How much does it cost to go to Saudi Arabia?
To estimate the cost of a trip to Saudi Arabia, you'll need to look at flight prices and expected daily spending. You're looking at around $711 for flights, plus about $53 a day for spending money. For a standard one-week stay, expect to pay between $289 and $506, excluding airfare. If you extend the trip to two weeks, the estimated cost rises to a range of $579 to $1,013.
Your final bill depends heavily on whether you prefer budget or luxury travel. Accommodation standards and dining habits make the biggest difference. It all comes down to how you like to travel.
What are the prices for flights to Saudi Arabia?
Round-trip tickets are usually the largest upfront expense, averaging $711 for a standard itinerary. Budget-focused travelers often snag Economy Class tickets at an average of $587. Early reservations can push prices as low as $306. If you're flying luxury, First Class fares for luxury travel can reach up to $8,915.
To get the best rates, book between 8 to 24 weeks before departure. Major carriers, including SAUDIA, frequently fly international passengers into King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. Prices jump around depending on your cabin class and booking window.
Which airport is the cheapest option for arrival?
Flying into Riyadh (RUH) is usually your cheapest bet, with flights averaging $502. This is generally cheaper than flying into Jeddah (JED) or airports in Dammam. Choosing Riyadh helps keep your upfront costs down.
How does the season affect flight prices?
April is the best month for budget travel, with flight prices averaging $580. In my experience, timing your trip for this window is the easiest way to save. Traveling during this month significantly lowers the total trip cost compared to other times of the year. On the flip side, May and June are the most expensive months to buy round-trip tickets.
During these peak months, fares rise to between $1,376 and $1,668. High demand affects all carriers, including SAUDIA, which impacts both mid-range and luxury plans. Keep an eye on the calendar to keep your spending in check.
How much does a Saudi Arabia tourist visa cost?
You'll need to get a visa to enter the country. This fixed expense, typically around 480 SAR ($128) on the Visit Saudi platform, covers the application fee and compulsory medical travel insurance. You'll need a passport valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date.
You must get this sorted before landing in cities like Riyadh or Jeddah. Travelers need to account for these government fees upfront. You can apply through the official e-Visa portal or the relevant Embassy, depending on your nationality. Make sure to double-check your documents before applying.
What are the costs for accommodation in major cities?
Hotel prices change a lot depending on which city you're in. Rates fluctuate significantly based on your location—whether you stay in a central business hub, a coastal resort, or a religious center. You can find everything from cheap hostels for budget trips to premium rates for luxury experiences.
What are the average prices for hotels and hostels?
Hostels are the cheapest option for independent travelers, with a dormitory bed costing an average of $29 per night. This rate supports strict budget plans. On the other hand, hotel prices jump significantly for private rooms and high-end amenities.
Luxury budgets typically require significantly higher daily spending, often exceeding $450, mostly driven by premium hotel rates. The price gap between hostels and hotels makes a big difference to the total vacation cost. A mid-range budget offers alternatives that fall between these two extremes.
How do accommodation costs vary between Riyadh and Jeddah?
Accommodation in Riyadh is generally cheaper than in Jeddah, offering better value for budget-conscious visitors. Personally, I prefer using those savings to splurge on a nicer dinner later. As the business capital near the airport, Riyadh has plenty of hotels that stabilizes prices outside of major corporate events.
In contrast, Jeddah serves as the primary gateway for pilgrims heading to Mecca and Medina via the international airport. This constant flow of religious tourism often drives up demand and rates along the coast. So, finding a cheap place is typically easier in the capital than in the port city.
How much money do I need for daily expenses?
Plan to spend an average of $53 (SAR 200) per day. This daily budget is mostly for:
- Meals
- Local transportation
- Incidental spending
Visitors on a strict budget can cut these expenses to approximately $41 per day.
However, luxury travelers or those with a flexible mid-range budget will need higher daily limits. You'll be paying in Saudi Riyals, so exchange rates will affect the final cost of your vacation.
What is the cost of local transportation?
Local transportation costs can be remarkably affordable or quite pricey depending on how you travel. Public buses are the cheapest way to get around, with airport transfers costing as little as 3 SAR ($1). Private taxi fares are significantly higher, averaging around 244 SAR ($65).
Travelers in Riyadh and Jeddah should keep this in mind. The choice between public transit and car rentals will change the overall cost of independent travel.
How much should you budget for food and dining?
Dining costs are a flexible part of the recommended SAR 200 ($53) daily budget. You can keep costs down by choosing local eateries, where a meal costs approximately 25 SAR ($6.60). Honestly, these hidden gems often serve the best food anyway. A three-course dinner at a mid-range restaurant averages 100 SAR ($26) per person, according to Wise.
Independent travelers can control total costs by balancing affordable street food with occasional fine dining. Avoiding high-end international chains leaves you more money for other activities.
How can you save on connectivity with an eSIM?
Switching to digital connectivity reduces mobile phone bills abroad. Think of an eSIM as a digital ticket you download before you fly—you connect instantly upon arrival without queuing at a kiosk for a physical card. Trust me, avoiding that line is a huge relief after a long flight. eSIM cards offer a smart way to maintain travel connectivity without expensive international roaming fees. Traditional carriers often charge high daily rates for data usage outside your home country.
An eSIM eliminates these hidden costs by connecting directly to local networks in Saudi Arabia at competitive rates. This means you don't have to buy physical SIM cards at the airport.
Why is an eSIM recommended for travel in Saudi Arabia?
We highly recommend eSIMs for independent travel to make getting around easier. Travelers on a strict or mid-range budget benefit from prepaid data plans that prevent overspending, which helps lower the total cost trip to Saudi Arabia. Visitors exploring vast cities like Riyadh and Jeddah rely on consistent travel connectivity for real-time GPS maps. This access is crucial for booking local transportation through ride-sharing apps like Uber or Careem.
Travelers moving between Medina and Dammam use data to sort out plans and monitor travel expenses. Instant internet access also supports translation tools for smoother interactions. This means you don't have to rely on spotty public Wi-Fi, making your trip safer and smoother.
How do costs differ between organized tours and independent travel?
The choice between organized tours and independent travel makes a huge difference to the total cost. Independent travel is far more affordable, averaging $53 per person daily. Organized tours cost a lot more, with daily costs averaging $380 per person, as reported by Budget Your Trip.
This higher price point for package trips typically includes everything you need such as:
- Private guides
- Pre-arranged accommodation
- Scheduled sightseeing expenses
Travelers opting for self-guided itineraries have total control over what they spend, allowing adjustments to fit a strict or mid-range budget. While organized tours offer structured luxury, managing bookings individually results in major savings. It really depends on whether you care more about minimizing the daily budget or maximizing ease through professional planning.
What budget is required for different travel styles?
Your financial plan depends entirely on your travel style. You need to decide if you're a budget, mid-range, or luxury traveler. A mid-range budget balances cost with comfort. The total vacation cost fluctuates based on personal standards for accommodation and dining.
How much does a budget trip cost?
Backpackers and budget travelers usually need a minimum daily budget of approximately $41 (SAR 155). This pays for:
- Hostel prices averaging $29 per night
- Public local transportation
- Affordable local restaurants
To stay on budget, you'll need to be smart about where you spend your money.
What is the cost of a luxury vacation?
Luxury travelers usually spend a minimum daily budget of $450 (SAR 1,688), though costs often scale much higher. This gets you premium hotel prices, upscale dining, and private taxis. Exclusive luxury itineraries frequently involve First Class flights, where fares with carriers like SAUDIA can reach $8,915.
Private organized tours and chauffeured car rentals add to these expenses. Choosing top-tier services is exceptionally comfortable but will make the trip much more expensive compared to standard options.
What currency is used for transactions in Saudi Arabia?
The Saudi Arabian Riyal is the main currency used for all financial transactions within the Kingdom. You'll see prices listed as SAR (Saudi Arabian Riyal), and you'll need this currency for paying for things, from dining to shopping. While most places in Riyadh and Jeddah accept digital payments, cash remains necessary for smaller purchases.
For instance, low-cost local transportation fares, such as the 3 SAR bus ticket, often require physical currency. You don't want to be stuck without small change when the bus pulls up. Travelers must exchange funds into Riyals to buy what you need. Make sure you have some Riyals on hand for managing your daily budget, whether you are planning a budget trip or a luxury experience.
