8 8 schools$1,600/mo avg rentLarge expat community
Well-established central district with a long history of expat residency. Good mix of serviced apartments and smaller compounds.
4/5
Safety
4/5
Family Friendly
4/5
Quality of Life
4/5
Expat Friendly
4/5
Healthcare
Large
Expat Community
9-43°C
Temp Range
High
English Level
☀️ Climate & Weather
Monthly temperatures, rainfall, and sea conditions
44°C
Hottest (Aug)
8°C
Coolest (Jan)
26
Sunny days/mo avg
41mm
Annual rainfall
Avg highAvg lowRainfall
💰 Cost of Living
Monthly family budget estimates (USD)
At a Glance
$1,600
Avg. rent /mo
$8.00
Budget meal
$35
Mid-range dinner (2 ppl)
Dining & Drinks
Cappuccino$5.50
Water (1.5L)$0.60
Groceries
Loaf of bread$1.20
Milk (1L)$2.00
Dozen eggs$3.50
Chicken (1 kg)$5.00
Transport
Taxi flag-drop$1.50
Taxi per km$0.80
Monthly transit pass$27
Gasoline (per liter)$0.35
Monthly Bills
Internet$60 /mo
Utilities (avg.)$80 /mo
Gym membership$60 /mo
Domestic help$350 /mo
Preschool / nursery$700 /mo
Comfortable
Apartment, mixed transport, central amenities
$4,200/mo
Rent$2,300
Groceries$430
Lifestyle & leisure$195
Transport$160
Utilities$100
Dining out$380
Healthcare$115
School fees (per child)$500
Domestic help$70
Established
Large apartment or villa, private car, international school
$9,000/mo
Rent$5,000
Groceries$680
Lifestyle & leisure$480
Transport$330
Utilities$130
Dining out$850
Healthcare$240
School fees (per child)$1,400
Domestic help$130
Premium
Luxury apartment, full domestic staff, elite school, fine dining lifestyle
$17,000/mo
Rent$9,000
Groceries$950
Lifestyle & leisure$1,350
Transport$580
Utilities$160
Dining out$1,900
Healthcare$490
School fees (per child)$2,800
Domestic help$450
As Sulaymaniyah is a premium central district adjacent to Al Olaya, popular with senior expats and Saudi professionals. Rents reflect the central location and prestige. High walkability by Riyadh standards reduces some transport costs.
🌬️ Air Quality
Average monthly AQI (US EPA scale)
75Jan
80Feb
110Mar
125Apr
120May
100Jun
90Jul
85Aug
80Sep
70Oct
65Nov
70Dec
Good (0–50)Moderate (51–100)USG (101–150)Unhealthy (151+)
Yearly average AQI is 89. Best air quality Jan–Dec (best: Nov at 65). Mar–May air quality worsens due to heat, humidity, and dust (peak: Apr at 125). Families with children who have asthma or respiratory conditions should plan indoor activities during summer months.
👥 Demographics
50%
Expat Population
High
Income Level
45000
Population
Nationalities
Saudi50%
Western18%
Egyptian12%
Indian10%
Other Arab10%
Languages Spoken
Arabic58%
English30%
🏘️ Community & Culture
One of Riyadh most cosmopolitan central districtsHigh proportion of Western professionals and diplomatsTahlia Street transformed into premier lifestyle corridorBusiness-district-adjacent for short commutes
Riyadh Inner Ring's Most Cosmopolitan District
🌳 Parks & Recreation
Premium hotel gyms and boutique fitness studiosTahlia Street cycling and yoga studiosClose to Noor Riyadh festival and cultural eventsDiplomatic Quarter gardens accessible by short drive
Central Location, Limited Green Space
🚗 Getting Around
Metro Blue Line walkable from districtTahlia Street pedestrian-friendly in cool monthsUber and Careem availability exceptional centrallyTrade-off: significant King Fahd Road congestion
Central Riyadh Connectivity
🛒 Daily Life
Best cafe and restaurant density in all of RiyadhRooftop bars and live entertainment post-Vision 2030Gourmet delis and premium supermarkets nearbyConcierge medical services available centrally
Urban Living at Its Best in Riyadh
📝 Living with the Climate
As Sulaymaniyah shares Riyadh extreme desert climate. The dense central urban environment creates a modest heat island effect — nights are slightly warmer than northern suburbs. Summer highs exceed 44 degrees C from June to August. The comfortable outdoor season — when Tahlia Street pedestrian life really comes alive — runs October through April. Spring sandstorms are a regular feature. Low humidity makes heat intense but not muggy. No coastal influence whatsoever.
