- Purchase the complete Expat Arrivals Bahrain (PDF)
The cost of living in Bahrain is consistently on the rise due to inflation, as well as the presence of a growing Western expat population prepared to pay more for goods and services.
That said, compared to other regional commercial centres such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Bahrain is still a reasonable destination when it comes to balancing the budget and keeping a little something extra in the bank.
The 2022 Mercer Cost of Living Survey ranked Manama, the country's capital and largest city, 117th out of 227 cities. As in all locations, however, the cost of living can vary tremendously depending on the lifestyle one chooses to lead.
In the past, accommodation and car allowances were common add-ons to expat employment packages in Bahrain. Although they are occasionally still included, this is no longer a given. So, it's vital to make sure one’s base payment adequately covers these expenses, and then some.
Cost of accommodation in Bahrain
Accommodation will be the largest expat expense. Costs are generally high, but there are plenty of different housing options that will satisfy nearly every budget.
Property inside expat compounds is by far the most expensive, and opting for an apartment in town will therefore certainly cost less.
Cost of transport in Bahrain
Despite the island's compact size, public transport options are currently rather limited, with the result being that most expats will need to budget for a private vehicle. Again, prices vary tremendously based on a number of factors. Buying a pre-owned, older make and model will be the cheapest option here.
Cost of schools in Bahrain
Expat families moving to Bahrain usually send their children to one of the island's private or international schools. This can be a large unforeseen expense, especially for expats coming from countries where school expenses are covered or subsidised by the government. Tuition fees can also vary depending on the age of the children and the school selected.
Expats sending their children to an international school will need to budget annually for school fees. Additional expenses may include extra-curricular activities, school uniforms, textbooks and other basic school supplies.
Cost of food in Bahrain
Food costs in Bahrain are generally reasonable, especially if one foregoes the temptation of dining out and opts to eat at home more frequently. That said, household labels from abroad will be highly priced due to import tax, whereas fresh produce and local products are extremely affordable.
Cost of living in Bahrain chart
Prices may vary depending on location and service provider. The table below is based on average prices for Manama in October 2022.
Accommodation (monthly rent) |
|
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre |
BHD 671 |
Three-bedroom apartment outside of city centre |
BHD 492 |
One-bedroom apartment in city centre |
BHD 364 |
One-bedroom apartment outside of city centre |
BHD 291 |
Shopping |
|
Milk (1 litre) |
BHD 0.60 |
Dozen eggs |
BHD 0.91 |
Chicken breasts (1kg) |
BHD 2.77 |
Rice (1kg) |
BHD 0.59 |
Loaf of white bread |
BHD 0.52 |
Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) |
BHD 2.15 |
Eating out |
|
Big Mac meal |
BHD 2.50 |
Coca-Cola (330ml) |
BHD 0.28 |
Cappuccino |
BHD 1.73 |
Local beer (500ml) |
BHD 3.50 |
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant |
BHD 20 |
Utilities/household |
|
Mobile call rate (per minute, mobile to mobile) |
BHD 0.04 |
Internet (uncapped ADSL or cable average per month) |
BHD 21.42 |
Utilities (average per month for standard household) |
BHD 64 |
Transportation |
|
Taxi rate per km |
BHD 1 |
One-way ticket on public transport |
BHD 0.30 |
Petrol (per litre) |
BHD 0.19 |
Further reading
►Working in Bahrain provides an overview of the Kingdom's employment market
Expat Interviews
"European clothes, alcohol and some western foods are very expensive but petrol, eating out and general food shopping are much less expensive than home." Read more about Susie's life in Bahrain.
"Luxury goods, or anything that could be considered discretionary spending is expensive – alcohol, movie tickets, western style supermarkets, tourism etc are all relatively expensive compared to other states within the region. Of course, once you gain some local knowledge, you can find things like foodstuffs cheaper." Learn about John's expat experience in Bahrain.
Are you an expat living in Bahrain?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Bahrain. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.
Expat Health Insurance
Cigna Global
If you’re thinking about taking out private health insurance, our trusted partner Cigna Global is very aware of all the difficulties that expats can face when it comes to healthcare in a new location, so they have created a range of international health insurance plans specifically designed for expats, which you can tailor exactly to the needs and ensure access to quality care for you and your family.
Moving Companies
Moving Internationally?
Sirelo has a network of more than 500 international removal companies that can move your furniture and possessions to your new home. By filling in a form, you’ll get up to 5 quotes from recommended movers. This service is free of charge and will help you select an international moving company that suits your needs and budget.