidays.

Explore more

Cost of living in Australia Cost of living in Saudi Arabia

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