City Comparison
Riyadh vs Jeddah
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Jeddah is ~14% 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
Jeddah
Saudi Arabia
COL+Rent
27
Rent Index
12.2
Groceries
39.1
Restaurant
32.3
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Riyadh | Jeddah | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $566 | $455 | +$111 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $398 | $320 | +$78 |
| Groceries | $313 | $276 | +$37 |
| Restaurant Meal | $14 | $12 | +$2 |
| Transit Pass | $33 | $29 | +$4 |
| Utilities | $83 | $73 | +$10 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Riyadh | Jeddah |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $789/mo | $663/mo |
| Typical | $1,205/mo | $1,013/mo |
| Comfortable | $1,563/mo | $1,316/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Riyadh | ≈ in Jeddah | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,294/mo | -$206 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,725/mo | -$275 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,588/mo | -$412 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Riyadh or Jeddah cheaper to live in?
Jeddah is approximately 14% cheaper overall. Riyadh's COL+Rent Index is 31.3 vs Jeddah's 27 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Riyadh vs Jeddah?
A 1BR in Riyadh city center costs ~$566/mo vs $455/mo in Jeddah. Outside the center: $398 vs $320.
What is $2,000/month in Riyadh worth in Jeddah?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Riyadh has the purchasing power of approximately $1,725/month in Jeddah.
Are groceries cheaper in Riyadh or Jeddah?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $313 in Riyadh vs $276 in Jeddah. Groceries Index: 44.5 vs 39.1 (NYC = 100).