Poverty and living standards in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia: official figures
Half of the people in Eastern Province had less than SAR 2,306 a month in disposable income per person in 2023 (the median); the national median was SAR 2,220. The median is 3rd highest of 13 regions.
What is the median household income in Eastern Province?
The median monthly disposable income of a household in Eastern Province was SAR 7,341 in 2023 against a national median of SAR 7,362; for Saudi-headed households it was SAR 14,909 and for non-Saudi households SAR 3,660.
Source: General Authority for Statistics · saved copyHow much does the typical person spend per month in Eastern Province?
The median person in Eastern Province spent SAR 2,136 a month on consumption in 2023, 4th highest of 13 regions; the national median was SAR 1,952.
Source: General Authority for Statistics · saved copyHow much do households in Eastern Province spend on food?
Food and drink took 23.3% of household spending in Eastern Province in 2023 (SAR 2,351 a month), the lowest share of 13 regions; a larger food share means less is left for other needs.
Source: General Authority for Statistics · saved copyHow much do households in Eastern Province spend on housing and utilities?
Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels took 13.4% of household spending in Eastern Province in 2023 (SAR 1,357 a month), 5th highest share of 13 regions.
Source: General Authority for Statistics · saved copyHow much does a person spend per month in Eastern Province?
Average spending per person on goods and services bought with money in Eastern Province was SAR 2,847 a month in 2023 (Saudis SAR 3,507, non-Saudis SAR 1,820), 4th highest of 13 regions; the national average was SAR 2,546.
Source: General Authority for Statistics · saved copyHow Eastern Province compares with other regions
Median monthly disposable income per person (SAR) (2023)
Eastern Province ranks 3 of 13, highest first. Half of people in the region live on less than this each month.
| Rank | Region | Median monthly disposable income per person (SAR) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Riyadh Region | SAR 2,782 |
| 2 | Al Baha Region | SAR 2,341 |
| 3 | Eastern Province | SAR 2,306 |
| 4 | Asir Region | SAR 2,254 |
| 5 | Northern Borders Region | SAR 2,181 |
| 6 | Tabuk Region | SAR 2,141 |
| 7 | Makkah Region | SAR 2,100 |
Median monthly consumption spending per person (SAR) (2023)
Eastern Province ranks 4 of 13, highest first.
| Rank | Region | Median monthly consumption spending per person (SAR) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jazan Region | SAR 2,375 |
| 2 | Riyadh Region | SAR 2,349 |
| 3 | Al Baha Region | SAR 2,266 |
| 4 | Eastern Province | SAR 2,136 |
| 5 | Tabuk Region | SAR 1,877 |
| 6 | Northern Borders Region | SAR 1,802 |
| 7 | Asir Region | SAR 1,779 |
Share of household spending that goes on food and drink (2023)
Eastern Province ranks 13 of 13, highest first. A higher share generally means less is left over for other needs.
| Rank | Region | Share of household spending that goes on food and drink |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | Madinah Region | 33.4% |
| 8 | Asir Region | 32.8% |
| 9 | Qassim Region | 32.5% |
| 10 | Jazan Region | 30.7% |
| 11 | Makkah Region | 30.3% |
| 12 | Riyadh Region | 23.5% |
| 13 | Eastern Province | 23.3% |
Share of household spending that goes on housing, water, electricity and fuel (2023)
Eastern Province ranks 5 of 13, highest first.
| Rank | Region | Share of household spending that goes on housing, water, electricity and fuel |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Madinah Region | 14.3% |
| 3 | Al Jouf Region | 13.5% |
| 4 | Hail Region | 13.5% |
| 5 | Eastern Province | 13.4% |
| 6 | Najran Region | 13.0% |
| 7 | Northern Borders Region | 12.8% |
| 8 | Riyadh Region | 12.8% |
More on Eastern Province: overview · economy and jobs · health · Saudi Arabia
Sources
- General Authority for Statistics: Household Income and Consumption Expenditure Survey 2023, publication tables: consumption expenditure by administrative region and spending group (Tables 1-3, 9-3, 10-4, 9-4, 15-4, 16-4), read 23 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 df850fca853f…)
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