Shab
1 post
Aug 19, 2025
11:10 PM
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Many first-time travelers ask the same question before booking their tickets: is Saudi Arabia expensive to visit? The short answer is: it depends on how you plan your trip. Compared to other Middle Eastern destinations such as Dubai or Doha, Saudi Arabia can be both affordable and expensive depending on the type of traveler you are. For US and UK citizens planning a Saudi trip, costs vary based on accommodation, transport, activities, and personal preferences. Let’s break it all down so you can estimate your travel budget for 2025.
1. Flights from the USA & UK
Airfare is often the largest upfront cost.
From the USA: A round-trip economy ticket from New York, Washington, or Los Angeles to Riyadh or Jeddah generally costs $800–$1,200 USD. Prices fluctuate depending on season and airline. Direct flights are available through Saudi Airlines and American partners, but connecting flights via Europe (Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways) can sometimes be cheaper.
From the UK: Direct flights from London to Riyadh or Jeddah usually range from £400–£700 GBP for economy. Low-cost alternatives with layovers can reduce the price further.
If booked early, these prices are quite competitive compared to flights to other Middle Eastern hubs.
2. Visa Costs
For both US and UK travelers, the Saudi tourist visa is standardized. It costs around $130–$150 USD (roughly £100–£120 GBP). This fee includes health insurance, which covers you in case of medical emergencies. The visa is valid for one year, allowing multiple entries of up to 90 days each.
So while the visa is not free, it gives good flexibility for travelers who may want to return for another Saudi trip within the year.
3. Accommodation Costs
Saudi Arabia offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious five-star hotels.
Budget Hotels/Hostels: $25–$50 per night (around £20–£40). These are mainly found in secondary cities or near transport hubs.
Mid-range Hotels: $60–$120 per night (£50–£100). This includes 3–4 star hotels with modern amenities and convenient locations.
Luxury Hotels: $150–$400 per night (£120–£320). Brands like Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, and Hilton dominate in Riyadh and Jeddah.
In comparison with Dubai or Doha, accommodation in Saudi Arabia is slightly cheaper, especially outside of peak pilgrimage seasons.
4. Food & Dining Costs
Food is one of the highlights of Saudi tourism. Prices depend on whether you eat like a local or prefer international fine dining.
Street Food / Local Cafés: $2–$6 (under £5) for shawarma, falafel, or a plate of kabsa (traditional Saudi rice with meat).
Casual Dining Restaurants: $10–$20 per meal (£8–£15).
International Chains & Upscale Dining: $30–$80 per person (£25–£65), especially in high-end restaurants in Riyadh or Jeddah.
In short, you can eat affordably if you stick to local favorites. Western-style restaurants naturally cost more.
5. Transportation Costs
Getting around Saudi Arabia is relatively affordable compared to the West.
Domestic Flights: $50–$150 depending on the route. Riyadh–Jeddah is one of the busiest and cheapest routes.
Trains: The Haramain High-Speed Railway connects Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah. Tickets cost around $20–$40 (£15–£30). Comfortable and fast, it’s the best way for intercity travel.
Taxis & Ride-Sharing: Uber and Careem are widely available. A 20-minute ride in Riyadh usually costs $7–$10 (£6–£8).
Car Rentals: Around $35–$50 per day (£28–£40), with fuel being much cheaper than in the US or UK.
For tourists, ride-sharing apps are the most convenient choice.
6. Entrance Fees for Attractions
Saudi Arabia has been actively promoting Saudi tourism places, many of which require entry tickets.
AlUla (Hegra): Tickets range from $20–$50 depending on the type of guided experience.
Diriyah (UNESCO Heritage site near Riyadh): Around $20 per ticket.
Museums: Between $5–$15.
Theme Parks & Festivals: Riyadh Season or entertainment events can cost $30–$100 depending on the show.
Compared to Europe or the US, these prices are quite reasonable.
7. Shopping & Extras
Saudi Arabia offers both traditional souqs (markets) and high-end shopping malls.
Souqs: Affordable, with souvenirs like dates, spices, or handicrafts costing between $5–$20.
Luxury Shopping: Comparable to US and UK prices, with brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel available in malls such as Riyadh Park.
Shopping expenses entirely depend on personal taste.
8. Total Average Daily Cost
So, is Saudi Arabia expensive to visit? Let’s calculate an average daily spend for different travelers:
Budget Traveler: $60–$80 per day (£50–£65). Staying in hostels, eating local food, and using public transport.
Mid-range Traveler: $120–$200 per day (£100–£160). Comfortable hotels, casual dining, and Uber rides.
Luxury Traveler: $300–$600 per day (£240–£480). Five-star hotels, fine dining, and private tours.
Compared to the US, daily costs in Saudi Arabia are lower in food and transport but higher in visa fees. Compared to the UK, it’s similar, though accommodation can be cheaper.
9. Seasonal Factors
Costs can increase during peak travel seasons:
Hajj Season: Prices skyrocket, especially for hotels in Makkah and Madinah.
Riyadh Season (Winter Entertainment Festival): Hotels in Riyadh get booked fast, raising prices.
Off-Season (Summer): Hotels and flights are often cheaper due to extreme heat.
If you want affordability, traveling outside of pilgrimage or event seasons is the best choice.
10. Safety & Value for Money
Some travelers equate “expensive” with “value.” Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in making its attractions world-class, meaning your money often goes further than in other destinations. For example, guided tours at AlUla or futuristic NEOM showcases are unique experiences not found anywhere else.
Moreover, the level of safety is high compared to many destinations, adding extra value to your trip.
Final Verdict
So, is Saudi Arabia expensive to visit? The answer depends on your travel style. For budget-conscious US and UK tourists, the country can be surprisingly affordable, especially when you enjoy local food and stay in mid-range hotels. For luxury travelers, costs rise but are still competitive with other global destinations.
With growing investments in Saudi tourism, and more international-friendly policies, the Kingdom offers excellent value for the experiences it provides. Whether you’re exploring historical Saudi tourism places, modern Riyadh events, or the Red Sea coastline, the country offers something unique for every budget.
In conclusion, Saudi Arabia isn’t necessarily expensive—it’s adaptable. With smart planning, your Saudi trip can be both memorable and reasonably priced.
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