Saudi Arabia

SAUDI ARABIA COST OF LIVING (2024–2025) ACCOMMODATION Most employers provide FREE accommodation (especially in healthcare, construction, domestic). If self-arranged: • Riyadh — 1BR: SAR 1,800–4,500/month • Jeddah — 1BR: SAR 2,000–5,000/month • Dammam — 1BR: SAR 1,500–3,500/month • Room in shared flat: SAR 500–900/month FOOD • Home cooking: SAR 500–900/month • Restaurant meal: SAR 15–35 • Sri Lankan restaurants: Available in Al Malaz (Riyadh), Al Balad (Jeddah) • Hypermarkets: Panda, Carrefour, Tamimi, Al Raya TRANSPORTATION • Taxi: Uber/Careem widely available, SAR 5–20 for city rides • Bus: SAPTCO runs intercity routes • Driving: Roads are excellent; car culture dominates • Petrol: Cheap — SAR 2.33/litre (91 octane) • Used car: SAR 15,000–40,000 UTILITIES • If not included in package: Electricity SAR 200–400/month • Water is heavily subsidized by government • Mobile: STC, Mobily, Zain — prepaid from SAR 50 SALARY RANGES (Tax-free) • Nurse (registered): SAR 4,000–8,000 • Teacher: SAR 4,000–7,000 • Engineer (civil/mechanical): SAR 6,000–15,000 • IT professional: SAR 5,000–14,000 • Security Guard: SAR 1,200–2,000 • Construction Worker (skilled): SAR 1,000–2,500 • Driver: SAR 1,500–2,800 • Cook/Chef: SAR 2,000–5,000 REMITTANCES • Saudi to SL: Al Rajhi Bank, STC Pay, Western Union • Transfer very easy and cheap (SAR 5–15 fee) • Rate: ~LKR 70–75 per SAR