Cost Of Living For a Student in Mecca 2025

Average monthly spending for students in Mecca

How much money does a student need in a month to survive in Mecca?

Students in Mecca spend around 7,000 SAR per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a student can survive with a monthly budget as low as 1,100 SAR or as high as 46,000 SAR. Location is a very important factor and has a huge influence on expenditure and budget.

How do students spend their money in Mecca?

We asked thousands of students about their spending habits and expenditure break down.

Housing and accomodation expenditure for students

Students in Mecca typically spend from 16% to 27% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 21% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 1,700 SAR with expenditure ranging from 260 SAR to 11,000 SAR. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for students

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Mecca ranges from 3% to 9% of total expenses with 5% being the average for most students. The average monthly cost of utilities is 280 SAR with 43 SAR and 1,900 SAR being the upper and lower limits for a student of four.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for students

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a student resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a student would expect to spend from 75 SAR to 3,200 SAR in a month on commuting with 490 SAR being the norm for most students. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 5% of total spending on average but can go as low as 5% or as high as 11%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for students

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical student in a month in Mecca is 1,400 SAR. The cost of groceries can range between 220 SAR to 9,300 SAR. Students spend on average about 22% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 16% and 26% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for students

Students in Mecca allocate 5% to 11% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending on medical services and clinic visits is around 8%. The range of medical expenses range from 65 SAR to 2,800 SAR with 420 SAR being the norm for most students.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for students

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 54 SAR to 2,300 SAR with 350 SAR being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 8% of total expenses with an average of 4% for most students.

Education and schooling expenditure for students

Spending on education can vary drastically between different students. On average, education constitutes 19% of the monthly expenditure of students with 12% and 24% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 1,300 SAR per month with 200 SAR being the minimum spent amount and 8,800 SAR being the maximum.

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

• 50% for needs and financial obligations

  This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

• 30% for wants and discretionary spending

  This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

• 20% for savings and emergency fund

  This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

Affordable living in Mecca

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked students one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Mecca?

Around 81% of surveyed students think that living in Mecca is affordable with proper budgeting while 19% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Mecca

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked students how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options64%

Few low-cost options36%

Based on the survey, 64% of the students living in Mecca have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 36% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds For Students

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked students of Mecca whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes77%

No23%

Based on the survey, 23% of the students living in Mecca said that they don't have an emergency fund while 77% said that they do.

Financial Literacy in Saudi Arabia

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy71%

We asked student guardians and parents in Mecca whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 29% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 71% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.

Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether students of Saudi Arabia have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 31% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 69% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance31%

Easily manages finances69%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Mecca

Rent Cost in Mecca

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

1,300 SAR

1,900 SAR

5,100 SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$340

$510

$1,300

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

1,900 SAR

3,000 SAR

7,600 SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$510

$810

$2,000

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

2,500 SAR

3,800 SAR

10,000 SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$670

$1,000

$2,700

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

3,000 SAR

5,100 SAR

14,000 SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$810

$1,300

$3,700

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

6,100 SAR

15,000 SAR

30,000 SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1,600

$4,000

$8,100

Townhouse monthly rent cost

5,100 SAR

7,600 SAR

22,000 SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1,300

$2,000

$5,800

House monthly rent cost

6,100 SAR

15,000 SAR

30,000 SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1,600

$4,000

$8,100

Villa monthly rent cost

7,600 SAR

19,000 SAR

30,000 SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$2,000

$5,100

$8,100

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Mecca ranges between 1,300 SAR and 5,100 SAR, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 1,900 SAR to 7,600 SAR. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 2,500 SAR and 10,000 SAR per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 3,000 SAR to 14,000 SAR. The average rent of a townhouse in Mecca is around 7,600 SAR while house rental costs can be as high as 15,000 SAR per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 7,600 SAR to 30,000 SAR per month.

Apartment and house prices in Mecca

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

250,000 SAR

380,000 SAR

760,000 SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$67,000

$100,000

$200,000

1-bedroom apartment price

300,000 SAR

510,000 SAR

1.9M SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$81,000

$130,000

$510,000

2-bedroom apartment price

510,000 SAR

1.5M SAR

3M SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$130,000

$400,000

$810,000

3-bedroom apartment price

1.7M SAR

2.5M SAR

7.6M SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$450,000

$670,000

$2M

Townhouse price

2.2M SAR

5.1M SAR

19M SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$580,000

$1.3M

$5.1M

House price

2.5M SAR

15M SAR

22M SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$670,000

$4M

$5.8M

Villa price

3M SAR

17M SAR

25M SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$810,000

$4.5M

$6.7M

The average price of a studio apartment in Mecca can range from 250,000 SAR to 760,000 SAR depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 300,000 SAR to 1.9M SAR. A villa can cost you 17M SAR on average with prices ranging from 3M SAR to 25M SAR.

House / apartment prices to income ratio

Property prices in Mecca can be x149 to x239 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x149 multiples of the average monthly salary in Mecca.

Rent to income ratio

The average rent-to-income ratio in Mecca is around 36%. This means that people pay 36% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 26% to 47% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Mecca

Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Mecca

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Student

43 SAR

280 SAR

1,900 SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$11

$74

$490

Internet and cable cost

72 SAR

140 SAR

190 SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$19

$38

$51

Mobile phone bill and charges

57 SAR

95 SAR

290 SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$15

$25

$76

The average monthly energy and water consumption of students is around 280 SAR. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 72 SAR to 190 SAR with 140 SAR being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 95 SAR but can range between 57 SAR and 290 SAR depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.

Energy / Utility expense to income ratio

The average utility-to-income ratio in Mecca is around 4.3%. This means that people pay 4.3% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 1.1% to 8.5% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Mecca

Prices and cost of goods and services in Mecca

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

14 SAR

29 SAR

48 SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$3.8

$7.6

$13

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Mecca is approximatly 29 SAR with meal cost ranging from 14 SAR to 48 SAR. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

49 SAR

74 SAR

150 SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$13

$20

$39

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 49 SAR and 150 SAR with 74 SAR being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Mecca.

Fine dining meal for one price

98 SAR

150 SAR

590 SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$26

$39

$160

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 98 SAR to 590 SAR with the average cost being 150 SAR for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Mecca.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

12 SAR

19 SAR

29 SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$3.2

$5.1

$7.6

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Mecca is around 19 SAR. Price ranges between 12 SAR and 29 SAR depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.

Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

9.5 SAR

11 SAR

14 SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$2.5

$3.1

$3.8

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Mecca is 11 SAR. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 14 SAR and the minimum being 9.5 SAR depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

7.2 SAR

9.5 SAR

14 SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.9

$2.5

$3.8

A dozen eggs costs around 9.5 SAR on average with 7.2 SAR and 14 SAR being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

16 SAR

21 SAR

30 SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$4.3

$5.6

$8

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Mecca is between 16 SAR and 30 SAR depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 21 SAR.

Pack of beef price

19 SAR

29 SAR

57 SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$5.1

$7.6

$15

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 29 SAR. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

7.7 SAR

11 SAR

15 SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$2.1

$2.8

$4

A bag of rice in Mecca costs around 11 SAR on average with prices rangeing between 7.7 SAR and 15 SAR depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

2.9 SAR

3.8 SAR

7.2 SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.76

$1

$1.9

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 2.9 SAR to 7.2 SAR. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

5.1 SAR

6.7 SAR

11 SAR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.4

$1.8

$2.9

A bag of apples costs 6.7 SAR on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Mecca is around 26%. This means that students spend 26% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 17% to 32% depending on salary and location.

Expenditure on food and grocery for students