Angela Harlow is an American expat who has been living in the Red Sea city of Yanbu with her husband and daughter since 2012. Here she shares some interesting perspectives on the pros and cons of living in this Saudi city. Yanbu is a small, quiet city on the Red Sea. Located approximately a three hours’ drive north of Jeddah, it has a long history as an important economic centre for Saudi Arabia, from a bustling seaport to one of the two industrial cities under development in the country. The city’s industrialisation took hold about 35 years ago and is now in its second phase of development. With more and more businesses moving in, the city is expected to double in size over the next 10 years. Because of the development and rapid changes, there are certainly ups and downs that come with expansion and growth. If you can learn to flow with the tide here, Yanbu can certainly be an oasis in the desert. With a seaside location and a history as a major port for the area, Yanbu has a wide selection of beaches and is ideal for enjoying the water. There are beaches just for Westerners where Western bathing suits are welcome, along with more traditional beaches segregated for men and women. There are also many boat services in the city that offer diving and fishing excursions. You can take a glass-bottom boat tour with the family for a day out on the water. If you love the outdoors, Yanbu’s weather is beautiful for about 75 percent of the year, making it a great location for being outside, whether at the beach, a local park or exploring the local deserts. The city is growing, but housing is limited, along with selections of hotels for weekend get-aways. It is no secret that the Saudi lifestyle is more conservative and restricted than the traditional Western lifestyle. The country is governed under Islamic law and everything in the local culture revolves around this. Both Mecca and Medina are just a short drive from Yanbu, so life in the area tends to be more traditional than the larger cities of Jeddah and Riyadh. Culture shock is certainly a factor here. Saudi Arabia is very unique, standing out from even other Middle Eastern countries. There are many different cultural dos and don’ts that can be a challenge or a blessing for any expat. Healthcare in the Kingdom, in general, is good, with modern facilities and equipment. Medical professionals from all cultures can be found throughout Yanbu, with an International Hospital located in Jeddah. With Yanbu being a smaller city, the options for education are limited.Yanbu’s location
Pro: Yanbu is located directly on the Red Sea with some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world. The coral is amazing and at many of the beaches you are able to easily see the start of the coral in quite shallow water. A weekend at the beach is just a few minutes away and is available almost all year round due to the warm climate. It’s certainly easy to throw on a wetsuit and dive in.
Con: Because of its location and being a small city, travel in and out of Yanbu is a challenge. The local airport services select flights that may leave you with a five- to 12-hour layover at a larger hub for just a weekend getaway. Also, many of the airlines will cancel flights that are not fully booked in and out of the city due to low demand, so taking a flight direct in or out of Yanbu can be a challenge. The solution is a three-hour drive to Jeddah, with a larger airport and more service, as it’s the hub for Saudia Airlines. However, many international flights leave in the wee hours of the morning (1am to 5am) making for a very long travel day.Climate in Yanbu
Pro: Most days there is a breeze that blows through the city due to the Red Sea; this helps to quell the heat and make the temperatures a bit more bearable. The temperatures do fall below 68°F (20°C) during the winter months (December and January), while the autumn and spring temperatures stay between 68°F (20°C) and 86°F (30°C). Pro: If you like to garden, it’s easy to grow a variety of flowers and vegetables here due to the warm climate. There are many nurseries available and gardeners are inexpensive to hire to help set up a yard with irrigation and landscaping. You can easily and inexpensively create your own oasis in the desert at your home.Con: With the breeze comes sand storms, which can occur up to three or four times a week, depending on the season. Some can be pretty severe and houses are not sealed well, so sand and dust is everywhere, which can wreak havoc on allergies.Con: Because there is little to no rain, when it does rain, the city tends to flood, causing houses and roofs to leak. Local authorities are working on installing a drainage system throughout the city, but with such an infrequency of rain, just an hour can cause damage to houses and roadways. Con: Summer months (July and August) are extremely hot, reaching above 104°F (40°C). During this time, spending any time at all outside is dangerous, so those staying in the country during the summer are usually hopping from building to building for air conditioning to stay cool.Accommodation in Yanbu
Pro: Most companies offer expats either free housing or a housing stipend that covers the cost of a rental either in town or in one of the two compounds. The houses range from Saudi style, which can be very large and luxurious with marble throughout, to ranch and more Western style, along with small apartments and flats. Most have air conditioning (a must here) and newer model appliances. The two compounds offer 24/7 security for residents, along with many amenities, including day care, pools, gyms and restaurants.Pro: Hotels in the area are quite nice, with the Movenpick and Radisson being the top choices for Westerners. The Movenpick is a five-star resort located in the Industrial City right on the Red Sea and offers direct beach access to guests. The Radisson is located downtown in “Old” Yanbu and has a seafood buffet that is first class.Con: Due to the expansion of the city, housing is at a premium. Many companies are facing a housing shortage as the compounds are full and many of the Western “camps” that were originally developed to house expats have been turned over for rentals and permanent housing. The city is building constantly, but at the moment demand has outweighed supply. Many expats are housed in one of the local hotels until something comes available, which could take up to five months.Con: Housing is also older and, due to the harsher climate, most homes need extensive renovation work. They are not luxury homes, but are livable. Workmanship tends to be mediocre as many receive a “quick” fix in order to move people in and out as quickly as possible.Con: Hotels in the area, and in Jeddah, are generally quite expensive. A room for a night ranges from 200 USD to 400 USD. So a weekend away can be very expensive.Lifestyle in Yanbu
Pro: Family is of the utmost importance in Saudi culture. There are more than 100 parks in the city, ranging from smaller to large, all with nice play equipment for the kids to get out some energy. Also, everywhere you look after the sun is gone, families gather for picnics. Families will stop on the side of the road, in the desert, in parks, practically wherever it is convenient, throw down a blanket and enjoy a meal together. As a Westerner, it’s nice to sometimes slow down and do the same.Con: Women must wear an abaya and may be asked to cover their hair in public. Also, women are not able to drive, so women must rely on their husbands and drivers for transportation. Restrictions are high for women and this includes Westerners in the country. Women cannot ride a bicycle for transportation either, so walking and drivers are their primary means of getting around.Pro: Women get more exercise walking here, and depending on your view, you can be comfortable in pajamas all day as the abaya covers everything and is worn over your clothes. If you like stretch pants or yoga pants, you may never wear jeans again and no one knows.Con: There is no pork or alcohol in the country, which can be a disadvantage for some Westerners. There are alternatives; non-alcoholic beverages and beef bacon, which can offer a substitute. An advantage of this is that your diet can become much healthier with less fat and cholesterol.Pro: Saudi Arabia is a safe country. You do need to use common sense, but in general the safety here is high. Occasionally you hear of a break in, but in general, compared to the Western world, crime is minimal. Punishments are harsh, which helps to control the crime.Con: The driving here is not safe. Because women are unable to drive, it is not unusual to see a child as young as eight driving a large SUV. The city is working to clean up some of the traffic violations and has been installing more and more cameras and patrols to check for licensed drivers (driving age here is18 for males); however, violations continue and accidents, when they occur, are usually quite severe.Pro: In general, the benefits and salary packages for expats in Saudi Arabia are some of the highest in the Middle East. Due to the location and growth of the city, the packages here are more lucrative for many expats compared to Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh or even Jeddah. If you negotiate your contract correctly, you and your family can live very comfortably, with some companies offering up to two home leaves a year rather than one.Con: The cost of living can be a bit higher here for Western products. You tend to spend more and pay outrageous prices for products that aren’t a staple here. For example, a tub of margarine (American brand) can run at 25 USD and you’re more willing to pay that price given the supply shortage of Western brand names. However, there are local alternatives that are reasonably priced and certainly more readily available.Culture in Yanbu
Pro:The culture loves children. If you have children, the locals here are very open and accepting of children. There are parks everywhere with amusem*nt “parks” in many of the malls and at the beaches. There is always something to do with your children here.Con:For women, the culture is very restrictive. The restrictions that women face can take their toll, so it’s important to come to the country with an open mind. The openness of Western culture is not the case here. Restaurants are separated into single and family sections, and some will not allow women to enter to order. It’s important to do your research and learn from expats who have been in the area for some time in order to understand all the ins and outs of Saudi life.Pro:The culture is, in general, very accepting of and friendly toeveryone. Most people greet you with a smile and are very kind and happy to answer your questions when you don’t know the answers. Many are well educated and spent much time abroad, so communication is easy in English and they are happy to share and explain their culture and beliefs. This is important, as it can be overwhelming to understand your new lifestyle here.Healthcare in Yanbu
Pro: The cost of healthcare here is minimal compared to what is paid in the USA. The healthcare here for many expats is covered by the company with out-of-pocket expenses for care and medicine being a small fraction of even the best of coverages stateside.Con: This is a country that follows Islamic law, so due to prayer times and strict separation of men and women, men are only allowed to visit wives and children in certain hospitals for a maximum of two hours per day. If you are hospitalised, the care is good; however, as a woman, support from your husband is limited due to regulations. Also, the language barrier can be a problem. Although most health professionals speak English, the translation can be somewhat confusing when talking about symptoms so it can be a challenge to discuss healthcare here.Education in Yanbu
Pro: There is an International Schools Group (ISG) school in the city that is well established, Yanbu International School (YIS). Because it is a small community, the school is made up of a mix of teachers who are expat wives and some who are brought here as expats to work at the school directly. Also, due to the size of the community, communication with teachers is pretty open as most expats are familiar with each other. There is another school, Radhwa International (American Curriculum), that is in the process of certification and is very new as an alternative. In addition, there are other schools throughout the city that offer an English curriculum. Con: The resources for the schools are limited, and with YIS, the building is older, so facilities are aging. Radhwa is new, but is just building a reputation and working to obtain certification. It is AdvancEd accredited; however, it's not an ISG school. Choices are limited for students and as the expat population grows the schools are feeling the stress with teachers, resources and space.
FAQs
What are the cons of living in Saudi Arabia? ›
On the other hand, the cons of living in Saudi Arabia include strict laws and regulations, a lack of freedom of speech, and a lack of religious freedom. Additionally, the country is known for its conservative culture and gender roles, which can be difficult for some to adjust to.
Where do most Americans live in Saudi? ›The largest American community are in the capital of Riyadh, the headquarters of most multinational corporations in the kingdom, and in the Red Sea port city of Jeddah, a major commercial center. There are smaller American communities in the eastern cities of Dammam, Khobar and Dhahran, serving the local oil fields.
What is special about Yanbu? ›Antique Port City on the Red Sea
Located in the province of Madinah, Yanbu is the second largest port city on the Red Sea after Jeddah. It also happens to be one of the oldest seaports on the Red Sea. It serves as the major port for the holy city of Madinah.
Low cost of living and income tax-free. Safe cities with low crime rates. Central location for travelling.
Is it safe for Americans to live in Saudi Arabia? ›Overall the rate of crime in Saudi Arabia is low. Theft can occur, especially in crowded places and from vehicles. Carry only what you need. Leave other valuables in a secure place.
What is it like living in Saudi Arabia as an American? ›It's a conservative Islamic country and you'll probably find that many customs from back home are more strictly regulated. The culture shock can be tempered by living in an expat compound. Islam governs all facets of life in Saudi Arabia, from politics and business to family life, sexuality and even hygiene.
How long can Americans stay in Saudi Arabia? ›The Department strongly recommends that U.S. citizens enter Saudi Arabia on a U.S. passport and Saudi visa, and not a laissez-passer. Length of Stay: Bearers of tourist visas are generally admitted for a 90-day stay and may not remain in the Kingdom more than 180 days in a twelve month period.
Why are Americans moving to Saudi Arabia? ›Moving to Saudi Arabia from the US is more popular than ever. Many American expats desire to live and work in the largest economy in the Middle East. One of the major draws for expats is no income tax and low sales tax. This has allowed many Americans to enjoy the country and drives many skilled workers to move.
Which city is best to live in Saudi Arabia for foreigners? ›Most expats in Saudi Arabia live in Jeddah and Riyadh, both of which have the full range of Western amenities, a good selection of accommodation, and most of the Kingdom's employers. Some expats may also find themselves drawn to Saudi's Eastern Province, pulled by lucrative job offers in the hydrocarbon sector.
Is Yanbu worth a visit? ›Famous for its gorgeous white sandy shores and amazing diving sites, Yanbu is a popular year-round destination for locals and tourists looking for a memorable beach holiday.
What are the statistics of Yanbu? ›
The current metro area population of Yanbu al-Bahr in 2023 is 358,000, a 1.99% increase from 2022. The metro area population of Yanbu al-Bahr in 2022 was 351,000, a 2.33% increase from 2021. The metro area population of Yanbu al-Bahr in 2021 was 343,000, a 2.39% increase from 2020.
What Yanbu means? ›YANBU stands for You Are Not Being Unreasonable
Suggest new definition.
The salary range of employees working in Saudi Arabia is, by default, in the range of 4,921 SAR (low salaries, employees' actual wages may be even lower) to 24,315 SAR (high salaries, actual salaries can be even higher). This is the total monthly salary including bonuses.
How much salary is enough to live in Saudi Arabia? ›The average resident salary in Saudi Arabia is 270,000 SAR per year or 108 SAR per hour.
Can I bring my Bible to Saudi Arabia? ›Religion. The public practice of any form of religion other than Islam is illegal; as is an intention to convert others. However, the Saudi authorities accept the private practice of religions other than Islam, and you can bring a religious text into the country as long as it is for your personal use.
Are Americans welcome in Saudi Arabia? ›Reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia due to the threat of missile and drone attacks on civilian facilities. Exercise increased caution in Saudi Arabia due to terrorism. Some areas have increased risk.
What are the new rules in Saudi Arabia 2023? ›Starting in 2023, the new rules include a ban on donations for mosques and the prohibition of after-sunset iftar meals in mosques. Additionally, prayers are required to be kept brief, children are not allowed to pray in mosques, and worshippers must bring their identification documents.
Is Saudi Arabia tax free? ›There is no personal income tax in Saudi Arabia. A flat income tax rate of 20% is applied to the tax-adjusted profit of resident non-Saudi and non-GCC individuals.
Do Americans pay tax in Saudi Arabia? ›US Expat Taxes in Saudi Arabia
The tax rate for foreigners in Saudi Arabia is zero. This holds true whether you've established residency or not. That doesn't mean you're exempt from all income taxes, though. As a U.S. citizen, you must file a tax return with the IRS and, if necessary, pay income taxes.
Apply For A Visa/Permit. The movement of expats is strongly controlled Saudi Arabia, so permits and visas have strict bureaucratic procedures. Therefore, there is little to no chance for an appeal if you are denied entry. However, one upside is that expats do not have to deal with the bureaucracy.
Can US citizens buy property in Saudi Arabia? ›
Foreigners are allowed to own real estate, but are subject to approval of the licensing authority. Foreign investors can purchase property for construction and investment, but this also requires prior approval. Foreign ownership is forbidden in Mecca and Medina.
How much is the visa fee for Saudi Arabia for US citizens? ›These costs include the government fee: Standard Processing: 5 days - USD $170.99. Rush Processing: 3 days - USD $190.99. Super Rush Processing: 24 hours - USD $212.99.
Can a woman go out alone in Saudi Arabia? ›The answer is yes. Women can even travel solo to Saudi Arabia. However, it is important to bear in mind that there is still a broad gender separation throughout the Saudi Arabian society that will influence and determine your travel.
Can my girlfriend live with me to Saudi Arabia? ›Saudi Arabia, like many other Muslim-majority countries, does not allow men and women to live together unless they are “mahram” — an Arabic term referring to close family members or spouses. The rule is rooted in Islamic law.
What is it like to be a woman in Saudi Arabia? ›Ever since the country was founded back in the 1930s, it has been ruled by an autocratic monarchy. Human rights, especially those of women, are severely curtailed. Women here are not even permitted to leave their own homes without being accompanied by a male relative. That's the everyday reality facing Kaussar Moussa.
What is the American suburb in Saudi Arabia? ›VICE : Can you describe Dhahran Camp? Ayesha Malik: On paper, it's a gated community in Saudi Arabia originally built for American employees of the Arabian American Oil Company, now known as Saudi Aramco, one of the wealthiest companies in the world. These days, it's home to employees from all over the world.
What is the most peaceful city in Saudi Arabia? ›Medina, officially Al Madinah Al Munawwarah (Arabic: المدينة المنورة, romanized: al-Madīnah al-Munawwarah, lit.
Where do richest people live in Saudi Arabia? ›Erga Palace, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
King Salman is so rich, he has several overflow palaces where he can retreat and receive guests. Located in central Riyadh and completed relatively recently, Erga Palace is one such residence.
Medina. The safest city in the world is Saudi Arabia's Medina, according to experts from InsureMyTrip. The city's overall safety score was 9.29, with a rank of 9.3 out of 10 for “absence of worry about attacks based on gender” and a score of 82.75 for “feeling safe walking alone at night.”
What is the weather in Al Yanbu? ›The weather tonight is expected to be clear and the minimum temperature will be 24°C which is colder by 3°C than last night.
How hot does Yanbu get in summer? ›
The warmest time of year is generally mid to late August where highs are regularly around 106.9°F (41.6°C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 83.4°F (28.6°C) at night.
What is the coldest month in Yanbu? ›Average Temperature in Yanbu
The cool season lasts for 2.8 months, from December 11 to March 4, with an average daily high temperature below 85°F. The coldest month of the year in Yanbu is January, with an average low of 59°F and high of 81°F.
Yanbuʿ, also spelled Yenbo, town, western Saudi Arabia, on the Red Sea north of Jiddah. It serves as the country's second Red Sea port, after Jiddah, and is the main port for Medina, 100 miles (160 km) to the east.
What is the history of Yanbu? ›As one of the oldest ports on the Red Sea, Yanbu has a history reaching back at least 2,500 years, when it served as a crucial staging post on the ancient spice and incense route from Yemen to Egypt and onward to the wider Mediterranean.
What are the religious statistics of Saudi Arabia? ›According to official statistics 85-90% of Saudi Arabian citizens are Sunni Muslims, 10-12% are Shia. More than 30% of the population is made up of foreign workers who are predominantly but not entirely Muslim. The two holiest cities of Islam, Mecca and Medina, are in Saudi Arabia.
How many refineries are there in Yanbu? ›He manages the domestic refining portfolio with a processing capacity of more than 2.5 million barrels per day. This includes 4 wholly owned refineries and 4 Joint Ventures.
How many km from yanbu to madinah? ›It is 163 km from Medina to Yanbu.
How big is Yanbu Industrial city? ›The city is located on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast and hosts major light and heavy industries. Managed by the Royal Commission in Yanbu (RCY), the city provides a high-quality, livable community, for people to live and work on an area of about 185 million square meters.
What is the average income in Saudi Arabia in US dollars? ›Data are in current U.S. dollars. Saudi Arabia gdp per capita for 2021 was $23,186, a 18.66% increase from 2020. Saudi Arabia gdp per capita for 2020 was $19,540, a 12.89% decline from 2019. Saudi Arabia gdp per capita for 2019 was $22,430, a 3.81% decline from 2018.
How much is rent in Saudi Arabia? ›Housing Costs in Saudi Arabia
On average, in cities such as Al Khobar, Medina, Jubail or Ad Dammam, a one-bedroom apartment goes for $350 to $426. In these same cities, the price of rent for a one-bedroom drops to $274 to $335.
How much does a house cost in Saudi Arabia? ›
In the capital city, Riyadh, A one-bedroom apartment averaged 360,000 riyals and the two-bedroom price was 537,500 riyals. The average price for a 3 bed-room villa in Jeddah was 2.57m riyals and in Riyadh the price of the same unit was 2.8m riyals in the first quarter, data from the report shows.
What is the cost of living in Saudi Arabia in dollars? ›Family of four estimated monthly costs are 2,731.7$ (10,250.7﷼) without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 769.7$ (2,888.4﷼) without rent. Cost of living in Saudi Arabia is, on average, 32.2% lower than in United States. Rent in Saudi Arabia is, on average, 73.4% lower than in United States.
How many Americans are in Saudi Arabia? ›There is a sizable community of around 80,000 Americans living in Saudi Arabia, one of the largest population of the United States nationals in the Arab world. Most work in the oil industry and in the construction and financial sectors.
Can you drink alcohol in Saudi Arabia? ›Consuming alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, the short answer to your question is no. Due to the fact that Islamic law forbids the manufacture, distribution, and use of alcoholic beverages, drinking alcoholic beverages is against the law in this country.
Can I take ibuprofen to Saudi Arabia? ›Bringing prescription drugs to Saudia Arabia
However, travelers who take prescription medicines such as sleeping pills, painkillers and treatments for ADHD can import these into Saudi Arabia. Most importantly, you must obtain advance clearance, with a medical certificate and a doctor's prescription.
You can wear jeans but you should ensure that whatever you are wearing on your top half is long enough to cover your bum. This is why, in many ways, it is just easier to wear an abaya or long kaftan over your clothes when out in public.
Can you wear shorts in Saudi? ›Sleeveless shirts, short dresses, loose tops, short bottoms, crop tops and miniskirts are strictly not allowed. Night clothes, under garments or anything that is inappropriate to be worn in public must be avoided. Bikinis, which are common among westerners, are taboo in Saudi Arabia, even on the beaches.
What are the main problems in Saudi Arabia? ›- Freedom of Expression, Association, and Belief.
- Yemen Airstrikes and Conflict.
- Criminal Justice.
- Migrants and Migrant Workers.
- Women's Rights.
- Climate Change Policies and Impacts.
Saudi Arabia announced important and necessary reforms in 2020 and 2021, but ongoing repression and contempt for basic rights are major barriers to progress. The near-total repression of independent civil society and critical voices impedes the chances that reform efforts will succeed.
What are the risks of Saudi Arabia? ›Reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia due to the threat of missile and drone attacks on civilian facilities. Exercise increased caution in Saudi Arabia due to terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Is Saudi Arabia good place to live? ›
High standard of living
The combination of a lower living cost of living in Saudi Arabia and much higher wages than in the UK can create a great financial and lifestyle balance. Expats can save money while still enjoying luxuries and high-quality services such as drivers, maids, nannies, and gardeners.
Hundreds of thousands of expats have left Saudi Arabia since the start of the year, with more than a thousand per day quitting or losing their jobs in the region, as the kingdom's plans to drive out expats and increase work opportunities for Saudi nationals take shape.
What are 3 things Saudi Arabia is known for? ›Saudi Arabia is famous for oil, to be the origin of Islam, Arabian horses, the world's largest sand desert (Rub' Al Khali), the world's largest oasis (Al-Ahsa), Arabian coffee, oil, countless palaces, veiled women, countless mosques, Bedouins on horses, Bedouins on camels, Bedouins with falcons, sword-wielding dance ...
What is the medical problem in Saudi Arabia? ›In Saudi Arabia, NCDs are responsible for 73% of all deaths [2]. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of NCD deaths, accounting for 37% of total deaths, followed by cancer at 10%, then diabetes at 3%, respiratory diseases at 3% and other NCDs at 20% [3].
What is the most prevalent type of abuse in Saudi Arabia? ›Although child neglect is the most common form of maltreatment, many studies from Saudi Arabia and other countries have focused on other types of child maltreatment, such as physical and sexual abuse.
Are Saudi Arabia people friendly? ›People in Saudi Arabia are friendly, welcoming, and very steeped in their culture. This guide serves as an overview of what to expect there.
What is considered poor in Saudi Arabia? ›The Saudi government discloses little official data about its poorest citizens. But press reports and private estimates suggest that between 2 million and 4 million of the country's native Saudis live on less than about $530 a month – about $17 a day – considered the poverty line in Saudi Arabia.
What should I avoid in Saudi Arabia? ›...
During this time, do not:
- eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in your car.
- play loud music or dance.
- swear in public.
Tattoos must be covered. Piercings in non-traditional locations (e.g., the eyebrow, lips) may be frowned upon.
What are common accidents in Saudi Arabia? ›Over 65% of accidents occur because of vehicles travelling at excess speed and/or drivers disobeying traffic signals. Of deaths in Ministry of Health hospitals, 81% are due to road traffic accidents and 20% of their beds are occupied by traffic accidents victims.
Where is the safest place to live in Saudi Arabia? ›
Dammam is a safe and fun city to live in
Dammam is the main administrative center of the area, which also includes the cities of Al Khobar and Dhahran. As such, it offers many business opportunities, both for locals and expats. What is especially wonderful about Dammam are its alluring beaches and scenic landscapes.
The cost of living is affordable. Housing, food, and transportation costs are significantly lower in Saudi Arabia than in other major cities worldwide. This means you can live comfortably on a monthly budget of $1,276 – $5,486 (﷼4,787.58 – ﷼20,583.59 SAR) Per Month.