City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Jeddah vs Riyadh — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Jeddah
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 27 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Jeddah.
Riyadh
Moderate
COL+Rent: 31.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Riyadh.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Jeddah | Riyadh | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $601 | $628 | $27 |
| Groceries | $428 | $408 | +$20 |
| Dining Out | $223 | $219 | +$4 |
| Transportation | $45 | $43 | +$2 |
| Utilities | $113 | $108 | +$5 |
| Other / Misc | $90 | $94 | $4 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Jeddah
$1,500
per month
Riyadh equivalent
$1,739
per month
You'd need $1,739/mo in Riyadh to match $1,500/mo in Jeddah.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Jeddah on $1,500/month?
Living in Jeddah on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$601 to rent, $428 to groceries, $223 to dining.
Can I live in Riyadh on $1,500/month?
In Riyadh, $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $628 rent, $408 groceries, $219 dining.
Is Jeddah or Riyadh cheaper?
Jeddah is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Jeddah 27 vs Riyadh 31.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Jeddah worth in Riyadh?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Jeddah equals ~$1,739/mo in Riyadh using COL adjustment.