Exploring Housing and Transportation Affordability in Jeddah

Abstract

Saudi cities were expanded toward the outer areas in the past; that has produced urban sprawl which is solely dependent on private cars, as an outcome of cheaper gasoline. However, decreasing energy subsidies have compelled urban residents to rethink housing and transportation choices. This article attempts to explore the combined housing and transportation affordability in Jeddah. We collected primary data on housing and transport costs through an online survey in addition to the secondary data sources. The global Moran’s index and the local indicator of spatial association (LISA) were then used to explore the spatial clustering of combined affordability of housing and transportation. Moreover, a composite index was developed to identify future locations of district-level affordable housing. Results reveal that more than one quarter of the total respondents are willing to change their housing locations in the future; and housing and transportation (un)affordability is clustered at certain locations. This study recommends considering transportation and housing costs in an integrated way at the time of granting new planning permissions. The study emphasizes an immediate need for a rapid, affordable, and reliable public transportation system offering connectivity, as well as infill development in the areas that are affordable in terms of housing and transportation costs.