Cost of Living: Saudi Arabia vs United Kingdom

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Saudi Arabia and United Kingdom.

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Saudi Arabia is 61.5% cheaper than United Kingdom. The biggest difference is in Sports And Leisure, where costs are 98.0% higher. This means that for every $100 you spend in United Kingdom, you would spend about $38 in Saudi Arabia for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Property Prices 74.3%

Saudi Arabia is 74.3% cheaper

Household Utilities 66.7%

Saudi Arabia is 66.7% cheaper

Childcare 66.4%

Saudi Arabia is 66.4% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 61.5%

Saudi Arabia is 61.5% cheaper than United Kingdom

Most Expensive Categories

  • Sports And Leisure +98.0%
  • Mobile and Internet +76.2%

Is Saudi Arabia cheaper than United Kingdom?

Yes, Saudi Arabia is cheaper than United Kingdom

Overall, living costs in Saudi Arabia are 61.5% lower than in United Kingdom.

Where Saudi Arabia is cheaper:

  • Property Prices 74.3% cheaper
  • Household Utilities 66.7% cheaper
  • Childcare 66.4% cheaper

Where Saudi Arabia is more expensive:

  • Sports And Leisure 98.0% more expensive
  • Mobile and Internet 76.2% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Saudi Arabia: 6.67 $ United Kingdom: 20.35 $
67.2% cheaper in Saudi Arabia

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Saudi Arabia: 482.08 $ United Kingdom: 1,411.39 $
65.8% cheaper in Saudi Arabia

Monthly public transport pass

Saudi Arabia: 37.33 $ United Kingdom: 94.95 $
60.7% cheaper in Saudi Arabia

1 liter of gasoline

Saudi Arabia: 0.62 $ United Kingdom: 1.95 $
68.2% cheaper in Saudi Arabia

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Saudi Arabia is indeed cheaper than United Kingdom. You would save approximately 61.5% on living expenses by choosing Saudi Arabia over United Kingdom. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

61.5%

Saudi Arabia is 61.5% cheaper than United Kingdom

Restaurants

51.6%

Saudi Arabia is 51.6% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Markets

47.3%

Saudi Arabia is 47.3% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Other Expenses

63.3%

Saudi Arabia is 63.3% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Transportation

40.8%

Saudi Arabia is 40.8% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Household Utilities

66.7%

Saudi Arabia is 66.7% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Mobile and Internet

76.2%

Saudi Arabia is 76.2% more expensive than United Kingdom in this category

Sports And Leisure

98.0%

Saudi Arabia is 98.0% more expensive than United Kingdom in this category

Childcare

66.4%

Saudi Arabia is 66.4% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Clothing And Shoes

14.5%

Saudi Arabia is 14.5% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Rent Per Month

64.4%

Saudi Arabia is 64.4% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Property Prices

74.3%

Saudi Arabia is 74.3% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Salaries And Financing

33.3%

Saudi Arabia is 33.3% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Saudi Arabia United Kingdom Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 6.67 $ 20.35 $ 67.2%
Saudi Arabia is 67.2% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 39.99 $ 88.17 $ 54.6%
Saudi Arabia is 54.6% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 8.00 $ 10.17 $ 21.3%
Saudi Arabia is 21.3% cheaper
Regular Cappuccino 3.63 $ 4.62 $ 21.4%
Saudi Arabia is 21.4% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 0.74 $ 2.41 $ 69.3%
Saudi Arabia is 69.3% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.25 $ 1.72 $ 85.5%
Saudi Arabia is 85.5% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 0.59 $ 1.53 $ 61.4%
Saudi Arabia is 61.4% cheaper
Imported Beer (330ml) 3.07 $ 1.17 $ 162.4%
Saudi Arabia is 162.4% more expensive
Milk (1L) 1.70 $ 1.69 $ 0.6%
Saudi Arabia is 0.6% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 1.00 $ 1.67 $ 40.1%
Saudi Arabia is 40.1% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 2.21 $ 2.21 $ 0.0%
Saudi Arabia is 0.0% more expensive
Eggs (12 pack) 2.58 $ 4.03 $ 36.0%
Saudi Arabia is 36.0% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 7.33 $ 9.73 $ 24.7%
Saudi Arabia is 24.7% cheaper
Chicken Breast (1kg) 7.98 $ 8.96 $ 10.9%
Saudi Arabia is 10.9% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 10.61 $ 16.31 $ 34.9%
Saudi Arabia is 34.9% cheaper
Apples (1kg) 2.17 $ 2.97 $ 26.9%
Saudi Arabia is 26.9% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 1.64 $ 1.64 $ 0.0%
Saudi Arabia is 0.0% more expensive
Oranges (1kg) 1.65 $ 2.88 $ 42.7%
Saudi Arabia is 42.7% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 1.61 $ 3.54 $ 54.5%
Saudi Arabia is 54.5% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 1.33 $ 1.65 $ 19.4%
Saudi Arabia is 19.4% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 1.33 $ 1.55 $ 14.2%
Saudi Arabia is 14.2% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 1.20 $ 1.14 $ 5.3%
Saudi Arabia is 5.3% more expensive
Monthly Transit Pass 37.33 $ 94.95 $ 60.7%
Saudi Arabia is 60.7% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 7.47 $ 20.33 $ 63.3%
Saudi Arabia is 63.3% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 1.07 $ 3.26 $ 67.2%
Saudi Arabia is 67.2% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 2.67 $ 5.43 $ 50.8%
Saudi Arabia is 50.8% cheaper
Taxi per Kilometer 2.40 $ 2.41 $ 0.4%
Saudi Arabia is 0.4% cheaper
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 13.33 $ 27.13 $ 50.9%
Saudi Arabia is 50.9% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 0.62 $ 1.95 $ 68.2%
Saudi Arabia is 68.2% cheaper
New Economy Car 24,395.14 $ 38,367.32 $ 36.4%
Saudi Arabia is 36.4% cheaper
New Mid-Range Car 22,298.33 $ 40,488.21 $ 44.9%
Saudi Arabia is 44.9% cheaper
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 107.32 $ 322.47 $ 66.7%
Saudi Arabia is 66.7% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 33.71 $ 17.46 $ 93.1%
Saudi Arabia is 93.1% more expensive
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 71.74 $ 42.38 $ 69.3%
Saudi Arabia is 69.3% more expensive
Gym Membership 93.18 $ 46.25 $ 101.5%
Saudi Arabia is 101.5% more expensive
Tennis Court (Weekend) 40.53 $ 15.82 $ 156.2%
Saudi Arabia is 156.2% more expensive
Movie Ticket 16.00 $ 13.56 $ 18.0%
Saudi Arabia is 18.0% more expensive
Private Preschool (Full Day) 342.07 $ 1,710.49 $ 80.0%
Saudi Arabia is 80.0% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 7,158.91 $ 20,621.65 $ 65.3%
Saudi Arabia is 65.3% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 51.09 $ 90.04 $ 43.3%
Saudi Arabia is 43.3% cheaper
1 Summer Dress 58.78 $ 44.62 $ 31.7%
Saudi Arabia is 31.7% more expensive
1 Pair of Running Shoes 94.82 $ 101.31 $ 6.4%
Saudi Arabia is 6.4% cheaper
1 Pair of Business Shoes 85.57 $ 103.43 $ 17.3%
Saudi Arabia is 17.3% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 482.08 $ 1,411.39 $ 65.8%
Saudi Arabia is 65.8% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 403.92 $ 1,145.39 $ 64.7%
Saudi Arabia is 64.7% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 882.12 $ 2,337.19 $ 62.3%
Saudi Arabia is 62.3% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 635.50 $ 1,852.21 $ 65.7%
Saudi Arabia is 65.7% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 1,807.56 $ 6,334.38 $ 71.5%
Saudi Arabia is 71.5% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 1,122.20 $ 5,062.78 $ 77.8%
Saudi Arabia is 77.8% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 2,154.45 $ 3,229.12 $ 33.3%
Saudi Arabia is 33.3% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 4.68 5.75 18.6%
Saudi Arabia is 18.6% cheaper

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to United Kingdom. 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 United Kingdom 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 United Kingdom

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.

United Kingdom

  • 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 United Kingdom

Related comparisons