Singapore vs Riyadh: Cost of Living Comparison

Housing is the largest expenditure gap between the two cities. In Singapore, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center typically costs between $2,800 and $4,000 USD per month. In contrast, a similar luxury apartment in a prime Riyadh district like Al Olaya or Al Malqa ranges from $1,200 to $1,800 USD. For families, the difference is even more pronounced; a large villa in Riyadh is often cheaper than a three-bedroom HDB or condo in Singapore's suburban regions. Property purchase prices in Singapore are also roughly 5 to 10 times higher per square meter than in Riyadh.

Dining out in Singapore offers a wide range, from $5 USD hawker meals to $300 USD fine dining. Riyadh’s food scene is growing rapidly, with mid-range restaurant meals costing roughly $15-25 USD, which is comparable to Singapore's mid-range options. Groceries in Riyadh are generally 20% cheaper than in Singapore, particularly for local produce, dairy, and poultry. However, because Singapore imports almost all its food, prices for premium international goods are high in both locations, though Riyadh benefits from lower logistical costs for certain Middle Eastern staples.

Transportation costs represent a complete role reversal. Singapore has one of the best public transit systems in the world, making car ownership unnecessary and prohibitively expensive due to the Certificate of Entitlement (COE), which can cost over $70,000 USD just for the right to own a car. In Riyadh, car ownership is a necessity. However, fuel is incredibly cheap in Saudi Arabia (approx. $0.60 USD per liter) compared to Singapore ($2.10+ USD per liter). While Riyadh is currently expanding its Metro system, it remains a car-centric city, whereas Singapore is a 'car-lite' society.

Basic utilities (electricity, water, cooling) for a standard apartment are typically higher in Singapore due to tiered pricing and the constant need for air conditioning. In Riyadh, utilities are subsidized but can spike in the summer months. Fitness and leisure are more expensive in Singapore; a monthly gym membership averages $100-150 USD, while in Riyadh, similar clubs cost around $80-120 USD. Cinema tickets and international clothing brands are priced similarly in both cities, though Riyadh offers more expansive shopping mall environments.

There are currently no direct flights between Singapore (SIN) and Riyadh (RUH). Travelers typically opt for one-stop connections through major Middle Eastern hubs. Common routes include flying with Emirates via Dubai, Qatar Airways via Doha, or Etihad via Abu Dhabi. The total travel time usually ranges from 12 to 15 hours depending on layover duration. For those seeking a regional connection, Saudia and Singapore Airlines occasionally offer codeshare options through other hubs in the GCC.