Cost of Living in Medina - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: Medina
Address: Medina, SA

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $1,331 per month with rent, or $739 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $1,792 per month with rent, or $1,239 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $2,254 per month with rent, or $1,739 without housing.

Overall, Medina is 3–23% below the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are 22% above average – pricier than most cities in the region.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$5.47 SAR 20.53

$4.00 SAR 15.01

$21.34 SAR 80.1

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$31.95 SAR 120

$21.30 SAR 80.0

$50.3 SAR 189

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.79 SAR 29.25

$9.81 SAR 36.84

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.62 SAR 6.09

$1.08 SAR 4.06

$4.08 SAR 15.33

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.70 SAR 6.38

$1.57 SAR 5.90

$1.98 SAR 7.42

Cappuccino

$2.61 SAR 9.79

$1.84 SAR 6.92

$3.95 SAR 14.84

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.78 SAR 2.91

$0.67 SAR 2.53

$4.05 SAR 15.22

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.25 SAR 0.94

$0.14 SAR 0.51

$1.38 SAR 5.18

Milk (1 liter)

$1.47 SAR 5.53

$1.07 SAR 4.01

$2.67 SAR 10.03

White Bread (500g)

$0.90 SAR 3.39

$0.25 SAR 0.93

$1.01 SAR 3.78

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.38 SAR 8.95

$1.90 SAR 7.14

$3.27 SAR 12.27

Eggs

$2.07 SAR 7.77

$1.61 SAR 6.06

$2.25 SAR 8.46

Local Cheese (1kg)

$5.20 SAR 19.52

$3.89 SAR 14.62

$6.49 SAR 24.38

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$7.00 SAR 26.28

$4.46 SAR 16.75

$9.19 SAR 34.51

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$12.75 SAR 47.87

$8.05 SAR 30.21

$13.42 SAR 50.4

Apples (1kg)

$2.45 SAR 9.19

$1.90 SAR 7.14

$2.72 SAR 10.23

Banana (1kg)

$1.89 SAR 7.11

$1.29 SAR 4.84

$2.07 SAR 7.77

Oranges (1kg)

$2.34 SAR 8.77

$1.34 SAR 5.03

$2.69 SAR 10.10

Tomato (1kg)

$1.54 SAR 5.80

$1.09 SAR 4.10

$2.18 SAR 8.20

Potato (1kg)

$1.40 SAR 5.26

$0.80 SAR 2.99

$1.87 SAR 7.01

Onion (1kg)

$1.34 SAR 5.05

$0.80 SAR 3.02

$1.88 SAR 7.07

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.90 SAR 3.38

$0.27 SAR 1.00

$1.35 SAR 5.07

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.74 SAR 2.78

$0.54 SAR 2.02

$2.15 SAR 8.09

Bottle of Non-Alcoholic Wine (Mid-Range)

$1.28 SAR 4.82

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.47 SAR 5.51

$1.29 SAR 4.85

$1.56 SAR 5.84

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.57 SAR 5.88

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$7.46 SAR 28.02

$4.80 SAR 18.01

$7.46 SAR 28.02

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.04 SAR 3.92

$1.30 SAR 4.88

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$36.80 SAR 138

$26.28 SAR 98.7

$78.9 SAR 296

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.35 SAR 5.06

$0.81 SAR 3.03

$4.06 SAR 15.23

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.69 SAR 6.35

$0.67 SAR 2.53

$2.70 SAR 10.14

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$5.60 SAR 21.01

$4.00 SAR 15.00

$7.20 SAR 27.02

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.60 SAR 2.25

$0.56 SAR 2.10

$0.60 SAR 2.25

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$41.2K SAR 154.6K

$17.0K SAR 63.8K

$65.4K SAR 245.4K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$20.2K SAR 75.8K

$20.7K SAR 77.6K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$151 SAR 568

$76.4 SAR 287

$270 SAR 1,012

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$27.95 SAR 105

$16.16 SAR 60.7

$40.41 SAR 152

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$90.2 SAR 339

$77.6 SAR 291

$121 SAR 456

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$78.4 SAR 294

$23.73 SAR 89.1

$105 SAR 396

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$8.80 SAR 33.06

Cinema Ticket

$13.20 SAR 49.57

$10.56 SAR 39.65

$13.20 SAR 49.57

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$291 SAR 1,091

$201 SAR 756

$447 SAR 1,679

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$5,476 SAR 20.6K

$3,179 SAR 11.9K

$6,624 SAR 24.9K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$37.44 SAR 141

$12.04 SAR 45.19

$53.5 SAR 201

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$53.3 SAR 200

$13.32 SAR 50.0

$66.6 SAR 250

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$65.9 SAR 247

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$68.5 SAR 257

$47.39 SAR 178

$92.2 SAR 346

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$562 SAR 2,110

$321 SAR 1,206

$808 SAR 3,034

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$524 SAR 1,968

$213 SAR 801

$1,200 SAR 4,506

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$753 SAR 2,826

$525 SAR 1,970

$1,311 SAR 4,924

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$564 SAR 2,119

$394 SAR 1,480

$1,446 SAR 5,428

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,260 SAR 8,487

$2,231 SAR 8,376

$2,275 SAR 8,543

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,314 SAR 4,933

$1,269 SAR 4,766

$1,336 SAR 5,017

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$1,326 SAR 4,980

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

4.17

6.5

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

Last update: September 1, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $562, dropping to $524 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 42% of the average salary ($1,326) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $1,326 – below monthly costs of $1,331. 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 $32.00 – broadly in line with the Asian average.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $36.80 – roughly in line with the Asian average of $34.00.

Cost Highlights

Internet is more expensive than 99% of cities in Asia

Gym membership is more expensive than 93% of cities in Asia

Gasoline is cheaper than 91% of cities in Asia

Medina Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🕌 Middle East

Cost of Living in Medina - Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.

Medina is mid-range – monthly costs with rent reach about $1,331. For most residents, that's a fair trade: urban amenities, services, and job access without major-hub prices.

Medina sits squarely in the middle of the price spectrum – not cheap, not expensive. Monthly costs with rent tend to hover around $1,331, which most working professionals can handle without feeling financially squeezed.

The average net salary in Medina is about $1,326, while comfortable living starts around $1,997. With total costs hitting $1,331 monthly, saving is possible if you earn above average – but it takes intentional budgeting.

A central one-bedroom apartment in Medina runs about $562 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $524. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.

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.

Getting around Medina by public transport costs about $36.80 per month. A monthly pass generally covers buses, trams, and metro – much cheaper than owning a car for the daily commute.

$1,000 is below the $1,331 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.

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 $1,331 monthly all-in, it suits mid-range budgets for a comfortable – if not luxurious – lifestyle.

Medina is neither cheap nor expensive – it sits comfortably in the middle. Monthly costs with rent run about $1,331, a figure most working professionals can handle without major financial stress.