Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Editor
March 12, 2023
Mecca is a holy city located in the Hejaz region of Saudi Arabia and is the birthplace of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. It is the holiest city in Islam and the spiritual center of the Islamic world. Every year, millions of Muslims from all over the world make the pilgrimage to Mecca, known as the Hajj. Mecca is also home to the Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam, and the Masjid al-Haram, the largest mosque in the world. According to the World Bank, the population of Mecca is estimated to be around 2.2 million people. The city is known for its vibrant culture, with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and markets. Mecca is also home to a number of universities, including the Islamic University of Madinah and the King Abdulaziz University. The cost of living in Mecca is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads. The city is well-connected to other parts of the world, with a number of international airports and a modern public transportation system. With its rich culture, low cost of living, and excellent connectivity, Mecca is an ideal destination for digital nomads.
Living in Mecca, Saudi Arabia: Overview
Overall score | Worksplorer index
-
48%
Quality of life -
33%
Cost of living -
85%
Connectivity -
14%
Weather
55
General
| Currency | SAR |
| Population (in millions) | 2.2 |
| Quality of life (world rank from 1 to 200) | Not Ranked |
| Cost of living compared to Chicago, USA | 40% more expensive |
| Best neighborhood to stay | Al Aziziyah, Mecca 2 |
Culture
| Number of museums and galleries | 0 |
| Top selling local beer | Zamzam |
| Most popular local dish | Kabsa |
Travel
| Most popular tourist attraction(s) | Kaaba, Masjid al-Haram, Jabal al-Nour |
| Discount airline | Saudia |
| Major airline | Saudia Airlines |
| Largest ride sharing company | Careem |
| Primary train stations | Makkah Al-Mukarramah Station, Al-Shumaisi Station, Al-Hijrah Station |
| Primary airports | Jeddah, Taif, Medina |
| Best rental car company | Hertz |
| Used car costs | 200000 SAR |
Connectivity
| Apple store addresses | Apple Store Mecca is located at Al-Hijaz Mall, King Abdul Aziz Road, Mecca, Saudi Arabia |
| Internet connection (in Mbps) | 10 Mbps |
| Power socket type | C, G |
| Supply voltage | 220V |
| Best electronics store | Jarir |
| Best internet carrier | STC |
| Primary cellular carrier | STC |
| Average monthly cost for internet | 200 SAR |
Shopping
| The best drug store | Al-Dawaa |
| Best restaurant chain | Al Baik |
| The best grocery store | Al-Makkah |
| The most popular fashion brand | Abaya |
Regulatory
| GDP per capita | $20,845 / year |
| Average annual income | $20,000 |
| Sales tax rate | 0% |
| Income tax rate | 0% |
| Tourist visa valid (in days) | 30 |
Financial
| Average mortgage rate | Not applicable. Mecca does not have a mortgage market |
| Suggested ATM take out | 500 SAR |
| Bank that has the most ATM machines | Al Rajhi Bank |
| Average tip in restaurant | 5% |
| Pay using credit or debit card | Not common |
Health
| Emergency Phone Numbers | 997 (general), 998 (police), 999 (ambulance), 996 (firefighters) |
| Polution per square meter | 8,845 |
| Health quality rank (according to WHO) | 83 |
| Main religion | Islam |
Quality of life
48%
-
82%
Safety, freedom, rights -
98%
Traffic -
17%
Property to income -
18%
Crime -
61%
Healthcare -
14%
Weather
Salaries
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | SAR 8,097 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate | 5.5% |
Childcare
| Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child | SAR 1,025 |
| International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child | SAR 15,667 |
Cost of living
33%
-
Purchasing Power
113%
-
Rent
10%
-
Food
44%
-
Restaurant
42%
-
Workspace
66%
-
Transport
20%
Rent
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre Per Month | SAR 1,150.00 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre Per Month | SAR 1,300.00 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre Per Month | SAR 2,200.00 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre Per Month | SAR 1,699.67 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend), Sports And Leisure | SAR 100.00 |
Food
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | SAR 5.90 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | SAR 2.67 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | SAR 11.23 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | SAR 32.50 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | SAR 2.50 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | SAR 4.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) | SAR 5.00 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | SAR 7.33 |
| Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) | SAR 28.00 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | SAR 29.25 |
| Apples (1kg) | SAR 8.67 |
| Oranges (1kg) | SAR 6.75 |
| Potato (1kg) | SAR 5.00 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | SAR 5.00 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | SAR 9.33 |
| Tomato (1kg) | SAR 8.20 |
| Banana (1kg) | SAR 5.83 |
| Onion (1kg) | SAR 4.00 |
| Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) | SAR 51.25 |
Restaurants
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | SAR 25.00 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | SAR 200.00 |
| McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | SAR 28.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) | SAR 6.00 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | SAR 5.98 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) | SAR 2.69 |
| Water (0.33 liter bottle) | SAR 0.88 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | SAR 14.17 |
Connectivity
94%
Infrastructure
89/100
Internet speed
92/100
Internet cost
95/100
Pre-paid plan
98/100
Utilities (Monthly)
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment | SAR 416.67 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) | SAR 0.43 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | SAR 300.00 |
Sports
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | SAR 500.00 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | SAR 100.00 |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | SAR 80.00 |
Transportation
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | SAR 4.00 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | SAR 100.00 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | SAR 2.32 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) | SAR 100,000.00 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) | SAR 75,000.00 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | SAR 10.00 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | SAR 3.75 |
| Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | SAR 30.00 |
