How Expensive Is It to Live in Madinah? 

Madinah, regarded as one of the holy cities of Islam, is attracting new interest not only from pilgrims but also from expatriates, investors, and digital nomads who seek tranquility with real estate opportunities. The appeal combines lifestyle serenity with spirituality. New residents considering relocating here need to understand the financial implications of living in Madinah. 

Cost of Living in Madinah

1. Housing Costs

Housing remains the most expensive item in the cost of living; however, accommodation costs in Madinah are still more affordable than in Riyadh or Jeddah. Considerable differences are also evident in the less central areas. 

 A one-bedroom apartment in the city center is available for SAR 1,601 per month, while the same unit outside the center averages SAR 2,100. A 3-bedroom apartment is typically rented out at SAR 2,685 in the center and around SAR 1,550 outside the center.

Buying property is more expensive. In prime locations, the average rate per square meter is SAR 14,166, whereas in the suburbs it falls to SAR 4,166. Leasehold options are common for foreigners due to ownership restrictions near the Haram zone.

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2. Food and Grocery Expenses

If you are not too big on cooking, eating out in Madinah can be cheap or expensive, depending on your choice. An inexpensive restaurant’s simple dish costs SAR 21 on average, while a dinner for two in a midrange restaurant with three courses will set you back SAR 120. The price of a McDonald’s combo is usually SAR 30. 

Grocery costs are reasonable. The price of some daily use items includes: milk (1 liter), SAR 6.20, bread (1 loaf), SAR 3.58, and a dozen (12) eggs, SAR 7.87. Tomatoes, bananas, and potatoes etc., are around SAR 5 to 8 per kg

Average grocery costs per month are usually between SAR 700 to 1000 for one person, but for a small family, it can comfortably be between SAR 1500 to 2000

3. Transportation Costs 

Transportation in Madinah is very cheap, especially when compared with transportation costs in other larger cities in Saudi Arabia. Under the Vision 2030 initiatives, the bus system is very much in its infant stage in Madinah, but one-way public transport is available at around SAR 4, and a monthly subscription is between SAR 100 and SAR 300, which makes it a very affordable option for those who are going to and from work every day.

Taxi services have become the most commonly used mode of transportation and the most affordable one. An average fare starts at SAR 5, while the per-kilometer charge is SAR 6.25. If you also want the taxi to stay with you during the time, then expect to pay around SAR 21 per hour. Therefore, with no obstacles caused by the rules that are different in every city, Uber and Careem continue to be fully operational in the city.

As for personal vehicle owners, fuel is cheap, with gas prices hovering around SAR 2.31 per liter. 

4. Utilities, Internet, and Mobile Plans

The cost of utilities in Madinah is moderate but could fluctuate due to the season. An 85m2 apartment’s average bill for electricity, water, cooling, and waste services is SAR 761, with the cost lower in the months with mild temperatures and higher in the months of peak summer when AC is a must. It is not unusual that some of the newer residential buildings include basic utilities in the rent, especially when dealing with serviced apartments.

In most regions, high-speed internet is accessible and dependable. People are usually purchasing unlimited broadband plans that have speeds of 60 Mbps or higher for a price within SAR 300 to SAR 500 per month. Installation is usually fast, and fiber connections are expanding.

In the case of mobile phones, a rough estimation of the local call and data usage over a 10 GB monthly plan is SAR 120, but the final price can vary mainly due to the provider. Operators STC, Zain, and Mobily are known to have their own bundle plans and frequently run promotions, thus the monthly communication costs may be reduced.

5. Lifestyle & Leisure Expenses

Madinah is known for its peaceful environment and being family-friendly. There are various entertainment options. A monthly subscription for a gym generally falls between SAR 90 and SAR 400, which mainly depends on the place and the type of service offered. Fitness clubs providing VIP services and female-only facilities usually charge higher fees.

Going for a movie, a ticket for an international release is sold at an average of SAR 50, while renting a tennis court for a weekend session will cost you about SAR 33 per hour. Cafés exist in countless numbers, and you can find amazing non-alcoholic drinks.

The price of a pair of mid-range running shoes is approximately SAR 250, meanwhile, if you want to get casual clothes such as jeans or dresses from top brands like Zara or H&M you will have to pay from SAR 140 to SAR 200. 

6. Childcare and Education

This is one of the costs that families considering relocating to Madinah can’t ignore. A standard private preschool or kindergarten charges between SAR 750 and SAR 1,666 monthly, and this is dependent on the kind of curriculum, location, and the goodwill of the institution. Most of the places that offer these programs can be followed in two languages, and some parts are like the Montessori or British EYFS, which are international models.

International schools in Madinah, for the primary level, are meant to cater to varied expatriate communities. These schools charge somewhere between SAR 12,000 and SAR 50,000 a year for one kid. This generally includes the tuition, books, and school activities. It may not include transportation or uniforms.

Conclusion

Affordability in Madinah depends on lifestyle choices. Families with children in international schools and those living in newer developments may face higher monthly expenses, while single professionals or retirees can comfortably live on a moderate budget.

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