Cost of Living in Al-Ahsa

Joshua Wood

If you're moving to Al-Ahsa, understanding the the cost of living in Al-Ahsa helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Category	Cost
Apartment Rentals	1-bedroom apartment in city center: 1,500 – 2,500 SAR/month 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: 1,000 – 1,800 SAR/month 3-bedroom apartment in city center: 2,500 – 4,500 SAR/month 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: 2,000 – 3,500 SAR/month
Apartment Purchases	Price per square meter in city center: 3,000 – 5,000 SAR Price per square meter outside city center: 2,000 – 3,500 SAR
Transportation	One-way local transport ticket: 3 – 5 SAR Monthly local transport pass: 150 – 250 SAR Taxi starting tariff: 5 – 10 SAR Taxi 1 km tariff: 2 – 3 SAR Gasoline (1 liter): 1.5 – 2.5 SAR
Groceries	Milk (1 liter): 4 – 6 SAR Bread (500g): 1 – 2 SAR Rice (1 kg): 4 – 7 SAR Eggs (12): 6 – 10 SAR Chicken breasts (1 kg): 15 – 25 SAR Beef round (1 kg): 30 – 50 SAR Apples (1 kg): 5 – 10 SAR Oranges (1 kg): 3 – 6 SAR Tomatoes (1 kg): 2 – 4 SAR Potatoes (1 kg): 2 – 4 SAR Water (1.5-liter bottle): 1 – 2 SAR
Restaurants	Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: 10 – 20 SAR Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: 80 – 150 SAR McMeal at McDonald’s: 20 – 30 SAR Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): 8 – 15 SAR Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): 10 – 20 SAR Cappuccino: 8 – 15 SAR Coke/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle): 1 – 3 SAR Water (0.33-liter bottle): 0.5 – 2 SAR
Utilities	Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment: 100 – 300 SAR/month 1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans): 0.30 – 0.50 SAR Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): 200 – 350 SAR/month
Private School Tuition	Preschool (or kindergarten) tuition, full day, private: 8,000 – 15,000 SAR/year Elementary school tuition, private: 12,000 – 25,000 SAR/year Middle school tuition, private: 15,000 – 30,000 SAR/year High school tuition, private: 18,000 – 35,000 SAR/year

Please note that the costs provided are approximate and may vary depending on the specific area within Al-Ahsa, as well as individual preferences and lifestyle choices. It is always recommended to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Al-Ahsa

“The cost of living in Al-Ahsa, is considered moderate compared to other cities in the country. Housing and rental prices are relatively affordable, especially when compared to larger cities like Riyadh or Jeddah. The cost of groceries and dining out is also reasonable, with a variety of options available to suit different budgets. Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are also reasonably priced. Transportation costs are low due to the availability of affordable public transportation and low fuel prices. Healthcare is generally affordable, with both public and private options available. However, the cost of education, particularly for private or international schools, can be high. Overall, the cost of living in Al-Ahsa is manageable for both locals and expatriates,” said one expat living in Al-Ahsa.

Can I live in Al-Ahsa on $1,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Al-Ahsa for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices. First, you’ll need to find an affordable place to live. I recommend looking for apartments in neighborhoods like Al-Mubarraz or Al-Hofuf, where you can find a decent one or two-bedroom apartment for around $400 to $600 a month. Avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Al-Olaya or Al-Khobar, as rents there can easily go over $1,000 a month.Next, you’ll need to be mindful of your utility bills, especially during the hot summer months when you’ll be using the air conditioning a lot. Try to conserve energy by turning off lights and appliances when not in use, and consider using energy-efficient appliances. You can expect to spend around $100 to $150 a month on utilities.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive, so I suggest using public transportation or ride-sharing apps like Uber or Careem. A monthly public transportation pass costs around $50, while ride-sharing apps can cost you around $100 to $150 a month, depending on how often you use them.For groceries, I recommend shopping at local markets and discount supermarkets like Lulu Hypermarket or Al Sadhan, where you can find affordable products. You can expect to spend around $200 to $300 a month on groceries, depending on your eating habits.Eating out can be quite affordable in Al-Ahsa, especially if you stick to local restaurants and fast food chains. However, if you prefer dining at more upscale restaurants, you’ll need to budget accordingly. I’d say allocate around $100 to $200 a month for eating out, depending on your preferences.Finally, you’ll need to consider your entertainment and leisure expenses. There are plenty of free or low-cost activities in Al-Ahsa, like visiting parks, museums, and historical sites. However, if you enjoy going to the movies, shopping at malls, or participating in other paid activities, you’ll need to budget for those as well. I’d recommend setting aside around $100 to $200 a month for entertainment and leisure.In total, you can expect to spend around $1,000 to $1,300 a month on basic living expenses, leaving you with $200 to $500 for savings or other discretionary spending. It’s definitely doable, but you’ll need to be disciplined with your spending and make some sacrifices to make it work,” commented an expat living in Al-Ahsa.

Can I live in Al-Ahsa on $3,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Al-Ahsa 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 some sacrifices in terms of housing and entertainment options.First, let’s talk about housing. If you want to live in a more upscale neighborhood like Al-Mubarraz or Al-Oyoun, you might find that rent prices are a bit high, especially for larger apartments or villas. However, there are more affordable neighborhoods like Al-Hofuf and Al-Jawharah where you can find decent apartments for a lower price. I personally live in Al-Jawharah, and I’ve found it to be a nice, quiet area with all the basic amenities nearby.As for transportation, owning a car is pretty much a necessity in Al-Ahsa, as public transportation options are limited. Gas prices are relatively low, so that’s a plus. However, you might want to consider buying a used car instead of a new one to save some money.When it comes to groceries and dining out, you’ll find that prices are generally reasonable. Local markets and supermarkets offer a good variety of products at affordable prices, and there are plenty of restaurants with different cuisines to choose from. However, if you’re used to dining at high-end restaurants or buying imported products, you might have to cut back on those expenses a bit.Entertainment options in Al-Ahsa are somewhat limited compared to bigger cities like Riyadh or Jeddah. There are a few malls, movie theaters, and parks, but you might find yourself missing some of the more diverse options available in larger cities. That being said, there are still plenty of things to do and see in the area, like visiting the Al-Ahsa Oasis or exploring the nearby desert.In terms of healthcare, there are several hospitals and clinics in Al-Ahsa, but you might want to consider getting private health insurance to ensure you have access to the best care possible. This can be an additional expense, but it’s worth it for peace of mind.Overall, living in Al-Ahsa on $3,000 a month is doable, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, cutting back on luxury expenses, and finding entertainment in the local culture and natural beauty of the area, you can live comfortably and enjoy your time in Saudi Arabia,” said one expat living in Al-Ahsa.

Can I live in Al-Ahsa on $5,000 a month?

“I’ve been living in Al-Ahsa for a few years now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. However, there might be some sacrifices you’ll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, housing can be quite expensive in certain neighborhoods, so you’ll want to avoid areas like Al-Mubarraz and Al-Hofuf, as they tend to be on the pricier side. Instead, consider looking for accommodation in more affordable neighborhoods like Al-Oyoun, Al-Jawhara, or Al-Sarowat. You can find decent apartments or even small villas in these areas that won’t break the bank.When it comes to transportation, owning a car is pretty much a necessity in Al-Ahsa, as public transportation isn’t very reliable. However, fuel prices are quite low, so that should help offset the cost of owning a vehicle. Just make sure to choose a fuel-efficient car to keep your expenses in check.As for groceries and dining out, you’ll find that the cost of living in Al-Ahsa is generally lower than in many Western countries. Local markets and supermarkets offer a wide variety of fresh produce and other essentials at reasonable prices. Dining out can be quite affordable too, especially if you stick to local restaurants and avoid high-end establishments.One sacrifice you might have to make is in terms of entertainment options. Al-Ahsa doesn’t have as many options for leisure activities as you might be used to, especially when it comes to nightlife. However, there are still plenty of things to do, such as visiting the local parks, malls, and historical sites, or taking weekend trips to nearby cities like Dammam or Bahrain.In terms of healthcare, there are several good hospitals and clinics in Al-Ahsa, but you’ll want to make sure you have comprehensive health insurance to cover any medical expenses. This is especially important if you have any pre-existing conditions or require regular medical care.Overall, living in Al-Ahsa on a $5,000 a month budget is definitely doable, as long as you’re willing to make some adjustments and be mindful of your spending. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being smart about transportation, and enjoying the local culture and cuisine, you can have a comfortable and enjoyable experience in this unique part of Saudi Arabia,” commented an expat living in Al-Ahsa.

Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

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