Cost of Living in Medina

Category	Details	Cost
Apartment Rentals	1-bedroom apartment in city center	1,500 - 2,500 SAR/month
	1-bedroom apartment outside city center	1,000 - 1,800 SAR/month
Apartment Purchases	Price per square meter in city center	4,000 - 6,000 SAR/sq. meter
	Price per square meter outside city center	2,500 - 4,000 SAR/sq. meter
Transportation	One-way local transport ticket	2 - 5 SAR
	Monthly local transport pass	100 - 200 SAR
	Gasoline (1 liter)	1.5 - 2.5 SAR
	Taxi (1 km)	2 - 4 SAR
Groceries	Milk (1 liter)	4 - 6 SAR
	Bread (500g)	1 - 3 SAR
	Rice (1 kg)	4 - 8 SAR
	Chicken breasts (1 kg)	15 - 25 SAR
Restaurants	Meal at an inexpensive restaurant	15 - 30 SAR
	Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant	80 - 150 SAR
	Fast food meal	15 - 25 SAR
Utilities	Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment	100 - 300 SAR/month
	Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data)	150 - 300 SAR/month
	Mobile call (1 minute, no discounts or plans)	0.30 - 0.60 SAR
Private School Tuition	Preschool (or Kindergarten)	8,000 - 15,000 SAR/year
	Elementary School	12,000 - 25,000 SAR/year
	Middle School	15,000 - 30,000 SAR/year
	High School	18,000 - 35,000 SAR/year

Please note that the costs provided are approximate and may vary depending on the specific location within Medina, as well as the current economic situation. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices from multiple sources before making any financial decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Medina

"The cost of living in Medina, is considered moderate compared to other major cities in the country. Housing tends to be the most significant expense, with rental prices varying greatly depending on the location and size of the property. Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are relatively affordable.Food prices in Medina are reasonable, with local markets offering fresh produce at lower costs. Dining out in restaurants can range from inexpensive for local cuisine to more costly for high-end, international fare. Transportation costs are also quite affordable in Medina, with public transportation and taxis being widely available and reasonably priced. Owning a car can be more expensive due to the costs of maintenance, fuel, and insurance.Healthcare in Medina is of a high standard, with the cost being relatively low for basic healthcare services, but can increase significantly for specialized treatments or procedures. Education costs can vary greatly, with public schools being free for residents, while private and international schools can be quite expensive. Overall, the cost of living in Medina is manageable, but it can vary greatly depending on lifestyle choices and personal spending habits," said one expat living in Medina.

Can I live in Medina on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Medina for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable neighborhood to live in. I'd recommend looking into areas like Al Iskan, Bani Dhafar, or Al Qiblatayn. These neighborhoods are more budget-friendly and you can find a decent apartment for around $400-$600 a month. On the other hand, I'd avoid neighborhoods like Al Haram, Al Madinah Al Munawarah, or King Fahd, as these areas are more expensive and cater to a more luxurious lifestyle.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. Public transportation is limited in Medina, so you might need to rely on taxis or ride-sharing apps like Uber or Careem. To save money, try to use these services during off-peak hours or share rides with friends or coworkers. Owning a car can be expensive, so I'd recommend against it if you're trying to stick to a tight budget.When it comes to food, you can save money by cooking at home and shopping at local markets like Al Raya or Al Othaim. Eating out can be affordable if you stick to local restaurants and avoid high-end establishments. I usually spend around $200-$300 a month on groceries and eating out occasionally.Utilities and internet can be a bit pricey, but if you're mindful of your usage, you can keep these costs under control. I usually spend around $100-$150 a month on utilities and internet combined.Lastly, entertainment and leisure activities can be quite affordable in Medina. There are plenty of parks, museums, and historical sites to visit for free or at a low cost. However, if you're used to a more active nightlife or frequenting bars and clubs, you'll have to adjust your expectations, as these types of establishments are not common in Saudi Arabia due to cultural and religious reasons.In conclusion, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Medina is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing, transportation, and entertainment. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cooking at home, and enjoying the local culture and attractions, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Medina.

Can I live in Medina on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Medina for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to make some adjustments and sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods, like Al Haram and Al Madinah Al Munawarah, might be out of your budget. Instead, consider looking for housing in areas like Al Iskan, Bani Dhabyan, or Al Qiblatayn. These neighborhoods are more affordable and still offer decent amenities.One of the sacrifices you'll have to make is adjusting to the local lifestyle and culture. Medina is a conservative city, so you'll need to dress modestly and follow the local customs. This might be a bit challenging at first, but you'll get used to it over time.Another thing to consider is transportation. Owning a car can be expensive, so you might want to rely on public transportation or taxis to get around. This can be a bit inconvenient at times, but it's a good way to save money.When it comes to food, you'll find that eating out can be quite affordable, especially if you stick to local cuisine. However, if you prefer Western food or want to dine at fancier restaurants, you'll need to budget accordingly. Groceries can also be relatively affordable, but imported items will be more expensive.In terms of entertainment, you'll need to adjust your expectations. Medina doesn't have the same nightlife or entertainment options as more cosmopolitan cities, so you'll need to find other ways to spend your free time. There are plenty of historical sites and natural attractions to explore, and you can also take advantage of the local sports facilities and parks.Overall, living in Medina on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be prepared to make some sacrifices and adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, being mindful of your spending, and embracing the local culture, you can make it work and enjoy your time in this unique and historic city," said one expat living in Medina.

Can I live in Medina on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Medina for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, there might be some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll want to choose an affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more budget-friendly areas in Medina include Al Iskan, Bani Dhabyan, and Al Qiblatayn. These neighborhoods offer a good mix of local shops, restaurants, and other amenities, while still being relatively affordable in terms of rent. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Al Haram, Al Madinah Al Munawarah, and King Fahd, as these areas tend to have higher rent prices and can quickly eat into your budget.When it comes to transportation, you'll find that public transport options are limited in Medina, so you might need to rely on taxis or ride-sharing services like Uber or Careem. To save money, consider using these services during off-peak hours or sharing rides with friends or colleagues.As for groceries and dining out, you'll find that local markets and smaller restaurants are generally more affordable than larger supermarkets and international chains. To save money, try shopping at local markets like Al-Rashed Mega Mall or Al Noor Mall, and eat at local restaurants that offer traditional Saudi cuisine at lower prices.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of affordable options in Medina. You can visit historical sites like the Prophet's Mosque, Quba Mosque, and Uhud Mountain for free or at a low cost. Additionally, there are several parks and gardens in the city where you can enjoy outdoor activities without spending too much.Overall, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Medina is achievable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing, transportation, and leisure activities. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, shopping at local markets, and taking advantage of free or low-cost attractions, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while staying within your budget," commented an expat living in Medina.