If you’ve been thinking about whether your move to Saudi Arabia should take you to Riyadh or Jeddah, allow ServiceMarket to help you come to a decision. While both cities will most likely shape a better future for you and your family, you might want to take a look at the cost of living first if you have the option to choose between them. Before hiring a moving company in Jeddah or Riyadh for your relocation, read through this article to compare the costs of living between the two.
First up, Food
During a regular working week, you might eat out on an average of 4 nights, and if you’re going for an inexpensive meal you’re likely to spend roughly 20 riyals in both Riyadh and Jeddah. Luckily, this means there’s no difference and you can rest assured that you’re not paying a lot more in one city than the other. Everyone likes to indulge in junk food every once in a while, do it guilt-free especially when you’re relocating to a new city and cooking isn’t high on your list. This also applies to fancier restaurants; prices at fine-dining restaurants are practically identical.
Before making a grocery list, it helps to know an estimate of the cost per trip to the supermarket. Like in any new place, you’ll have to get used to new prices and maybe a new currency. Here are some of the differences between Riyadh and Jeddah prices:
- A loaf of bread would cost 20% more in Jeddah than in Riyadh.
- On average, fruits and vegetables are 5-10% more expensive in Jeddah than in Riyadh.
- Meanwhile, poultry and meat cost less in Jeddah; almost 4-7% less.
- Rice and eggs might be 12% cheaper in Jeddah, but Riyadh has lower-priced dairy in general.
Getting Around
Transportation is one of the main things you need to think about before making the decision between Riyadh and Jeddah. For those who frequently need to use taxis, whether you’re saving up for a car or just prefer being driven around; taxis in Jeddah are more expensive to use than in Riyadh. So before you call the international movers in Jeddah; plan on budgeting to buy a car to save in the future.
Everyone assumes Saudi Arabia’s gasoline prices are the same, but they differ from city to city. In Riyadh, expect to pay 1.28 riyals per liter; while in Jeddah, you’ll be paying around 1.3 riyals per liter. Monthly passes on public transport are also costlier in Jeddah, as they charge 183 riyals while Riyadh charges 150 riyals. For those planning on purchasing a car; something like a Toyota or Volkswagen – expect to pay a little extra in Jeddah.
The Monthly Basics
The expenses we all have to take care of no matter what city we live in are electricity, heating, cooling, water, and mobile expenses. In the case of utilities, Jeddah has Riyadh beat with lower bills. However, Jeddah does fall short when it comes to mobile phone plans; charging over 2% extra per month. Internet and cable buyers moving to Jeddah will be disappointed to know even the internet bills and TV costs will be 5% more than they would in Riyadh.
Stay Fit and Active
Whether you’ll be moving to Riyadh or Jeddah, you’ll need to join a gym or fitness center to stay active. You can find the same franchises in both cities, but the membership prices slightly vary. In Riyadh, a monthly package could cost around 306 riyals with a 3% difference found in Jeddah (316 riyals). If the gym is not how you prefer to stay active, try tennis. On the weekends, you’ll be paying around 116 riyals to book a court in Riyadh; however, in Jeddah, expect to pay 160 riyals.
Have Some Fun
Thanks to new laws in the country; Jeddah and Riyadh have proudly opened their cinema doors in early 2018. When it comes to entertainment, you can’t go wrong with the cinema. Fortunately, both cities charge equal prices for a seat at the movies.
Shopping is another way to enjoy a day out with your family or on your own. Jeddah’s prices are known to be buyer-friendly, charging 30% less on chain stores and brands than in Riyadh.
ServiceMarket Makes It Easy
If you are looking for relocation services in the Middle East, fill out the booking form on ServiceMarket and get free quotes from international moving companies in Dubai and other cities in the region. You can also find other services such as housekeeping, handymen, storage spaces, and more on Service Market.
