Yanbu, Saudi Arabia
A major Red Sea port city in western Saudi Arabia, known for its oil refinery and petrochemical industries.
Overview
Yanbu is a city in Medina with a population of 300,000. A major Red Sea port city in western Saudi Arabia, known for its oil refinery and petrochemical industries. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 7a growing zone supports Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with about 305 sunny days a year. Reported crime rates are relatively low. The population skews young, with a median age of 32.0.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Below Average vs Saudi Arabia Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Yanbu vs Saudi Arabia Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 15.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: SAR 90,000
- Unemployment: 5.0%
- Population: 300,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 305/year
- Summer High: 104°F
- Winter Low: 58°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7a
Housing
- Median Home: ﷼650,000
- 1BR Rent: ﷼1600/mo
Cost of Living
Yanbu's cost of living index is 95 (Saudi Arabia average = 100).
| Category | Yanbu | 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) | ﷼1600/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | ﷼2,000/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 Yanbu:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | ﷼200 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | ﷼32 | 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 | ﷼582 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Yanbu scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Yanbu has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 78°F | 58°F | 2.5" |
| April | 89°F | 73°F | 2.8" |
| July | 104°F | 79°F | 1.5" |
| October | 84°F | 76°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Yanbu 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 5.0%.
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
Demographics
The population of Yanbu is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: General Authority for Statistics (2022)
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 Yanbu, Saudi Arabia?
The cost of living index in Yanbu is 95, which is Lower the Saudi Arabia national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Yanbu?
The median home price in Yanbu 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 Yanbu is approximately ﷼1600/mo.
Does Yanbu, Medina have income tax?
Yanbu is in Medina, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Yanbu?
Yanbu enjoys approximately 305 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 104°F, while winter lows can drop to around 58°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: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.