Data last updated: August 2026

Abu Dhabi, UAERiyadh, Saudi Arabia

You would need around 40.3% less money in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to maintain the same standard of living you have in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Overall Cost of Living

40.3%

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is cheaper than Abu Dhabi, UAE

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A1,964 USD
City B1,112 USD
Difference-43.4%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A138 USD
City B123 USD
Difference-10.9%

Average Net Salary

City A2,893 USD
City B2,296 USD
Difference-20.6%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from Abu Dhabi, UAE to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia? Based on our verified data model, you are looking at a fantastic geo-arbitrage opportunity. Overall, the cost of living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is 40.3% cheaper. Housing is typically the biggest financial win—renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's center costs around 1,112 USD, which is a staggering 43.4% less than in Abu Dhabi, UAE. If you are retaining a remote income, the Remote Wealth team ranks this as a highly strategic move for wealth accumulation.

Pro Tip:Since you'll be managing money across borders and currencies, we highly recommend setting up a borderless account like Wise (formerly TransferWise) before you move to avoid heavy bank exchange fees.Check out Wise

Reviewed by the Remote Wealth Editorial Team

Our cost of living data for Abu Dhabi, UAE and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is compiled using our rigorous verification methodology. We combine millions of data points from reliable sources to ensure you get the most accurate financial comparison for your relocation.

Read more about our team →

Salary Comparator

Find out exactly how much you need to earn in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to maintain your current lifestyle in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

USD

You need in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

1,728 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

Discover how moving to a cheaper city accelerates your Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE) timeline.

By moving from Abu Dhabi, UAE to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and investing the 40% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 6.0 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your Abu Dhabi, UAE budget to local Riyadh, Saudi Arabia prices. We automatically adjust housing, groceries, and leisure categories.

Housing1112 USD
Groceries123 USD
Utilities & Internet125 USD

Investment Planner

You save 852 USD every month on rent alone by moving to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Investing this rent difference in an S&P 500 index fund could grow to ~143,136 USD in 10 years.