🇸🇦 Riyadh vs 🇰🇷 Seoul
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇸🇦
Riyadh
Saudi Arabia
$1,785–$2,826/mo
﷼6,611 – ﷼10,467 / month (local)
🇰🇷
Seoul
South Korea
$2,400–$3,800/mo
₩3,200,000 – ₩5,066,667 / month (local)
Seoul is 34% more expensive
Riyadh wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Riyadh (USD) | Seoul (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,338–$2,082 | $1,800–$2,800 | 🟢 Riyadh |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $706–$1,115 | $950–$1,500 | 🟢 Riyadh |
| Utilities | $56–$108 | $75–$145 | 🟢 Riyadh |
| Groceries | $283–$424 | $380–$570 | 🟢 Riyadh |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $37–$67 | $50–$90 | 🟢 Riyadh |
| Public transport (monthly) | $71–$86 | $95–$115 | 🟢 Riyadh |
| Internet & Mobile | $22–$37 | $30–$50 | 🟢 Riyadh |
| Gym membership | $26–$48 | $35–$65 | 🟢 Riyadh |
| Cinema ticket | $10–$13 | $14–$18 | 🟢 Riyadh |
| Monthly total (single) | $1,785–$2,826 | $2,400–$3,800 | 🟢 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
Housing6.2 / 10 · 4.3 / 10
Riyadh▲ better
Seoul
Safety8.9 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Riyadh▲ better
Seoul
Healthcare8.9 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Riyadh▲ better
Seoul
Education8.5 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Riyadh▲ better
Seoul
Environment9.3 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Riyadh▲ better
Seoul
Economy7.6 / 10 · 7.0 / 10
Riyadh▲ better
Seoul
Culture8.2 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Riyadh▲ better
Seoul
Internet8.6 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Riyadh▲ better
Seoul
Who should choose which city?
Choose Riyadh if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Seoul
- ✓Vision 2030 projects
- ✓Salaries
- ✓Energy
- ✓Construction
Choose Seoul if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Seoul offers vs Riyadh
- ✓Internet speed
- ✓Food
- ✓Healthcare
- ✓Tech
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Full Riyadh guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Riyadh →📊
Full Seoul guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Seoul →