Cost of Living in Mecca

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	6,000 - 10,000 SAR/sq. meter
	Price per square meter outside city center	4,000 - 7,000 SAR/sq. meter
Transportation	One-way local transport ticket	2 - 5 SAR
	Monthly local transport pass	100 - 200 SAR
	Gasoline (1 liter)	1.50 - 2.50 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	10 - 20 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)	200 - 350 SAR/month
	Mobile call rate (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 area within Mecca, as well as individual preferences and lifestyle choices. It is always recommended to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Mecca

"The cost of living in Mecca, is relatively high compared to other cities in the country. This is largely due to the city's status as a religious hub, attracting millions of pilgrims each year. Housing is one of the most significant expenses, with rental prices being quite high, especially in areas close to the Grand Mosque. The cost of food and groceries in Mecca is also relatively high, but it can vary depending on where you shop. Local markets tend to be cheaper than supermarkets. Dining out can be expensive, especially in restaurants near the city center or the Grand Mosque. Transportation costs in Mecca are moderate. While owning a car can be expensive due to high fuel costs, public transportation is relatively affordable. However, during the Hajj season, transportation costs can increase due to high demand.Healthcare in Mecca is expensive, especially for non-residents. While Saudi citizens have access to free healthcare, foreigners are required to have health insurance, which can be costly.Overall, while the cost of living in Mecca can be high, it is important to note that salaries in the city are also generally higher than the national average, which can help offset these costs," said one expat living in Mecca.

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

"I've been living in Mecca for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. I'd recommend looking for a place in neighborhoods like Al-Aziziyah, Al-Nuzhah, or Al-Sharai. These areas are more affordable compared to more expensive neighborhoods like Al-Haram, Al-Ma'abda, or Al-Mansour.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. Public transportation is limited in Mecca, 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 non-peak hours or consider carpooling with coworkers.When it comes to food, eating out can be quite expensive, especially in the more touristy areas near the Grand Mosque. To save money, I'd recommend cooking at home and shopping at local markets like the Al-Rajhi Market or the Al-Diyafa Market. You can find fresh produce and other groceries at reasonable prices there.As for entertainment, you'll need to be creative to stay within your budget. There are some free or low-cost activities you can do, like visiting the Al-Haram Mosque, exploring the local markets, or taking a walk in the parks. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive activities like shopping at high-end malls or dining at fancy restaurants.In conclusion, living on $1,500 a month in Mecca is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being smart about transportation, cooking at home, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Mecca.

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

"I've been living in Mecca 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 Shubaikah and Al Aziziyah, might be out of your budget. Instead, consider looking for housing in areas like Al Awali, Al Nuzhah, or Al Hindawiyyah. These neighborhoods are more budget-friendly and still offer decent amenities.One of the sacrifices you'll have to make is adjusting to the local transportation system. Public transportation in Mecca isn't as developed as in some other cities, so you might need to rely on taxis or ride-sharing apps like Uber or Careem. This can add up, so you'll need to budget accordingly. Alternatively, you could consider getting a car, but keep in mind that traffic can be quite congested, especially during the Hajj season.Another thing to consider is the cost of groceries and dining out. While you can find affordable local food options, if you're used to eating out at fancy restaurants or buying imported groceries, you might need to cut back on those expenses. Shopping at local markets and cooking at home can help you save money.Entertainment options in Mecca are also limited, as there are no movie theaters or bars due to the city's religious significance. You'll need to find alternative ways to spend your free time, like visiting local parks, exploring the city's historical sites, or taking weekend trips to nearby cities like Jeddah.Lastly, keep in mind that the cost of living in Mecca can be higher during the Hajj season, as millions of pilgrims flock to the city. Accommodation prices can skyrocket, and even daily expenses like food and transportation can increase. So, it's essential to plan and budget accordingly during that time.Overall, living in Mecca on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to make some adjustments and sacrifices to make it work. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, being mindful of transportation costs, and adjusting your lifestyle, you can live comfortably in this unique and culturally rich city," said one expat living in Mecca.

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

"I've been living in Mecca for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. However, there are some sacrifices you might have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll need to choose the right neighborhood. Some of the more affordable areas in Mecca include Al-Aziziyah, Al-Nuzhah, and Al-Sharai. These neighborhoods offer a good mix of modern amenities and reasonable prices. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Al-Haram, Al-Ma'abidah, and Al-Mansour, as the cost of living in these areas can be quite high.One of the sacrifices you might have to make is living in a smaller apartment or house than you're used to. The cost of housing in Mecca can be quite high, especially in the more desirable neighborhoods. However, if you're willing to compromise on space, you can find some great deals in the more affordable areas.Another thing to consider is transportation. Owning a car in Mecca can be expensive, especially when you factor in the cost of fuel, insurance, and maintenance. To save money, you might want to consider using public transportation or ride-sharing services like Uber or Careem. This can help you cut down on your transportation costs and make it easier to stay within your budget.When it comes to dining out, you'll find that there are plenty of affordable options in Mecca. There are many local restaurants and cafes that offer delicious food at reasonable prices. However, if you're used to dining at high-end restaurants, you might have to cut back on that to stay within your budget.Finally, you'll need to be mindful of your entertainment and leisure expenses. While there are plenty of things to do in Mecca, some activities can be quite expensive. To save money, you might want to consider taking advantage of the many free or low-cost attractions and events that the city has to offer.Overall, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Mecca is definitely achievable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices to ensure you stay within your budget," commented an expat living in Mecca.