Cost of Living in Bahrain

Updated: December 01, 2024

If you've ever considered moving to Bahrain, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Bahrain?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Bahrain and whether the reported $2340 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $1795.24.

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Childcare

Clothing

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment

Salaries

Bahrain

restaurant Restaurants	Price	World Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	5.31 $
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course	53.05 $
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)	6.5 $
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)	7.96 $
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)	10.61 $
Cappuccino (regular)	4.58 $
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)	0.76 $
Water (12 oz small bottle)	0.38 $

store Markets	Price	World Range
Milk (regular), (1 gallon)	1.5 $
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)	1.34 $
Rice (white), (1 lb)	2.06 $
Eggs (regular) (12)	2.38 $
Local Cheese (1 lb)	5.93 $
Chicken Fillets (1 lb)	7.28 $
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)	7.96 $
Apples (1 lb)	2.15 $
Banana (1 lb)	1.81 $
Oranges (1 lb)	1.76 $
Tomato (1 lb)	1.22 $
Potato (1 lb)	0.96 $
Onion (1 lb)	0.9 $
Lettuce (1 head)	1.87 $
Water (1.5 liter bottle)	0.61 $
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)	19.89 $
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)	1.96 $
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)	3.23 $
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)	5.7 $

commute Transportation	Price	World Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	0.8 $
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	37.14 $
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	5.31 $
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)	2.65 $
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	7.96 $
Gasoline (1 gallon)	0.5 $
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)	23872.87 $
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)	20302.14 $

mark_as_unread Utilities (Monthly)	Price	World Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment	160.71 $
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)	0.09 $
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	54.17 $

kitesurfing Sports And Leisure	Price	World Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult	82.06 $
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)	47.16 $
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat	9.28 $

child_friendly Childcare	Price	World Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child	283.96 $
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child	7488.33 $

checkroom Clothing And Shoes	Price	World Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)	44.74 $
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)	61.62 $
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)	98.48 $
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes	82.42 $

night_shelter Rent Per Month	Price	World Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre	925.74 $
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre	673.21 $
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre	1724.15 $
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre	1223.35 $

home Buy Apartment Price	Price	World Range
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre	2046.25 $
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre	1553.63 $

account_balance_wallet Salaries And Financing	Price	World Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)	1795.24 $
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate	6.68 %

Dining Out

The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 5.31 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 53.05 USD.

Groceries

Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 1.5 USD, a loaf of bread 1.34 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 2.38 USD.

Transportation

Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 0.8 USD and a monthly pass around 37.14 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.

Utilities

For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 160.71 USD.

Sports and Recreation

For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 82.06 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 47.16 USD.

Childcare and Education

Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 283.96 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 7488.33 USD.

Clothing and Footwear

Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 44.74 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 98.48 USD.

Apartment Rentals

Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 925.74 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 673.21 USD.

Real Estate for Purchase

If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 2046.25 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 1553.63 USD.

Average Salary and Mortgage Rates

The average monthly net salary here is about 1795.24 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 6.68% annually.

Warnings & Dangers in Bahrain

OVERALL RISK: HIGH

Even though crime rate in Bahrain is generally low, the petty theft is a real concern in this country. Burglaries have also been known to happen, so it is necessary to remain vigilant.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Apart from the piracy that is a risk for anyone traveling by sea in the Gulf, tourists should bear in mind that transport in general isn't too safe in Bahrain. The roads are filled with reckless drivers who cause accidents regularly, even though the roads are very good. Especially at night, never go driving, because other, local drivers, tend to drive without the headlights on.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Pickpockets are a serious problem in Bahrain, like in the majority of destinations frequented by tourists. Be careful, keep your eyes open in public, crowded areas such as train stations and airports, and keep your valuables close by your side.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

As for natural disasters, you can expect extremely high temperatures, reaching as high as 50C. This is why it is highly recommended that you always carry water with you and maintain hydrated. Sandstorms and thunderstorms are also common.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Muggings and kidnappings haven't been known to happen in Bahrain.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

There is moderate risk of terrorist trying to carry out an attack in Bahrain, as there were numerous terrorist attacks in the Gulf region in recent years. Remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

There aren't any known scams performed on tourists regularly in Bahrain, though visitors are still advised to negotiate everything in advance, double check your change and never pay anything upfront.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Women, as well as other visitors, should keep in mind the cultural differences in this country, and dress accordingly. However, Bahrain seems to be very safe for solo female travelers. Just apply basic precaution measures to minimize the risk of anything going wrong.

Cost of Living in Bahrain

Bahrain

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Utilities (Monthly)

Sports And Leisure

Childcare

Clothing And Shoes

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment Price

Salaries And Financing