The cost of living well in Jeddah.

Our verdict. Jeddah suits a family that wants Saudi Arabia's Red Sea city at about a sixth of London's cost. A four-bedroom villa in Al Shati asks about SAR 180,000 a year, and Jeddah Prep and Grammar School charges SAR 79,925 for Years 12 and 13, VAT included. Salaries carry no personal income tax. The weak point is leisure: neither the Jeddah Yacht Club nor Royal Greens publishes its fees, so golf and a berth are not counted here. Set against Riyadh, a villa sells for a little more per square metre, SAR 10,950 in Al Murjan, and the school costs about a third less.

1. A prime family home, rented2026£36k

   SAR 180,000 a year · Median annual asking rent for a 4-bed villa in Al Shati (Ash Shati), Jeddah, from property listings

   Kite (formerly Darak), Villas for rent in Al Shati, Jeddah, Data updated 20 Oct 2026

2. Senior school fees, two children2026-27£32k

   SAR 79,925 a year a child · Jeddah Prep and Grammar School (JPGS), Years 12-13 tuition SAR 69,500 net + 15% VAT (non-Saudis)

   JPGS, Admissions - School Fees 2026-27, 2026-27 fee schedule

3. Membership at a leading golf club—

   Royal Greens Golf & Country Club publishes no membership fees.

4. A berth for a 20 m yacht—

   Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina publishes no tariff; rates are on request.

5. A full-time housekeeper or nanny2025£3,605

   SAR 18,000 a year · Philippine minimum wage for a domestic worker as applied in the Gulf, US$400 a month x12 at the SAR 3.75 peg (SAR 1,500 a month); a national rule, the same as Riyadh

   Gulf News, 'Hiring a Filipina helper? It now costs $500/month, but it stays at $400/month for GCC' (Jay Hilotin), 16 Sep 2025

6. Tasting menu for two, twice a month2026£4,326

   SAR 900 a dinner · Aromi, Waldorf Astoria Jeddah (Gault&Millau 12.5/20): indicative price SAR 400-500 per person excl. drinks; midpoint SAR 450 x 2

   Gault&Millau Saudi Arabia, Aromi - Waldorf Astoria Jeddah (review 2026), 2026 guide (launched 2 Jun 2026)

Figures are published prices, fees and surveys as dated, converted to pounds at the stated rates. They change, vary by home, school year and membership, and are a guide, not a quote. Nothing here is financial, tax or legal advice.

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Pounds at ECB reference rates (Gulf currencies at their dollar pegs) rates of 2026-10-20.