The Hague vs Riyadh
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Riyadh is ~39% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
The Hague
Netherlands
COL+Rent
50.9
Rent Index
34.8
Groceries
55.8
Restaurant
57.7
Riyadh
Saudi Arabia
COL+Rent
31.3
Rent Index
15.1
Groceries
44.5
Restaurant
37.7
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | The Hague | Riyadh | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,546 | $566 | +$980 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,214 | $398 | +$816 |
| Groceries | $319 | $313 | +$6 |
| Restaurant Meal | $19 | $14 | +$5 |
| Transit Pass | $93 | $33 | +$60 |
| Utilities | $179 | $83 | +$96 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | The Hague | Riyadh |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,785/mo | $789/mo |
| Typical | $2,422/mo | $1,205/mo |
| Comfortable | $3,003/mo | $1,563/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in The Hague | ≈ in Riyadh | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $922/mo | -$578 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,230/mo | -$770 |
| $3,000/mo | $1,845/mo | -$1,155 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: The Hague vs Riyadh for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Riyadh is approximately 39% more affordable than The Hague when combining rent and daily living costs. The Hague's COL+Rent Index of 50.9 vs Riyadh's 31.3 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a meaningful difference that adds up over months of living expenses.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in The Hague costs $1,546/month versus $566/month in Riyadh — giving Riyadh a $980/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $11,760 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in The Hague ($319/mo) vs Riyadh ($313/mo) reflect Riyadh's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $19 vs $14 show Riyadh 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, 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.