Los Angeles vs Jeddah
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Jeddah is ~61% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Los Angeles
United States
COL+Rent
69.5
Rent Index
57.8
Groceries
84.4
Restaurant
88.9
Jeddah
Saudi Arabia
COL+Rent
27
Rent Index
12.2
Groceries
39.1
Restaurant
32.3
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Los Angeles | Jeddah | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $2,627 | $455 | +$2,172 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $2,059 | $320 | +$1,739 |
| Groceries | $484 | $276 | +$208 |
| Restaurant Meal | $26 | $12 | +$14 |
| Transit Pass | $85 | $29 | +$56 |
| Utilities | $196 | $73 | +$123 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Los Angeles | Jeddah |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,783/mo | $663/mo |
| Typical | $3,782/mo | $1,013/mo |
| Comfortable | $4,663/mo | $1,316/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Los Angeles | ≈ in Jeddah | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $583/mo | -$917 |
| $2,000/mo | $777/mo | -$1,223 |
| $3,000/mo | $1,165/mo | -$1,835 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Los Angeles vs Jeddah for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Jeddah is approximately 61% more affordable than Los Angeles when combining rent and daily living costs. Los Angeles's COL+Rent Index of 69.5 vs Jeddah's 27 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a substantial gap that significantly impacts long-term savings and lifestyle quality.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Los Angeles costs $2,627/month versus $455/month in Jeddah — giving Jeddah a $2,172/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $26,064 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Los Angeles ($484/mo) vs Jeddah ($276/mo) reflect Jeddah's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $26 vs $12 show Jeddah offers cheaper dining. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.
Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, Jeddah offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $1,013 buys a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.