How much does it cost to build a single floor in Saudi Arabia today? A guide to prices and influencing factors
Why does the cost of building a single floor vary from one city to another?
This is due to differences in raw material prices, contractor wages, license fees, and finishing specifications. In major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, labor and transportation items are higher than in some smaller cities, which directly affects the cost of building a single floor even with the same area and drawings.
What are the items that make up the cost of building a single floor, step by step?
To estimate the cost precisely, divide it into two main phases—structural shell and finishing—then add supporting items.
1. Structural shell (structural frame)
- Excavation, backfilling, carpentry, steel works, and concrete.
- Footings, columns, beams, slabs, and waterproofing of foundations.
- Initial plumbing and electrical lines (backfill and first-fix runs).
2) Finishing phase
- Plastering, paints, and flooring (ceramic/porcelain/parquet).
- Doors, windows, aluminum or stone façades.
- Final plumbing, electrical fixtures, and sanitary ware.
3) Supporting items
- Architectural/structural design and supervision.
- Municipal fees, temporary electricity, and insurances.
- Site expenses (containers, shades, scaffolding, security).
Tip: Use this practical guide from Aqar Saudi’s blog, “Calculating Construction Costs & Stages”—it helps you detail the budget for building a single floor without overlooking small items.
How much does it cost per square meter to build a single floor in major cities?
Pricing often uses the “built-up area per square meter (m²).” The table below shows indicative market ranges (subject to increase or decrease depending on specs and timing):
| City | Shell price range (SAR/m²) | Economic finish range (SAR/m²) | Mid-range finish (SAR/m²) | High-end finish (SAR/m²) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riyadh | 650–850 | 450–650 | 700–900 | 1000–1400 |
| Jeddah | 700–900 | 500–700 | 750–950 | 1100–1500 |
| Dammam/Khobar | 650–850 | 450–650 | 700–900 | 1000–1400 |
| Makkah/Madinah | 650–850 | 450–650 | 700–900 | 1000–1400 |
Correct reading: Cost of building a single floor = (shell price + selected finishing price) × built-up area in m².
Quick example: a 200 m² floor in Riyadh with mid-range finishing ≈ (750 + 800) × 200 = 310,000 SAR (approx.).
How can I calculate the cost of building a single floor easily by myself?
- Calculate only the built-up (roofed) area.
- Choose the finishing level (economic/mid/high).
- Multiply the area by the per-m² price for each phase.
- Add a 10–15% contingency for changes and surprises.
- Don’t forget design, permits, and consultancy fees.
For accurate calculation, use the Construction Calculator from Aqar Saudi; it helps you model the cost of building a single floor based on area, finish, and location.
How much does it cost to build a single 200 m² floor in Saudi Arabia?
- Economic: 220,000–280,000 SAR.
- Mid-range: 290,000–360,000 SAR.
- High-end: 380,000–500,000 SAR.
These figures are estimates and depend on the city, structural system, reinforcement, and façade/aluminum ratios. Again, the cost for a 200 m² single floor varies quickly with finishing options and sanitary fixtures.
How much does it cost to build a single 400 m² floor?
- Economic: 420,000–560,000 SAR.
- Mid-range: 600,000–760,000 SAR.
- High-end: 800,000–1,000,000 SAR.
As the area grows, you gain flexibility in room/bath/corridor distribution; these small details create noticeable differences in the final cost of building a single floor.
Is the turnkey cost of building a single floor different from the shell cost?
Yes. Turnkey means delivered ready for move-in and includes all works down to the last accessory, whereas the shell covers only the structural frame. In major cities, turnkey often costs 1.7–2.2× the shell depending on finishing level. Choosing turnkey keeps the total cost of building a single floor clear and reduces cost surprises.
For more on finishing works and their sequence from A to Z, see “Finishing Stages: 12 Steps”—this directly helps in estimating a turnkey cost for a single floor.
Which factors increase or decrease the cost of building a single floor?
- Architectural design: many corners, balconies, and double-height spaces raise costs.
- Slab system: reinforced concrete beams vs. hollowcore/post-tension have different costs.
- Finishing materials: porcelain, natural stone, and thermal aluminum cost more than budget alternatives.
- Number of bathrooms and kitchens: more wet rooms raise plumbing and fitting costs.
- Location: narrow streets or plots needing fill increase equipment charges.
- Timing & supply: fluctuations in steel/cement and transport immediately affect the budget.
Practical examples by common areas
How much does it cost to build a single 100 m² floor?
- Economic: 120,000–150,000 SAR.
- Mid-range: 160,000–190,000 SAR.
- High-end: 200,000–250,000 SAR.
This area suits ground-floor apartments or annexes, and the total cost remains sensitive to kitchen and bathroom choices.
How much does it cost to build a single 300 m² floor?
- Economic: 320,000–420,000 SAR.
- Mid-range: 450,000–570,000 SAR.
- High-end: 600,000–750,000 SAR.
Before deciding, prepare a clear layout to reduce corridor waste and lower the cost per usable square meter.
How much does it cost to build a single 500 m² floor?
- Economic: 550,000–700,000 SAR.
- Mid-range: 750,000–950,000 SAR.
- High-end: 1,000,000–1,250,000 SAR.
For such large areas, façades, glazing, and aluminum may account for 12–20% of the total cost.
How much does it cost to build a single 150 m² floor?
- Economic: 170,000–210,000 SAR.
- Mid-range: 220,000–270,000 SAR.
- High-end: 280,000–350,000 SAR.
Controlling the number of bathrooms and storage rooms can make a noticeable difference in the cost for 150 m².
Frequently asked question: Is 500,000 SAR enough to build a house?
Based on market ranges, 500,000 SAR can be sufficient to build a single floor of 200–300 m² with mid-range finishing in most cities, or even larger areas with economic finishing. If the goal is a full villa (ground + first) or luxury finishing, you may need a higher budget or to adjust specifications. Use the calculator to see how each choice affects your target cost.
Approximately how much does a turnkey 375 m² villa cost?
For a single-floor villa with a built-up area of 375 m² and mid-range finishing in a major city:
- Turnkey estimate: 550,000–750,000 SAR.
This estimate fluctuates with façade design, type of marble/porcelain, and number of bathrooms—all of which can quickly change the actual cost of building a single floor.
Common mistakes that raise the cost of building a single floor unnecessarily
- Changing specs during execution (variation orders).
- Skipping early waterproofing and fixing it later at a higher cost.
- Not separating aluminum and glazing items into a clear standalone contract.
- Adopting designs that ignore construction economics.
Avoiding these mistakes keeps the cost of building a single floor within the planned range.
FAQs
1) How much does it cost to build a single 200 m² floor?
Approximately 220,000–500,000 SAR depending on city and finishing level; the common mid-range is 290,000–360,000. The cost is determined by the per-m² shell price plus finishing.
2) How much does it cost to build a single 400 m² floor?
Roughly 420,000–1,000,000 SAR from economic to luxury. Façades and glazing can add 15% to the total cost for large areas.
3) How much does it cost to build a single 300 m² floor?
Between 320,000 and 750,000 SAR depending on finishing specs. Efficient space planning reduces the cost per usable square meter.
4) How much does it cost to build a single 500 m² floor?
Up to 1.25 million SAR with high-end finishing in major cities, with strong sensitivity to aluminum and marble prices.
5) How much does it cost to build a single 100 m² floor?
Between 120,000 and 250,000 SAR, with the number of bathrooms directly impacting the budget at this size.
6) How much does it cost to build a single 150 m² floor?
Around 170,000–350,000 SAR depending on specs; controlling finishing helps keep costs in check.
7) What is the cost of building a single floor in Saudi Arabia?
There is no fixed value; it’s best calculated per m² by city and finishing level, adding a 10–15% contingency to the budget.
8) Is 500,000 SAR enough to build a house?
Yes, often enough for a single 200–300 m² floor with mid-range finishing; otherwise the cost depends on your choices.
9) How much does it cost to build a floor?
It depends on area and finishing category; use a calculator to see the impact of each variable on the total cost.
10) What’s the difference between shell and turnkey?
Shell = structure only; turnkey = ready for move-in. Turnkey reflects the full cost and reduces contract variations.
Conclusion
If you’re preparing to build soon, start with:
- Defining the built-up area, city, and finishing level.
- Using the Construction Calculator to accurately simulate the cost of a single floor.
- Reading “Calculating Construction Costs & Stages” and **“Finishing Stages: 12 Steps”** to lock specs before signing.
For more practical guides and daily updates, follow Aqar’s account on X (Twitter) and browse the Aqar Blog. Start now and use the calculator and related guides to find the most suitable cost for building a single floor and decide with confidence.
