Is Jeddah expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Jeddah is moderately expensive: hotels and organised activities cost about the same as in Dubai or southern Europe, while street food, fuel and taxis are cheap. A budget day is about SAR 250 per person and a mid-range day about SAR 660. The money goes on hotels (with 15% VAT and municipal fees), beach clubs and diving trips; there is no alcohol to spend on.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | SAR120 | SAR280 | SAR700 |
| Food & drink | SAR60 | SAR150 | SAR350 |
| Sights & tickets | SAR30 | SAR150 | SAR400 |
| Local transport | SAR40 | SAR80 | SAR200 |
| Per person, per day | SAR250 | SAR660 | SAR1,650 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Jeddah day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Mutabbaq from a street stall | SAR 10–15 |
| Arabic coffee or karak tea | about SAR 3–10 |
| Shawarma sandwich | about SAR 8–15 |
| Ride-hail trip of 10–15 km | SAR 25–45 |
| Tayebat City Museum | about SAR 50 |
| Beach club day pass in North Obhur | about SAR 150–400 |
| Snorkelling or diving boat trip | about SAR 250–500 |
| Grilled fish dinner at the old port area | about SAR 60–100 per person |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Hotels are the largest cost, with 15% VAT and a municipality fee of roughly 2.5–5% often added to quoted rates, and prices jump during the Jeddah Season events and the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Getting around is by car, as the city is spread along the coast; ride-hailing is reasonably priced but adds up. Beach access for mixed groups usually means a paid beach club, and diving trips are a big but worthwhile extra. Food can be very cheap at Yemeni, Pakistani and Hejazi eateries, or expensive in hotel restaurants.
When it is cheaper
Hotel prices are lowest in the hot months from June to September, often well below winter rates, but highs of 35–36°C and high humidity make sightseeing hard. Ramadan can also bring lower room rates outside the last ten days.
How to spend less
- Eat at local Yemeni and Hejazi restaurants, where a full meal costs a fraction of hotel dining.
- Use Uber or Careem rather than hotel taxis, and share rides with companions.
- Explore Al-Balad (the historic district) on foot; walking the streets is free.
- Check whether quoted hotel rates include VAT and municipal fees before you compare.
- Book snorkelling trips directly with dive centres rather than through hotels.
- Visit the free Corniche and its sculptures at sunset instead of paying for beach clubs every day.
Some links on this page are partner links. If you book through them TonyPlan earns a small commission — the price you pay is exactly the same.
Common questions
Is Jeddah expensive?
Moderately. Hotels and activities are priced like Dubai, but local food and fuel are cheap. Allow about SAR 250 a day on a budget and about SAR 660 mid-range.
Do hotel prices include tax?
Not always. Hotels add 15% VAT and a municipality fee of roughly 2.5–5%, so check the total before booking.
How much is a beach club?
Day passes in North Obhur cost about SAR 150–400, and mixed beachwear is accepted inside the clubs.