The cost of living well in Riyadh.

Our verdict. Riyadh suits a family moving to the capital for work, where compound living sets the price. A three-bedroom villa at Al Hamra Oasis Village rents for SAR 250,000 to 350,000 a year, and the American International School charges SAR 120,757 for the senior grades, VAT included. Salaries carry no personal income tax, and the city's millionaires are up 65% in ten years. The drawback is leisure: Riyadh is inland, with no berth, and the leading golf is Dirab, at SAR 17,495 a year. Set against Jeddah, a villa sells for a little less per square metre, SAR 9,455 in northern Riyadh against SAR 10,950 in Al Murjan, but the school costs about half as much again.

1. A prime family home, rented2026£60k

   SAR 300,000 a year · Asking rent for a 3-bed compound villa at Al Hamra Oasis Village, SAR 250,000-350,000 a year as compiled by a listings platform; midpoint

   Kite (formerly Darak), Compound living in Riyadh, Early 2026 (published 7 Apr 2026)

2. Senior school fees, two children2026-27£48k

   SAR 120,757 a year a child · American International School Riyadh, Grades 9-12 annual tuition, non-Saudi (incl. 15% VAT), SAR 120,756.90

   AIS-R, Tuition and Fees, 2026-27 academic year

3. Membership at a leading golf club2026£3,504

   SAR 17,495 a year in subscriptions · Dirab Golf & Country Club, Single Premium annual membership (single instalment); value = annual only

   Dirab Golf & Country Club, Membership, Published rates, October 2026

4. A berth for a 20 m yacht—

   Riyadh is inland, with no marina.

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 = US$4,800, at the fixed SAR 3.75 peg (SAR 1,500 a month)

   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 month2025£12k

   SAR 2,400 a dinner · Julien by Daniel Boulud (Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh), 10-course tasting menu SAR 1,200 per person x 2

   FACT Magazine, 'Julien review: the hidden chef's table raising the bar in Riyadh', 25 Nov 2025

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.