Cost Of Living In Bahrain: Expenses And Budgeting

Bahrain is known for its rich cultural heritage and modern amenities, and it is one of the most affordable countries in Saudi Arabia. The cost of living in Bahrain is 26% lower than in the United States and 24.1% cheaper overall. For example, restaurants are 45% cheaper, groceries are 38.3% cheaper, and housing is 45% cheaper. A family of four can expect to spend around 3,067.8$ (1,156.4BHD) per month without rent, while a single person's monthly costs are estimated at 864.7$ (325.9BHD) without rent. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Manama, the country's capital, is around INR 50,000, but similar accommodations can be found in smaller towns for about INR 30,000. Dining out is also affordable, with mid-range meals costing between INR 1,500 and INR 2,500. With its competitive cost of living and high quality of life, Bahrain is an attractive destination for expatriates and international students.

Monthly costs for a family of four: 3,067.8$ (1,156.4BHD) without rent

A family of four can expect to spend around 3,067.8$ (1,156.4BHD) per month, excluding rent. This estimate assumes a certain standard of living and may vary depending on lifestyle choices and spending habits. Here is a breakdown of the costs for a family of four:

Housing:

The cost of accommodation in Bahrain varies depending on location and property type. For a family of four, renting a three-bedroom apartment in the city centre can range from 685 BHD to over 1,000 BHD per month. On the other hand, renting outside the city centre is more affordable, with average prices of around 470 BHD.

Utilities:

Utilities, including electricity, water, heating, and garbage disposal, are relatively inexpensive in Bahrain due to government subsidies. A family can expect to pay around 53 BHD per month for basic utilities. Internet services are also affordable, with prices starting at 17 BHD per month for 8 Mbps.

Transportation:

Transportation costs can vary depending on your choice of vehicle. Public transportation is quite affordable, with a monthly pass costing around 14 BHD. Taxi services are also reasonably priced, with a normal tariff starting at 2 BHD and charging 0.3 BHD per kilometre. If you prefer to own a car, a Volkswagen Golf or a Toyota Corolla, for example, will cost around 8,000 BHD and 7,033 BHD, respectively.

Food:

The cost of food in Bahrain depends on your diet and preferences. Grocery shopping for a family of four will likely cost more than dining out at inexpensive restaurants, which can offer meals for as little as 2.5 BHD per person. A family of four can expect to spend around 160-200 BHD per month on groceries, depending on their dietary needs and preferences for local or imported goods. Eating at mid-range restaurants will cost significantly more, with meals priced at around 15 BHD per person.

Education:

If you have children, education expenses will be a significant factor. Private preschool education can cost around 108 BHD per month, while international primary schools charge approximately 2,214 BHD per year per child.

Entertainment and Leisure:

Entertainment and leisure activities can vary widely in cost. A monthly gym membership for one adult can range from 27 to 38 BHD, while a ticket to the cinema is a standard 3.50 BHD across Bahrain. Dining at expensive restaurants can cost around 15 BHD for a three-course meal for two.

Clothing:

Clothing prices vary depending on brands and types of clothing. A pair of branded jeans can cost over 17 BHD, while a summer dress at a chain store averages 20 BHD.

Please note that these estimates provide a general idea of the cost of living for a family of four in Bahrain. Actual expenses may differ based on specific circumstances and choices.

Monthly costs for a single person: 864.7$ (325.9BHD) without rent

The cost of living in Bahrain is estimated to be 26.2% lower than in the United States. For a single person, the estimated monthly costs are 864.7$ (325.9BHD) without rent. This estimate includes various expenses, such as food, transportation, clothing, utilities, and leisure activities.

Food expenses in Bahrain can vary depending on your preferences and budget. While restaurants and alcohol can be expensive, with a bottle of beer costing around $10, meals at inexpensive restaurants can be as low as $5. Groceries are also reasonably priced, especially when purchased from local markets or at discounted rates.

Transportation costs in Bahrain are relatively low. Public transportation is very affordable, with a monthly pass costing no more than $40. If you have a vehicle, fuel costs are also low, with gasoline priced at around $0.5 per gallon.

For clothing, Bahrain offers better prices than European and Australian countries. You can find designer jeans for $50 or less, while sports shoes tend to be more expensive.

Utilities, such as electricity, water, and garbage disposal, are cheaper in Bahrain than in Europe but still represent a significant expense, totaling approximately $170 per month.

Leisure activities can vary in cost. Fitness clubs and tennis court rentals are particularly expensive, while cinema tickets are more affordable.

Cost of dining out: INR 1,500 to INR 2,500 for a mid-range meal

The cost of dining out in Bahrain varies depending on the type of restaurant and the food ordered. Here is a breakdown of the expected costs for a mid-range meal:

For a mid-range meal at a restaurant in Bahrain, you can expect to pay around INR 1,500 to INR 2,500 for a three-course meal for two people. This includes a starter, main course, and dessert, and may also include drinks. The price range mentioned is a rough estimate, and the actual cost may vary depending on the restaurant's location, ambiance, and the specific items ordered.

A typical main course dish in a mid-range restaurant in Bahrain can range from INR 500 to INR 1,000. This includes various international and local cuisine options such as grilled hamour (a type of grouper fish), qoozi (grilled lamb stuffed with rice and spices), or khubz (traditional flatbread). The price will also depend on the portion size and the ingredients used.

Drinks can also vary in price. A domestic beer (0.5 liters) typically costs around INR 300, while an imported beer (0.33 liters) can range from INR 1,000 to INR 2,300. A regular cappuccino may cost around INR 300, and a small bottle of water or soft drink is usually under INR 100.

It is important to note that these prices are based on the current exchange rate of the Bahraini Dinar (BHD) to the Indian Rupee (INR). As of September 2024, 1 BHD is equivalent to approximately 210 INR. However, exchange rates can fluctuate, so it is always a good idea to check for the most recent rates before planning your trip.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that dining out in Bahrain can be more expensive compared to other countries in the region. While you can find inexpensive restaurants, alcohol is typically pricey, often costing around INR 700 for a bottle of beer. If you are looking to save money on dining out, consider eating at local markets or preparing your meals at home.

Monthly transportation pass: INR 3,000

Transportation Costs in Bahrain

The cost of living in Bahrain is relatively affordable, especially when it comes to transportation. The public transportation system in Bahrain is quite inexpensive and accessible.

Monthly Transportation Pass

For those who plan on utilising the bus network in Bahrain, a monthly pass is available for unlimited travel. The monthly pass costs 12 Bahraini Dinars (BHD), which is approximately 3000 Indian Rupees (INR). This pass can be purchased through the GO Card system, which is a reusable card that can be topped up with credit or loaded with specific ticket products, such as the monthly pass.

The GO Card can be obtained from ticket vending machines located in bus terminal waiting rooms, manned bus terminal ticket offices, and certain ticket vending machines inside buses. The card itself costs 500 fils and can be personalised for an additional 500 fils.

Other Transportation Costs

In addition to the monthly pass, there are other transportation options and costs to consider in Bahrain. Here are some examples:

• A single trip bus ticket costs 300 fils for a paper ticket or 275 fils with the GO Card.
• A daily pass, or DayPass, costs 700 fils and provides unlimited trips in a single day.
• A weekly pass is available for 3 BHD, offering unlimited travel on the bus network for seven days.
• Taxi services are also available, with a normal tariff start price and additional charges per mile or hour of waiting time.

Cost of Living Comparison

When compared to European and Australian countries, Bahrain is considered less expensive overall. While accommodation and utilities can be costly, transportation, food, and clothing are typically more affordable. A single person's estimated monthly costs without rent are approximately 864.70 US Dollars (USD) or 325.9 BHD.

Therefore, with a monthly transportation pass costing around 12 BHD, it represents a relatively small portion of the overall monthly expenses for residents or visitors in Bahrain.

Rent: 26% lower than in the US

The cost of living in Bahrain is, on average, 26.2% lower than in the United States, and rent prices in Bahrain are a large contributor to this statistic. Rent in Bahrain is, on average, 51.3% lower than in the US.

For a family of four, the estimated monthly costs are 3,067.8$ (1,156.4BHD) without rent. For a single person, the estimated monthly costs are 864.7$ (325.9BHD) without rent.

The rental costs for a one-bedroom apartment in the center of a city will be much higher than for the same apartment out of the city center, so those with lower wages should consider renting the cheaper option to save money for other costs.

Those with the average monthly salary will be able to afford an apartment in the city centers, but this would be impossible for people earning the minimum wage. The minimum monthly wage in Bahrain is half lower than the average monthly net salary, making living conditions quite difficult for those earning the minimum. Their rent may be higher than their wage, leaving nothing for other expenses.

The mortgage interest rate in Bahrain is also higher than in European countries, which makes it difficult for people to afford their own apartments or houses.

Frequently asked questions