Bahrain, a small but prosperous island nation in the Arabian Gulf, offers a high standard of living with relatively moderate costs compared to other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries like the UAE and Qatar. While its capital, Manama, is the most expensive city, other cities like Riffa, Muharraq, Isa Town, and Hamad Town offer more affordable living options.
Below is a general overview of the cost of living in Bahrain, covering housing, food, transportation, utilities, personal care, and entertainment.
Housing costs in Bahrain vary widely depending on location and whether the accommodation is in a luxury high-rise or a more traditional residential area.
Location |
Accommodation Type |
Cost (BHD/Month) |
Manama (Expensive Areas: Seef, Juffair, Amwaj Islands, Adliya) |
3-bedroom apartment (high-end) |
800 – 1,500 |
1-bedroom apartment (luxury tower) |
450 – 700 |
|
Studio apartment (city center) |
300 – 500 |
|
Riffa, Muharraq, Isa Town, Hamad Town (More Affordable Areas) |
3-bedroom apartment |
400 – 800 |
1-bedroom apartment |
250 – 450 |
|
Studio apartment |
200 – 350 |
|
Utilities & Internet |
Electricity, water, cooling (3-bedroom) |
40 – 100 |
High-speed internet (100 Mbps) |
15 – 30 |
Bahrain offers a mix of affordable local produce and imported goods, which can be expensive. Dining out is generally cheaper compared to Western countries.
Meal Type |
Cost (BHD) |
Basic lunch in a business district |
3 – 6 |
Fast food combo meal (McDonald's, KFC, etc.) |
2.5 – 4 |
Mid-range restaurant (three-course meal for two) |
20 – 40 |
Local Bahraini meal at a casual restaurant |
2 – 5 |
Item |
Quantity |
Cost (BHD) |
Milk |
1 liter |
0.75 |
Chicken breast |
1 kg |
2 – 3.5 |
Eggs |
1 dozen |
1.2 – 1.8 |
Tomatoes |
1 kg |
0.6 – 1 |
Apples |
1 kg |
1.2 – 2 |
Local cheese |
500g |
3 – 5 |
Potatoes |
1 kg |
0.5 – 0.8 |
Good-quality wine |
1 bottle |
8 – 15 |
Domestic beer (supermarket) |
0.5L |
1.5 – 3 |
Bahrain has affordable fuel prices and a limited public transport system, making owning a car the most convenient option.
Category |
Item/Service |
Cost (BHD) |
Fuel & Public Transport |
1 liter of gasoline |
0.20 – 0.22 |
Monthly public transport pass (bus network) |
12 – 20 |
|
Taxi starting fare |
1.5 |
|
Taxi per kilometer |
0.5 – 0.8 |
|
Car Rental & Purchase |
Car rental (monthly, basic sedan) |
150 – 250 |
Toyota Corolla (new, base model) |
6,000 – 7,500 |
|
Luxury SUV (Lexus, BMW X5, etc.) |
25,000 – 45,000 |
Healthcare in Bahrain is high-quality, with both public and private hospitals offering a range of services.
Service/Item |
Cost (BHD) |
Doctor’s consultation (private hospital, 15 min) |
20 – 40 |
Cold medicine (6 days, Panadol, Coldrex, etc.) |
2 – 4 |
Antibiotics (12 doses) |
4 – 8 |
Basic health insurance (private, per month) |
30 – 100 |
Item/Service |
Quantity |
Cost (BHD) |
Shampoo |
400ml |
1.5 – 3 |
Deodorant (roll-on) |
50ml |
2 – 4 |
Haircut (men, standard barber) |
Per session |
3 – 7 |
Haircut (women, salon) |
Per session |
10 – 30 |
Gym membership (mid-range facility) |
Per month |
20 – 50 |
Bahrain has a vibrant nightlife, with dining, cinemas, and beach clubs being popular among residents.
Category |
Item/Service |
Cost (BHD) |
Entertainment & Nightlife |
Movie ticket (standard seat) |
3.5 – 5 |
Theater/concert ticket (best seats) |
20 – 50 |
|
Cocktail at a high-end bar/club |
5 – 10 |
|
Beer at a local pub (pint) |
3 – 6 |
|
Dinner for two at an Italian restaurant (with wine & dessert) |
25 – 50 |
|
Luxury & Electronics |
iPad Wi-Fi 128GB |
180 – 250 |
40” flat-screen TV |
150 – 300 |
Bahrain has several international schools that follow American, British, IB, or Indian curricula.
Bahrain offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other Gulf countries. However, the cost of living varies depending on the city, with Manama being the most expensive, while places like Riffa and Hamad Town offer more budget-friendly options.
Manama, the capital of Bahrain, offers a cost of living that is generally moderate compared to other Gulf cities. Here's an overview of typical expenses:
Housing:A one-bedroom apartment in the city center typically costs between $715 and $882 per month. A three-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from $1,691 to $1,750 per month.
Utilities: Monthly utilities for an 85m² apartment average around $118.
Internet: A 50 Mbps unlimited internet plan costs approximately $41.80 per month.
Education: International primary school tuition averages around $9,896 per year.
Groceries:
|
Dining Out:
|
Transportation:
|
Alcohol and Tobacco:
|
Here's a table summarizing the cost of living in Manama, Bahrain:
Category |
Bachelors (BHD/month) |
Couples (BHD/month) |
Families (BHD/month) |
Overall Expenses (Excl. Rent) |
~330.8 |
- |
~1,175.1 |
Accommodation |
200–400 |
500–800 |
800–1,200 |
Food (Per Meal) |
2–5 |
10–30 |
40–70 |
Transportation |
10–15 |
20–30 |
40–60 |
Utilities |
45–60 |
60–80 |
80–120 |
Entertainment |
20–40 |
40–70 |
60–80 |
Here's a breakdown of the cost of living in Muharraq, Bahrain, categorized by expense type with lists of items and their price ranges in Bahraini Dinar (BHD):
Category |
Item/Service |
Cost (BHD) |
Accommodation (Monthly Rent) |
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Centre) |
200 – 500 |
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside City Centre) |
150 – 400 |
|
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Centre) |
400 – 900 |
|
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside City Centre) |
300 – 700 |
|
Villas (varies by size & location) |
500+ |
|
Food (Eating Out Per Meal) |
Inexpensive Restaurant Meal |
1 – 5 |
Mid-Range Restaurant Meal (for 2 people) |
12 – 65 |
|
Fast Food Combo Meal |
2 – 4 |
|
Coffee (Cappuccino) |
1 – 3.02 |
|
Example Restaurant Items |
Local Bahraini Breakfast (Balaleet) |
1 – 2 |
Shawarma Sandwich |
0.8 – 1.5 |
|
Burger Meal |
2 – 4 |
|
Indian Curry Dish |
2 – 5 |
|
Seafood Platter (Mid-Range Restaurant) |
15 – 30 |
|
Groceries (Basic Items) |
Milk (1 Gallon) |
1.82 – 3.79 |
Loaf of Fresh White Bread |
0.18 – 0.91 |
|
Eggs (12) |
0.60 – 1.80 |
|
Water (1.5 Liters Bottle) |
0.15 – 0.40 |
|
Rice (1 kg) |
0.40 – 1.00 |
|
Chicken Fillets (1 kg) |
1.50 – 3.50 |
|
Beef (1 kg) |
2.50 – 5.00 |
|
Fruits & Vegetables (Approx. per kg) |
Tomatoes |
0.30 – 0.80 |
Potatoes |
0.20 – 0.60 |
|
Onions |
0.25 – 0.70 |
|
Bananas |
0.50 – 1.20 |
|
Apples |
0.60 – 1.50 |
|
Transportation (Public Transport & Taxis) |
One-way Bus Ticket |
0.30 – 0.50 |
Monthly Bus Pass |
7 – 20 |
|
Taxi Start Fare |
1.20 – 4.00 |
|
Taxi per KM (estimated) |
0.4 – 0.8 |
|
Ride-sharing apps (Uber, Careem) |
Similar/slightly higher than taxis |
|
Driving Costs |
Gasoline (1 Gallon) |
0.06 – 0.95 |
Car Insurance (Annual, varies by car & coverage) |
80+ |
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Basic Utilities (Electricity, Water, Cooling, Garbage – 915 sq ft apt) |
35 – 60 |
Internet (60 Mbps+, Unlimited Data) |
10 – 25 |
|
Mobile Phone (Monthly Plan, Calls + 10GB+ Data) |
7.50 – 14 |
|
Entertainment & Leisure |
Cinema Ticket |
3 – 5 |
Fitness Club Membership (Monthly) |
12 – 60 |
|
Soft Drink/Juice |
1 – 2 |
|
Beers (licensed establishments) |
2.5 – 5+ |
|
Cocktails (licensed establishments) |
4+ |
|
Activities & Leisure |
Museum Entry |
1 – 3 |
Water Park Day Pass |
10 – 25+ |
|
Bowling (Per Game) |
2 – 4 |
Riffa offers a mix of affordability and modern living, making it a great choice for families and professionals. With mid-range rental prices and reasonable daily expenses, it provides a comfortable lifestyle without the high costs of Manama. The city balances residential tranquility with access to shopping, dining, and essential services.
Food & Groceries
Item |
Cost (BHD) |
Basic lunchtime menu (business district) |
2.00 - 3.00 |
Combo meal at fast food restaurant |
2.00 - 3.00 |
500g boneless chicken breast |
1.70 - 2.00 |
1 liter whole-fat milk |
0.60 - 0.80 |
12 large eggs |
1.90 - 2.50 |
1kg tomatoes |
1.00 - 1.20 |
500g local cheese |
3.50 - 4.00 |
1kg apples |
0.70 - 1.40 |
1kg potatoes |
0.30 - 0.60 |
0.5L domestic beer (supermarket) |
1.00 - 1.20 |
1 bottle of red table wine (good quality) |
7.00 - 8.00 |
2L Coca-Cola |
1.00 - 1.20 |
Bread for two people (1 day) |
0.40 - 0.50 |
Housing & Utilities
Item |
Cost (BHD/month) |
Rent (85m² furnished apartment, expensive area) |
400 - 600 |
Rent (85m² furnished apartment, normal area) |
300 - 500 |
Rent (45m² furnished studio, expensive area) |
200 - 300 |
Rent (45m² furnished studio, normal area) |
150 - 250 |
Utilities (Electricity, water, heating for 85m² apartment) |
20 - 40 |
Utilities (Electricity, water, heating for 45m² studio) |
15 - 30 |
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited data) |
15 - 20 |
Household Items
Item |
Cost (BHD) |
40” flat-screen TV |
200 - 300 |
Microwave (800/900W, major brands) |
50 - 100 |
Laundry detergent (3L) |
1.50 - 2.00 |
Hourly rate for cleaning help |
3.00 - 5.00 |
Clothing
Item |
Cost (BHD) |
1 pair of Levi’s 501 jeans |
20 - 30 |
1 summer dress (Zara, H&M, etc.) |
15 - 25 |
1 pair of Nike/Adidas sports shoes |
30 - 50 |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes |
40 - 60 |
Transportation
Item |
Cost (BHD) |
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI (new, no extras) |
10,000 - 12,000 |
1 liter of gasoline |
0.14 - 0.20 |
Monthly public transport pass |
12 - 15 |
Personal Care & Health
Item |
Cost (BHD) |
Cold medicine for 6 days (Tylenol, Coldrex, etc.) |
2.00 - 3.00 |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) |
5.00 - 10.00 |
Short private doctor visit (15 minutes) |
15.00 - 20.00 |
1 box of 32 tampons |
1.50 - 2.00 |
Roll-on deodorant (50ml) |
1.00 - 1.50 |
2-in-1 shampoo (400ml) |
1.00 - 1.50 |
4 rolls of toilet paper |
0.50 - 0.70 |
Tube of toothpaste |
0.50 - 0.80 |
Standard men’s haircut (expat area) |
2.00 - 3.00 |
Entertainment & Leisure
Item |
Cost (BHD) |
Basic dinner for two (neighborhood pub) |
15 - 20 |
2 movie tickets |
6 - 8 |
2 theater tickets (best available seats) |
20 - 30 |
Dinner for two at an Italian restaurant (with wine) |
20 - 30 |
1 cocktail drink (downtown club) |
5 - 7 |
Cappuccino (expat area) |
1.30 - 1.50 |
1 beer in a neighborhood pub (500ml) |
0.80 - 1.20 |
iPad Wi-Fi (128GB) |
200 - 300 |
1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no plan) |
0.05 - 0.10 |
Monthly gym membership (business district) |
20 - 30 |
1 pack of Marlboro cigarettes |
2.40 - 3.00 |
Hamad Town offers a relatively lower cost of living compared to central Manama, making it a budget-friendly option for families and individuals. Rent and transport costs are more affordable, while food and entertainment remain reasonably priced. The overall cost depends on lifestyle choices, with expat-oriented areas being slightly more expensive.
Summary
Food
The cost of food in Hamad Town is relatively affordable. A basic lunchtime meal in a business district restaurant costs around BHD 6 to 8, while a fast food combo meal is about BHD 3 to 3.5. Grocery prices include BHD 1.6 to 1.8 for 500g of boneless chicken breast, BHD 0.7 to 0.9 for 1 liter of milk, and BHD 1.5 to 1.8 for a kilogram of tomatoes. A loaf of bread for two people costs around BHD 0.4 to 0.5.
Housing
Rent prices in Hamad Town are lower compared to central areas like Manama. A furnished 85m² apartment in a normal area costs between BHD 250 and 350 per month, while a similar-sized apartment in an expensive area is around BHD 450 to 550. For a smaller 45m² studio, rent in a normal area ranges from BHD 130 to 200, whereas in a premium area, it costs between BHD 180 and 250. Utility costs for an 85m² apartment range from BHD 40 to 60 per month, while a 45m² studio incurs around BHD 25 to 40. Internet with 60 Mbps unlimited data costs around BHD 10 to 15 per month.
Household Items & Cleaning Services
Basic appliances like a 40” flat-screen TV cost between BHD 100 and 150, and a microwave (800/900W) is around BHD 30 to 50. Laundry detergent (3L) is priced at about BHD 2.5 to 3, while hiring a cleaning service costs between BHD 3 and 5 per hour.
Clothing
Clothing prices vary based on the brand. A pair of Levi’s jeans costs between BHD 15 and 20, a summer dress from retailers like Zara or H&M ranges from BHD 18 to 25, and a pair of Nike or Adidas sports shoes is typically BHD 35 to 45. Men’s leather business shoes cost around BHD 25 to 35.
Transportation
Hamad Town has an affordable transport system. A new Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI costs between BHD 9,000 and 10,000. Gasoline is priced at around BHD 0.22 to 0.25 per liter, and a monthly public transport pass costs approximately BHD 8 to 10.
Personal Care & Health
Healthcare and personal care items are reasonably priced. Cold medicine (e.g., Tylenol or Coldrex) for six days costs BHD 2 to 3, while a box of 12 antibiotic doses costs around BHD 5 to 7. A short private doctor consultation (15 minutes) is approximately BHD 6 to 8. Other essentials like deodorant cost around BHD 0.8 to 1.2, shampoo (400ml) is BHD 2.5 to 3, and a men’s haircut in an expat area costs about BHD 2 to 3.
Entertainment & Leisure
Dining out in Hamad Town is quite affordable. A basic dinner for two in a neighborhood pub costs BHD 15 to 20, while a full meal at an Italian restaurant with appetizers, main course, wine, and dessert is around BHD 25 to 35. A movie ticket costs BHD 8 to 10 for two people, and theater tickets for the best available seats range from BHD 10 to 15. A cocktail in a downtown club costs about BHD 3 to 4, while a cappuccino in an expat café is priced at BHD 2 to 2.5.
Isa Town offers a mid-range cost of living in Bahrain, with slightly higher housing costs than Hamad Town but still more affordable than Manama. Rent prices vary based on location, and daily expenses remain reasonable, making it a good option for families and individuals seeking a balance between affordability and convenience.
Summary
Category |
Item/Service |
Cost (BHD) |
Estimated Monthly Costs |
Family of Four |
1,250 |
Single Person |
630 |
|
Food (Eating Out & Groceries) |
Basic Lunch Meal (Business District) |
7 – 9 |
Fast Food Combo Meal (Big Mac, etc.) |
3 – 3.5 |
|
500g Boneless Chicken Breast |
1.5 – 1.8 |
|
1 Liter Whole-Fat Milk |
0.8 – 1 |
|
12 Large Eggs |
1.4 – 1.7 |
|
1kg Tomatoes |
1.5 – 1.9 |
|
500g Local Cheese |
2 – 2.5 |
|
1kg Apples |
0.9 – 1.2 |
|
1kg Potatoes |
0.5 – 0.7 |
|
Bread for Two People (1 Day) |
0.4 – 0.6 |
|
Housing (Monthly Rent) |
85m² Furnished Apartment (Expensive Area) |
500 – 600 |
85m² Furnished Apartment (Normal Area) |
270 – 350 |
|
45m² Furnished Studio (Expensive Area) |
350 – 450 |
|
45m² Furnished Studio (Normal Area) |
180 – 250 |
|
Utilities & Internet |
Utilities (85m² Apartment) |
50 – 70 |
Utilities (45m² Studio) |
30 – 45 |
|
Internet (60 Mbps, Unlimited Data) |
10 – 15 |
|
Household Items & Cleaning Services |
40” Flat-Screen TV |
110 – 140 |
Microwave (800/900W, Major Brands) |
35 – 50 |
|
Laundry Detergent (3L) |
2.5 – 3 |
|
Hourly Rate for Cleaning Help |
3 – 5 |
|
Clothing |
1 Pair of Levi’s 501 Jeans |
15 – 20 |
1 Summer Dress (Zara, H&M, etc.) |
18 – 25 |
|
1 Pair of Nike/Adidas Sports Shoes |
35 – 45 |
|
1 Pair of Men’s Leather Business Shoes |
28 – 35 |
|
Transportation |
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI (New, No Extras) |
9,000 – 10,000 |
1 Liter of Gasoline |
0.22 – 0.25 |
|
Monthly Public Transport Pass |
8 – 10 |
|
Personal Care & Healthcare |
Cold Medicine (Tylenol, Coldrex, etc.) |
2 – 3 |
1 Box of Antibiotics (12 Doses) |
5 – 7 |
|
Short Private Doctor Visit (15 Minutes) |
6 – 8 |
|
Roll-On Deodorant (50ml) |
0.8 – 1.2 |
|
2-in-1 Shampoo (400ml) |
2.5 – 3 |
|
4 Rolls of Toilet Paper |
1 – 1.5 |
|
Tube of Toothpaste |
1 – 1.5 |
|
Men’s Standard Haircut (Expat Area) |
2 – 3 |
|
Entertainment & Leisure |
Basic Dinner for Two (Neighborhood Pub) |
18 – 22 |
Dinner for Two (Italian Restaurant, with Wine) |
28 – 35 |
|
2 Movie Tickets |
8 – 10 |
|
2 Theater Tickets (Best Available Seats) |
10 – 12 |
|
1 Cocktail Drink (Downtown Club) |
3 – 4 |
|
Cappuccino (Expat Café) |
2 – 2.5 |
|
1 Beer (500ml, Neighborhood Pub) |
2.5 – 3 |
|
Monthly Gym Membership (Business District) |
25 – 30 |
|
Smoking |
1 Pack of Marlboro Cigarettes |
2.2 – 2.5 |
Bahrain's inflation rate has fluctuated significantly over the years due to economic shifts, global market trends, and domestic policies. The country has experienced periods of high inflation, particularly in recent years, while also facing occasional deflation. Below is an illustration of Bahrain's inflation trends from 2010 to 2024.
Bahrain is known for its modern infrastructure, tax-free environment, and high standard of living. However, the cost of living varies significantly across its cities. Manama, the capital, is the most expensive, while areas like Hamad Town offer more budget-friendly options. Below is a comparison of the cost of living in Bahrain’s top cities, considering factors such as rent, food, transportation, and overall expenses.
City |
Family Monthly Cost |
Single Monthly Cost |
Rent (Normal Area) |
Rent (Expensive Area) |
Restaurant Meal |
Public Transport |
Manama |
BHD 1,500 – 1,700 |
BHD 700 – 850 |
BHD 350 – 450 |
BHD 600 – 700 |
BHD 8 – 12 |
BHD 10 |
Riffa |
BHD 1,200 – 1,400 |
BHD 650 – 750 |
BHD 280 – 380 |
BHD 500 – 600 |
BHD 6 – 9 |
BHD 8 |
Muharraq |
BHD 1,100 – 1,300 |
BHD 600 – 700 |
BHD 250 – 350 |
BHD 450 – 550 |
BHD 6 – 8 |
BHD 8 |
Isa Town |
BHD 1,200 – 1,350 |
BHD 600 – 700 |
BHD 270 – 350 |
BHD 500 – 600 |
BHD 7 – 9 |
BHD 8 |
Hamad Town |
BHD 1,000 – 1,200 |
BHD 550 – 650 |
BHD 220 – 300 |
BHD 400 – 500 |
BHD 5 – 7 |
BHD 7 |
Each city in Bahrain offers unique advantages, making it important to consider personal lifestyle preferences and budget when choosing a place to live.
Content Disclaimer: Prices are based on data from the current data, note that prices can change over time due to inflation and market conditions.
To help us improve