Casablanca VS Riyadh

Cost of Living & Salary Comparison 2026

Casablanca
Morocco
22.1
COLI Index
#107
Global Rank
MAD
Currency
Riyadh
Saudi Arabia
42.6
COLI Index
#63
Global Rank
SAR
Currency

Key Differences

Cost of Living
22.1
42.6
1BR Rent (USD/mo)
$400
$800
Total Deductions
29.6%
9.8%
Exchange Rate
1 MAD = 0.3860 SAR
Is Casablanca cheaper than Riyadh?

Yes, Casablanca is 48% cheaper than Riyadh based on our cost of living index. Casablanca has a COLI of 22.1, while Riyadh has a COLI of 42.6. 48% cheaper

Key Takeaways: Casablanca vs Riyadh

Overall, Casablanca is approximately 48% cheaper than Riyadh based on our cost of living index. Casablanca has a COLI of 22.1 (ranked #107 of 182 cities), while Riyadh has a COLI of 42.6 (ranked #63).

When it comes to housing, one-bedroom apartment rent in Casablanca averages $400/month compared to $800/month in Riyadh. That makes Casablanca approximately 50% cheaper for rent alone.

Riyadh has lower total deductions (9.8%) compared to Casablanca (29.6%), meaning you keep more of your gross salary in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia is a tax-free jurisdiction, which is a significant financial advantage. When evaluating a relocation, remember that total deductions directly impact your take-home pay and should be weighed alongside cost of living differences.

Tax & Deductions Comparison

Full breakdown of mandatory payroll deductions for a mid-range salary as a local employee in each city.

Casablanca

Income Tax
23%
CNSS
6.3%
Total: 29.6%Take-Home: MAD 113,337/yr

Riyadh

Income Tax
0%
GOSI
9.8%
Total: 9.8%Take-Home: SAR 108,131/yr

Rates shown for local employees. Expat deductions may differ — use the main converter for personalized calculations.

Salary Equivalent

If you earn MAD 728,539 in Casablanca, you would need approximately SAR 542,138 in Riyadh to maintain the same purchasing power. That is 48% more due to higher cost of living.

Salary Comparison by Job Title

Estimated mid-level annual salaries in local currency, adjusted for each city's cost of living:

Job Title Casablanca (MAD) Riyadh (SAR)
Doctor (General) MAD 386,417 SAR 287,550
Software Engineer MAD 182,475 SAR 135,788
Product Manager MAD 214,676 SAR 159,750
Lawyer MAD 214,676 SAR 159,750
Data Scientist MAD 203,942 SAR 151,762
Marketing Manager MAD 154,567 SAR 115,020
Teacher MAD 103,045 SAR 76,680
Nurse MAD 124,512 SAR 92,655

Salary estimates are adjusted by each city's COLI relative to the New York baseline. Actual salaries vary by company, experience, and industry.

Neighborhoods

Casablanca (Top 5)

NeighborhoodMultiplier
Corniche (Ain Diab)1.25x (+25%)
Anfa1.22x (+22%)
Triangle d'Or1.18x (+18%)
Maarif1.15x (+15%)
Gauthier1.12x (+12%)

Riyadh (Top 5)

NeighborhoodMultiplier
King Abdullah Financial District1.30x (+30%)
Al Olaya1.28x (+28%)
Diplomatic Quarter1.22x (+22%)
Al Nakheel1.18x (+18%)
Hittin1.15x (+15%)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Casablanca or Riyadh more expensive?

Riyadh is more expensive overall. Casablanca has a COLI of 22.1 while Riyadh has a COLI of 42.6, making Casablanca approximately 48% cheaper.

What salary in Riyadh equals MAD 728,539 in Casablanca?

To maintain the same standard of living as MAD 728,539 in Casablanca, you would need approximately SAR 542,138 in Riyadh.

Is rent cheaper in Casablanca or Riyadh?

Average one-bedroom rent in Casablanca is $400/month compared to $800/month in Riyadh. Casablanca has lower rent by approximately 50%.

Which city has lower taxes, Casablanca or Riyadh?

Riyadh has lower total deductions (9.8%) compared to Casablanca (29.6%), meaning you keep more of your gross salary in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia is a tax-free jurisdiction, which is a significant financial advantage.

Explore Each City

Data Sources & Methodology

Cost of living indices (COLI) are benchmarked to New York City = 100 and derived from Numbeo and Expatistan crowd-sourced price surveys, cross-referenced with national statistics agencies. Rent data from Numbeo Property Prices.

Salary ranges are compiled from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OES), Glassdoor, and PayScale. Tax rates are approximate effective rates for mid-range earners based on OECD Taxing Wages and national tax authorities. Exchange rates from the European Central Bank. Neighborhood multipliers are estimated from local rental indices and property data.

Last updated: 2026-02-28. Data is refreshed periodically. All figures are estimates for informational purposes only.