Housing Cost in Saudi Arabia

Hi,

Expats who come to Saudi always have a question on Cost of Living especially regarding housing. Let me try put my experience on here for all to benefit.

Few companies provide accommodation to employees (Single/Family). But majority of expats have to fend for themselves.

Here is snippets of housing cost you can expect at following popular cities in Saudi Arabia i.e. Jubail /Dammam/Yanbu/Riyadh/Jeddah. The rent depends on location from center of city. These rates are as of Aug 2012. (updated rents 23 April 2019)

For Bed Sharing 3:1: SR150pm-SR350pm and above
For Bed Sharing 2:1: SR800pm-SR2000pm and above
For Room Sharing 3:1 (3bhk): SR1000-2500pm and above
For Family Flat: 1BHK - 12000-15000 PA, 2 BHK - 16000-20000 PA, 3 BK - 20000- above


One more source to find the rent charges/accommodation in Saudi Arabia is to visit www.expatriates.com - Saudi Arabia . Majority of Expats in Saudi, post offers through this website and is good and reliable source for your rental flats.


However, Expats who wish to have a good deal for their flats are advisable to visit the Akari (Authorized Broker for renting flats). These broker who are appointed by the owner of building usually have office in the building premises itself. Or they will put up the Advt on the building to contact. <Update-23.4.2019> They have plenty houses and with new online Ajar, its mandatory to deal with Agents. But we also get houses by landlord who lease on selfbasis, but registering online is now mandatory. 

Also, note that usually rents exclude electricity and sometimes water charges. These must be discussed before finalizing the rent. Electric bill and water bill are very minimal in Saudi Arabia due to hugely subsidized.

Also there is Admin Expenses varying from SR500-SR1000 which these Akari will charge you in advance. Rent needs to be paid either 3month /6months or annually. Usually for annual basis, you can expect some discount.

Usually flats are offered on empty basis. I.e. you would need to purchase all the items to furnish the room. But if you leasing a flat from existing lessee, you might have to buy few items alongwith the flats.

Remember if you bring families, following below minimum basic utility will have to buy for comfortable living:

AC’s for Hall and Bedrooms
Refrigerator
Heater’s (cold season)
Curtain for windows
Bed + Bed Mattress etc
Washing Machine
Cloth Hangers
Dining Table + Chairs
Sofa Sets
TV+ Receiver + Dish
Internet Access
Stove + Gas + Oven
And other Utilities essentials, and Utensils for cooking and storing as per need

If thing this is too much, no issues, you can lease a Service Apartment. Service apartment are available in all cities and the charges are either per day basis/monthly basis. Service apartment have furnished room with partly furnished kitchen. Plus its always cleaned as per your requirement. Laundry service is also available in hotels.  Also you can always use the local laundry services which are economical and reliable. Charges : SR200/100 per day and above. Monthly rent Starts SR2500 and above.

For traveling in Saudi Arabia, you need to have a vehicle.You get rented vehicles on self driving basis or chauffeur driven. Both are bit on higher side compared to having your own vehicle. If with Family, you need to 100% have a vehicle. 

<Update> last time I did not mentioned about compounds as these are expensive and only few rich or company sponsored employees can afford. These compound can be found across cities and can be found on googleMap. Just search compound accommodation.  besides, now many service apartments have also comeup and one can also try them for a decent comfortable living but with cost.

Hope it is helpful

UKmitra
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