| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Apartment Rentals | Rental costs in Khobar can vary greatly depending on the location and size of the apartment. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost around 1,500 to 2,500 SAR per month, while a three-bedroom apartment can range from 3,000 to 5,000 SAR per month. Outside the city center, the cost can be significantly lower, with one-bedroom apartments costing around 1,000 to 1,500 SAR and three-bedroom apartments ranging from 2,000 to 3,500 SAR per month. |
| Apartment Purchases | The price of buying an apartment in Khobar can also vary greatly. On average, the price per square meter in the city center can range from 6,000 to 8,000 SAR, while outside the city center, the price can range from 3,500 to 5,000 SAR per square meter. |
| Transportation | Public transportation in Khobar is relatively affordable. A one-way ticket on local transport can cost around 2 SAR, while a monthly pass can cost around 100 SAR. Taxis start at around 5 SAR, with an additional 2 SAR per kilometer. The cost of gasoline is also quite low, at around 2 SAR per liter. |
| Groceries | The cost of groceries in Khobar is relatively low compared to many Western countries. A liter of milk costs around 2 SAR, a loaf of bread around 2 SAR, a dozen eggs around 6 SAR, and a kilogram of chicken fillets around 20 SAR. Fruits and vegetables are also quite affordable, with a kilogram of apples or oranges costing around 5 SAR, and a kilogram of potatoes or onions costing around 2 SAR. |
| Restaurants | The cost of eating out in Khobar can vary depending on the type of restaurant. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant can cost around 20 SAR, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant can cost around 150 SAR. A regular cappuccino can cost around 12 SAR. |
| Utilities | Utilities in Khobar are relatively affordable. Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, can cost around 200 to 300 SAR per month. Internet can cost around 200 SAR per month. |
| Private School Tuition | Private school tuition in Khobar can vary greatly depending on the school. On average, annual tuition for preschool can range from 10,000 to 20,000 SAR, while annual tuition for elementary school, middle school, and high school can range from 20,000 to 40,000 SAR. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Khobar
“The cost of living in Khobar, can vary greatly depending on one’s lifestyle and preferences. Generally, the cost of housing is considered to be relatively high, especially for expatriates who prefer to live in gated communities or high-end apartments. However, local apartments and houses can be more affordable. Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are typically not very expensive, and the cost of gasoline is also quite low due to the country’s rich oil reserves. Food costs can vary, with local markets and grocery stores offering affordable options, while dining out at restaurants can be more expensive. Imported goods and luxury items tend to be pricier due to import taxes. Transportation costs are generally low, especially for those who choose to drive, as the cost of owning and maintaining a car is relatively inexpensive. Public transportation is also available and is reasonably priced. Healthcare in Khobar is of a high standard, but it can be costly, especially for private healthcare services. However, many employers offer health insurance as part of their employment packages. Education costs can be high, particularly for international schools, which are often the preferred choice for expatriates. Overall, while the cost of living in Khobar can be high compared to other cities in Saudi Arabia, it is often offset by higher salaries and benefits such as housing allowances and healthcare provided by employers,” said one expat living in Khobar.
Can I live in Khobar on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Khobar for a few years now and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but it does require some careful budgeting and lifestyle adjustments. The cost of living in Khobar is relatively low compared to other major cities in Saudi Arabia, but it’s still higher than some might expect. Firstly, housing is going to be your biggest expense. If you’re looking for a modern, fully furnished apartment in a popular expat area like Al Bandariyah or Al Ulaya, you’re looking at around $800 to $1,000 a month. However, if you’re willing to live a bit further out in areas like Al Thuqbah or Al Aqrabiyah, you can find decent apartments for around $500 to $600 a month. Food is relatively cheap, especially if you’re willing to eat local cuisine. You can get a good meal for around $5 to $10. If you prefer western food, it’s going to be a bit more expensive, but still affordable. Transportation is another factor to consider. Public transportation is not very reliable, so most expats either drive or use taxis. Gas is cheap, but if you’re planning on buying a car, that’s going to be a significant upfront cost. Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Uber are affordable, but the costs can add up if you’re using them daily. Utilities like electricity, water, and internet are relatively cheap. You’re looking at around $100 to $150 a month for all of these combined. As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or cheap things to do in Khobar. The Corniche is a beautiful place to walk or jog, and there are plenty of parks and beaches. However, if you’re into nightlife or fine dining, you might find Khobar a bit lacking. In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the luxuries you’re used to. You might have to live in a smaller apartment or in a less desirable neighborhood. You might have to cook more at home instead of eating out. You might have to limit your use of taxis or consider buying a used car instead of a new one. But overall, I think it’s definitely possible to live comfortably in Khobar on $1,500 a month. It just requires some careful planning and budgeting,” commented an expat living in Khobar.
Can I live in Khobar on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Khobar for a few years now and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make a few sacrifices. For instance, you might not be able to dine out at high-end restaurants every night or live in the most luxurious neighborhoods. But, you can still enjoy a good quality of life. The cost of living in Khobar is relatively lower compared to other major cities in Saudi Arabia. Rent is probably going to be your biggest expense. If you want to live in a more upscale neighborhood like Al Bandariyah, you might have to shell out anywhere from $1,000 to $1,500 a month for a decent apartment. On the other hand, if you choose to live in a more affordable neighborhood like Al Aqrabiyah or Al Olaya, you can find a nice apartment for around $500 to $800 a month. Groceries are quite affordable here. You can expect to spend around $200 to $300 a month on groceries. Utilities like electricity, water, and internet will probably cost you around $100 to $150 a month. Transportation is also quite affordable. If you choose to use public transportation, it will cost you around $50 a month. If you prefer to drive, petrol is quite cheap here. However, you’ll have to factor in the cost of buying and maintaining a car. Eating out can be as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be. There are plenty of affordable local restaurants where you can get a meal for less than $10. However, if you prefer to eat at more upscale restaurants, you can expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $50 per meal. In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of affordable options. You can go to the cinema for less than $10, or visit one of the many beautiful parks or beaches for free. Overall, if you’re careful with your spending, you can live quite comfortably on $3,000 a month in Khobar. However, you might have to make a few sacrifices, like living in a more affordable neighborhood and eating out less often. But, you can still enjoy a good quality of life and have access to all the modern amenities you’re used to,” said one expat living in Khobar.
Can I live in Khobar on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in Khobar for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, even with a taste for modern amenities. The cost of living here is quite reasonable compared to many other cities in the world. For instance, you can rent a nice, modern two-bedroom apartment in a good neighborhood for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month. Some of the affordable neighborhoods I’d recommend are Al Aqrabiyah and Al Olaya. They’re centrally located, have a good mix of local and expat residents, and are close to shopping centers, restaurants, and other amenities. If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, neighborhoods like Al Bandariyah and Al Rakkah are great, but they can be a bit pricier. I’d say avoid the super expensive areas like Al Khobar Al Shamalia unless you’re willing to allocate a larger portion of your budget to housing. As for other expenses, utilities are quite cheap, usually not more than $100 a month. Groceries will probably run you about $200 to $300 a month, depending on your eating habits. Eating out is also quite affordable, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $10 to $15. Transportation costs are also low, especially if you’re driving. Gas is incredibly cheap here, and car maintenance costs are reasonable. If you’re using public transportation, a monthly pass is around $50. So, all in all, you can live quite comfortably on $5,000 a month in Khobar without having to make too many sacrifices. Of course, everyone’s lifestyle and spending habits are different, so your mileage may vary. But in my experience, it’s a comfortable budget that allows for a good quality of life,” commented an expat living in Khobar.
