Exploring Bahrain: A Costly Adventure

Bahrain is a Middle Eastern archipelago in the Persian Gulf, known for its petroleum-based economy and relaxed, cosmopolitan culture. It is a relatively liberal country, with legalized homosexuality and a moderate social layer that sits well with the middle class. The cost of living in Bahrain is, on average, 26.2% lower than in the United States, with rent prices being 51.3% lower. According to BudgetYourTrip, you should plan to spend around $196 (BHD74) per day on your vacation in Bahrain, including $93 (BHD35) on meals, $30 (BHD11) on local transportation, and $133 (BHD50) on hotels. A one-week trip to Bahrain for two people costs, on average, $2,749 (BHD1,036). However, prices can vary depending on your travel style and speed. Bahrain offers a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly to luxurious, and its restaurants cater to various budgets as well. While there are no trains in Bahrain, public buses provide an affordable way to get around, and renting a car is a good option if you're not concerned about your budget. Overall, Bahrain is a moderately priced destination with reasonable costs for food, accommodation, and transportation.

The cost of food in Bahrain

Dining Out

Dining out in Bahrain can be relatively affordable, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing around 550 Indian Rupees (INR) or 2.10 Bahraini Dinar (BHD). A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant averages 4,000 INR or 8 BHD. Fast-food options are also available, with a McDonald's combo meal costing between 700-1,000 INR or 2.65-3.77 BHD.

For those seeking a more upscale dining experience, a meal at a high-end restaurant can cost significantly more. As a reference, a dinner for two at the Palestine Nights restaurant was priced at 21 BHD, while a meal at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain may cost upwards of 150 BHD per night.

Groceries

When it comes to grocery shopping in Bahrain, prices are generally reasonable. A gallon of milk costs around 480 INR or 1.81 BHD, and a dozen eggs are priced at approximately 200 INR or 0.76 BHD. Fresh produce is also affordable, with a pound of tomatoes costing around 45 INR or 0.17 BHD.

Popular supermarkets and hypermarkets in Bahrain, such as Lulu Hypermarket and Carrefour, offer a wide range of products at competitive prices.

Traditional Bahraini Food

Traditional Bahraini cuisine combines Middle Eastern flavours with international influences. Some popular eateries known for their traditional dishes include Saffron by Jena, Mama Maya, Lanterns Restaurant, and Emmawash Traditional Restaurant. These restaurants offer a range of options, from traditional breakfasts to hearty Middle Eastern specialities.

Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic beverages can be more expensive in Bahrain. A bottle of domestic beer in a supermarket costs around 1.5-2 BHD, while a pint of imported beer can be priced at 5 BHD or higher.

Money-Saving Tips

To save money on food costs in Bahrain, consider the following tips:

• Shop at local markets like Manama Souq for fresh produce at lower prices.
• Buy in bulk to save on staple items such as rice, flour, and cooking oil.
• Plan your meals and create a shopping list to avoid impulse purchases.
• Take advantage of meal deals and discounts offered by international chains like Pizza Hut and McDonald's.
• Opt for street food or budget-friendly restaurants like Saffron by Jena or Darseen Cafe for more affordable dining options.

Rent prices in Bahrain

The cost of living in Bahrain is 26.2% lower than in the United States, with rent prices being 51.3% lower. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Manama, the capital, is around 50,000 INR (675 BHD or 1,800 USD). In smaller towns outside the city centre, similar accommodations can be found for about 30,000 INR (405 BHD or 1,100 USD).

The price of rent in Bahrain varies depending on location and property type. For example, a two-bedroom flat in a popular area like Al Juffair can cost around 49 BHD (134 USD) per night, while a five-star hotel room can be priced at over 150 BHD (405 USD) per night.

For those seeking a more permanent residence, there are various options available, including closed compounds, community buildings, high-rise and low-rise buildings, furnished or unfurnished homes, and apartments with one to four bedrooms. Families often opt for villas due to the extra space, and closed compounds and community buildings are popular among expats for their added security and amenities.

Some specific examples of rental properties in Bahrain include:

• A fully furnished studio in Al Hidd with EWA for 250 BHD (680 USD) per month.
• A luxury two-bedroom flat in Al Juffair with a balcony, pool, gym, and games for 550 BHD (1,490 USD) per month.
• A spacious five-bedroom waterfront home on Amwaj Avenue with a private pool for 1,200 BHD (3,240 USD) per month.

Overall, Bahrain offers a range of rental options to suit different budgets and preferences, whether one seeks the bustling city life or a more relaxed suburban environment.

The cost of transportation in Bahrain

Public Transport

The Bahrain Public Transport Company operates over 20 bus routes across the country, providing a cost-effective way to get around. A single ticket costs 0.30 BHD (Bahraini Dinar) or 0.80 USD, while a monthly pass is just 0.14 BHD or 0.38 USD.

Taxis

Taxis are widely available and affordable, with several companies operating modern fleets. The starting price for a taxi is 2.00 BHD or 5.30 USD, and you'll pay around 2.00 BHD or 5.30 USD per km. Taxi ranks can be found outside the airport, shopping malls, and tourist attractions, and you can also book one when needed.

Ride-Hailing Apps

Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem are popular in Bahrain and offer an alternative to traditional taxis. Prices can vary, but expect to pay between 2-3 BHD or 5.30-8.00 USD per ride.

Driving

If you prefer to drive yourself, renting a car in Bahrain is an option. The average price to rent a car (e.g. Volkswagen Golf or Toyota Corolla) is 7,600 USD. Fuel prices are relatively low, with gasoline costing around 0.37 BHD or 1.00 USD per litre.

Air Travel

Bahrain has four airports, with one being civil (Bahrain International Airport) and three military.

Other Transport Options

There are plans to develop a railway system in Bahrain, with a light rail network and a subway system proposed.

Cost Comparison

With a range of transport options available, getting around Bahrain is convenient and generally inexpensive. Whether you choose to use public transport, taxis, ride-hailing apps, or drive yourself, the cost of transportation is unlikely to break the bank.

The cost of utilities in Bahrain

Water and electricity in Bahrain are provided and subsidised by the government. The Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) supplies water and electricity to the country and issues two separate bills for these services.

The average monthly cost of basic utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage services for an 85-square-metre apartment, is approximately 9,400 Indian Rupees (INR), or 326.58 Bahraini Dinars (BHD). Internet services with speeds of 60 Mbps or more typically cost between 2,100 and 5,300 INR (7.96-19.91 BHD) per month.

• Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage): 325.90 BHD
• Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data: 21.00 BHD
• Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data): 21.00 BHD

The cost of entertainment in Bahrain

For dining out, a meal at an inexpensive restaurant typically costs around 550 INR (or $9.30/£7.90/€9.20), while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant averages 4,000 INR (or $67.50/£57/€66.50). A meal at a high-end lounge or private club will be more expensive.

Bahrain offers a range of accommodation options, with prices varying according to location and amenities. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre of Manama can range from 40,000 to 100,000 INR (or $505-$1220/£425-£1030/€500-€1205) per month.

Transportation costs are relatively affordable, with a one-way ticket on local transport costing around 60 INR (or $1/75p/€0.90), and a monthly pass for approximately 2,500 INR (or $38/£32/€37). Ride-sharing services like Uber and Careem are also available, with fares typically between 2 to 3 BHD (or $5.30-$8/£4.50-£7/€5.20-€7.80) per ride.

Sightseeing and entertainment costs vary depending on the activity. Entrance fees for museums and attractions typically range from 2 to 34 BHD (or $5.30-$86/£4.50-£72/€5.20-€84) per person, while a cinema ticket is around 8.70 BHD (or $22/£18.50/€21.50).

Overall, Bahrain offers a range of entertainment options to suit different budgets, from budget-friendly activities to more luxurious experiences.

Frequently asked questions