Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Editor
March 12, 2023
Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, is an ideal destination for digital nomads looking for a unique and exciting experience. With its modern infrastructure, low cost of living, and vibrant culture, Riyadh is an attractive option for digital nomads. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Riyadh is approximately 40% lower than in the United States, making it an affordable destination for digital nomads. Additionally, the city is home to a number of coworking spaces, such as the Riyadh Business Hub, which offer digital nomads the opportunity to work in a professional environment. Furthermore, Riyadh is a culturally rich city, with a variety of attractions, such as the National Museum, the King Abdulaziz Historical Center, and the Riyadh Zoo. With its modern infrastructure, low cost of living, and vibrant culture, Riyadh is an ideal destination for digital nomads looking for a unique and exciting experience.
Living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Overview
Overall score | Worksplorer index
-
56%
Quality of life -
37%
Cost of living -
61%
Connectivity -
44%
Weather
58
General
| Currency | SAR |
| Population (in millions) | 6.5 |
| Quality of life (world rank from 1 to 200) | 135 |
| Cost of living compared to Chicago, USA | 40% more expensive |
| Best neighborhood to stay | Olaya, Riyadh 2 |
Culture
| Number of museums and galleries | 30 |
| Top selling local beer | Jeddah |
| Most popular local dish | Kabsa |
Travel
| Most popular tourist attraction(s) | Masmak Fortress, Kingdom Centre, National Museum |
| Discount airline | Saudia |
| Major airline | Saudia Airlines |
| Largest ride sharing company | Careem |
| Primary train stations | Riyadh Central Station, Riyadh Dammam Station, Riyadh Al-Kharj Station |
| Primary airports | King Khalid International, King Fahd International, Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz International |
| Best rental car company | Hertz |
| Used car costs | 75000 SAR |
Connectivity
| Apple store addresses | Riyadh Park Mall, King Fahad Road, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| Internet connection (in Mbps) | 100 Mbps |
| Power socket type | G |
| Supply voltage | 220V or 110V |
| Best electronics store | Jarir |
| Best internet carrier | STC |
| Primary cellular carrier | STC |
| Average monthly cost for internet | 200 SAR |
Shopping
| The best drug store | Al-Dawaa |
| Best restaurant chain | Al Baik |
| The best grocery store | Carrefour |
| The most popular fashion brand | H&M |
Regulatory
| GDP per capita | $30,845 / year |
| Average annual income | $25000 |
| Sales tax rate | 5% |
| Income tax rate | 20% |
| Tourist visa valid (in days) | 30 |
Financial
| Average mortgage rate | 4.5% |
| Suggested ATM take out | 500 SAR |
| Bank that has the most ATM machines | Al Rajhi Bank |
| Average tip in restaurant | 5% |
| Pay using credit or debit card | Not very common |
Health
| Emergency Phone Numbers | 999 (general), 997 (police), 998 (ambulance), 991 (firefighters) |
| Polution per square meter | 5,845 |
| Health quality rank (according to WHO) | 28 |
| Main religion | Islam |
Quality of life
56%
-
73%
Safety, freedom, rights -
99%
Traffic -
27%
Property to income -
27%
Crime -
65%
Healthcare -
44%
Weather
Salaries
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | SAR 8,566 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate | 4% |
Childcare
| Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child | SAR 1,523 |
| International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child | SAR 26,460 |
Cost of living
37%
-
Purchasing Power
103%
-
Rent
19%
-
Food
43%
-
Restaurant
41%
-
Workspace
64%
-
Transport
31%
Rent
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre Per Month | SAR 3,326.83 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre Per Month | SAR 2,195.31 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre Per Month | SAR 4,688.78 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre Per Month | SAR 3,111.17 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend), Sports And Leisure | SAR 177.50 |
Food
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | SAR 6.69 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | SAR 3.34 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | SAR 10.29 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | SAR 28.59 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | SAR 2.13 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | SAR 22.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) | SAR 7.66 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | SAR 7.43 |
| Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) | SAR 28.00 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | SAR 28.94 |
| Apples (1kg) | SAR 7.66 |
| Oranges (1kg) | SAR 6.19 |
| Potato (1kg) | SAR 4.81 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | SAR 3.76 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | SAR 8.40 |
| Tomato (1kg) | SAR 7.66 |
| Banana (1kg) | SAR 6.40 |
| Onion (1kg) | SAR 4.53 |
| Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) | SAR 48.10 |
Restaurants
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | SAR 25.00 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | SAR 200.00 |
| McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | SAR 25.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) | SAR 6.00 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | SAR 7.00 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) | SAR 3.06 |
| Water (0.33 liter bottle) | SAR 0.98 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | SAR 14.66 |
Connectivity
94%
Infrastructure
89/100
Internet speed
92/100
Internet cost
95/100
Pre-paid plan
98/100
Utilities (Monthly)
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment | SAR 345.97 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) | SAR 0.60 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | SAR 269.69 |
Sports
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | SAR 380.73 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | SAR 177.50 |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | SAR 65.00 |
Transportation
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | SAR 4.00 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | SAR 120.00 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | SAR 2.29 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) | SAR 90,000.00 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) | SAR 78,352.38 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | SAR 15.00 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | SAR 5.00 |
| Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | SAR 50.00 |