Apartment Rental Prices in Riyadh 2026: Complete Guide to Rents by Area

Apartment rental prices in Riyadh are an important consideration for families, professionals, expatriates, students and companies relocating employees to Saudi Arabia’s capital.

Riyadh’s rental market is highly diverse. A small apartment in an eastern or southern district can cost substantially less than a premium apartment in Hittin, Al Olaya or Al Malqa. Rent also depends on apartment size, building quality, furnishings, parking, amenities and proximity to employment centres and transportation.

The latest available market data provides a useful snapshot of the Riyadh rental market. According to CBRE’s Q1 2026 Saudi Arabia Real Estate Market Review, Riyadh residential rental rates declined 2.1% year over year in March 2026, indicating a period of rental-market adjustment. At the same time, individual districts showed very different results. (CBRE Media Assets)

For example, CBRE’s Q1 2026 data puts the average annual apartment rent at SAR 81,000 in Hittin, compared with SAR 22,000 in Al Nasim Al Sharqi and SAR 24,000 in Al Nasim Al Gharbi. (CBRE Media Assets)

This article explains apartment rental prices in Riyadh in 2026, average rents by district, factors affecting rental costs, affordable areas, premium areas, rental trends and what tenants should check before signing a lease.

Important: Rental prices change frequently and individual listings may differ from district averages. The figures in this article are market averages from published research, not guaranteed prices for a specific apartment. Always verify the current rent and contract terms through the relevant official rental channels before signing a lease.

Apartment Rental Prices in Riyadh at a Glance

CBRE’s Q1 2026 data provides the following annual average apartment rents for selected Riyadh districts: (CBRE Media Assets)

Riyadh District	Average Apartment Rent / Year	Approx. Monthly Equivalent
Hittin	SAR 81,000	SAR 6,750
Al Aqeeq	SAR 74,000	SAR 6,167
Al Malqa	SAR 66,000	SAR 5,500
King Faisal	SAR 66,000	SAR 5,500
Al Olaya	SAR 60,000	SAR 5,000
Al Yasmeen	SAR 59,000	SAR 4,917
Al Narjis	SAR 58,000	SAR 4,833
Al Sahafa	SAR 56,000	SAR 4,667
Al Ezdhar	SAR 55,000	SAR 4,583
Qurtobah	SAR 53,000	SAR 4,417
Al Sulaymaniyah	SAR 50,000	SAR 4,167
Al Aridh	SAR 48,000	SAR 4,000
Al Malaz	SAR 39,000	SAR 3,250
Al Munisiyah	SAR 39,000	SAR 3,250
Al Yarmouk	SAR 38,000	SAR 3,167
Al Rimal	SAR 31,000	SAR 2,583
Al Nasim Al Gharbi	SAR 24,000	SAR 2,000
Al Nasim Al Sharqi	SAR 22,000	SAR 1,833

The monthly figures above are simply the annual average divided by 12 and are provided for comparison; actual leases may use different payment schedules. (CBRE Media Assets)

What Is the Average Apartment Rent in Riyadh?

There isn’t one reliable citywide apartment rent that applies to every tenant.

The difference between districts is substantial. CBRE’s Q1 2026 district data ranges from approximately SAR 22,000 per year in Al Nasim Al Sharqi to SAR 81,000 in Hittin. (CBRE Media Assets)

That means location alone can create a very large difference in rental cost.

Other factors include:

Apartment size
Number of bedrooms
Furnished or unfurnished status
Building age
Construction quality
Parking
Security
Elevators
Building amenities
District accessibility
Proximity to workplaces
Proximity to schools
Public transportation

Therefore, tenants should use district averages as a benchmark rather than a fixed asking price.

Apartment Rental Prices in Riyadh by Area

Hittin Apartment Rental Prices

Hittin is one of Riyadh’s premium residential districts.

CBRE reported an average apartment rental price of approximately SAR 81,000 per year in Q1 2026, equivalent to about SAR 6,750 per month when annualized. Apartment rents were 11% higher year over year in the district. (CBRE Media Assets)

Why Are Hittin Rents High?

The area benefits from:

Premium residential developments
Northern Riyadh location
Access to major roads
Modern apartment buildings
Nearby lifestyle destinations
Strong demand from professionals and families

Hittin is therefore more appropriate for tenants with a higher housing budget.

Al Aqeeq Apartment Rental Prices

CBRE reported an average annual apartment rent of approximately SAR 74,000 in Al Aqeeq during Q1 2026.

That equals an approximate monthly equivalent of SAR 6,167.

Annual apartment rents were down approximately 1% year over year in the district. (CBRE Media Assets)

Al Aqeeq can appeal to tenants seeking access to northern Riyadh’s employment and residential areas.

Al Malqa Apartment Rental Prices

Al Malqa is another popular northern Riyadh residential district.

CBRE’s Q1 2026 average apartment rent was approximately SAR 66,000 per year, or around SAR 5,500 per month when annualized.

Apartment rents increased approximately 1% year over year. (CBRE Media Assets)

Who May Prefer Al Malqa?

Families
Professionals
Higher-income tenants
Employees working in northern Riyadh

Al Olaya Apartment Rental Prices

Al Olaya is particularly important for professionals because of its central business and commercial location.

CBRE reported an average apartment rent of approximately SAR 60,000 per year in Q1 2026.

That corresponds to approximately SAR 5,000 per month when divided by 12.

Apartment rents were approximately 1% lower year over year. (CBRE Media Assets)

Why Choose Al Olaya?

Tenants may value:

Central location
Business offices
Restaurants
Shopping
Hotels
Transportation connections
Proximity to employment centres

Al Yasmeen Apartment Rental Prices

Al Yasmeen is a well-known residential district in northern Riyadh.

CBRE reported an average apartment rent of approximately SAR 59,000 per year in Q1 2026.

The equivalent monthly figure is around SAR 4,917.

However, the district recorded a 6% year-over-year decline in average apartment rents. (CBRE Media Assets)

This demonstrates that rental prices can move differently even between popular districts.

Al Narjis Apartment Rental Prices

Al Narjis has experienced significant residential development in recent years.

CBRE reported:

Average apartment rent: SAR 58,000 per year

Approximate monthly equivalent: SAR 4,833

Year-over-year change: +5% (CBRE Media Assets)

Al Narjis can be particularly interesting for families and professionals looking for newer residential stock in northern Riyadh.

Al Sahafa Apartment Rental Prices

Al Sahafa is another prominent northern Riyadh district.

The Q1 2026 average apartment rent was approximately:

SAR 56,000 per year

or roughly:

SAR 4,667 per month

Apartment rents increased approximately 3% year over year. (CBRE Media Assets)

The area can appeal to residents who want modern housing and convenient access to northern business and commercial areas.

Qurtobah Apartment Rental Prices

Qurtobah is located in northeastern Riyadh and offers a mix of established and newer residential properties.

CBRE reported an average apartment rent of approximately:

SAR 53,000 per year

or approximately:

SAR 4,417 per month.

Apartment rents were broadly unchanged year over year. (CBRE Media Assets)

Al Sulaymaniyah Apartment Rental Prices

Al Sulaymaniyah is an established central Riyadh district.

The Q1 2026 average apartment rent was approximately:

SAR 50,000 per year

or around:

SAR 4,167 per month.

Average rents declined approximately 3% year over year. (CBRE Media Assets)

Its central position can make it attractive to professionals who prioritize commuting convenience.

Affordable Apartment Rental Areas in Riyadh

If your primary objective is to reduce housing costs, several districts in CBRE’s Q1 2026 dataset had significantly lower average apartment rents.

Al Nasim Al Sharqi

Average:

SAR 22,000 per year

Approximately:

SAR 1,833 per month

Year-over-year change:

+4%. (CBRE Media Assets)

Al Nasim Al Gharbi

Average:

SAR 24,000 per year

Approximately:

SAR 2,000 per month

Year-over-year change:

+4%. (CBRE Media Assets)

Al Rimal

Average:

SAR 31,000 per year

Approximately:

SAR 2,583 per month

Year-over-year change:

+8%. (CBRE Media Assets)

Al Yarmouk

Average:

SAR 38,000 per year

Approximately:

SAR 3,167 per month

Year-over-year change:

+1%. (CBRE Media Assets)

These averages demonstrate that tenants can find significantly different price points depending on where they live.

Premium Areas for Apartment Rentals in Riyadh

For tenants prioritizing location, newer buildings and lifestyle amenities rather than the lowest rent, several districts stand out.

Potential premium rental locations include:

Hittin
Al Aqeeq
Al Malqa
Al Olaya
Al Yasmeen
Al Narjis
Al Sahafa

The most expensive district in CBRE’s Q1 2026 apartment-rental dataset was Hittin, at approximately SAR 81,000 annually. (CBRE Media Assets)

Riyadh Apartment Rent Trends in 2026

The Riyadh rental market is currently undergoing a period of adjustment.

CBRE reported that residential rental rates in Riyadh softened by 2.1% year over year in March 2026. (CBRE Media Assets)

This does not mean that rents are falling everywhere.

The district-level figures show both increases and decreases.

For example:

Hittin: +11%
Al Rimal: +8%
Al Narjis: +5%
Al Nasim Al Sharqi: +4%
Al Yasmeen: -6%
King Faisal: -8%

These differences show why district-level rental research is more useful than relying on a single Riyadh average. (CBRE Media Assets)

Why Are Riyadh Apartment Rents Changing?

Several factors influence rental prices.

Housing Supply

More apartments entering the market can increase tenant choice.

CBRE reported that approximately 12,800 residential units were handed over across major Saudi urban centres during Q1 2026, with NHC-led developments accounting for most of the deliveries. (CBRE Media Assets)

More supply can eventually reduce rental pressure in areas where available units exceed demand.

Population and Employment Growth

Riyadh continues to attract businesses and employees.

The city’s Regional Headquarters programme has helped create additional demand from professionals relocating to the capital. Knight Frank reported that more than 700 companies had committed to or established regional headquarters in Riyadh in its 2026 research. (Knight Frank SA)

Riyadh Metro

Transport connectivity can influence where people choose to live.

Knight Frank previously noted stronger demand in districts benefiting from improved metro connectivity, including areas such as Olaya and other well-connected neighbourhoods. (Knight Frank SA)

For renters, a convenient commute can sometimes justify paying a higher monthly rent.

Riyadh Apartment Rent Regulations

Rental regulations are an important consideration when researching current apartment rents.

CBRE reported that a regulatory change introduced in September 2025 affected rental pricing in Riyadh. Its Q1 2026 analysis states that rents for existing leases were fixed at their September 2025 levels, while new-to-market inventory was required to align with the last recorded value on the Ejar platform. (CBRE Media Assets)

Because rental regulations can change, tenants should verify the current rules and contract information through official Saudi rental channels before relying on an online article or property listing.

How Much Should You Budget for an Apartment in Riyadh?

A reasonable rental budget depends on your income, household size and preferred location.

As a general planning exercise, tenants can divide the market into broad price bands.

Budget Apartment

Approximately:

SAR 20,000–35,000 per year

These properties may be more common in lower-cost districts or older buildings.

Mid-Range Apartment

Approximately:

SAR 35,000–60,000 per year

This can cover a broad range of districts and property types.

Premium Apartment

Approximately:

SAR 60,000–85,000+ per year

These rents are more common in premium districts or higher-quality buildings.

These are planning ranges, not official Riyadh rental bands. Actual prices depend on the individual property.

Monthly vs Annual Apartment Rent in Riyadh

Saudi rental listings may present prices using different payment arrangements.

For comparison:

Annual Rent ÷ 12 = Monthly Equivalent

For example:

SAR 60,000 ÷ 12 = SAR 5,000

But this does not necessarily mean a landlord will offer a 12-month lease at exactly SAR 5,000 per month.

Payment schedules, contract terms and landlord requirements can vary.

Always compare the total contractual cost.

Furnished vs Unfurnished Apartment Rentals in Riyadh

Furnished apartments generally cost more than comparable unfurnished properties because the tenant is paying for additional convenience and furniture.

Furnished Apartments

Potential advantages:

Move-in ready
Furniture included
Suitable for short-term stays
Convenient for newly relocated employees

Potential disadvantages:

Higher rent
Furniture condition varies
Fewer customization options

Unfurnished Apartments

Potential advantages:

Lower rental cost in some cases
More control over furniture
Better suited to long-term residents

Potential disadvantages:

Initial furniture expense
More work when moving

One-Bedroom Apartment Rental Prices in Riyadh

One-bedroom apartments can be attractive to:

Single professionals
Couples
Students
Short-term residents

However, citywide averages for one-bedroom apartments can be misleading because the price difference between districts is significant.

A one-bedroom apartment in Hittin can cost substantially more than a similar-sized unit in Al Nasim or Al Rimal.

Therefore, search by:

District + Apartment Size + Furnished Status + Building Quality

rather than simply searching “cheap one-bedroom apartment Riyadh.”

Two-Bedroom Apartment Rental Prices in Riyadh

Two-bedroom apartments are often suitable for:

Couples
Small families
Shared accommodation
Professionals requiring an office or guest room

Rental costs depend on:

Size
Bathrooms
Parking
Furnishing
Building age
Location
Amenities

Families should also compare school access and commuting time rather than choosing an apartment based solely on rent.

Three-Bedroom Apartment Rental Prices in Riyadh

Three-bedroom apartments generally appeal to larger families.

Important considerations include:

Living area
Number of bathrooms
Parking
Storage
Building facilities
School accessibility
Neighbourhood safety
Commute time

A higher rent may sometimes be justified if it eliminates long commuting costs or provides better access to schools and workplaces.

Best Areas for Affordable Apartment Rent in Riyadh

If affordability is your primary concern, research:

Al Nasim Al Sharqi

Among the lowest average apartment rents in the CBRE Q1 2026 dataset.

Al Nasim Al Gharbi

Another comparatively affordable eastern district.

Al Rimal

A developing area with a lower average rent than many premium northern districts.

Al Yarmouk

A mid-market option with relatively moderate rents.

Al Malaz

An established district with an average apartment rent below many northern premium areas.

These aren’t necessarily the “best” areas for everyone. Commute, schools, amenities and apartment quality matter too.

Best Areas for Families Renting an Apartment in Riyadh

Families may want to consider:

Al Yasmeen
Al Narjis
Al Malqa
Al Sahafa
Qurtobah
Al Nakheel
Hittin

When comparing them, look beyond rental prices.

Check:

Schools
Healthcare
Parks
Grocery stores
Restaurants
Traffic
Parking
Public transportation

Best Areas for Expats Renting Apartments in Riyadh

Expatriates often prioritize:

International schools
Corporate offices
Restaurants
Shopping
Healthcare
Transportation
Furnished housing
Established communities

Depending on their workplace and budget, expatriates may consider areas such as:

Al Olaya, Hittin, Al Malqa, Al Yasmeen, Al Nakheel and Al Sahafa.

The best choice depends heavily on where the person works.

Apartment Rental Prices Near Riyadh Business Districts

Professionals working in central Riyadh may prefer a higher-rent apartment closer to work if it substantially reduces commuting time.

For example, Al Olaya’s Q1 2026 average apartment rent was approximately SAR 60,000 annually, according to CBRE. (CBRE Media Assets)

A tenant should compare:

Higher rent + lower commuting costs

against:

Lower rent + longer commute

The cheaper apartment is not necessarily the cheaper overall lifestyle.

How to Find a Cheap Apartment in Riyadh

Compare Multiple Districts

Don’t search only one neighbourhood.

Compare Similar Apartments

Compare properties with similar:

Size
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Age
Furnishing
Parking

Calculate the Annual Cost

Don’t focus only on monthly advertisements.

Check the Location

A cheap apartment far from work may create significant transportation costs.

Inspect the Property

Photos don’t always show:

Maintenance problems
Noise
Parking issues
Water pressure
Building condition

What to Check Before Renting an Apartment in Riyadh

Before signing a rental contract, check:

Apartment Condition

Look for:

Water leaks
Air-conditioning performance
Electrical issues
Plumbing
Doors and windows
Kitchen appliances where included

Building

Check:

Elevator
Parking
Security
Maintenance
Common areas
Internet availability

Contract

Review:

Total rent
Payment schedule
Contract duration
Deposit
Maintenance responsibilities
Renewal conditions
Termination provisions

Location

Check the actual journey to:

Workplace
School
Hospital
Supermarket
Public transportation

Rental Yield and Riyadh Apartment Prices

If you’re considering buying an apartment as an investment, rental prices are an important part of the calculation.

A basic gross rental-yield formula is:

Annual Rent ÷ Property Purchase Price × 100

Example

Suppose an apartment costs:

SAR 1,000,000

And generates:

SAR 60,000 annual rent

The gross rental yield would be:

This is only an illustration.

Actual returns can be lower after:

Maintenance
Vacancy
Management fees
Financing costs
Insurance
Taxes or other applicable charges

Are Riyadh Apartment Rents Falling in 2026?

At the overall market level, CBRE reported a 2.1% year-over-year decline in Riyadh residential rental rates in March 2026. (CBRE Media Assets)

However, rents are not falling uniformly.

Some districts recorded increases, while others declined.

For example:

Hittin: +11%
Al Rimal: +8%
Al Narjis: +5%
Al Nasim Al Sharqi: +4%
Al Yasmeen: -6%
King Faisal: -8% (CBRE Media Assets)

Therefore, the more accurate answer is:

Riyadh’s rental market is adjusting, but individual neighbourhoods are moving in different directions.

Will Apartment Rents Increase in Riyadh?

Nobody can reliably guarantee future rental prices.

Several factors could affect rents:

Population Growth

More residents can support rental demand.

Employment

New businesses and regional headquarters can bring additional tenants.

Housing Supply

New apartments can increase competition among landlords.

Regulations

Rental rules can influence how quickly rents can change.

Transport

Improved connectivity can increase demand in some districts.

Renting vs Buying an Apartment in Riyadh

Renting can be attractive if:

You may relocate
Your employment is uncertain
You want flexibility
You don’t want a large down payment

Buying may be worth considering if:

You expect to remain in Riyadh long term
Your income is stable
You can afford the financing
The property suits your long-term needs

Neither option is automatically better.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is apartment rent in Riyadh?

Apartment rents vary significantly by district. CBRE’s Q1 2026 data ranges from approximately SAR 22,000 per year in Al Nasim Al Sharqi to SAR 81,000 in Hittin. (CBRE Media Assets)

What is the average apartment rent in Riyadh per month?

There is no single citywide figure. Based on CBRE’s district averages, annual rents range from approximately SAR 22,000 to SAR 81,000 among the districts covered, equivalent to roughly SAR 1,833 to SAR 6,750 per month when annualized. (CBRE Media Assets)

Which area has the cheapest apartment rent in Riyadh?

Among the districts listed in CBRE’s Q1 2026 dataset, Al Nasim Al Sharqi had the lowest average apartment rent at approximately SAR 22,000 per year. (CBRE Media Assets)

Which area has the most expensive apartment rent in Riyadh?

Hittin had the highest average apartment rent in CBRE’s Q1 2026 district dataset at approximately SAR 81,000 per year. (CBRE Media Assets)

Is Riyadh apartment rent going down?

Overall Riyadh residential rental rates softened 2.1% year over year in March 2026, according to CBRE. However, individual districts recorded both increases and decreases. (CBRE Media Assets)

What is the average rent in Hittin Riyadh?

CBRE reported approximately SAR 81,000 per year for apartments in Hittin in Q1 2026. (CBRE Media Assets)

What is the rent in Al Olaya Riyadh?

CBRE’s Q1 2026 average for apartments in Al Olaya was approximately SAR 60,000 per year. (CBRE Media Assets)

What is the rent in Al Malqa Riyadh?

The Q1 2026 average apartment rent in Al Malqa was approximately SAR 66,000 per year, according to CBRE. (CBRE Media Assets)

Is Riyadh expensive for apartment rent?

Riyadh has both relatively affordable and premium rental markets. District, apartment size and building quality make a major difference.

Which Riyadh areas are good for affordable rent?

Al Nasim Al Sharqi, Al Nasim Al Gharbi, Al Rimal, Al Yarmouk and Al Malaz had lower average rents than many premium northern districts in CBRE’s Q1 2026 data. (CBRE Media Assets)

Which Riyadh areas are best for expat renters?

Areas such as Al Olaya, Hittin, Al Malqa, Al Yasmeen and Al Sahafa may appeal to expatriate professionals depending on workplace, budget and lifestyle requirements.

Final Thoughts on Apartment Rental Prices in Riyadh

The Riyadh apartment rental market in 2026 offers a wide range of options.

At the lower end of CBRE’s Q1 2026 district data, average apartment rents were around SAR 22,000–24,000 per year in Al Nasim Al Sharqi and Al Nasim Al Gharbi. At the premium end, Hittin averaged approximately SAR 81,000 per year. (CBRE Media Assets)

The broader Riyadh rental market has also entered a period of adjustment, with CBRE reporting a 2.1% year-over-year decline in residential rental rates in March 2026. (CBRE Media Assets)

For tenants, the best strategy is therefore not simply to search for the cheapest apartment.

Compare:

Rent + Location + Commute + Apartment Quality + Amenities + Contract Terms

A slightly more expensive apartment in the right location can sometimes provide better overall value than a cheaper property that creates higher transportation costs or longer daily commutes.