Cost of Living in Madinah
How much does it cost to visit Madinah? Daily budgets, accommodation costs, and real price examples for 2026.
Photo: Avel Chuklanov / Unsplash
Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget
Hostels, street food, free attractions
SAR 250
per day
Weekly: SAR 1750
Monthly: SAR 7500
Examples
- 🏨Al Madinah Harmony Hotel - Standard RoomSAR 150
- 🍽️Local canteen for Mandi rice and grilled chickenSAR 30
- 🚌Taxi for short distances to Masjid an Nabawi and backSAR 30
- 🎟️Visit Quba Mosque (the first mosque built in Medina) and walk around the areaSAR 40
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, restaurants, guided tours
SAR 500
per day
Weekly: SAR 3500
Monthly: SAR 15000
Examples
- 🏨Anwar Al Madinah Mövenpick Hotel - Executive RoomSAR 300
- 🍽️Lunch at Al Baik for fried chicken and sides, Dinner at a local restaurant for seafoodSAR 100
- 🚌Uber for multiple trips around the citySAR 50
- 🎟️Visit the Mount Uhud battlefield and museumSAR 50
Luxury
5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours
SAR 1200
per day
Weekly: SAR 8400
Monthly: SAR 36000
Examples
- 🏨InterContinental Dar Al Iman - Deluxe King RoomSAR 700
- 🍽️Fine dining experience at The Restaurant at Al Madinah Hilton, including a multi-course mealSAR 300
- 🚌Private car with driver for the entire day for convenient travelSAR 150
- 🎟️Guided tour of the Madinah Museum and the Hejaz Railway MuseumSAR 50
Cost by Category
accommodation
100-300 SAR
food
80-200 SAR
Transport
30-70 SAR
activities
40-100 SAR
Cost by Neighbourhood
| Neighbourhood | Budget Level | vs City Centre | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al Haram | Luxury | at center | first-timers, culture |
| Central Area (North of Al Haram) | Mid-range | slightly cheaper | families, couples |
| King Abdullah Road Area | Mid-range | moderate | families, digital nomads |
Money-Saving Tips for Madinah
🏨 Accommodation
- Stay in budget neighbourhoods outside the tourist centre
- Book apartments for longer stays (weekly discounts)
- Travel in shoulder season for lower hotel rates
- Compare prices across multiple booking platforms
🍽️ Food & Drink
- Eat where locals eat, away from tourist hotspots
- Try street food and market stalls for cheap eats
- Buy lunch specials instead of evening meals
- Cook some meals if your accommodation has a kitchen
🚌 Transport
- Buy multi-day transit passes for unlimited travel
- Walk between nearby attractions to save fares
- Use public transport over taxis where possible
- Book airport transfers in advance for fixed prices
🎟️ Activities
- Take free walking tours (tip-based)
- Look for free museum days or discounted hours
- Book tours and activities online for lower prices
- Explore parks, markets, and neighbourhoods on foot
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FAQ: Madinah Costs
How much does it cost to visit Madinah?
Budget travellers can visit Madinah for around SAR 250/day (SAR 1750/week). Mid-range travellers should budget SAR 500/day, while luxury travel costs around SAR 1200/day.
Is Madinah expensive?
Madinah is on the expensive side. Budget travellers need at least SAR 250/day. Consider staying in budget neighbourhoods and eating at local spots to save.
How much should I budget per day in Madinah?
For a comfortable mid-range experience in Madinah, budget SAR 500/day. This covers a decent hotel, meals at sit-down restaurants, public transport, and a couple of activities.
What is the cheapest way to visit Madinah?
Budget travellers in Madinah can get by on SAR 250/day by staying in hostels or budget hotels, eating street food and local restaurants, using public transport, and choosing free walking tours and public attractions.