Introduction

Budgeting for your Umrah properly is the key to having the most affordable and unforgettable spiritual retreat. You don’t want your pilgrimage to be a financial burden or something that distracts you or interferes with your worldly responsibilities. No doubt, planning and budgeting for your first Umrah is an overwhelming experience, and everyone needs guidance. First, stop stressing out and go through a comprehensive guide like this one for a cost breakdown and tips for your pilgrimage.

Thousands of Canadian Muslims like yourself travel to the holy city of Makkah for the pilgrimage every year. If you are among them and are planning an Umrah from Toronto this year for the first time, you might be stressed about where to start. Don’t worry; we are here to tell you the budgeting basics and the cost breakdown for your Umrah to ensure you don’t get any unwanted surprises during your pilgrimage. Also, we will share some tips that will help you have a budget-friendly Umrah.

Basics of the Cost of Umrah

Let’s start with the basics of the Umrah cost, which will provide insight into where to begin your budgeting process.  There are both fixed and variable costs.

Fixed Expenses

Usually, the visa and flight expenses are considered the fixed costs. But you must remember that even though the flight cost doesn’t vary with the number of days you spend in the country, it varies at different times of the year and in other airlines. You might not get a flight at the exact cost in Ramadan that you get soon after the Hajj season. So, ensure you know how much you can spend on your flight before browsing and comparing various options.

Varying Expenses

Some of your Umrah’s varying expenses will include hotel, accommodation, and transportation costs. This includes tour guide expenses, meals, souvenirs, and shopping expenses. You can spend as much as you want on all these things, making overspending inevitable. Therefore, setting a proper budget and limiting your varying expenses is vital to avoid overspending.

Cost Breakdown of Umrah from Canada

As a Canadian citizen, you need a cost breakdown for your Umrah to know how much you must prepare. You can quickly get an Umrah package that covers all the essential services you need for your pilgrimage.

The Saudi Embassy authorises many local travel agencies in Toronto and other Canadian cities. These agencies offer various Umrah packages from which you can choose. The standard Umrah package costs around CAD 2000 to CAD 4000. These packages cover the Umrah visa fees, the flight, and standard accommodation.

The cost mentioned above is for an individual package that offers standard services. But you can get luxurious services too that offer luxurious accommodation near Masjid al-Haram and numerous other perks. These packages usually cost CAD 7000 or more, depending on the expenses of services that they offer.

Transportation, Meals, and Miscellaneous Expenses

These are the expenses that the Umrah packages usually don’t cover. You will have to make a budget for transportation and meals, and keep in mind other miscellaneous expenses to ensure you don’t face any inconvenience.

Transportation Costs and Options

Whether you travel within or outside the city, you must consider various transportation options. Public transportation, such as shuttle buses and trains, is available. Make sure to add the expense to your budget for a smoother experience.

Meals Costs and Options

Moreover, there are endless possibilities regarding food in Saudi Arabia. You can spend as much money as you want on your meals. There are cheap street food options, affordable, fast food chains, and luxurious dining options. Therefore, you must know how much you can spend on your meals.

Miscellaneous Expenses

In addition to all the above basic expenses, you must remember the miscellaneous costs. Keep shopping and emergencies in mind. Moreover, you must also keep some funds aside for tickets to various Ziyarat places around the holy cities.

Tips to Save Money During Umrah

Plan During the Off-Season

One of the best ways to have a budget-friendly Umrah is to plan during the off- or shoulder season. This is when you can get cheaper deals on Umrah packages, accommodations, and flights.

Compare Various Umrah Packages

As we have already mentioned, numerous travel agencies offer similar Umrah packages. You must take your time and compare the services and prices these travel agencies offer before making your final decision. This will enable you to choose a reliable Islamic travel agency that provides the same services at the lowest price.

Book in Advance

This is another tip for anyone who wants an affordable Umrah. Book everything in advance to get the cheapest deals, whether you want to book an Umrah package or everything separately. It is suggested that you book at least four to five months in advance.

Summing Up

Hopefully, this guide might have made budgeting for your first Umrah easier. Once you understand the cost breakdown and all the expenses of your pilgrimage, you can create a proper budget with confidence. Following A Step-by-Step Umrah Guide for First-Time Pilgrims will help ensure a smoother and more memorable Umrah journey without putting pressure on your finances or distracting you from the spiritual purpose of your pilgrimage.