Makkah Province (Makkah al-Mukarramah) is the spiritual heartland of Islam and one of Saudi Arabia's most significant regions, encompassing the holy city of Makkah, the cosmopolitan port city of Jeddah, the mountain resort city of Taif, and the Red Sea city of Yanbu. The province draws millions of Muslim pilgrims annually for Hajj and Umrah, while Jeddah welcomes all visitors with its UNESCO-listed Al-Balad district, vibrant Red Sea coastline, and modern urban culture.
Local currency: Saudi Riyal (SAR).
Daily budget by traveller style
Typical per-person daily spend in Makkah.
Cost breakdown
Typical price ranges across major spending categories.
Accommodation
- Hostel
- N/A (no dedicated hostels in Makkah Province)
- Budget
- $20-45/night (SAR 75-170)
- Midrange
- $80-130/night (SAR 300-490)
- Luxury
- $250-700+/night (SAR 938-2625+)
Food
- Street
- $3-6 (SAR 11-22) — shawarma, fuul, samboosa, Albaik
- Local
- $8-15 (SAR 30-56) — casual Saudi restaurants, Al Tazaj, Herfy
- Midrange
- $20-45 (SAR 75-169) — seafood restaurants, Lebanese, international casual
- Fine
- $60-200+ (SAR 225-750+) — hotel restaurants, ROKA, Nobu, fine dining
Transport
- Bus
- $5-10 (SAR 20-37) — SAPTCO intercity
- Taxi
- $5-15 (SAR 19-56) — typical city ride via Uber/Careem
- Airport
- $40-55 (SAR 150-206) — Jeddah airport to city center
- Daytrip
- $50-150 (SAR 188-563) — organized day tours
Activities
- Museum
- $1.35-4 (SAR 5-15) — most museums very affordable
- Sites
- Free — Al-Balad, Corniche, beaches
- Tour
- $21-40 (SAR 80-150) — guided walking tours Al-Balad
- Excursion
- $80-133 (SAR 300-500) — Taif day tours from Jeddah
Trip budgets by length
What a typical trip to Makkah costs end-to-end.
Budget traveller
$350 for 7 days (based in Jeddah)
Midrange traveller
$1050 for 7 days
Luxury traveller
$3150+ for 7 days
Money-saving tips
Practical ways to stretch your budget further.
Use Uber or Careem instead of regular taxis — consistently 20-30% cheaper
Eat at local Saudi fast food chains — Albaik and Al Tazaj offer excellent quality at low prices
Book Jeddah hotels on weekdays (Sunday-Wednesday) — rates are significantly lower than Saudi weekends (Thursday-Friday)
Visit Makkah Province November-February for best weather and lower hotel rates than Hajj/Ramadan season
Take the Haramain High-Speed Railway — cheaper than private taxis between Jeddah and Makkah
Buy dates, spices, and rose water at local markets in Al-Balad — cheaper than malls or airport shops
Most major attractions (Al-Balad, Corniche, beaches) are free
Lunch is generally cheaper than dinner at the same restaurant — take advantage of weekday lunch specials
Book accommodation at least 2-3 months ahead for winter season to get best rates
Free things to do
Memorable experiences that cost nothing.
Al-Balad Historic District Walk
Explore Jeddah's UNESCO World Heritage Site for free
Jeddah Corniche Promenade
30km waterfront walk with stunning Red Sea views
King Fahd Fountain (night viewing)
Watch the world's tallest fountain illuminated from the Corniche — free
Jeddah Sculpture Park
Open-air gallery with works by Henry Moore and Miró — free entry
Al Rudaf Park Taif
Beautiful mountain park (SAR 5 entry — effectively free)
Floating Mosque Exterior
Admire Al-Rahma Mosque from the Corniche — free
Souq Al-Alawi Browsing
Browse Jeddah's oldest market — entry free, purchase optional
Yanbu Old Town Walking Tour
Explore Ottoman-era architecture in the historic quarter — free
Jabal al-Nour Hike
Sacred mountain climb with panoramic views (Muslims only — free)
Taif Rose Farm Self-Walk
Walk along public roads through the fragrant rose farms during flowering season (Feb-Apr)
Al Hada Mountain Scenic Drive
Drive the dramatic mountain road for free — cable car is paid separately
Jeddah Al-Balad Photography Walk
Self-guided photography tour of Al-Balad's historic facades — free