Why Digital Nomads Choose Riyadh
Riyadh ranks #158 out of 366 cities in our global digital nomad index, scoring 64/100 overall. It's a strong contender for remote workers who value quality infrastructure and personal safety.
Cost of Living in Riyadh
Riyadh is a mid-range destination for digital nomads. A comfortable monthly budget including city centre rent, mid-range dining, and public transport comes to approximately $1,351 — that's 14% above the global average of $1,180.
Rent is the biggest expense: a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $724/month, while moving outside the centre drops that to $903. Eating out is reasonably priced — a cheap meal costs $11 and a cappuccino runs $4. Budget-conscious nomads who cook at home and live outside the centre can manage on as little as $1,673/month.
See the full cost breakdown for Riyadh →
Internet and Connectivity
Average internet speed in Riyadh is 73 Mbps download and 32 Mbps upload, which is excellent. Reliability scores 7.9/10. This is more than sufficient for video calls, screen sharing, and uploading large files.
The city has 154 coworking spaces with average speeds of 54 Mbps — roughly matching residential connections. Day passes start at $21 and monthly memberships average $177.
Full internet and WiFi guide for Riyadh →
Safety and Healthcare
Riyadh scores 81/100 for safety (Excellent), which is above the global average. Most digital nomads and solo travellers report feeling safe walking around during the day and at night in central areas.
Healthcare quality scores 71/100. Excellent hospitals and private clinics are accessible, with many offering English-speaking staff and modern equipment. Air quality scores 43/100 and walkability 39/100.
Full safety and health guide for Riyadh →
Climate and Best Time to Visit
Riyadh has a subtropical, with warm winters and hot summers. Temperatures range from 15-35°C depending on season. Winters are mild and comfortable for working, while summers can be hot. Spring and autumn offer the best balance of pleasant weather and reasonable prices.
How Riyadh Compares
Compared to the global average, Riyadh is 14% more expensive, has faster internet (73 vs 67 Mbps average), and is safer (81 vs 67 average).
Looking for something cheaper? Consider <a href="/cities/dhaka/">Dhaka</a> ($415/mo), <a href="/cities/port-vila/">Port Vila</a> ($421/mo), <a href="/cities/hanoi/">Hanoi</a> ($442/mo).
Need faster internet? Check out <a href="/cities/rotterdam/">Rotterdam</a> (249 Mbps), <a href="/cities/sapporo/">Sapporo</a> (248 Mbps), <a href="/cities/busan/">Busan</a> (240 Mbps).