Cost of Living: Saudi Arabia vs Japan

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

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Saudi Arabia is 23.6% cheaper than Japan. The biggest difference is in Other Expenses, where costs are 77.9% higher. This means that for every $100 you spend in Japan, you would spend about $76 in Saudi Arabia for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Property Prices 70.7%

Saudi Arabia is 70.7% cheaper

Childcare 45.9%

Saudi Arabia is 45.9% cheaper

Household Utilities 40.0%

Saudi Arabia is 40.0% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 23.6%

Saudi Arabia is 23.6% cheaper than Japan

Most Expensive Categories

  • Other Expenses +77.9%
  • Sports And Leisure +68.1%
  • Mobile and Internet +67.6%

Is Saudi Arabia cheaper than Japan?

Yes, Saudi Arabia is cheaper than Japan

Overall, living costs in Saudi Arabia are 23.6% lower than in Japan.

Where Saudi Arabia is cheaper:

  • Property Prices 70.7% cheaper
  • Childcare 45.9% cheaper
  • Household Utilities 40.0% cheaper

Where Saudi Arabia is more expensive:

  • Other Expenses 77.9% more expensive
  • Sports And Leisure 68.1% more expensive
  • Mobile and Internet 67.6% more expensive

Practical Examples

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Saudi Arabia: 482.08 $ Japan: 624.64 $
22.8% cheaper in Saudi Arabia

Monthly public transport pass

Saudi Arabia: 37.33 $ Japan: 58.97 $
36.7% cheaper in Saudi Arabia

1 liter of gasoline

Saudi Arabia: 0.62 $ Japan: 1.22 $
49.2% cheaper in Saudi Arabia

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Saudi Arabia is indeed cheaper than Japan. You would save approximately 23.6% on living expenses by choosing Saudi Arabia over Japan. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

23.6%

Saudi Arabia is 23.6% cheaper than Japan

Restaurants

8.5%

Saudi Arabia is 8.5% cheaper than Japan in this category

Markets

37.0%

Saudi Arabia is 37.0% cheaper than Japan in this category

Other Expenses

77.9%

Saudi Arabia is 77.9% more expensive than Japan in this category

Transportation

12.8%

Saudi Arabia is 12.8% more expensive than Japan in this category

Household Utilities

40.0%

Saudi Arabia is 40.0% cheaper than Japan in this category

Mobile and Internet

67.6%

Saudi Arabia is 67.6% more expensive than Japan in this category

Sports And Leisure

68.1%

Saudi Arabia is 68.1% more expensive than Japan in this category

Childcare

45.9%

Saudi Arabia is 45.9% cheaper than Japan in this category

Clothing And Shoes

24.7%

Saudi Arabia is 24.7% more expensive than Japan in this category

Rent Per Month

25.8%

Saudi Arabia is 25.8% cheaper than Japan in this category

Property Prices

70.7%

Saudi Arabia is 70.7% cheaper than Japan in this category

Salaries And Financing

0.9%

Saudi Arabia is 0.9% cheaper than Japan in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Saudi Arabia Japan Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 6.67 $ 7.01 $ 4.9%
Saudi Arabia is 4.9% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 39.99 $ 35.03 $ 14.2%
Saudi Arabia is 14.2% more expensive
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 8.00 $ 5.61 $ 42.6%
Saudi Arabia is 42.6% more expensive
Regular Cappuccino 3.63 $ 3.36 $ 8.0%
Saudi Arabia is 8.0% more expensive
Soft Drink (330ml) 0.74 $ 1.12 $ 33.9%
Saudi Arabia is 33.9% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.25 $ 0.82 $ 69.5%
Saudi Arabia is 69.5% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 0.59 $ 0.94 $ 37.2%
Saudi Arabia is 37.2% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml) 2.24 $ 2.32 $ 3.4%
Saudi Arabia is 3.4% cheaper
Imported Beer (330ml) 3.07 $ 8.42 $ 63.5%
Saudi Arabia is 63.5% cheaper
Mid-Range Wine 4.76 $ 11.20 $ 57.5%
Saudi Arabia is 57.5% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 1.34 $ 2.04 $ 34.3%
Saudi Arabia is 34.3% cheaper
Milk (1L) 1.70 $ 1.56 $ 9.0%
Saudi Arabia is 9.0% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 1.00 $ 1.59 $ 37.1%
Saudi Arabia is 37.1% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 2.21 $ 4.51 $ 51.0%
Saudi Arabia is 51.0% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 2.58 $ 2.24 $ 15.2%
Saudi Arabia is 15.2% more expensive
Local Cheese (1kg) 7.33 $ 12.14 $ 39.6%
Saudi Arabia is 39.6% cheaper
Chicken Breast (1kg) 7.98 $ 6.92 $ 15.3%
Saudi Arabia is 15.3% more expensive
Beef (1kg) 10.61 $ 17.18 $ 38.2%
Saudi Arabia is 38.2% cheaper
Apples (1kg) 2.17 $ 5.37 $ 59.6%
Saudi Arabia is 59.6% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 1.64 $ 2.62 $ 37.4%
Saudi Arabia is 37.4% cheaper
Oranges (1kg) 1.65 $ 4.78 $ 65.5%
Saudi Arabia is 65.5% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 1.61 $ 4.84 $ 66.7%
Saudi Arabia is 66.7% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 1.33 $ 2.85 $ 53.3%
Saudi Arabia is 53.3% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 1.33 $ 2.65 $ 49.8%
Saudi Arabia is 49.8% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 1.20 $ 1.39 $ 13.7%
Saudi Arabia is 13.7% cheaper
Monthly Transit Pass 37.33 $ 58.97 $ 36.7%
Saudi Arabia is 36.7% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 7.47 $ 4.20 $ 77.9%
Saudi Arabia is 77.9% more expensive
Single Bus/Train Ticket 1.07 $ 1.54 $ 30.5%
Saudi Arabia is 30.5% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 2.67 $ 4.20 $ 36.4%
Saudi Arabia is 36.4% cheaper
Taxi per Kilometer 2.40 $ 3.15 $ 23.8%
Saudi Arabia is 23.8% cheaper
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 13.33 $ 23.82 $ 44.0%
Saudi Arabia is 44.0% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 0.62 $ 1.22 $ 49.2%
Saudi Arabia is 49.2% cheaper
New Economy Car 24,395.14 $ 23,415.29 $ 4.2%
Saudi Arabia is 4.2% more expensive
New Mid-Range Car 22,298.33 $ 17,953.06 $ 24.2%
Saudi Arabia is 24.2% more expensive
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 107.32 $ 178.92 $ 40.0%
Saudi Arabia is 40.0% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 33.71 $ 27.25 $ 23.7%
Saudi Arabia is 23.7% more expensive
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 71.74 $ 35.66 $ 101.2%
Saudi Arabia is 101.2% more expensive
Gym Membership 93.18 $ 60.05 $ 55.2%
Saudi Arabia is 55.2% more expensive
Tennis Court (Weekend) 40.53 $ 15.69 $ 158.3%
Saudi Arabia is 158.3% more expensive
Movie Ticket 16.00 $ 13.31 $ 20.2%
Saudi Arabia is 20.2% more expensive
Private Preschool (Full Day) 342.07 $ 348.57 $ 1.9%
Saudi Arabia is 1.9% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 7,158.91 $ 13,519.03 $ 47.0%
Saudi Arabia is 47.0% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 51.09 $ 49.02 $ 4.2%
Saudi Arabia is 4.2% more expensive
1 Summer Dress 58.78 $ 32.77 $ 79.4%
Saudi Arabia is 79.4% more expensive
1 Pair of Running Shoes 94.82 $ 63.16 $ 50.1%
Saudi Arabia is 50.1% more expensive
1 Pair of Business Shoes 85.57 $ 87.75 $ 2.5%
Saudi Arabia is 2.5% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 482.08 $ 624.64 $ 22.8%
Saudi Arabia is 22.8% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 403.92 $ 424.63 $ 4.9%
Saudi Arabia is 4.9% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 882.12 $ 1,366.33 $ 35.4%
Saudi Arabia is 35.4% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 635.50 $ 825.90 $ 23.1%
Saudi Arabia is 23.1% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 1,807.56 $ 6,447.80 $ 72.0%
Saudi Arabia is 72.0% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 1,122.20 $ 3,555.73 $ 68.4%
Saudi Arabia is 68.4% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 2,154.45 $ 2,177.14 $ 1.0%
Saudi Arabia is 1.0% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 4.68 1.82 157.1%
Saudi Arabia is 157.1% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Japan. Enter your monthly expenses in Saudi Arabia 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 Saudi Arabia and Japan 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 Saudi Arabia vs Japan

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

Cultural Cost Differences

Saudi Arabia

  • Basic groceries tend to be more expensive, suggesting different shopping patterns.

Japan

  • Lower fuel costs indicate different transportation infrastructure.

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 Saudi Arabia Cost of living in Japan

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