Cost To Visit Riyadh: Complete 2026 Budget Guide

Is Riyadh Expensive to Visit?

Riyadh is more expensive than many Middle Eastern cities but cheaper than places like Dubai or Doha. Compared to U.S. prices, Riyadh is moderate to high cost, especially for luxury hotels, transportation, and international dining. That said, budget travelers can still get by affordably with careful planning, especially outside of peak seasons.

Regionally, it’s considered mid-range in terms of affordability, with options for both luxury travelers and backpackers (though limited). Keep in mind that public transport is limited, and the city is still adjusting to a growing international tourism market.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

• When it’s most and least expensive to visit
• The best and most affordable areas to stay in
• Costs for food, attractions, and transport
• Daily and weekly budgets
• Popular day trips from Riyadh

Seasonal Cost

The cost of visiting Riyadh is largely influenced by weather and demand, especially around religious and national holidays.

Peak Season (October–March)

• Pleasant weather (15°C–28°C / 59°F–82°F)
• Ideal for outdoor sightseeing and desert tours
• High season for tourism and events like Riyadh Season
• Hotel and flight prices spike, especially November–January

Shoulder Season (April, September)

• Warmer but not unbearable; fewer tourists
• Transitional weather with moderate pricing
• A good compromise between comfort and cost

Off-Season (May–August)

• Temperatures can exceed 45°C / 113°F
• Lowest hotel and flight prices of the year
• Best for budget travelers who can handle the heat
• Limited outdoor activities due to extreme weather

Most Expensive Times To Visit Riyadh

• Riyadh Season (typically October–December) – massive entertainment festival with concerts, expos, and events
• Hajj & Umrah Seasons – demand rises across the country, though Riyadh is not the primary pilgrimage destination
• National Day (September 23) – festivities raise demand
• Ramadan & Eid Holidays – prices increase at start and end of Ramadan

Cheapest Months To Visit Riyadh

• June–August – extreme heat keeps tourist numbers low
• Early September – before the National Day rush
• April – warm but manageable weather with better pricing

Where You Stay

Riyadh offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget hotels and serviced apartments to five-star luxury chains. Location greatly affects price and access to attractions.

Most Expensive Areas To Stay

• Al Olaya
  • Modern business and shopping district
  • Home to luxury hotels, skyscrapers, and malls
  • Near: Kingdom Centre Tower, Sky Bridge, Riyadh Boulevard
• Diplomatic Quarter (DQ)
  • Gated, green, and very secure area with embassies and upscale residences
  • Fewer hotels, but extremely high-end
  • Near: Wadi Hanifa, walking trails, museums
• King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD)
  • Futuristic business hub with high-end hotels and modern architecture
  • Still under development but already pricey
  • Near: Conference centers, metro stations, financial institutions

Affordable Areas To Stay

• Al Malaz
  • Central and popular with families and expats
  • Budget hotels and serviced apartments
  • Near: Riyadh Zoo, King Abdullah Park
• Al Murabba
  • Historical district with budget-friendly stays
  • Older buildings but lots of character
  • Near: National Museum, Murabba Palace
• Al Wurud
  • Residential area with clean, mid-range hotels
  • Good location for business travelers
  • Near: Riyadh Gallery Mall, casual dining options

Cheapest Areas To Stay

• Al Batha
  • Budget hotels, mostly used by workers and long-term residents
  • Can be noisy and crowded but very cheap
  • Near: Souks, old markets, local eateries
• Al Diriyah (outside historic core)
  • Offers Airbnb and budget apartments further from the city center
  • Less access to transport but peaceful and scenic
  • Near: Historical Diriyah (UNESCO site), Wadi Hanifa trails

Riyadh Vacation Costs

Let’s break down what a trip to Riyadh might cost by budget type and season.

Average Accommodation Cost (Per Night)

• Budget traveler
  • Guesthouses or 2-star hotels in Al Batha or Malaz
  • Basic A/C rooms, sometimes shared bathrooms
• Moderate traveler
  • 3-star hotels or apartments in Al Wurud, Al Malaz, or Al Murabba
  • A/C, Wi-Fi, and breakfast included
• Luxury traveler
  • 4–5 star hotels in Al Olaya, DQ, or KAFD
  • Rooftop pools, skyline views, spas, and concierge service

Food Cost (Per Person, Per Day)

• Budget
  • Local restaurants, fast food (Shawarma, Kabsa, Falafel)
  • SAR 20–40 / USD $5–$11
• Moderate
  • Sit-down meals, cafés, international chains
  • SAR 50–100 / USD $13–$26
• Luxury
  • Upscale restaurants, fine dining, hotel buffets
  • SAR 150+ / USD $40+

Transportation Cost

• Metro (Riyadh Metro opening in phases 2026)
  • Expected cost: SAR 5–10 / USD $1.30–$2.60 per ride
• Uber / Careem
  • Most popular ride option for tourists
  • Short trips: SAR 15–30 / USD $4–$8
• Taxi
  • Similar pricing but less preferred due to language barriers and lack of meters
• Car rental
  • Common for long stays or intercity travel
  • SAR 100–200 / USD $27–$54 per day
• Private driver
  • Often included in tours or airport transfers
  • Full day: SAR 300–600 / USD $80–$160

Attractions

• Sky Bridge at Kingdom Tower – SAR 69 / USD $18
• National Museum of Saudi Arabia – SAR 10 / USD $2.60
• Al Masmak Fortress – Free
• Historic Diriyah (At-Turaif District) – SAR 50–100 / USD $13–$26
• Edge of the World Day Tour – SAR 300–500 / USD $80–$133
• Riyadh Season events – Prices vary (concerts, expos, etc.) from SAR 50–300 / USD $13–$80

Day Trips From Riyadh

• Edge of the World
  • Stunning cliff view in the desert
  • 1.5–2 hours away
  • 4x4 required, best with a tour
  • Tour cost: SAR 300–500 / USD $80–$133
• Diriyah (At-Turaif District)
  • Historic capital of the Saudi state
  • 30–45 minutes from city center
  • Entry: SAR 50 / USD $13, guided tours available
• Ushaiger Heritage Village
  • Preserved mud village with museums
  • 2 hours by car
  • Free entry or small donation
  • Great cultural experience off the beaten path
• Red Sand Dunes
  • ATV riding, dune bashing, and desert picnics
  • 45–60 mins away
  • Tour cost: SAR 200–400 / USD $53–$106

Daily Budget (Per Person)

• Budget Traveler
  • Hostel or budget hotel, local food, Uber or metro
  • Free or cheap attractions
  • USD $40–$60 per day
• Moderate Traveler
  • 3-star hotel, restaurant meals, a few guided attractions
  • USD $80–$130 per day
• Luxury Traveler
  • 5-star hotel, private tours, fine dining
  • USD $200–$350+ per day

Weekly Budget (7 Days)

• Budget Traveler
  • Lodging: $200–$280
  • Food: $100–$140
  • Transport: $40–$60
  • Attractions: $50–$80
  • Total: $390–$560
• Moderate Traveler
  • Lodging: $450–$700
  • Food: $150–$250
  • Transport: $60–$100
  • Attractions: $100–$150
  • Total: $760–$1,200
• Luxury Traveler
  • Lodging: $1,400+
  • Food: $300+
  • Transport: $150+
  • Attractions: $200+
  • Total: $2,050+

Flight Cost

Flights to Riyadh vary based on departure location and season. From the U.S., average round-trip costs in 2026 are:

• Peak Season: $1,000–$1,400
• Shoulder Season: $800–$1,200
• Off-Season: $650–$1,000

Book early for major holidays and consider flying into Jeddah or Dubai with a connection to save. Or, sign up for Jetsetter Alerts to find mistake fares and sales.