Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Saudi Arabia Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Saudi Arabia Property Pack
Retiring in Saudi Arabia is not like retiring in most other countries because your biggest challenge is not just having enough money, it is securing the right residency pathway to stay long-term.
In this guide, we break down realistic monthly budgets at every lifestyle level, current housing prices in Saudi Arabia, and the visa and tax rules that actually matter for foreign retirees in 2026.
We constantly update this blog post with fresh data as the Saudi market evolves, so you always have accurate numbers to plan with.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Saudi Arabia.
How much money do I need to retire in Saudi Arabia right now?
What's the absolute minimum monthly budget to survive in Saudi Arabia?
The absolute minimum monthly budget to survive in Saudi Arabia as a single retiree is around SAR 5,500 to SAR 7,000 (about $1,470 to $1,870 or €1,350 to €1,720) in lower-cost cities like Dammam or Abha, and SAR 7,000 to SAR 9,000 ($1,870 to $2,400 or €1,720 to €2,210) in Riyadh.
At this minimum budget level in Saudi Arabia, you can cover a small apartment outside premium expat neighborhoods, basic private health insurance, essential groceries, and practical transportation like occasional ride-hailing or a basic used car.
Living on this minimum budget in Saudi Arabia means accepting significant trade-offs: you will likely live farther from central districts, skip most dining out and social activities, and have limited flexibility if unexpected medical or car expenses arise.
What lifestyle do I get with $2,000/month in Saudi Arabia in 2026?
As of early 2026, a budget of $2,000 per month (about SAR 7,500 or €1,840) in Saudi Arabia provides a workable lifestyle in Riyadh if you manage rent carefully, and a more comfortable experience in cities like Jeddah or the Eastern Province where costs run lower.
On $2,000 per month in Saudi Arabia, you can afford a modest 1-bedroom apartment in Riyadh for around SAR 2,500 to SAR 3,500 ($670 to $930 or €615 to €855), typically in areas like Qurtubah or parts of Al Narjis rather than premium districts like Al Olaya or the Diplomatic Quarter.
At this budget level in Saudi Arabia, you can enjoy occasional coffee shop visits, basic gym memberships, and the occasional meal at mid-range restaurants, but frequent entertainment or weekend trips will strain your finances.
The main limitation at $2,000 per month in Saudi Arabia is transportation: Riyadh is sprawling and car-centric, so you will either spend heavily on ride-hailing or need to budget for a basic vehicle, which can eat into your other spending.
What lifestyle do I get with $3,000/month in Saudi Arabia in 2026?
As of early 2026, a budget of $3,000 per month (about SAR 11,250 or €2,760) in Saudi Arabia gives you a solid comfortable lifestyle in Riyadh and allows you to live well in Jeddah or the Eastern Province without financial stress.
On $3,000 per month in Saudi Arabia, you can rent a nice 1-bedroom or even a 2-bedroom apartment in sought-after Riyadh neighborhoods like As Sulaymaniyah, Al Malqa, or Hittin for SAR 4,000 to SAR 6,000 ($1,070 to $1,600 or €980 to €1,470), with newer buildings and better amenities.
At this level in Saudi Arabia, you can dine out weekly at quality restaurants, join a good fitness club, take occasional domestic trips to places like AlUla or the Red Sea coast, and maintain an active social calendar without constant budget anxiety.
The key upgrade from $2,000 to $3,000 per month in Saudi Arabia is transportation flexibility: you can comfortably afford a reliable car with insurance and fuel, or use ride-hailing freely without worrying that it will derail your other spending.
What lifestyle do I get with $5,000/month in Saudi Arabia in 2026?
As of early 2026, a budget of $5,000 per month (about SAR 18,750 or €4,600) in Saudi Arabia delivers an upper-comfortable lifestyle with prime housing and frequent travel, while $10,000 per month (SAR 37,500 or €9,200) puts you firmly in luxury territory with high-end compounds and premium services.
At $5,000 per month in Saudi Arabia, you can rent upscale apartments or villas in prestigious Riyadh areas like the Diplomatic Quarter or Al Aqiq for SAR 8,000 to SAR 12,000 ($2,130 to $3,200 or €1,960 to €2,940), while $10,000 per month opens doors to luxury compounds and fully serviced residences costing SAR 15,000 to SAR 25,000 ($4,000 to $6,670 or €3,680 to €6,130).
In the $5,000 to $10,000 per month range in Saudi Arabia, you gain access to premium healthcare networks with top private hospitals, household help or driver services, memberships at exclusive clubs, frequent regional travel, and fine dining without budget constraints.
How much for a "comfortable" retirement in Saudi Arabia in 2026?
As of early 2026, a comfortable retirement budget for one person in Saudi Arabia is around SAR 11,000 to SAR 14,000 per month ($2,930 to $3,730 or €2,700 to €3,430) in Riyadh, and SAR 9,000 to SAR 12,000 ($2,400 to $3,200 or €2,210 to €2,940) in Jeddah or the Eastern Province.
A safe monthly buffer to add in Saudi Arabia is around 25% of your target budget, which means an extra SAR 2,500 to SAR 3,500 ($670 to $930 or €615 to €855) per month to handle unexpected medical costs, rent variations, or car repairs.
A comfortable retirement budget in Saudi Arabia covers what a basic budget does not: better private health insurance with broader hospital networks, a newer car or frequent ride-hailing, regular dining out, gym memberships, and occasional domestic travel to destinations like Jeddah's beaches or the mountains of Abha.
How much for a "luxury" retirement in Saudi Arabia in 2026?
As of early 2026, a luxury retirement budget in Saudi Arabia requires SAR 20,000 to SAR 35,000 per month ($5,300 to $9,300 or €4,880 to €8,560) in Riyadh, and SAR 17,000 to SAR 30,000 ($4,500 to $8,000 or €4,140 to €7,360) in Jeddah.
A luxury retirement in Saudi Arabia includes premium housing in top compounds or high-end towers costing SAR 12,000 to SAR 25,000 per month ($3,200 to $6,670 or €2,940 to €6,130), private driver services around SAR 3,000 to SAR 5,000 monthly ($800 to $1,330 or €735 to €1,225), household help, and top-tier international health coverage at SAR 2,500 to SAR 4,000 per month ($670 to $1,070 or €615 to €985).
The most popular neighborhoods for luxury retirees in Saudi Arabia include the Diplomatic Quarter and Al Olaya in Riyadh, Al Shati and Al Hamra along Jeddah's waterfront, and upscale compounds in Al Khobar for those preferring the Eastern Province's quieter pace.
The main advantage of a luxury budget in Saudi Arabia beyond comfort is access: it unlocks the best private healthcare networks with shorter wait times, prime real estate locations that are otherwise hard to secure, and the flexibility to travel frequently across the Gulf region without financial concern.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Saudi Arabia. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
What are the real monthly expenses for retirees in Saudi Arabia in 2026?
What is a realistic monthly budget breakdown by category in Saudi Arabia?
A realistic monthly budget breakdown for a comfortable retiree in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia totals around $3,330 (€3,060), split roughly as: rent 30 to 35%, food and groceries 15 to 20%, transport 10 to 15%, healthcare 8 to 12%, utilities and communications 5 to 8%, and leisure and miscellaneous 15 to 20%.
Housing costs in Saudi Arabia typically consume the largest share at 30 to 40% of your budget, with a decent 1-bedroom in Riyadh running SAR 3,000 to SAR 5,500 per month ($800 to $1,470 or €735 to €1,350).
Food and groceries in Saudi Arabia generally account for 15 to 20% of a comfortable budget, with monthly grocery spending around SAR 1,200 to SAR 1,800 ($320 to $480 or €295 to €440) for someone cooking mostly at home.
The budget category that varies most in Saudi Arabia is transportation, which can swing from SAR 800 per month ($215 or €195) if you own an economical car to SAR 2,500 ($670 or €615) if you rely heavily on ride-hailing in sprawling Riyadh.
What fees surprise foreigners most after moving to Saudi Arabia?
The top three hidden fees that surprise foreigners in Saudi Arabia are: housing deposits and agency fees that can equal two to three months' rent upfront (SAR 6,000 to SAR 16,500 or $1,600 to $4,400 or €1,470 to €4,050), compliant health insurance requirements that cost more than expected if you want good hospital networks, and the 15% VAT on most purchases that adds up faster than newcomers anticipate.
One-time setup fees foreigners should budget for when arriving in Saudi Arabia include security deposits, potential furniture costs for unfurnished apartments (SAR 5,000 to SAR 15,000 or $1,330 to $4,000 or €1,225 to €3,680), driving license conversion fees, and initial car insurance, which together can easily reach SAR 15,000 to SAR 30,000 ($4,000 to $8,000 or €3,680 to €7,360).
What's the average rent for a 1-bedroom or a 2-bedroom in Saudi Arabia in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia ranges from SAR 2,300 to SAR 5,500 ($615 to $1,470 or €565 to €1,350), while a 2-bedroom runs SAR 3,500 to SAR 8,500 ($930 to $2,270 or €855 to €2,085).
For a 1-bedroom in Saudi Arabia, budget neighborhoods like parts of Al Narjis or the outskirts of Jeddah start around SAR 2,000 to SAR 2,500 ($535 to $670 or €490 to €615), while upscale areas like Riyadh's Al Olaya or Jeddah's Al Shati can reach SAR 5,000 to SAR 6,500 ($1,330 to $1,730 or €1,225 to €1,595).
For a 2-bedroom in Saudi Arabia, more affordable options in Dammam or outer Jeddah start around SAR 3,200 to SAR 4,000 ($855 to $1,070 or €785 to €985), while premium Riyadh districts like the Diplomatic Quarter or Hittin can command SAR 7,000 to SAR 10,000 ($1,870 to $2,670 or €1,720 to €2,455).
Neighborhoods offering the best value for retirees seeking affordable rent in Saudi Arabia include Qurtubah and Al Rawdah in Riyadh, Al Salamah and Al Andalus in Jeddah, and most residential areas in Dammam and Al Khobar in the Eastern Province.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the latest rent data in Saudi Arabia.
What do utilities cost monthly in Saudi Arabia in 2026?
As of early 2026, the total monthly utilities cost for a typical retiree apartment in Saudi Arabia ranges from SAR 250 to SAR 450 ($67 to $120 or €60 to €110) for a small 1-bedroom, and SAR 400 to SAR 800 ($107 to $215 or €100 to €195) for a larger 2-bedroom.
The typical monthly breakdown in Saudi Arabia is: electricity SAR 150 to SAR 500 ($40 to $135 or €37 to €125) depending heavily on air conditioning usage, water SAR 50 to SAR 150 ($13 to $40 or €12 to €37), and cooking gas (if applicable) SAR 30 to SAR 80 ($8 to $21 or €7 to €20).
Internet and mobile phone service in Saudi Arabia typically costs SAR 250 to SAR 450 per month ($67 to $120 or €60 to €110) combined, with fiber internet packages around SAR 150 to SAR 300 ($40 to $80 or €37 to €74) and mobile plans with good data at SAR 100 to SAR 200 ($27 to $53 or €25 to €49).
What's the monthly food and transportation budget for one person in Saudi Arabia in 2026?
As of early 2026, the combined monthly food and transportation budget for one person in Saudi Arabia ranges from SAR 2,000 to SAR 4,500 ($535 to $1,200 or €490 to €1,105) depending on lifestyle choices and city.
A realistic monthly grocery budget in Saudi Arabia for a single retiree cooking at home is SAR 1,200 to SAR 1,800 ($320 to $480 or €295 to €440) for standard groceries, rising to SAR 2,000 to SAR 3,000 ($535 to $800 or €490 to €735) if you prefer imported products and premium ingredients.
Dining out regularly in Saudi Arabia versus cooking at home makes a noticeable difference: eating out three to four times per week adds SAR 900 to SAR 1,800 ($240 to $480 or €220 to €440) monthly, compared to occasional meals out at SAR 300 to SAR 600 ($80 to $160 or €74 to €145).
Transportation in Saudi Arabia costs around SAR 800 to SAR 1,800 per month ($215 to $480 or €195 to €440) if you own a car (covering fuel, insurance, and maintenance), but rises to SAR 1,200 to SAR 2,500 ($320 to $670 or €295 to €615) if you rely primarily on ride-hailing apps like Uber or Careem in a sprawling city like Riyadh.
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Can I retire in Saudi Arabia if I want to buy property in 2026?
What's the average home price in Saudi Arabia in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average apartment price in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia ranges from SAR 500,000 to SAR 1,200,000 ($133,000 to $320,000 or €122,500 to €294,500) for a good 1 to 2 bedroom unit, while Jeddah apartments typically run SAR 350,000 to SAR 900,000 ($93,000 to $240,000 or €85,500 to €220,500).
Price ranges in Saudi Arabia vary significantly by location: affordable areas in Jeddah or smaller cities start around SAR 300,000 to SAR 500,000 ($80,000 to $133,000 or €73,500 to €122,500), while premium Riyadh neighborhoods like Al Olaya or the Diplomatic Quarter can exceed SAR 1,500,000 ($400,000 or €368,000) for quality units.
For retirees in Saudi Arabia, apartments in established residential compounds or mid-rise buildings generally offer the best value because they come with built-in maintenance services, security, and often community amenities, reducing the hassle of standalone property ownership in an unfamiliar market.
Please note that you will find all the information you need in our pack about properties in Saudi Arabia.
What down payment do foreigners usually need in Saudi Arabia in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreigners buying property in Saudi Arabia should plan for a down payment of at least 30% of the purchase price, which means SAR 150,000 to SAR 360,000 ($40,000 to $96,000 or €36,800 to €88,300) on a typical SAR 500,000 to SAR 1,200,000 apartment.
Foreigners in Saudi Arabia often face stricter mortgage requirements than Saudi nationals, with many banks requiring higher down payments, additional documentation, and proof of stable residency status, which is why many foreign buyers opt for cash purchases instead.
We have a document entirely dedicated to the mortgage process in our pack about properties in Saudi Arabia.
[VARIABLE MORTGAGE]What's the all-in monthly cost to own in Saudi Arabia in 2026?
As of early 2026, the all-in monthly cost to own a typical apartment in Saudi Arabia ranges from SAR 5,000 to SAR 6,500 ($1,330 to $1,730 or €1,225 to €1,595) for a SAR 900,000 property purchased with a 30% down payment and 20-year mortgage.
This all-in monthly figure in Saudi Arabia includes: mortgage payment around SAR 4,100 ($1,095 or €1,005), maintenance and HOA fees SAR 500 to SAR 1,200 ($135 to $320 or €125 to €295), home insurance SAR 100 to SAR 250 ($27 to $67 or €25 to €60), and utilities SAR 300 to SAR 700 ($80 to $185 or €75 to €170).
Property taxes in Saudi Arabia work differently than in many countries: there is no annual property tax, but you will pay ongoing HOA or compound maintenance fees typically ranging SAR 500 to SAR 1,500 ($135 to $400 or €125 to €370) per month depending on the building's amenities.
The hidden cost that catches new buyers off guard in Saudi Arabia is the upfront transaction fees: the Real Estate Transaction Tax (RETT) is 5% of the purchase price, and foreigners may face an additional fee of up to 5% under the updated ownership framework, meaning you should budget 5% to 10% of the property value (SAR 45,000 to SAR 90,000 or $12,000 to $24,000 or €11,000 to €22,000 on a SAR 900,000 purchase) just for taxes and fees.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing the property taxes and fees in Saudi Arabia.
Is buying cheaper than renting in Saudi Arabia in 2026?
As of early 2026, buying is often not cheaper than renting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in the short term because the all-in monthly ownership cost of around SAR 5,500 to SAR 6,500 ($1,470 to $1,730 or €1,350 to €1,595) for a mid-range apartment frequently exceeds comparable rental costs of SAR 3,500 to SAR 5,000 ($930 to $1,330 or €855 to €1,225) once you factor in transaction taxes.
The typical break-even point in Saudi Arabia where buying becomes financially advantageous over renting is around 7 to 10 years, primarily because the 5% to 10% upfront transaction costs (RETT plus potential foreign buyer fees) take years to recover through avoided rent payments or property appreciation.
Key factors that make buying more or less attractive for retirees in Saudi Arabia include the Riyadh rent freeze policy (which limits landlord rent increases and makes renting more predictable), your residency stability (since property ownership is tied to specific residency categories under the January 2026 law), and whether you plan to pay cash (which eliminates mortgage interest and makes the math more favorable).
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Saudi Arabia versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What visas, taxes, and healthcare costs should I plan for in Saudi Arabia in 2026?
What retirement visa options exist in Saudi Arabia in 2026?
As of early 2026, Saudi Arabia does not have a traditional retirement visa, but the main long-term residency option for retirees is Premium Residency, which costs around SAR 800,000 ($213,000 or €196,000) for the permanent (unlimited) version or SAR 100,000 per year ($26,700 or €24,500) for the renewable (limited) version.
Key financial requirements for Saudi Premium Residency include demonstrating sufficient income or investment capacity, property ownership above certain thresholds, or meeting other eligibility criteria that vary by residency product type, with specific requirements confirmed during the application process through the official portal.
Annual visa renewal costs in Saudi Arabia for the limited Premium Residency track run approximately SAR 100,000 ($26,700 or €24,500) per year, and the renewal process involves maintaining eligibility requirements and submitting updated documentation through the official system.
The most common visa mistake foreign retirees make with Saudi Arabia is assuming a tourist eVisa (which allows stays of up to 90 days) is a viable long-term solution, when in reality you need a formal residency pathway like Premium Residency if you want to actually live in Saudi Arabia year-round.
Please note that we keep this page updated with the residency pathways in Saudi Arabia.
Do I pay tax on foreign income in Saudi Arabia in 2026?
As of early 2026, Saudi Arabia generally does not levy personal income tax on individuals, so most retirees do not pay Saudi tax on their foreign pensions, Social Security, or investment income.
Foreign income sources like pensions, investment dividends, and Social Security payments are typically not taxed in Saudi Arabia for individual residents, making it attractive from a direct income tax perspective compared to many Western countries.
Saudi Arabia has tax treaties with numerous countries, but because there is no personal income tax to credit or offset, these treaties primarily address corporate taxation and withholding on certain cross-border payments rather than affecting typical retiree income.
The single most important tax rule foreign retirees should understand before moving to Saudi Arabia is that while you avoid Saudi income tax, you still face 15% VAT on most purchases, 5% to 10% transaction taxes if you buy property, and you remain potentially liable for taxes in your home country depending on its citizenship-based or residency-based tax rules.
What health insurance do retirees need in Saudi Arabia in 2026?
As of early 2026, retirees in Saudi Arabia need private health insurance, which typically costs SAR 500 to SAR 2,000 per month ($135 to $535 or €125 to €490) depending on coverage level, age, and whether you want access to premium hospital networks.
Foreigners in Saudi Arabia generally cannot access subsidized public healthcare and must rely on private insurance, with coverage requirements formally regulated by the Council of Cooperative Health Insurance (CCHI), which means compliant insurance is not optional but a practical necessity for visa and residency purposes.
A realistic total annual healthcare budget for a retiree in Saudi Arabia, including insurance premiums plus out-of-pocket costs for medications and routine care, is SAR 12,000 to SAR 36,000 ($3,200 to $9,600 or €2,940 to €8,830), with higher costs for those with chronic conditions or who want top-tier coverage with minimal co-pays.
Buying real estate in Saudi Arabia can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Saudi Arabia, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) | The central bank sets the official SAR-USD exchange rate policy. | We used it to lock our working conversion at $1 = SAR 3.75. We then priced every budget line in both currencies using that fixed anchor. |
| GASTAT | Saudi Arabia's national statistics agency publishes official CPI data. | We used it to sanity-check our 2026 cost assumptions against real inflation trends. We ensured our estimates stay grounded in official price dynamics. |
| ZATCA (Real Estate Transaction Tax) | ZATCA is the tax authority that defines the official RETT framework. | We used it to price the baseline 5% transaction tax when buying property. We then added potential foreign buyer fees from REGA guidance. |
| REGA (Foreign Ownership Q&A) | REGA is the real estate regulator explaining the new January 2026 law. | We used it to anchor what foreigners can buy and the potential up-to-10% total fee concept. We flagged that ownership is limited to designated areas. |
| PwC Tax Summaries | PwC is a top global tax firm with a maintained reference page. | We used it to confirm Saudi Arabia has no personal income tax on individuals. We then explained that consumption and transaction taxes matter more for budgets. |
| Global Property Guide | A long-running property data publisher with transparent methodology. | We used it as a baseline median asking rent benchmark for Riyadh 1-bedrooms. We cross-checked against live listings to keep estimates realistic. |
| Property Finder Saudi | A major regional listing marketplace showing real-time prices. | We used it to see current spread between budget and premium units in real neighborhoods. We built our rent range assumptions from this real data. |
| Cavendish Maxwell | An established real estate consultancy with structured market reports. | We used it to anchor price momentum for sales and rents in Riyadh and Jeddah. We kept our 2026 expectations consistent with recent market direction. |
| AP News | AP is a major wire service strong on factual policy reporting. | We used it to corroborate the Riyadh rent freeze policy independently. We reduced risk of relying on a single outlet for this policy detail. |
| CCHI (Council of Cooperative Health Insurance) | The health insurance regulator defining mandatory coverage rules. | We used it to confirm that insurance is not optional paperwork in Saudi Arabia. We built realistic retiree healthcare line items from their requirements. |
| Visit Saudi (eVisa Portal) | The official tourism visa portal for tourist stay rules. | We used it to anchor that tourist visas are not a retirement solution due to time limits. We steered retirees toward proper residency routes for long-term stays. |
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Saudi Arabia compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
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