Is Riyadh expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Riyadh is fairly expensive for hotels, tickets and modern restaurants, but everyday food and transport can be cheap. A budget day is about 280 SAR per person, mid-range about 660 SAR and comfort about 1,650 SAR; hotels (with 15% VAT), Diriyah and entertainment tickets and smart dinners are where the money goes.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | SAR150 | SAR300 | SAR800 |
| Food & drink | SAR80 | SAR180 | SAR400 |
| Sights & tickets | SAR30 | SAR120 | SAR300 |
| Local transport | SAR20 | SAR60 | SAR150 |
| Per person, per day | SAR280 | SAR660 | SAR1,650 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Riyadh day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Shawarma wrap | roughly 8–20 SAR |
| Mutabbaq from a stall | roughly 8–20 SAR |
| Simple meal of kabsa or mandi | about 25–50 SAR |
| Riyadh Metro 2-hour ticket | about 4 SAR |
| Ride-hailing trip across the city | about 20–50 SAR |
| At-Turaif (Diriyah) ticket | about 100 SAR, booked online |
| Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge | about 70–80 SAR |
| Edge of the World 4x4 tour | about 250–450 SAR per person |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Hotels are the biggest cost, and bills add 15% VAT plus a municipality fee. Tickets for Diriyah, the Sky Bridge, Riyadh Season zones and desert tours add up quickly. Modern restaurants in Diriyah and Olaya cost 150–300 SAR per person, while cafeterias, shawarma shops and South Asian restaurants in Al Batha are very cheap. The metro and ride-hailing keep transport affordable.
When it is cheaper
Hotel prices are usually lower in the hot months from May to September, but outdoor sightseeing is hard then; the cool season and Riyadh Season (roughly October to March) are the most expensive.
How to spend less
- Ride the Riyadh Metro, where a 2-hour ticket costs about 4 SAR.
- Eat breakfast at local cafeterias: foul and mutabbaq for under 20 SAR.
- Try the cheap Indian, Pakistani and Yemeni restaurants of Al Batha.
- Visit Masmak Fort and Murabba Palace, which are free.
- Use Uber, Careem or Jeeny rather than unmetered taxis.
- Ask the total price before ordering large shared platters or whole lamb.
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Common questions
Is Riyadh expensive?
Hotels, tickets and modern restaurants are fairly expensive, but local food and the metro are cheap.
How much does a day in Riyadh cost?
About 280 SAR per person on a budget, 660 SAR mid-range and 1,650 SAR in comfort.
How much is Diriyah?
Entry to At-Turaif costs about 100 SAR, booked online; dinner at Bujairi Terrace is extra.