Taif, Saudi Arabia
A mountain city in western Saudi Arabia, known for its cooler climate, rose gardens, and as a summer retreat.
Below Average vs Saudi Arabia Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Taif vs Saudi Arabia Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 15.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: SAR 78,000
- Unemployment: 7.0%
- Population: 688,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 290/year
- Summer High: 95°F
- Winter Low: 50°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6b
Housing
- Median Home: ﷼650,000
- 1BR Rent: ﷼1500/mo
Cost of Living
Taif's cost of living index is 95 (Saudi Arabia average = 100).
| Category | Taif | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 95 | 100 | -5.0% |
| Housing | 100 | 100 | 0.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | ﷼650,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | ﷼1500/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | ﷼1,875/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | ﷼433 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Taif:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | ﷼200 | |
| Heating & Cooling | ﷼1 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | ﷼12 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | ﷼100 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | ﷼250 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | ﷼563 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Taif scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Taif has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 70°F | 50°F | 2.5" |
| April | 80°F | 65°F | 2.8" |
| July | 95°F | 70°F | 1.5" |
| October | 75°F | 68°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Taif faces the following natural hazards:
Arid country with extreme drought conditions.
Extreme summer heat with temperatures frequently exceeding 50°C.
Frequent sandstorms in the Arabian Desert.
Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.
Flash floods.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 0% (None)
- Sales Tax: 15%
- Property Tax: ~0% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 7.0%.
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Sunday to Thursday school week. Friday and Saturday are the weekend.
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Taif, Saudi Arabia?
The cost of living index in Taif is 95, which is Lower the Saudi Arabia national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Taif?
The median home price in Taif is ﷼650,000. The housing index is 100.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Taif is approximately ﷼1500/mo.
Does Taif, Makkah have income tax?
Taif is in Makkah, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Taif?
Taif enjoys approximately 290 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 95°F, while winter lows can drop to around 50°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.