City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Riyadh vs Jeddah — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Riyadh
Moderate
COL+Rent: 31.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Riyadh.
Jeddah
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 27 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Jeddah.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Riyadh | Jeddah | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $628 | $601 | +$27 |
| Groceries | $408 | $428 | $20 |
| Dining Out | $219 | $223 | $4 |
| Transportation | $43 | $45 | $2 |
| Utilities | $108 | $113 | $5 |
| Other / Misc | $94 | $90 | +$4 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Riyadh
$1,500
per month
Jeddah equivalent
$1,294
per month
Only $1,294/mo in Jeddah matches $1,500/mo in Riyadh — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Riyadh on $1,500/month?
Living in Riyadh on $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Budget allocates ~$628 to rent, $408 to groceries, $219 to dining.
Can I live in Jeddah on $1,500/month?
In Jeddah, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $601 rent, $428 groceries, $223 dining.
Is Riyadh or Jeddah cheaper?
Jeddah is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Riyadh 31.3 vs Jeddah 27 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Riyadh worth in Jeddah?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Riyadh equals ~$1,294/mo in Jeddah using COL adjustment.