Riyadh vs Gothenburg
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Riyadh is ~15% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Riyadh
Saudi Arabia
COL+Rent
31.3
Rent Index
15.1
Groceries
44.5
Restaurant
37.7
Gothenburg
Sweden
COL+Rent
37
Rent Index
18.5
Groceries
47.7
Restaurant
45
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Riyadh | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $566 | $819 | $253 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $398 | $644 | $246 |
| Groceries | $313 | $271 | +$42 |
| Restaurant Meal | $14 | $14 | $0 |
| Transit Pass | $33 | $75 | $42 |
| Utilities | $83 | $82 | +$1 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Riyadh | Gothenburg |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $789/mo | $1,047/mo |
| Typical | $1,205/mo | $1,457/mo |
| Comfortable | $1,563/mo | $1,844/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Riyadh | ≈ in Gothenburg | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,773/mo | +$273 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,364/mo | +$364 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,546/mo | +$546 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Riyadh vs Gothenburg for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Riyadh is approximately 15% more affordable than Gothenburg when combining rent and daily living costs. Riyadh's COL+Rent Index of 31.3 vs Gothenburg's 37 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a relatively small gap, meaning the decision between these cities often comes down to lifestyle preferences rather than pure cost.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Riyadh costs $566/month versus $819/month in Gothenburg — giving Riyadh a $253/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $3,036 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Riyadh ($313/mo) vs Gothenburg ($271/mo) reflect Riyadh's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $14 vs $14 show Riyadh is the better value for dining out. 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, Riyadh offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $1,205 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.