Cost of Living for Students in Qatar and Saudi Arabia

Two countries, similar budgeting approach

Qatar and Saudi Arabia are popular study destinations in the Gulf, and in both the smartest way to plan your money is with ranges rather than a single fixed figure. Costs depend on the city, the neighbourhood, and your lifestyle, so two students at the same university can spend very different amounts.

In Qatar, most international study is concentrated in and around Doha. In Saudi Arabia, the largest student cities include Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dhahran (near Dhahran you will find institutions such as King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals). Confirm current costs against official sources for each country before budgeting.

The main expense categories

The recurring costs are broadly the same across both countries, even though the exact amounts differ. Listing them helps you compare options and build a complete budget.

• Accommodation — on-campus housing or shared off-campus flats; usually the largest cost
• Food and groceries — cooking at home is cheaper than eating out
• Transport — buses and, in Doha and Riyadh, metro networks, plus ride-hailing or taxis
• Utilities and internet — electricity, water, cooling, and connectivity
• Health insurance — commonly required for the residence permit
• Books, supplies, and personal expenses

Housing and transport in Doha and Riyadh

Accommodation is generally the biggest part of a student budget in both countries. Many universities offer on-campus housing, and where a scholarship or place includes accommodation this can substantially lower your living costs — always check what your specific offer covers.

Transport is increasingly organised in the major cities: both Doha and Riyadh have modern metro systems alongside bus services, and rechargeable travel cards can make daily commuting more predictable. Choosing housing near campus or a transit line helps keep costs and travel time down.

Use official sources to set your budget

Build your budget category by category, attach a low-to-high range from official and university sources, and add a buffer for one-off costs such as a deposit, a residence permit, or initial setup. Include health insurance, which is commonly required for the residence permit.

For Saudi Arabia, the official Study in Saudi portal (studyinsaudi.sa) and the Ministry of Education are reliable starting points; for Qatar, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (edu.gov.qa) and the Hukoomi government portal are the official references. For tuition and on-campus living estimates, the university's official pages are most reliable. Prices change frequently — verify on the official source before relying on any number.