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Cost of living in Medina
Rent, everyday prices and the gross salary you may need to cover living costs in Medina.
One person, a month
SAR 2,877
Living costs excluding rent
Family of four, a month
SAR 9,739
Living costs excluding rent
One-bedroom rent, centre
SAR 2,099
A month
Gross salary, one person
SAR 58,000
to cover living costs in Medina
Medina's cost of living at a glance
Medina is among the less expensive cities in Saudi Arabia but one of the most expensive cities in Asia. The estimated monthly costs for a single person in Medina are SAR 2,877, excluding rent. Living costs for a family of four are SAR 9,739 a month, excluding rent.
A single person in Medina may need a gross salary of at least SAR 58,000 a year to cover estimated living costs, renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre and saving nothing.
One person's monthly costs
Numbeo household estimate in SAR, with the rent of a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre
Source: Numbeo, 1 June 2026.
How Medina compares
One person's monthly costs in Medina, excluding rent, are 8.4% lower than in the typical city in Saudi Arabia and 14.9% lower than in the typical city worldwide.
Where Medina ranks
In Saudi Arabia
6th of 9
One person's monthly costs including rent, most expensive first.
In Asia
87th of 407
Cities in Asia with a Numbeo estimate, most expensive first.
Worldwide
37th percentile
Costs the same as or more than 37% of 1,942 cities: a relatively affordable city.
One-bedroom rent, centre
6th of 9
Cities in Saudi Arabia, most expensive first.
Monthly costs against the typical city
- Medina
- Typical national city
- Typical city worldwide
Tap a line or a table row to read its three amounts.
| Monthly cost | Medina | Typical national city | Typical city worldwide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | SAR 2,099 | SAR 2,166 −3.1% | SAR 2,785 −24.6% |
| Groceries | SAR 818 | SAR 842 −2.8% | SAR 1,054 −22.3% |
| Eating out | SAR 329 | SAR 422 −22.1% | SAR 593 −44.6% |
| Transport | SAR 140 | SAR 140 0.0% | SAR 150 −6.7% |
| Utilities | SAR 742 | SAR 618 +20.0% | SAR 655 +13.2% |
| Leisure | SAR 330 | SAR 496 −33.4% | SAR 232 +42.1% |
| Total excluding rent | SAR 2,877 | SAR 3,142 −8.4% | SAR 3,382 −14.9% |
| Total including rent | SAR 4,977 | SAR 5,117 −2.7% | SAR 6,276 −20.7% |
Typical = the median of 9 cities in Saudi Arabia and 1,942 cities worldwide.
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Explore prices in Medina
The average price for each item, and the range from the lowest to the highest price people have reported.
Renting in Medina
Medina is the 4th cheapest city in Saudi Arabia for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre. The closest-priced city in Saudi Arabia is Ad Dammam.
A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs SAR 2,099 a month.
Outside the centre, a one-bedroom apartment typically costs SAR 1,964 a month.
A one-bedroom apartment in the centre is around 7% more expensive to rent than one outside the centre.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment in the city centre Monthly rent | SAR 2,099 | SAR 1,200– |
| 1-bed apartment outside the centre Monthly rent | SAR 1,964 | SAR 800– |
| 3-bed apartment in the city centre Monthly rent | SAR 2,869 | SAR 1,999– |
| 3-bed apartment outside the centre Monthly rent | SAR 2,147 | SAR 1,500– |
| Price per m² in the city centre | SAR 8,611 | SAR 8,497– |
| Price per m² outside the centre | SAR 5,013 | SAR 4,843– |
Cost of everyday items in Medina
Groceries in Medina are around 5% cheaper than the average for Saudi Arabia, while eating out is around 23% cheaper than the country average.
A litre of milk typically costs SAR 5.51.
A 500g loaf of fresh white bread typically costs SAR 3.56.
A pack of 20 cigarettes typically costs SAR 27.98.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Milk, 1 litre | SAR 5.51 | SAR 4.01– |
| Fresh white bread, 500g | SAR 3.56 | SAR 1.01– |
| Eggs, 12 large | SAR 7.69 | SAR 6.00– |
| Local cheese, 1kg | SAR 19.99 | SAR 15.00– |
| Chicken fillets, 1kg | SAR 26.67 | SAR 16.99– |
| Beef round, 1kg | SAR 47.49 | SAR 29.97– |
| Apples, 1kg | SAR 9.00 | SAR 7.01– |
| Oranges, 1kg | SAR 8.67 | SAR 4.99– |
| Potatoes, 1kg | SAR 5.25 | SAR 3.00– |
| Lettuce, 1 head | SAR 3.34 | SAR 1.01– |
| White rice, 1kg | SAR 8.74 | SAR 7.01– |
| Tomatoes, 1kg | SAR 5.66 | SAR 4.01– |
| Bananas, 1kg | SAR 7.31 | SAR 4.99– |
| Onions, 1kg | SAR 4.99 | SAR 3.00– |
| Water, 1.5 litre bottle | SAR 2.74 | SAR 1.99– |
| Mid-range bottle of wine | SAR 4.99 | SAR 4.99–SAR 4.99 |
| Domestic beer, 0.5 litre bottle | SAR 6.34 | SAR 4.99– |
| Imported beer, 0.33 litre bottle | SAR 6.00 | Not available |
| Cigarettes, 20 pack | SAR 27.98 | SAR 18.01– |
Eating out in Medina
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | SAR 20.48 | SAR 15.00– |
| Three-course meal for two | SAR 120 | SAR 79.98– |
| Fast food combo meal | SAR 29.97 | SAR 29.97– |
| Domestic beer, 0.5 litre draught | SAR 6.00 | SAR 4.01– |
| Imported beer, 0.33 litre bottle | SAR 6.49 | SAR 6.00– |
| Soft drink, 0.33 litre bottle | SAR 2.89 | SAR 2.51– |
| Water, 0.33 litre bottle | SAR 0.90 | SAR 0.49– |
| Cappuccino | SAR 9.87 | SAR 7.01– |
Transport in Medina
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| One-way public transport ticket | SAR 4.01 | SAR 4.01– |
| Monthly public transport pass | SAR 140 | SAR 99.97– |
| Gasoline, 1 litre | SAR 2.33 | SAR 2.18– |
| Taxi start | SAR 4.99 | SAR 3.00– |
| Taxi, per km | SAR 6.26 | SAR 2.51– |
| Taxi waiting, 1 hour | SAR 21.01 | SAR 15.00– |
| Volkswagen Golf, new | SAR 157,448 | SAR 64,979– |
| Toyota Corolla sedan, new | SAR 77,455 | SAR 77,455– |
Utilities in Medina
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment Monthly | SAR 561 | SAR 283– |
| Broadband internet Monthly | SAR 334 | SAR 287– |
| Mobile phone plan Monthly | SAR 104 | SAR 59.98– |
How is Medina for families?
A family of four with two adults and two children may need a gross household income of SAR 143,000 a year in Medina, excluding childcare costs.
Private preschool or kindergarten typically costs SAR 1,083 a month.
A three-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs SAR 2,869 a month.
Medina scores 84/100 on Numbeo's safety index.
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Family of four, excluding rent Monthly, Numbeo household estimate | SAR 9,739 | Not applicable |
| Family of four, including rent Monthly, Numbeo household estimate | SAR 12,608 | Not applicable |
| Private preschool or kindergarten Monthly | SAR 1,083 | SAR 750– |
| International primary school Annual | SAR 20,660 | SAR 11,996– |
Leisure and clothing in Medina
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Gym membership Monthly | SAR 297 | SAR 89.95– |
| Tennis court rental, 1 hour | SAR 33.31 | SAR 0– |
| Cinema ticket | SAR 49.97 | SAR 39.99– |
| Jeans | SAR 140 | SAR 44.98– |
| Summer dress from a chain store | SAR 200 | SAR 49.97– |
| Nike running shoes | SAR 250 | SAR 250–SAR 250 |
| Men's leather business shoes | SAR 367 | SAR 180– |
Source: Numbeo, 1 June 2026.
What salary do I need to live in Medina?
By combining Numbeo's living-cost estimates with the tax rates in Saudi Arabia, we can estimate the gross salary you would need to live in Medina. Use the calculator below to see how much you would need to live in Medina, and where your money goes.
Recommended gross salary
SAR 58,101
Needed to support 1 adult and no children in Medina, living in a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre.
- Take-home pay
- SAR 58,101
- Living costs
- SAR 58,101
- Tax and contributions
- SAR 0
| Operator | Item | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary | SAR 58,101 | |
| − | Income tax and contributions | SAR 0 |
| = | Take-home pay | SAR 58,101 |
| − | Rent | SAR 23,572 |
| − | Groceries | SAR 9,820 |
| − | Eating out | SAR 3,945 |
| − | Transport | SAR 1,679 |
| − | Utilities | SAR 8,902 |
| − | Leisure | SAR 3,965 |
| − | Other estimated costs | SAR 6,218 |
| = | Left over: savings target | SAR 0 |
SAR 58,101 gross salary modelled as one employment income gives a 0.0% effective tax rate and SAR 0 estimated deductions a year. Use our salary tax calculator for a more detailed estimate.
What the estimate includes
- Rent for your housing choice and Numbeo's household living costs for your household size
- National income tax for 2026
What it doesn't include
- Employee social contributions
- Regional, state or local income tax
- Joint filing, partner income and household allowances
- Age, pension, expat-regime or special-residency rules
- Bonuses, benefits and other income
- Child care or school unless you choose it
Don't agree with our estimates? Help us improve our cost-of-living model.
How each cost is worked out
Rent. The selected one-bedroom apartment outside the centre in Medina costs an estimated SAR 1,964 per month. SAR 1,964 per month × 12 months = SAR 23,572 a year.
Groceries. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Medina spends an estimated SAR 818 on groceries per month. SAR 818 per month × 12 months = SAR 9,820 a year.
Eating out. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Medina spends an estimated SAR 329 on eating out per month. SAR 329 per month × 12 months = SAR 3,945 a year.
Transport. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Medina spends an estimated SAR 140 on transport per month. SAR 140 per month × 12 months = SAR 1,679 a year.
Utilities. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Medina spends an estimated SAR 742 on utilities per month. SAR 742 per month × 12 months = SAR 8,902 a year.
Leisure. Numbeo estimates a household of one person in Medina spends an estimated SAR 330 on leisure per month. SAR 330 per month × 12 months = SAR 3,965 a year.
Other estimated costs. Numbeo's household estimate for miscellaneous costs: this may include things like clothing, shoes and entertainment costs. SAR 518 per month × 12 months = SAR 6,218 a year.
See the prices behind each category · How living costs and salaries are calculated
Tax estimate assumptions
Tax year 2026. One resident employee and one employment income are assumed. Zero personal income tax on employment income. No employee social security contributions for non-Saudi expatriates. Saudi nationals pay 9.75% GOSI (9% social insurance + 0.75% SANED unemployment) with employer paying 11.75%. Non-employment income may be subject to corporate/withholding tax.
Important
This calculator gives an estimate of the income needed to cover living costs. It is not tax, legal or financial advice. It uses Numbeo prices as of 1 June 2026, Saudi Arabia's tax rules for 2026 and Wise exchange rates of 21 October 2026, and models one employment income. Check your figures with the salary tax calculator or the official rules in PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries / GOSI.
Figures for 1 adult, outside the centre, no savings target.
Cost of living in Medina: common questions
Is Medina expensive to live in?
Medina is among the less expensive cities in Saudi Arabia but one of the most expensive cities in Asia.
A single person spends about SAR 2,877 a month excluding rent, against SAR 3,142 in the typical city in Saudi Arabia (the median of 9 cities, Numbeo, as of 1 June 2026).
Worldwide, Medina costs the same as or more than 37% of the 1,942 cities with a Numbeo household estimate, which makes it a relatively affordable city.
What salary do you need to live in Medina?
A single person may need a gross salary of at least SAR 58,000 a year to cover estimated living costs in Medina, renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre and saving nothing.
This is an estimate from Numbeo prices as of 1 June 2026 and Saudi Arabia's tax rules for 2026. Use the salary calculator to add your household, housing and a savings target.
How much is rent in Medina?
A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs SAR 2,099 a month, and SAR 1,964 outside the centre, according to Numbeo averages as of 1 June 2026.
A three-bedroom apartment costs about SAR 2,869 a month in the centre and SAR 2,147 outside it.
Medina is the 4th cheapest city in Saudi Arabia for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre.
How much does a family spend in Medina?
A family of four spends about SAR 9,739 a month on living costs excluding rent, or SAR 12,608 including rent, according to Numbeo's household estimate as of 1 June 2026.
With two adults earning and a three-bedroom home outside the centre, the household may need a gross income of SAR 143,000 a year, excluding childcare costs.
Private preschool or kindergarten typically costs SAR 1,083 a month per child.
How does Medina compare with Saudi Arabia's other cities?
Medina ranks 6th of 9 cities in Saudi Arabia for one person's monthly costs including rent, where 1st is the most expensive.
Excluding rent, one person's costs are 8.4% less than in the typical city in Saudi Arabia.
Where this data comes from
- Living costs and prices
- Numbeo, snapshot of 1 June 2026
- Exchange rates
- Wise mid-market rates, 21 October 2026
- Tax rules
- Expatica salary tax calculator, Saudi Arabia 2026
- Locations and population
- GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 1 October 2026
- Regions for continent ranks
- UN M49 regions
Important
All amounts are indicative estimates, not quotes or financial advice. Numbeo's prices are reported by users, so coverage and recency vary by city: check rents and prices locally before you commit to a move.
Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you click and make a purchase.
How living costs and salaries are calculated
- Your household size (adults and children, one to six people) picks Numbeo's household estimate for groceries, eating out, transport, utilities, leisure and rent.
- Rent is replaced by the price of a one-bedroom apartment (one or two people) or a three-bedroom apartment (three or more), in or outside the centre. A flatshare, for one adult without children, is a third of a three-bedroom home.
- "Other estimated costs" is Numbeo's household total less the named categories, not a separately reported price. Where a total is below its own categories, we use the categories, and a larger household's costs other than rent are never lower than a smaller household's.
- Child care and school are optional: preschool uses the city's monthly price for each child, international primary school its annual fee spread over 12 months. Children's ages, eligibility and public provision are not modelled.
- The salary is the gross income that leaves these costs, plus your savings target, after tax under Expatica's rules for Saudi Arabia (2026). One adult has one employment income; two adults are two earners splitting it evenly, with no joint filing or household allowances. What the tax model covers is listed with the result.
- Numbeo's figures are in US dollars, converted with one set of Wise mid-market rates. Without them, amounts stay in US dollars and no salary is estimated.
How cities are compared and matched
- A typical city is the median of one person's monthly costs across the 9 cities in Saudi Arabia in this guide and across the 1,942 cities worldwide with a Numbeo household estimate. Each row is its own median, so the rows do not add up.
- Ranks put the most expensive city first, and equal estimates share a rank. The worldwide percentile is the share of those 1,942 cities whose one-person monthly total, rent included, is the same or lower than Medina's.
- Nearby cities are places in this guide, possibly across a border, by straight-line distance between GeoNames location points.
- Comparable cities are in the same GeoNames population band (under 100,000, 100,000–499,999, 500,000–999,999, or 1 million and above; a neighbouring band, labelled, when a band has too few countries), one per country, outside Saudi Arabia and not already listed as nearby. Population years and boundaries vary, so the bands are rough size guides.
- The match score compares a single person's costs excluding rent and the rent of a central one-bedroom apartment. For each, we divide the lower city's price by the higher; the score is the square root of the two ratios multiplied together, × 100. If both prices are 80% of the other city's, the match is 80%; if both are twice as high, 50%. It measures how close the costs are, not which city is cheaper or how alike they are to live in.