Saudi inflation rises to 2.1% in December

Inflation data reflect updated CPI weights and expanded geographic coverage across the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia’s inflation increased to 2.1% in December 2025, compared to the previous month, according to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT).

The cost-of-living index for December rose to 104.30 points, according to the base year 2023, from 102.20 points in December 2024.

GASTAT enhanced the methodology for collecting and calculating the consumer price index (CPI) in line with international best practices, ensuring greater accuracy and broader coverage.

It also updated the index’s base year to 2023, revised the items and weights of the CPI basket, and expanded geographic coverage to include all regions.

Inflation is measured as the percentage change in the cost of living between the current period and the corresponding period of the previous year. Inflation is measured relative to the previous month. 

Cost of Living Index

The higher CPI was mainly driven by a 4.1% year-on-year (YoY) surge in housing, water, electricity, gas & other fuels prices, an increase of 1.3% in food & beverage prices, and a 1.5% rise in transport prices.

The increase in the housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels category was primarily driven by a 5.3% rise in actual housing rents.

All regions recorded an increase in the inflation rate in December compared with November, except Jazan.

Riyadh topped the list with an inflation rate of 3.48%, followed by Najran at 3.01%. The Eastern Province recorded the lowest rate at 0.24%.