Moving to the Gulf in 2025? Whether you’re considering Dubai’s skyscrapers or Riyadh’s mega‑projects, understanding the cost of living in UAE vs Saudi Arabia is essential. From housing and groceries to transport and healthcare, this guide breaks down expenses so expats can plan their move with confidence.
Table of Contents
Housing Costs
- Dubai & Abu Dhabi (UAE):
- 1‑bedroom apartment in city center: AED 6,000–8,000 / month
- Outside city center: AED 3,500–5,000 / month
- Riyadh & Jeddah (Saudi Arabia):
- 1‑bedroom apartment in city center: SAR 2,500–4,000 / month
- Outside city center: SAR 1,800–2,800 / month
👉 Housing is generally cheaper in Saudi Arabia compared to the UAE.
Groceries & Food
- UAE: Imported goods raise prices. Monthly groceries for a family: AED 1,500–2,000.
- Saudi Arabia: More affordable, especially local produce. Monthly groceries: SAR 1,000–1,400.
Transportation
- UAE: Metro in Dubai is efficient; monthly pass: AED 300. Petrol is cheap, but parking adds costs.
- Saudi Arabia: Public transport is limited but expanding. Petrol is cheaper than UAE; car ownership is common.
Healthcare
- UAE: Mandatory health insurance, usually provided by employers. Private care is high‑quality but costly.
- Saudi Arabia: Also requires employer‑provided insurance. Costs are lower than UAE, but private hospitals in Riyadh/Jeddah are excellent.
Dining Out
- UAE: Mid‑range restaurant meal: AED 60–100 per person.
- Saudi Arabia: Mid‑range restaurant meal: SAR 40–70 per person.
Cost of Living Comparison Table
| Expense Category | UAE (Dubai/Abu Dhabi) | Saudi Arabia (Riyadh/Jeddah) |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (1BR city center) | AED 6,000–8,000 | SAR 2,500–4,000 |
| Groceries (monthly) | AED 1,500–2,000 | SAR 1,000–1,400 |
| Transport (monthly pass) | AED 300 | SAR 150–200 |
| Restaurant Meal | AED 60–100 | SAR 40–70 |
| Healthcare (insurance) | Employer‑provided, AED 500+ if private | Employer‑provided, SAR 300+ if private |
FAQs
Is Saudi Arabia cheaper than UAE for expats?
Yes, overall Saudi Arabia has a lower cost of living, especially in housing and groceries.
Which is better for families, UAE or Saudi Arabia?
UAE offers more international schools and lifestyle options, while Saudi Arabia is more affordable.
Do both countries offer tax‑free salaries?
Yes, both UAE and Saudi Arabia remain tax‑free for expats in 2025.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for affordability, Saudi Arabia wins. If you want modern lifestyle and global exposure, UAE is the better choice. Either way, both countries offer tax‑free salaries, career growth, and expat opportunities in 2025.
✍️ About the Author
This article is published by Gulf Careers Hub, your trusted source for job updates, salary guides, visa sponsorship news, and expat career tips across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, UK, and USA.
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