Is Mecca a Good Place to Live? 2026 Honest Review

okay, so. mecca. right. i’m a freelance photographer, and i took a gig shooting…well, let’s just say ‘cultural events’ here for a few months. honestly? it’s not what you expect. it’s way more complicated.

right now, it’s…sticky. like, 95 degrees and 70% humidity sticky. feels like walking through warm soup. you can escape it though, a quick flight to *Jeddah and you’re on the Red Sea, which is a whole different vibe. or a drive up into the mountains - apparently, it gets genuinely chilly. i haven’t made it that far yet, too busy trying not to melt.

look, everyone knows Mecca is the holiest city in Islam. that’s…the whole point. and that shapes everything. it’s not a place you move to for a thriving nightlife or a booming art scene. it’s a place you move to for…well, faith. or a job supporting the pilgrims. which, by the way, is a huge industry. i’ve met people doing everything from running tiny souvenir shops to managing logistics for massive tour groups.

so, is it a good place to live? depends on what you’re looking for. i was talking to a guy - let’s call him Omar - who’s been here his whole life. he said, and i quote:

> "People come here to change. To find something. They don't come here to 'live' like you do in London or New York. It's…different. You have to understand the rhythm."

that’s…pretty accurate. the rhythm is intense. it’s constant prayer calls, crowds, and a very strong sense of community. but it’s also…restrictive. as a woman, you definitely feel the weight of the cultural norms. it’s not overtly hostile, but you’re constantly aware of needing to dress modestly and be respectful. i’ve seen tourists get politely but firmly told to cover up. Check out TripAdvisor for visitor tips.

okay, let’s talk money. because that’s always important. rent is…surprisingly reasonable. i’m staying in a small apartment a bit outside the main city center, and it’s about 2500-3000 SAR a month (that’s roughly $665 - $800 USD). but that’s basic. if you want something more modern or closer to the Masjid al-Haram, expect to pay significantly more. i overheard some expats complaining on a local forum (Mecca subreddit) about paying upwards of 6000 SAR for a decent two-bedroom.

jobs? it’s tough if you’re not in a field related to tourism or religious services. there’s some construction going on - they’re always building something new - but it’s mostly low-skilled labor. i’ve seen a few openings for English teachers, but the pay isn’t great. the official unemployment rate is around 5.8% (as of late 2025, according to the Saudi General Statistics Authority), but that doesn’t tell the whole story. a lot of people are underemployed, taking jobs that don’t match their qualifications.

security is…tight. like, really tight. there’s a huge police presence everywhere, and they’re not messing around. it feels safe, but also a little…oppressive. i read on Yelp that petty theft is rare, but you should still be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.

and the food! okay, the food is amazing. seriously. i’ve had some of the best dates and Arabic coffee of my life here. but don’t expect a lot of international cuisine. it’s mostly traditional Saudi dishes, which are delicious but can get repetitive. i’ve been craving a decent sushi roll for weeks.

transportation* is…an experience. taxis are plentiful, but make sure to agree on a price beforehand. the public bus system is cheap but crowded and unreliable. they’re building a metro, but it’s been delayed for years.

overall? mecca is a challenging place to live. it’s not for everyone. it’s not a place you come to for a carefree lifestyle. but it’s a fascinating place, full of history and culture. and if you’re looking for something…different, it might just be the place for you. just don’t expect it to be easy. and bring a fan. seriously, bring a fan. oh, and maybe a really good book. you’ll have time to read.

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