Green Bay vs. Medina: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

This report provides a detailed comparison of the cost of living and quality of life between Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA, and Medina, Saudi Arabia, based on available data. Green Bay, with a population of approximately 227,000, represents a typical mid-sized city in the United States. Medina, significantly larger with a population exceeding 1.4 million, is a major city in Saudi Arabia. The comparison covers key aspects including economic indicators, housing costs, quality metrics, and commuting patterns, offering insights into the distinct characteristics and potential challenges or advantages associated with each location.

Green Bay demonstrates a higher average net monthly income ($5,340) compared to Medina ($1,341). However, this higher income is accompanied by a significantly higher property price-to-income ratio (1.33x) in Green Bay versus 6.77x in Medina. This suggests that while earnings are potentially higher in Green Bay, the cost burden for housing is considerably lower. The average mortgage interest rate in Green Bay is 5.37%, higher than Medina's 4.17%. The GDP per capita is also higher in Green Bay ($23,500) than in Medina ($42,300), reflecting different economic structures and scales. In terms of housing, Green Bay's property prices are considerably higher than Medina's, with city centre prices ranging from $536,000 to $765,000 compared to Medina's range of $1,336,000 to $2,295,000. Rent costs in Green Bay are also substantially higher than in Medina.

The quality metrics paint a contrasting picture. Medina scores significantly higher on the Safety Index (84.27 vs. 61.33) and the Purchasing Power Index (102.45 vs. 60.07). However, Medina performs poorly on several other indices, including Health Care (47.22 vs. 78.67), Climate (26.18 vs. 73.63), and Pollution (78.58 vs. 21.37). The Traffic Commute Time Index is very similar between the two cities (24.5 vs. 24.0). Notably, the overall Quality of Life Index for Medina is considerably higher (135.32) than for Green Bay (70.07), primarily driven by its high purchasing power and safety, despite weaknesses in health, climate, and pollution. The cost of basic goods and services varies significantly; for instance, a loaf of bread costs $1.33 in Green Bay versus $0.95 in Medina, while a cinema ticket is $12.99 in Green Bay and $13.32 in Medina.

Green Bay shows stronger economic fundamentals with a higher GDP per capita ($23,500) and GDP growth rate (2.00%) compared to Medina ($42,300 and 0.75%). The population growth rate is also higher in Green Bay (1.08%) than in Medina (1.68%). Commuting patterns are similar, with both cities having a Commute Time Index around 24. The higher property prices in Medina, coupled with a lower average net income, suggest a potentially lower return on investment for property in Medina relative to its cost, despite the high purchasing power. Career prospects might differ significantly due to the distinct economic structures and industries of the USA and Saudi Arabia, which isn't fully captured in the provided data.

Green Bay and Medina present fundamentally different profiles. Green Bay offers a higher income potential, lower housing cost burden, and generally better health and climate metrics, albeit with a higher cost of living overall. Medina, while having a lower average income and much higher property costs, boasts superior purchasing power, safety, and potentially lower utility bills, but faces significant challenges regarding healthcare quality, climate comfort, and environmental pollution. The choice between the two depends heavily on individual priorities regarding financial stability, career opportunities, quality of life factors like health and environment, and tolerance for high living costs in a potentially high-pressure environment.