Saudi Arabia: cost of living

How fast are food prices rising in Saudi Arabia?

Food and beverage prices in Saudi Arabia were 1.4% higher in August 2026 than a year earlier, according to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). They fell 0.1% from July. Overall inflation was 1.8%, and food contributed 0.3 percentage points of it, against 0.8 points from housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels.

The Consumer Price Index tracks a basket of 582 items, weighted by spending in the 2023 Household Income and Expenditure Survey. Food and beverages took 27.9% of households' monetary spending in that survey, the largest share of any category, GASTAT's survey publication shows.

Official sources: GASTAT: Consumer Price Index, August 2026 · GASTAT: Household Income and Consumption Expenditure Survey 2023

What is the average household income in Saudi Arabia?

The average Saudi Arabian household had monthly disposable income of SAR 11,839 in 2023, according to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) Household Income and Consumption Expenditure Survey. Saudi households averaged SAR 18,056 and non-Saudi households SAR 5,428. The median household income was SAR 7,362, or SAR 13,655 for Saudi households.

The median is the middle household, so it is less affected by very high incomes than the average. Disposable income is after social insurance contributions and transfers paid to others. 66.1% of per-person disposable income came from employment and 17.8% from remittances received. The survey covered 122,325 households.

Official sources: GASTAT: Household Income and Consumption Expenditure Survey 2023

How much do Saudi households spend each month?

Saudi Arabian households spent an average of SAR 10,884 a month on consumption in 2023, according to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) Household Income and Consumption Expenditure Survey. Saudi households spent SAR 16,028 and non-Saudi households SAR 5,574. Monetary spending averaged SAR 9,426, of which food and beverages took 27.9% and housing, water, electricity and fuels 14.1%.

Total consumption includes the estimated rent of owner-occupied homes and goods received in kind, so it is higher than monetary spending. Spending per person averaged SAR 2,939. The survey weights are used to build the Consumer Price Index.

Official sources: GASTAT: Household Income and Consumption Expenditure Survey 2023

Are transport costs rising in Saudi Arabia?

Transport prices in Saudi Arabia were 2.0% higher in August 2026 than a year earlier, according to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). They rose 0.6% from July 2026. Overall consumer prices rose 1.8% over the year and 0.1% over the month.

Transport covers vehicle purchases, fuel, maintenance and transport services. It contributed to annual inflation along with housing, water, electricity, gas and fuels (3.9%) and food and beverages (1.4%). Clothing and footwear prices fell 0.5% and furniture and household equipment 0.6% over the year.

Official sources: GASTAT: Consumer Price Index, August 2026

How fast are jewellery prices rising in Saudi Arabia?

Prices of jewellery and watches in Saudi Arabia were 14.4% higher in August 2026 than a year earlier, according to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). This lifted prices of other personal effects by 13.3% and the personal care, social protection and other goods division by 3.5%, the second-fastest annual rise of any division.

The personal care division rose 0.8% from July 2026, the largest monthly increase of any division. Overall inflation was 1.8%.

Official sources: GASTAT: Consumer Price Index, August 2026

How fast are prices rising in Saudi Arabia?

2.0%: that is consumer price inflation in Saudi Arabia for 2025, according to the IMF. The peak was 9.9% in 2008 and the low -2.0% in 2019. It is 9th highest of 18 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 1.9%. Worldwide: 111th of 165.

How much do people in Saudi Arabia spend?

In 2025, household consumption per person in Saudi Arabia was $11,865, according to the World Bank. Since 2005 it has ranged from $6,086 (2005) to $12,111 (2023). Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was $2,629, and Saudi Arabia placed 3rd highest of 11. Of 124 countries with 2025 data, 28th highest.