I still remember the smell of cardamom-laced coffee and the heat rising off the marble floors of Riyadh's Kingdom Centre. It was my first trip to Saudi Arabia, and I had no idea what to expect—least of all the costs. But after three visits and countless conversations with locals, expats, and fellow travelers, I've got a pretty clear picture of what you'll spend. So, how much does a Saudi trip really cost? Let's break it down.
Flights: The Biggest Variable
Unless you're coming from a neighboring Gulf country, flights will likely be your largest single expense. From Europe or North America, round-trip fares to Riyadh (RUH) or Jeddah (JED) typically range from $600 to $1,200 in economy. I flew from Istanbul to Riyadh for $420 round-trip on Saudia, but that was a lucky sale. From New York, expect closer to $900–$1,300. From London, $500–$800. If you're already in the region—say, Dubai or Doha—you can find one-way tickets for under $150.
Pro tip: Book at least two months in advance, and consider flying into Jeddah if you're heading to the Red Sea coast. The new Jeddah Airport is sleek and less chaotic than Riyadh's.
Visa Costs: Don't Forget the Tourist Visa
Saudi Arabia introduced tourist visas in 2019, and the process is surprisingly easy. The eVisa costs about $140 (including mandatory insurance). If you're from the US, UK, or Schengen countries, you can also get a visa on arrival for the same fee. Budget for this—it's non-negotiable and not included in your flight.
Accommodation: From Budget to Bling
This is where your Saudi trip budget can swing wildly. In Riyadh, a decent 3-star hotel like the Al Khozama or Braira runs $80–$120 per night. In Jeddah, similar places cost $70–$100. But during peak seasons—Ramadan, Eid, or the Riyadh Season festival—prices can double. I once paid $180 for a mid-range hotel in Riyadh because I didn't check the calendar. Lesson learned.
Hostels are rare, but they do exist in Jeddah and Riyadh, starting around $30–$50 per night. Airbnb is available but often pricier than hotels. For luxury, think $300+ at places like the Ritz-Carlton or Banyan Tree. If you're on a tight budget, look at hotel apartments (called "serviced apartments")—they're common and offer kitchens, which can save you on meals.
Sample Accommodation Costs
- Budget hostel: $30–$50/night
- 3-star hotel: $70–$120/night
- 4-star hotel: $150–$250/night
- 5-star luxury: $300–$600/night
Food: Shawarma vs. Fine Dining
You can eat incredibly well in Saudi Arabia for very little—or spend a fortune. A shawarma sandwich from a street stall costs 7–12 SAR ($2–$3). A plate of mandi (smoky chicken or lamb over rice) at a local restaurant is 25–40 SAR ($7–$11). I still dream about the kabsa I had in a tiny Jeddah alley—it cost me 30 SAR and was better than any hotel buffet.
If you're eating at Western chains or hotel restaurants, expect to pay $20–$40 per person. A fancy dinner at a Riyadh hotspot like Najd Village can run $50–$80 per person. Alcohol is illegal, so you'll save on drinks—but mocktails at upscale bars can cost $10–$15.
Budget tip: Grocery stores like Danube or Carrefour are great for picnic supplies. A loaf of bread, hummus, and fruit costs under $10.
Transportation: Getting Around
Saudi Arabia is huge, and public transport is limited. In cities, ride-hailing apps (Uber and Careem) are your best bet. A 15-minute Uber in Riyadh costs about 20–30 SAR ($5–$8). Taxis are metered but often pricier; always insist on the meter.
For intercity travel, domestic flights are surprisingly affordable. A one-way flight from Riyadh to Jeddah on Flyadeal or Flynas starts at 150 SAR ($40). The new Haramain High-Speed Railway connects Jeddah, Mecca, and Medina—a one-way ticket is 50–150 SAR ($13–$40). Buses (SAPTCO) are cheaper but slower; Riyadh to Jeddah takes 10 hours and costs about 100 SAR ($27).
Renting a car is an option—rates start at 100 SAR ($27) per day for a small car, plus fuel (very cheap, around 2.33 SAR/liter). But driving in Saudi cities is not for the faint-hearted. I'd stick to Ubers unless you're heading to remote areas like AlUla.
Activities and Attractions
Many of Saudi's best experiences are free: wandering the old town of Jeddah (Al-Balad), hiking the Edge of the World outside Riyadh, or strolling the corniche in Dammam. Museums like the National Museum in Riyadh charge a nominal 10 SAR ($2.70).
Big-ticket items: AlUla's Hegra (Madain Salih) entry is 95 SAR ($25) for foreigners, and guided tours start at 150 SAR ($40). Diriyah's At-Turaif district costs 100 SAR ($27). Desert safaris or diving in the Red Sea can run $100–$300 per person. If you're on a Saudi trip budget, prioritize free sights and splurge on one or two paid experiences.
Other Costs: SIM Cards, Water, and Tips
A local SIM card from STC or Mobily costs about 30–50 SAR ($8–$13) for a week of data. Bottled water is 1–2 SAR ($0.30–$0.50). Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated—10% at restaurants, 5–10 SAR for hotel staff. Alcohol is banned, so no bar tabs. And remember: many places only accept cash, so carry small bills.
Sample Budgets: Three Tiers
Here's how much a 7-day trip to Saudi Arabia might cost, excluding flights:
Budget Traveler
- Accommodation: $40/night x 7 = $280
- Food: $15/day x 7 = $105
- Transport: $10/day x 7 = $70
- Activities: $50
- Visa: $140
- Total: ~$645
Mid-Range Traveler
- Accommodation: $100/night x 7 = $700
- Food: $30/day x 7 = $210
- Transport: $20/day x 7 = $140
- Activities: $150
- Visa: $140
- Total: ~$1,340
Luxury Traveler
- Accommodation: $400/night x 7 = $2,800
- Food: $80/day x 7 = $560
- Transport: $50/day x 7 = $350
- Activities: $500
- Visa: $140
- Total: ~$4,350
Add your flight, and you've got a realistic picture. For a mid-range traveler from Europe, a total Saudi travel cost of $1,800–$2,200 is typical.
Money-Saving Tips for Your Saudi Trip Budget
- Travel in shoulder season: October–November and February–March offer pleasant weather and lower hotel rates.
- Eat local: Street food and small restaurants are delicious and cheap.
- Use ride-sharing: Uber and Careem are often cheaper than taxis.
- Book domestic flights early: Flynas and Flyadeal have frequent sales.
- Stay in hotel apartments: They include kitchens, cutting food costs.
- Free attractions: Many of Saudi's best sights—like the Edge of the World—cost nothing.
So, how much does a Saudi trip really cost? It depends on your style, but it's more affordable than many assume. With a bit of planning, you can experience the warmth of Saudi hospitality, the grandeur of its deserts, and the buzz of its cities without breaking the bank. And trust me—the memories are worth every riyal.