Moving to another country for work is a big step. Many Pakistanis choose to work in Saudi Arabia because it offers better job opportunities and higher salaries. But before moving, one of the most important things to understand is the cost of living.
Knowing how much money you’ll need for housing, food, transport, and other expenses helps you plan your savings wisely. This blog explains in simple language what Pakistani workers can expect when living in Saudi Arabia in 2025.
1. Why Many Pakistanis Work in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia is home to thousands of Pakistani workers. The country’s strong economy, major construction projects, growing healthcare sector, and increasing demand for skilled and unskilled labor make it a top choice for overseas employment.
Pakistani workers often get better salaries compared to what they might earn back home. Also, Saudi Arabia does not charge income tax on salaries, which means workers get to take home more of their earnings.
Popular cities where Pakistani workers live and work include:
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Riyadh – the capital city and business hub.
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Jeddah – a commercial center with many job opportunities.
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Dammam – known for oil and gas industries.
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Makkah and Madinah – known for religious tourism.
2. Housing Costs
For most workers, housing is the biggest monthly expense. The cost depends on the city, type of accommodation, and whether the company provides housing.
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Shared accommodation (labor camps or apartments): SAR 300 to SAR 800 per month
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Small studio apartment: SAR 1,000 to SAR 1,800 per month
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One-bedroom apartment: SAR 1,800 to SAR 3,000 per month
Many companies offer free accommodation for their workers, especially for labor and construction jobs. If housing is included in your contract, you can save a lot of money.
Tip: Always check your employment contract carefully to see if housing is provided.
3. Food and Grocery Expenses
Food costs in Saudi Arabia are reasonable, and Pakistani workers can find familiar ingredients easily in local markets.
Here’s a simple monthly estimate:
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Cooking at home: SAR 400 to SAR 800 per month
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Eating out (local restaurants): SAR 10–20 per meal
Many workers cook together and share grocery costs, which lowers their monthly expenses. Items like rice, flour, and lentils are affordable, especially if bought in bulk.
Popular Pakistani restaurants are also common in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, which makes it easier to enjoy home-style meals.
4. Transportation Costs
Saudi Arabia has a good road network, and public transport is improving every year.
Options include:
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Company-provided transport: Usually free for workers.
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Public bus or metro: SAR 3 to SAR 10 per trip.
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Taxi or ride-hailing apps: SAR 15 to SAR 50 per ride, depending on distance.
Many workers prefer company transportation or shared taxis to save costs.
If your company provides free pick-and-drop, it can help you save more each month.
5. Utility Bills and Internet
If you live in company accommodation, your utility bills may already be covered. If you rent privately, here’s what you can expect monthly:
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Electricity: SAR 100 to SAR 300
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Water: SAR 30 to SAR 80
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Internet: SAR 150 to SAR 250
Internet connections are reliable in most urban areas. Some workers share Wi-Fi with others in the same building to reduce costs.
6. Mobile Phone and Communication
Staying connected with family back home is important. Many workers use:
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Prepaid mobile packages for calls and internet
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Affordable international call packages or internet calling apps
Average cost:
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Mobile package: SAR 50 to SAR 100 per month
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International calling (optional): SAR 20 to SAR 50
Most workers use free calling apps for daily communication with family in Pakistan.
7. Healthcare Expenses
Saudi Arabia provides good healthcare facilities. If your employer offers health insurance, your medical costs are mostly covered.
If not:
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A basic clinic visit can cost around SAR 100–300.
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Medicine prices vary but are generally affordable.
Always check if your employment package includes health coverage.
8. Entertainment and Personal Expenses
Life in Saudi Arabia is peaceful but not very expensive when it comes to entertainment.
Some common personal expenses include:
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Personal care items (shampoo, soap, etc.): SAR 50 to SAR 100 per month
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Gym or sports activities: SAR 100 to SAR 300 per month
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Occasional outings or weekend trips: SAR 100 to SAR 300
Many workers prefer free outdoor activities like visiting parks or spending time with friends.
9. Total Monthly Cost Estimate for Pakistani Workers
Here’s a simple breakdown of what an average worker might spend monthly in 2025:
| Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (SAR) |
|---|---|
| Housing | 0 – 1,800 (if not company-provided) |
| Food & Groceries | 400 – 800 |
| Transportation | 0 – 300 |
| Utilities & Internet | 0 – 500 |
| Mobile & Communication | 50 – 100 |
| Healthcare | 0 – 300 |
| Personal & Entertainment | 100 – 300 |
| Total | 550 – 4,100 SAR |
(Note: Many workers spend less if housing and transport are covered by the company.)
10. Tips to Save More While Living in Saudi Arabia
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Choose shared accommodation if your company does not provide housing.
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Cook at home instead of eating out.
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Use company transport or shared rides.
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Take advantage of free Wi-Fi and avoid unnecessary mobile expenses.
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Send money home using reliable and low-fee transfer services.
By managing expenses smartly, many Pakistani workers are able to save a good portion of their income every month.
11. Why Cost of Living is Lower for Many Workers
Unlike some other Gulf countries, Saudi Arabia often provides housing, transportation, and medical coverage as part of the employment package. This makes it easier for workers to save.
Also, since there’s no income tax, workers can take home their full salary. Many Pakistanis send most of their earnings back to support their families or build savings for the future.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the cost of living helps Pakistani workers plan their life in Saudi Arabia better. In 2025, despite inflation in some sectors, the overall cost remains manageable, especially for those whose companies cover housing and transportation.
By living smartly, Pakistani workers can save more, achieve their financial goals faster, and support their families back home.
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Marfa Overseas Employment Promoter connects skilled Pakistani workers with reliable employers in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries. We make overseas job placement safe, legal, and transparent so you can focus on building your future.
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FAQ’s About Cost of Living in Saudi Arabia in 2025
Q1: Is it expensive to live in Saudi Arabia for Pakistani workers?
No, Saudi Arabia is quite affordable for workers, especially if housing and transport are provided by the employer.
Q2: Do companies in Saudi Arabia offer free accommodation?
Yes, most companies offer free housing or shared accommodation for their workers.
Q3: How much can a worker save monthly in Saudi Arabia?
Depending on the salary and lifestyle, many workers save between SAR 1,500 and SAR 3,000 per month.
Q4: Is food expensive in Saudi Arabia?
No, cooking at home is affordable. Pakistani groceries are widely available at good prices.
Q5: Do workers pay tax in Saudi Arabia?
No, there is no income tax on salaries in Saudi Arabia.
