Trying to Make $50 Go Further in Madinah
Travelling in Madinah isn’t only about historic sights—it’s also about daily life, local shopping, and discovering what your budget can stretch to. In this video from The Hijrah Family, the team takes on a simple but satisfying challenge: “a $50 grocery challenge” to see how many groceries they can collect in Madinah for around that amount.
The idea is straightforward: start with a farmers market shop for fresh produce, then head to a supermarket to pick up key essentials. Along the way, the video shares what they buy, what’s on their list, and the totals they end up paying.
Step One: The Farmers Market Fruit & Veg List
First stop is the Medina farmers market. The family shares an item-by-item goal (in quantities and weights) and then goes shopping to tick those boxes. From the transcript, their produce list includes:
- Nana (as mentioned in the video)
- 1 kilo of cucumbers
- The squash (quantity not fully specified in the excerpt)
- 1 kilo of lemons
- Half a kilo of garlic
- Bell peppers (less than half a kilo)
- Carrots (half a kilo)
- Eggplants (less than half a kilo)
- Avocados
- Apples
- Salad peaches
They explain that they “got everything off the list,” collecting produce from both sellers. However, the transcript notes that the total for the farmers market shop came to 85 Saudi Riyals, described as roughly 23 USD.
Adding Protein & Eggs: Staying on Budget
After filling their basket with fruit and vegetables, they say they want to get some meat. The transcript mentions picking up meat in portions—specifically 500 grams—and they choose around three servings. They also grab eggs.
At this stage, the transcript indicates the running total reaches 56 (Saudi riyals are referenced around the same point in the video), as they prepare to move on to the next shopping stop.
Step Two: Essentials at the Supermarket
With produce and initial basics already collected, the family heads to a supermarket to top up more day-to-day items. The video highlights several purchases, including:
- Chicken patties
- A bottle priced at 10 riyals
- Cans of tuna
- A giant bag of pasta (mentioned as 8 kilograms for 90 riyals)
- Peanut butter (they buy another jar as they were running out)
- A loaf of bread
- Hamburger buns
The overall aim remains the same: complete the challenge and see what a similar grocery haul looks like with a combined market and supermarket approach.
The Challenge Total: Everything They Bought
By the end of the video, they bring the challenge together and share the final result. According to the transcript, they complete the grocery challenge with everything they bought for around 50 USD, which they describe as approximately 190 Saudi riyals.
It’s a useful snapshot for anyone curious about shopping in Madinah—whether you’re planning a visit, living there, or simply wondering how budgeting translates into everyday groceries.
How to Use This as Inspiration for Your Own Madinah Shopping
If you’re planning your own grocery run in Madinah, this video offers a practical way to think about it:
- Start with seasonal produce at the farmers market, using a clear list and quantities.
- Include protein basics (the video shows meat and eggs) to balance meals across the week.
- Top up essentials at a supermarket for long-lasting staples like pasta, tuna and bread.
Want a guided shopping itinerary in Madinah? Sakina Tours can help you build a personalised plan that fits your interests and travel style—whether you’d like to explore local markets, discover authentic food experiences, or organise your trip with confidence. Get in touch to start planning your Madinah adventure.
