🇸🇦 Riyadh vs 🇨🇳 Shanghai
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇸🇦
Riyadh
Saudi Arabia
$1,785–$2,826/mo
﷼6,611 – ﷼10,467 / month (local)
🇨🇳
Shanghai
China
$2,215–$3,508/mo
¥15,821 – ¥25,057 / month (local)
Shanghai is 24% more expensive
Riyadh wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Riyadh (USD) | Shanghai (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,338–$2,082 | $1,662–$2,585 | 🟢 Riyadh |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $706–$1,115 | $877–$1,385 | 🟢 Riyadh |
| Utilities | $56–$108 | $69–$134 | 🟢 Riyadh |
| Groceries | $283–$424 | $351–$526 | 🟢 Riyadh |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $37–$67 | $46–$83 | 🟢 Riyadh |
| Public transport (monthly) | $71–$86 | $88–$106 | 🟢 Riyadh |
| Internet & Mobile | $22–$37 | $28–$46 | 🟢 Riyadh |
| Gym membership | $26–$48 | $32–$60 | 🟢 Riyadh |
| Cinema ticket | $10–$13 | $13–$17 | 🟢 Riyadh |
| Monthly total (single) | $1,785–$2,826 | $2,215–$3,508 | 🟢 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 · 4.4 / 10
Riyadh▲ better
Shanghai
Safety8.9 / 10 · 9.7 / 10
Riyadh
Shanghai▲ better
Healthcare8.9 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Riyadh▲ better
Shanghai
Education8.5 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Riyadh▲ better
Shanghai
Environment9.3 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Riyadh▲ better
Shanghai
Economy7.6 / 10 · 6.7 / 10
Riyadh▲ better
Shanghai
Culture8.2 / 10 · 7.3 / 10
Riyadh▲ better
Shanghai
Internet8.6 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Riyadh▲ better
Shanghai
Who should choose which city?
Choose Riyadh if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Shanghai
- ✓Vision 2030 projects
- ✓Salaries
- ✓Energy
- ✓Construction
Choose Shanghai if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Shanghai offers vs Riyadh
- ✓Business China
- ✓Transit
- ✓Food
- ✓Manufacturing
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Full Riyadh guide
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Explore Riyadh →📊
Full Shanghai guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Shanghai →