Studying in Saudi Arabia vs. United States
Saudi Arabia and United States are both popular study destinations — but the price tag, visa rules, and currency differ. We pulled the numbers from our cost calculator: monthly living averages €1,072 in Saudi Arabia and €2,706 in United States.
Side-by-side comparison
Verdict
Cheaper tuition
Saudi Arabia
Cheaper monthly living
Saudi Arabia
Lower visa proof of funds
Saudi Arabia
Side-by-side comparison
Saudi Arabia
United States
Currency
SAR (SR)
USD ($)
Public tuition (annual)
SR0
≈ €0 / yr
$32,000
≈ €29,440 / yr
Private tuition (annual)
SR60,000
≈ €14,700 / yr
$58,000
≈ €53,360 / yr
Monthly living (city avg)
SR4,375 / mo
≈ €1,072 / mo
$2,941 / mo
≈ €2,706 / mo
Visa proof of funds
SR36,000
Proof of funds (≈ SR 3,000/month) — often covered by a scholarship
Varies by I-20 (school issues)
Varies by I-20 (school issues)
Cities tracked
Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Mecca
New York, Boston, Los Angeles, Austin
Figures are 2026 reference estimates from our cost calculator. Actual costs vary by city, program, and lifestyle.