For one person, living costs in Medina are estimated at $1,339 a month, including rent and utilities, which take about half of the total. Other living expenses average about $22 a day.
Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Medina actually costs, broken down by who's living it.
A single person spends around $1,339 per month with rent, or $673 for everyday expenses alone.
$1,339 /mo
A couple spends around $1,801 per month with rent, or $1,103 for everyday expenses alone.
$1,801 /mo
A family of three spends around $2,263 per month with rent, or $1,533 without housing.
$2,263 /mo
📊
Overall, Medina is 1–20% below the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are 26% above average – pricier than most cities in the region.
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l(Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$41.7KSAR 156.4K
$17.2KSAR 64.5K
$66.1KSAR 248.2K
Compact Sedan 1.6l(Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$20.6KSAR 77.2K
$20.6KSAR 77.2K
$21.1KSAR 79.1K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$152SAR 570
$76.7SAR 288
$271SAR 1,016
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$27.74SAR 104
$16.04SAR 60.2
$40.11SAR 151
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$89.7SAR 337
$77.2SAR 290
$121SAR 453
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$80.2SAR 301
$24.28SAR 91.1
$108SAR 405
Tennis Court(1 Hour on Weekend)
$8.94SAR 33.54
-
Cinema Ticket
$13.39SAR 50.2
$10.71SAR 40.19
$13.39SAR 50.2
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$288SAR 1,080
$199SAR 748
$443SAR 1,661
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
$5,525SAR 20.7K
$3,208SAR 12.0K
$6,684SAR 25.1K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$36.85SAR 138
$11.84SAR 44.44
$52.6SAR 198
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$53.0SAR 199
$13.25SAR 49.70
$66.2SAR 249
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$67.5SAR 253
$67.5SAR 253
$67.5SAR 253
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$69.4SAR 260
$48.04SAR 180
$93.4SAR 351
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$556SAR 2,088
$318SAR 1,193
$800SAR 3,003
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$514SAR 1,929
$209SAR 785
$1,177SAR 4,418
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$756SAR 2,836
$527SAR 1,977
$1,317SAR 4,942
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$579SAR 2,172
$404SAR 1,517
$1,482SAR 5,563
Buy Apartment in City Center(m2)
$2,251SAR 8,446
$2,221SAR 8,335
$2,266SAR 8,502
Buy Apartment Outside City Center(m2)
$1,324SAR 4,967
$1,279SAR 4,799
$1,346SAR 5,051
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$1,209SAR 4,537
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate(Annual %)
4.17
3
6.5
CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update: October 10, 2026
Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Share of the monthly basket for a family of three, rent included.
Medina$1,339
Medina$2,263
🏠Accommodation & Living
$514 38.4%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$269 20.1%
🛒Groceries & Markets
$190 14.2%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$107 8%
🍽Eating Out
$104 7.8%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$102 7.6%
🚌Getting Around
$51 3.8%
🏠Accommodation & Living
$579 25.6%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$297 13.1%
🛒Groceries & Markets
$466 20.6%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$223 9.9%
🍽Eating Out
$367 16.2%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$227 10%
🚌Getting Around
$105 4.6%
Cost Breakdown
🏠A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $556, dropping to $514 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 46% of the average salary ($1,209) – well above the 30% international benchmark.
💰The average net salary is $1,209 – below monthly costs of $1,339. Most locals rely on shared housing or dual incomes. Remote workers earning abroad will find stronger purchasing power.
🛒Groceries cost around $190 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $31.00 – broadly in line with the Asian average.
🚌A monthly public transport pass costs about $37.53 – roughly in line with the Asian average of $33.00.
Cost Highlights
⭐Internet is more expensive than 99% of cities in Asia
⭐Gym membership is more expensive than 93% of cities in Asia
Low risk of other local infectious diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Tick-borne encephalitis, Leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, and Sleeping sickness
Popular online taxi apps offering convenient, cashless rides in many countries, including Uber, Bolt, Grab, inDrive, DiDi, Careem, Gojek, Maxim, and Yango
Cost of Living in Medina - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Medina compare in terms of overall affordability for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Medina offers a balance of comfort and value that's appealing to many on a tight budget or on a longer stay. You’ll find a mix of affordable local eateries, grocery options, and mid-range housing compared with bigger Gulf cities. Expect savings in everyday services if you shop at traditional markets and cook at home, while imported goods or modern amenities can push costs higher. Cultural seasonality and religious events can alter prices and availability, so plan for intermittent busy periods. Cost of Living in Medina, Saudi Arabia reflects this blend of practicality and regional flavors. Tip: Map your priorities, compare districts, and set a monthly cap for nonessential spend.
What does a typical day look like for housing search, food options, transport, and coworking in Medina?
Day-to-day budgeting in Medina tends to favor flexible options. Housing search often centers on mid-size apartments in established neighborhoods or newer compounds; work with a local agent, visit several blocks, and compare proximity to markets and services. Food choices range from affordable local eateries to casual cafes; cooking at home helps you control costs. Transport often relies on car ownership or ride-hailing, with walking viable in dense areas. If you need a productive space, several coworking options offer varied hours and communities. Medina, Saudi Arabia living cost can vary by neighborhood depending on demand. Tip: Start with a short trial month to calibrate your budget and workspace needs.
What strategies help maximize quality of life in Medina while budgeting effectively?
Quality of life in Medina can be enhanced by a simple budgeting framework and neighborhood fit. Try zero-based budgeting to justify every expense, and allocate a regular portion for housing, food, and local transport. Favor neighborhoods near services to save time and commute costs; explore expat-friendly communities if you prefer English-speaking networks. Make the most of outdoor markets and seasonal produce while avoiding peak shopping hours. Plan for religious and cultural calendars that influence retail and dining. Tip: Build a flexible routine that mirrors your work tempo and social needs.
Is Medina worth the cost of living?
Medina is mid-range – monthly costs with rent reach about $1,339. For most residents, that's a fair trade: urban amenities, services, and job access without major-hub prices.
Is Medina expensive to live in?
Medina sits squarely in the middle of the price spectrum – not cheap, not expensive. Monthly costs with rent tend to hover around $1,339, which most working professionals can handle without feeling financially squeezed.
Can you save money on an average salary in Medina?
The average net salary in Medina is about $1,209, while comfortable living starts around $2,008. With total costs hitting $1,339 monthly, saving is possible if you earn above average – but it takes intentional budgeting.
How much is rent in Medina?
A central one-bedroom apartment in Medina runs about $556 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $514. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
Is food expensive in Medina?
Grocery spending in Medina lands around $190 per month for one person – not cheap, not expensive. Local produce and staples are fairly priced, though imported goods and specialty items cost more. Overall, food is a manageable part of the budget.
How much is public transport in Medina?
Getting around Medina by public transport costs about $37.53 per month. A monthly pass generally covers buses, trams, and metro – much cheaper than owning a car for the daily commute.
Can a person live on $1,000 monthly in Medina?
$1,000 is below the $1,339 average in Medina, so it's tight but not impossible. You'll need to keep rent low – sharing an apartment, cooking at home, and sticking to public transport are the main levers.
What is quality of life like in Medina?
Quality of life in Medina is solid. Standout factors include fast internet, low crime rates, café culture, backed by good public transport, varied dining and leisure, and well-maintained infrastructure. At about $1,339 monthly all-in, it suits mid-range budgets for a comfortable – if not luxurious – lifestyle.
How affordable is Medina?
Medina is neither cheap nor expensive – it sits comfortably in the middle. Monthly costs with rent run about $1,339, a figure most working professionals can handle without major financial stress.