📌A single person spends around $1,451 per month with rent, or $604 for everyday expenses alone.
📌A couple spends around $1,853 per month with rent, or $1,181 for everyday expenses alone.
📌A family of three spends around $2,255 per month with rent, or $1,758 without housing.
📊Overall, Medina is 9–20% above the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are 43% above average – pricier than most cities in the region.
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l(Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$21.0KSAR 78.8K
$17.3KSAR 64.8K
$24.7KSAR 92.7K
Compact Sedan 1.6l(Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$21.5KSAR 80.8K
$18.8KSAR 70.7K
$21.5KSAR 80.8K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$203SAR 763
$75.7SAR 284
$267SAR 1,003
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$33.06SAR 124
$16.10SAR 60.5
$40.26SAR 151
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$104SAR 392
$80.8SAR 303
$135SAR 506
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$75.9SAR 285
$23.93SAR 89.9
$106SAR 399
Tennis Court(1 Hour on Weekend)
$9.10SAR 34.18
$9.10SAR 34.18
$13.65SAR 51.3
Cinema Ticket
$13.49SAR 50.7
$10.79SAR 40.54
$18.89SAR 70.9
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$287SAR 1,078
$199SAR 747
$442SAR 1,659
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
$7,377SAR 27.7K
$3,162SAR 11.9K
$13.2KSAR 49.5K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$37.64SAR 141
$12.10SAR 45.44
$53.8SAR 202
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$53.3SAR 200
$13.33SAR 50.1
$66.7SAR 250
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$66.9SAR 251
$66.9SAR 251
$66.9SAR 251
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$98.6SAR 370
$48.38SAR 182
$134SAR 505
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$435SAR 1,633
$324SAR 1,217
$810SAR 3,041
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$554SAR 2,082
$211SAR 793
$1,188SAR 4,462
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$712SAR 2,674
$530SAR 1,991
$1,326SAR 4,978
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$419SAR 1,574
$379SAR 1,422
$1,487SAR 5,585
Buy Apartment in City Center(m2)
$2,267SAR 8,514
$2,237SAR 8,402
$2,282SAR 8,570
Buy Apartment Outside City Center(m2)
$1,344SAR 5,046
$1,298SAR 4,875
$1,366SAR 5,132
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$1,339SAR 5,030
-
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: July 13, 2026
Cost Breakdown
🏠A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $435, dropping to $554 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 32% of the average salary ($1,339) – well above the 30% international benchmark.
💰The average net salary is $1,339 – below monthly costs of $1,451. Most locals rely on shared housing or dual incomes. Remote workers earning abroad will find stronger purchasing power.
🛒Groceries cost around $199 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 $37.08 – roughly in line with the Asian average of $31.00.
Cost Highlights
⭐Medina has the 6th 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.
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 $1,451. 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 $1,451, 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 $1,339, while comfortable living starts around $2,177. With total costs hitting $1,451 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 $435 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $554. 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 $199 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 $37.08 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 $1,451 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 $1,451 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 $1,451, a figure most working professionals can handle without major financial stress.