Name: Jeddah
Address: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia's commercial hub and gateway to Mecca, offers expat families a unique blend of traditional Middle Eastern culture and modern amenities. The city features several quality international schools and a growing expat community, particularly from Western countries and other Arab nations. The Red Sea coastline provides beautiful beaches and water activities. However, families should be prepared for strict cultural norms, including dress codes and gender segregation in some areas. The city has excellent healthcare facilities and modern infrastructure. Summer temperatures can be extreme, but air conditioning is ubiquitous. While alcohol is prohibited and entertainment options are limited compared to Western cities, the recent Vision 2030 reforms have introduced more cultural activities and relaxed some social restrictions.

☀️ Climate & Weather

Monthly temperatures, rainfall, and sea conditions

41°C

Hottest (Jul)

19°C

Coolest (Feb)

Sunny days/mo avg

84mm

Annual rainfall

Avg highAvg lowSea tempRainfall

25°

🌊 Jan

24°

🌊 Feb

25°

🌊 Mar

27°

🌊 Apr

29°

🌊 May

30°

🌊 Jun

31°

🌊 Jul

32°

🌊 Aug

31°

🌊 Sep

30°

🌊 Oct

28°

🌊 Nov

26°

🌊 Dec

💰 Cost of Living

Monthly family budget estimates (USD)

At a Glance

$1,200

Avg. rent /mo

$8.00

Budget meal

$35

Mid-range dinner (2 ppl)

Dining & Drinks

Cappuccino$4.50

Water (1.5L)$0.40

Groceries

Loaf of bread$1.20

Milk (1L)$1.80

Dozen eggs$2.50

Chicken (1 kg)$5.50

Transport

Taxi flag-drop$2.00

Taxi per km$0.60

Monthly transit pass$0.00

Gasoline (per liter)$0.65

Monthly Bills

Internet$55 /mo

Utilities (avg.)$120 /mo

Gym membership$60 /mo

Domestic help$550 /mo

Preschool / nursery$600 /mo

Comfortable

A 2-bedroom apartment in Al-Rawdah or Al-Salamah, affordable international school, a car (essential in Jeddah), eating a mix of home cooking and shawarma spots, full-time domestic helper.

$3,820/mo

Rent$1,200

Groceries$500

Lifestyle & leisure$200

Transport$200

Utilities$120

Dining out$300

Healthcare$100

School fees (per child)$800

Domestic help$400

Established

A villa in a compound in Al-Mohammadiyah or Obhur, reputable international school, a good car, dining at Corniche restaurants and malls, compound amenities (pool, gym).

$8,250/mo

Rent$2,500

Groceries$750

Lifestyle & leisure$500

Transport$450

Utilities$200

Dining out$700

Healthcare$250

School fees (per child)$2,200

Domestic help$700

Premium

A luxury compound villa or penthouse apartment on the Corniche, top-tier American or British school, luxury car with driver, yacht club, private healthcare, frequent international travel.

$15,850/mo

Rent$5,000

Groceries$1,100

Lifestyle & leisure$1,500

Transport$800

Utilities$350

Dining out$1,400

Healthcare$500

School fees (per child)$3,800

Domestic help$1,400

Jeddah has become increasingly expensive in recent years as Saudi Arabia modernizes under Vision 2030, but remains more affordable than Dubai or Abu Dhabi. At current exchange rates (3.75 SAR to 1 USD, pegged), compound housing for expats is a major cost. No income tax is a significant benefit. Alcohol is prohibited.

🌬️ Air Quality

Average monthly AQI (US EPA scale)

Jan

Feb

105

Mar

115

Apr

120

May

110

Jun

105

Jul

100

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Good (0–50)Moderate (51–100)USG (101–150)Unhealthy (151+)

Yearly average AQI is 99. Best air quality Jan–Dec (best: Nov at 80). Mar–Jul air quality worsens due to heat, humidity, and dust (peak: May at 120). Families with children who have asthma or respiratory conditions should plan indoor activities during summer months.