Mecca, Saudi Arabia
The holiest city in Islam, birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad, and destination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Above Average vs Saudi Arabia Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Mecca vs Saudi Arabia Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 15.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: SAR 96,000
- Unemployment: 6.0%
- Population: 2,150,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 310/year
- Summer High: 108°F
- Winter Low: 62°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7a
Housing
- Median Home: ﷼900,000
- 1BR Rent: ﷼2000/mo
Cost of Living
Mecca's cost of living index is 105 (Saudi Arabia average = 100).
| Category | Mecca | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 105 | 100 | +5.0% |
| Housing | 115 | 100 | +15.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | ﷼900,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | ﷼2000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | ﷼2,500/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | ﷼600 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Mecca:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | ﷼200 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | ﷼45 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | ﷼100 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | ﷼250 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | ﷼595 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Mecca scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Mecca has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 82°F | 62°F | 2.5" |
| April | 93°F | 77°F | 2.8" |
| July | 108°F | 83°F | 1.5" |
| October | 88°F | 80°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Mecca faces the following natural hazards:
Arid country with extreme drought conditions.
Extreme summer heat with temperatures frequently exceeding 50°C.
Frequent sandstorms in the Arabian Desert.
Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.
Flash floods.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 0% (None)
- Sales Tax: 15%
- Property Tax: ~0% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 6.0%.
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Sunday to Thursday school week. Friday and Saturday are the weekend.
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Mecca, Saudi Arabia?
The cost of living index in Mecca is 105, which is Higher the Saudi Arabia national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Mecca?
The median home price in Mecca is ﷼900,000. The housing index is 115.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Mecca is approximately ﷼2000/mo.
Does Mecca, Makkah have income tax?
Mecca is in Makkah, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Mecca?
Mecca enjoys approximately 310 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 108°F, while winter lows can drop to around 62°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.