Cost of Living in Medina - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $1,478 per month with rent, or $672 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $1,848 per month with rent, or $1,222 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $2,219 per month with rent, or $1,772 without housing.

Overall, Medina is 10–21% above the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are 41% above average – pricier than most cities in the region.

Currency
Do you live in Medina? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$5.48 SAR 20.55
$3.91 SAR 14.68
$20.85 SAR 78.3
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$31.47 SAR 118
$20.99 SAR 78.8
$49.23 SAR 185
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$8.18 SAR 30.68
$7.63 SAR 28.65
$10.23 SAR 38.40
Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.64 SAR 6.17
$1.10 SAR 4.13
$4.11 SAR 15.42
Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.76 SAR 6.62
$1.63 SAR 6.12
$2.04 SAR 7.65
Cappuccino
$2.55 SAR 9.56
$1.90 SAR 7.15
$3.80 SAR 14.26
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.82 SAR 3.07
$0.69 SAR 2.60
$1.04 SAR 3.89
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.39 SAR 1.45
$0.13 SAR 0.47
$1.29 SAR 4.82
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.63 SAR 6.11
$1.05 SAR 3.96
$2.62 SAR 9.84
White Bread (500g)
$0.98 SAR 3.68
$0.28 SAR 1.05
$1.11 SAR 4.15
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.37 SAR 8.88
$1.90 SAR 7.13
$4.88 SAR 18.30
Eggs
$2.12 SAR 7.97
$1.62 SAR 6.07
$2.27 SAR 8.50
Local Cheese (1kg)
$6.49 SAR 24.35
$3.90 SAR 14.63
$7.78 SAR 29.21
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.96 SAR 26.13
$4.44 SAR 16.65
$9.14 SAR 34.29
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$12.64 SAR 47.44
$7.98 SAR 29.94
$13.30 SAR 49.91
Apples (1kg)
$2.41 SAR 9.05
$1.88 SAR 7.05
$2.67 SAR 10.03
Banana (1kg)
$2.11 SAR 7.94
$1.32 SAR 4.96
$2.64 SAR 9.91
Oranges (1kg)
$2.26 SAR 8.49
$1.37 SAR 5.13
$2.74 SAR 10.27
Tomato (1kg)
$1.64 SAR 6.14
$1.05 SAR 3.93
$2.09 SAR 7.83
Potato (1kg)
$1.37 SAR 5.15
$0.78 SAR 2.94
$2.09 SAR 7.84
Onion (1kg)
$1.45 SAR 5.45
$0.79 SAR 2.96
$1.85 SAR 6.93
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.99 SAR 3.70
$0.27 SAR 1.00
$1.31 SAR 4.92
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.87 SAR 3.27
$0.54 SAR 2.04
$2.19 SAR 8.21
Bottle of Non-Alcoholic Wine (Mid-Range)
$1.31 SAR 4.91
$1.31 SAR 4.91
$1.31 SAR 4.91
Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.71 SAR 6.43
$1.35 SAR 5.06
$1.89 SAR 7.11
Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.65 SAR 6.18
$1.37 SAR 5.14
$3.57 SAR 13.40
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$7.58 SAR 28.44
$7.58 SAR 28.44
$13.53 SAR 50.8
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.05 SAR 3.93
$1.05 SAR 3.93
$1.30 SAR 4.89
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$37.18 SAR 140
$26.55 SAR 99.7
$79.7 SAR 299
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.31 SAR 4.91
$0.79 SAR 2.95
$3.93 SAR 14.76
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.64 SAR 6.16
$0.66 SAR 2.47
$2.63 SAR 9.85
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$5.46 SAR 20.48
$3.90 SAR 14.63
$7.01 SAR 26.29
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.64 SAR 2.41
$0.60 SAR 2.25
$0.64 SAR 2.41
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$21.1K SAR 79.3K
$17.4K SAR 65.3K
$24.9K SAR 93.4K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$21.1K SAR 79.3K
$18.5K SAR 69.4K
$21.1K SAR 79.3K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$199 SAR 748
$74.2 SAR 278
$262 SAR 982
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$33.10 SAR 124
$16.12 SAR 60.5
$40.30 SAR 151
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$104 SAR 392
$80.9 SAR 304
$135 SAR 506
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$75.4 SAR 283
$23.77 SAR 89.2
$106 SAR 396
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$9.01 SAR 33.80
$9.01 SAR 33.80
$13.51 SAR 50.7
Cinema Ticket
$13.16 SAR 49.38
$10.53 SAR 39.52
$18.42 SAR 69.1
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$290 SAR 1,088
$201 SAR 753
$446 SAR 1,674
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$7,586 SAR 28.5K
$3,251 SAR 12.2K
$13.5K SAR 50.8K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$37.12 SAR 139
$11.93 SAR 44.78
$53.0 SAR 199
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$52.3 SAR 196
$13.07 SAR 49.06
$65.4 SAR 245
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$65.8 SAR 247
$65.8 SAR 247
$65.8 SAR 247
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$96.7 SAR 363
$47.49 SAR 178
$132 SAR 495
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$424 SAR 1,591
$316 SAR 1,185
$789 SAR 2,963
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$556 SAR 2,085
$212 SAR 794
$1,190 SAR 4,468
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$711 SAR 2,670
$530 SAR 1,989
$1,325 SAR 4,971
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$412 SAR 1,547
$372 SAR 1,398
$1,463 SAR 5,490
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,340 SAR 8,782
$2,309 SAR 8,666
$2,355 SAR 8,839
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,313 SAR 4,929
$1,269 SAR 4,762
$1,336 SAR 5,013
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,316 SAR 4,940
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
3
3
3

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: June 1, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $424, dropping to $556 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 32% of the average salary ($1,316) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $1,316 – below monthly costs of $1,478. Most locals rely on shared housing or dual incomes. Remote workers earning abroad will find stronger purchasing power.

Groceries cost around $200 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 $37.18 – roughly in line with the Asian average of $31.00.

Cost Highlights

Medina has the 7th most expensive internet in Asia

Gym membership is more expensive than 92% of cities in Asia

Overall monthly cost (including rent) is more expensive than 92% of cities in Asia

Medina Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
City tags:
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 $1,478. 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 $1,478, 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 $1,316, while comfortable living starts around $2,217. With total costs hitting $1,478 monthly, saving is possible if you earn above average – but it takes intentional budgeting.
How much is rent in Medina?
In Medina's center, a one-bedroom apartment runs about $424 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $556. 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 $200 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 $37.18 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 $1,478 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 $1,478 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 $1,478, a figure most working professionals can handle without major financial stress.

Medina vs other spots: cost of living compared

Nearby cities

Similar cities