Fortunately it is very cheap to live and work in Saudi Arabia, especially in Riyadh, as there is not a lot to spend money on (in terms of attractions, cost of food and transportation). So here’s hoping I can make some money and save it too.
Saudi Arabia does not overly promote tourism therefore finding accommodation without knowing someone in Saudi Arabia is tricky. Accommodation in Riyadh can be categorised into two types, compounds and local accommodation. Local accommodation is classed as (town) houses whereas compounds are similar but are generally aimed at businessmen and are westernised providing amenities such as pools, gyms, restaurants etc. To stay in a one-bedroom apartment in a Western compound can cost around $2200 NZD a month. To stay in decent local accommodation, that is still very basic (provides windows, necessary furnishing) costs around $1030 NZD a month. I will opt to stay in decent local accommodation, which will cost me just over $2000 NZD (if not less) for the duration of my stay in Riyadh. The reason for staying in semi decent accommodation is that it is still reasonably affordable and spending two months in a studio room with no windows may become a bit tedious.
Another bonus of temporarily living in Saudi Arabia is the cost of food is heavily subsidised. Fruits and vegetables tend to be a lot cheaper than those in Western countries as well as a lot of other foods. For example here are the following costs of some foods:
- A kg of bananas $2.17 NZD
- A kg of apples $2.63 NZD
- A kg of oranges $1.86 NZD
- A kg of potatoes $1.38 NZD
- A kg of onions $1.36 NZD
- A kg of lettuce $1.38 NZD
- A loaf of white bread (500g) $0.96 NZD
- A litre of milk (regular) $1.72 NZD
- A kg of boneless and skinless chicken breast $7.97 NZD
- A kg of beef $14.91 NZD
- A basic lunchtime meal with a drink in the business area $15 NZD
- A combo meal at a fast food restaurant $9 NZD
Check out the prices of other popular food items here – http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/city_result.jsp?country=Saudi+Arabia&city=Riyadh&displayCurrency=NZD
With these prices in mind, I will budget for $1200 NZD (3,045 SAR) on food, predominantly buying groceries from a local supermarket with the occasion to have a meal out every now and then.
Fuel in Saudi Arabia is also extremely cheap with grade 91 petrol costing just 10 cents a litre! However due to the fact women are not allowed to drive on public roads means I will have to opt for public transport or taxis. Taxis roughly cost around $5-$6 NZD when travelling within a reasonable distance.
Hopefully I will be able to find a place close to town to save on transportation.
In terms of spending money I will use what I earn over there because lets be honest, this is a business venture.
For more information on the cost of living in Saudi Arabia refer to this blog http://www.bankerinthesun.com/2014/05/cost-living-saudi-arabia/
Jessica Barron 