Planning a trip to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an exciting step, but figuring out the costs can be confusing. Whether you are a backpacker looking to explore the desert on a shoestring or a luxury traveler seeking five-star resorts in AlUla, Saudi Arabia caters to every wallet. On average, a 7-day trip costs between $575 and $1,210 for budget travelers, $1,200 to $2,465 for mid-range travelers, and $2,865 to $7,510+ for luxury travelers in 2026. Here is your complete, transparent breakdown of what to expect.
Daily Budget Breakdown: What to Expect Per Day
Budget Traveler $50 - $95 / day
- Accommodation: $20 - $40 (Hostels, budget hotels, or guesthouses)
- Food: $10 - $15 (Local restaurants, shawarma, street food)
- Transport: $5 - $10 (Public buses, Riyadh Metro)
- Activities: $10 - $20 (Free mosques, public parks, walking tours)
- SIM Card: ~$2 per day
Mid-Range Traveler $120 - $230 / day
- Accommodation: $60 - $120 (Comfortable 3 to 4-star hotels)
- Food: $25 - $40 (Mix of local spots and international casual dining)
- Transport: $15 - $25 (Taxis, Uber, Careem)
- Activities: $20 - $45 (Guided tours, Hegra tickets, museum entries)
Luxury Traveler $340 - $820+ / day
- Accommodation: $200 - $500+ (5-star luxury resorts and boutique hotels)
- Food: $60 - $150 (Fine dining, high-end hotel restaurants)
- Transport: $50 - $100 (Private drivers, domestic flights, premium car rentals)
- Activities: $30 - $70+ (Private guided tours, VIP experiences, hot air balloon rides)
Major Expenses Breakdown
Flights
- Round-trip average: $711
- From Europe: $400 - $900
- From USA: $900 - $1,500
- From Asia: $300 - $700
Accommodation (Per Night)
- Budget: $20 - $50
- Mid-range: $80 - $150
- Luxury: $250 - $600+
Food Costs
- Street food (Shawarma/Falafel): $3 - $8 per meal
- Local restaurant (Kabsa/Mandi): $10 - $20 per meal
- Mid-range restaurant: $25 - $40 per meal
- Fine dining: $60 - $150+ per meal
Activity & Attraction Costs
- Hegra (AlUla) Tour: From 95 SAR ($25)
- Edge of the World Tour (Riyadh): From 200 SAR ($53)
- Kingdom Centre Tower (Riyadh): 75 SAR ($20)
- National Museum (Riyadh): Free
- Al-Balad Walking Tour (Jeddah): Free
Transportation Costs
- Riyadh Metro: 6 - 12 SAR ($1.60 - $3.20) per ride
- Riyadh Bus: 6 SAR ($1.60) per ride
- Taxi/Uber/Careem: 15 - 40 SAR within the city
- Domestic Flights: 300 - 800 SAR
- Car Rental: 100 - 250 SAR per day
Money-Saving Tips for Saudi Arabia
- Travel in the shoulder season (April or October) for 20-30% cheaper hotels.
- Eat at local restaurants rather than hotel restaurants; a delicious local meal costs a fraction of the price.
- Use the Riyadh Metro and public buses instead of taking Uber for every trip.
- Take advantage of free attractions like the National Museum, historic Al-Balad, and the beautiful mosques.
Sample 7-Day Budget (Mid-Range Traveler)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saudi Arabia expensive for tourists? +
Saudi Arabia can be as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be. Budget travelers can survive on $50 a day by eating local food and using public transit, while luxury travelers can easily spend $500+ a day on premium resorts and private tours.
Can I travel Saudi Arabia on $50 a day? +
Yes, it is possible if you stay in budget accommodations (like hostels or 2-star hotels), eat street food like shawarma and falafel, and rely on public transportation like the Riyadh Metro and buses.
Do I need cash or can I use cards in Saudi Arabia? +
Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted almost everywhere, from luxury malls to small local cafes. However, it is highly recommended to carry some Saudi Riyals (SAR) in cash for small souk vendors, tips, and remote desert areas.
Plan Your Next Step
Ready to start saving for your trip? Make sure you check out these essential guides to finalize your plans: