🇶🇦 Doha vs 🇸🇦 Riyadh
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇶🇦
Doha
Qatar
$2,400–$3,800/mo
ر.ق8,889 – ر.ق14,074 / month (local)
🇸🇦
Riyadh
Saudi Arabia
$1,785–$2,826/mo
﷼6,611 – ﷼10,467 / month (local)
Doha is 34% more expensive
Riyadh wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Doha (USD) | Riyadh (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,800–$2,800 | $1,338–$2,082 | 🟢 Riyadh |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $950–$1,500 | $706–$1,115 | 🟢 Riyadh |
| Utilities | $75–$145 | $56–$108 | 🟢 Riyadh |
| Groceries | $380–$570 | $283–$424 | 🟢 Riyadh |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $50–$90 | $37–$67 | 🟢 Riyadh |
| Public transport (monthly) | $95–$115 | $71–$86 | 🟢 Riyadh |
| Internet & Mobile | $30–$50 | $22–$37 | 🟢 Riyadh |
| Gym membership | $35–$65 | $26–$48 | 🟢 Riyadh |
| Cinema ticket | $14–$18 | $10–$13 | 🟢 Riyadh |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,400–$3,800 | $1,785–$2,826 | 🟢 Riyadh |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing4.2 / 10 · 6.2 / 10
Doha
Riyadh▲ better
Safety8.2 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Doha
Riyadh▲ better
Healthcare8.2 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Doha
Riyadh▲ better
Education7.8 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Doha
Riyadh▲ better
Environment8.6 / 10 · 9.3 / 10
Doha
Riyadh▲ better
Economy6.9 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Doha
Riyadh▲ better
Culture7.5 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Doha
Riyadh▲ better
Internet7.9 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Doha
Riyadh▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose Doha if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Doha offers vs Riyadh
- ✓World Cup legacy
- ✓Safety
- ✓Airport
- ✓Gas
Choose Riyadh if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Doha
- ✓Vision 2030 projects
- ✓Salaries
- ✓Energy
- ✓Construction
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Full Doha guide
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Explore Doha →📊
Full Riyadh guide
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Explore Riyadh →