Bahrain living expenses

Have you ever wondered what it would cost to experience the pearl of the Arabian Gulf? Whether you’re planning a visit, considering a move, or already living in this island paradise, understanding Bahrain living expenses is essential to making the most of your time here.

I’ve spent years exploring the ins and outs of Bahrain’s economy, and today I’m sharing everything you need to know about the cost of living in this fascinating kingdom.

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Manama?

Manama, Bahrain’s buzzing capital, is where most expats and locals converge. The cost of living in Manama is higher than in smaller towns like Riffa or Muharraq, but it’s still a bargain compared to Dubai or London. According to Numbeo, a single person’s monthly expenses (excluding rent) hover around BHD 328 ($870). Add rent, and you’re looking at BHD 600-800 for a comfy lifestyle.

Here’s a quick table to give you a sense of daily costs:

Expense	Cost (BHD)	Notes
Meal at a local eatery	2- 4	Think shawarma or falafel at a casual spot.
Monthly Utilities	40- 60	Includes electricity, water, and internet for a small apartment.
Public base fare	0.1- 0.2	Super cheap, but buses are limited; many prefer taxis.
1 Bedroom rent (city)	300 - 500	Varies by area; Seef is pricier, Adliya more affordable.
Coffee at a cafe	1.5 - 2.5	Karak tea is cheaper and just as delicious!

Planning to relocate? Book your flight to Bahrain International Airport with Trip.com for deals starting at BHD 50 from nearby Gulf cities. Need a ride from the airport? GetTransfer.com offers seamless transfers to Manama’s heart.

Where Do Most Expats Live in Bahrain?

1] Juffair – Popular with American expats due to proximity to the US Naval base

2] Amwaj Islands – Luxury waterfront living with a distinctly international vibe

3] Reef Island – Exclusive living with stunning views

4] Seef District – Modern apartments close to shopping and business centers

5] Saar – Family friendly area with villas and good schools.

Many expats opt for compounds—gated communities with pools and gyms—but they can feel isolated. For a more local experience, rent an apartment in Amwaj Islands or Seef via Hotellook. Short-term stays? Expedia has serviced apartments from BHD 30/night.

What Is the Most Expensive Area to Live in Bahrain?

1.Riffa Views – Home to the elite with luxury golf course properties

2.Amwaj Islands – Particularly the more exclusive developments

3.Reef Island – Offering high-end waterfront living

These areas represent the pinnacle of Bahraini luxury living, with prices to match. A 3-bedroom villa in Riffa Views can easily cost 1,200-1,500 BHD (approximately 3,200-4,000 USD) per month.

Where Is the Richest Area in Bahrain?

For the ultimate in luxury living in Bahrain, head to Durrat Al Bahrain, a man-made island with jaw-dropping villas and apartments. Property prices here hit BHD 1,400 per square meter. It’s where Bahrain’s elite hang out, with private beaches and yacht clubs. Seef and Manama’s Diplomatic Area also scream wealth, with high-end dining and shopping.

Fancy a yacht day trip? SEARADAR connects you with rentals starting at BHD 50/hour.

Are Houses in Bahrain Expensive?:

Rental Prices (Monthly):

Studio apartment in city center – 250-350 BHD ($660-930)

One-bedroom apartment in city center – 300-450 BHD ($800-1,200)

Three-bedroom apartment in city center – 550-750 BHD ($1,460-2,000)

Villa in premium area – 800-1,500 BHD ($2,120-4,000)

Purchase Prices:

Apartment in city center – 600-900 BHD per sqm ($1,600-2,400)

Villa in premium area – Starting from 150,000 BHD ($400,000)

Finding the right accommodation is crucial for your comfort and budget. I recommend using Localrent.com to explore options across different areas and price points. They offer transparent listings that let you compare neighborhoods and amenities easily.

Day-to-Day Living Costs

Food & Groceries:

Local markets (souqs): Most affordable option for fresh produce

Standard supermarkets (Carrefour, Lulu): Mid-range pricing

Premium supermarkets (Alosra, Waitrose): Higher-end imported goods

A typical weekly grocery bill for a couple might range from 30-60 BHD ($80-160), depending on shopping habits and preferences for imported items.

Transportation

Car ownership: Most common transport method

Monthly lease – 150-300 BHD ($400-800)

Purchase – Used cars from 2,000 BHD ($5,300)

Fuel – Very affordable at approximately 0.100 BHD ($0.27) per liter

Taxis and ride-sharing – Convenient for occasional use

Starting fare – 1 BHD ($2.65)

Per kilometer – 0.250 BHD ($0.66)

For airport transfers or day trips, I’ve found Kiwitaxi and Gettransfer.com to be reliable options with advance booking.

For those who prefer car rentals during their stay, Economybookings.com offers competitive rates and various vehicle options to suit different needs.

Utilities

Monthly utility costs for a standard two-bedroom apartment:

Electricity and water – 20-60 BHD ($53-160) depending on season

Internet (high-speed) – : 15-25 BHD ($40-66)

Mobile phone plan – 7-15 BHD ($19-40)

Visitors and new arrivals should consider using Airalo or Drimsim for flexible mobile connectivity without the commitment of a local contract.

What Is Bahrain Basic Salary?

Retail/Service sector: 300-600 BHD ($800-1,600)

Mid-level professionals: 800-1,500 BHD ($2,120-4,000)

Specialists/Managers: 1,500-3,000 BHD ($4,000-8,000)

C-level executives: 3,000+ BHD ($8,000+)

Bahrain does not impose personal income tax on salaries or wages, making it a genuinely tax-free environment for employees.

5% VAT applies to most goods and services

10% service charge often added to hotel and restaurant bills

Municipality fees may apply to rental properties

The tax-free income is a significant advantage that effectively increases your purchasing power compared to many Western countries.

How Much Salary Is Enough to Live in Bahrain?

Basic living: 700-900 BHD ($1,860-2,390) for a single person

Comfortable living: 1,200-1,800 BHD ($3,180-4,770) for a single person

Family of four: 2,000-3,500 BHD ($5,300-9,275) for comfortable living

Here’s a sample budget for a single expat:

Category	Cost (BHD)	Tip
Rent 1 Bedroom	350	Find deals on Hotellook
Groceries	100	Shop local markets for savings
Transport	30	Rent a car via Economybookings.com for BHD 10/day
Dining/Entertainment	80	Book tours with Wegotrip for cultural experiences
Utilities	50	Get an eSIM from Drimsim for cheap data

Can I Live With My Girlfriend in Bahrain?

-Many unmarried couples do live together discreetly

-Upscale apartment buildings and compounds tend to be more relaxed

-It’s advisable to maintain a low profile regarding your arrangement

-Each partner should have their own visa status (work visa, tourist visa)

For couples visiting rather than relocating, hotels present no issues. Trip.com and Expedia offer excellent options for accommodation without question about marital status

Is Bahrain Expensive to Visit?

Budget traveler – 50-70 BHD ($130-185) daily

Mid-range traveler – 70-150 BHD ($185-400) daily

Luxury traveler – 150+ BHD ($400+) daily

Bahrain Travel Budget Essentials

Accommodation:

Budget hotel -: 25-40 BHD ($66-106) per night

Mid-range hotel – 40-80 BHD ($106-212) per night

Luxury hotel –: 80-200+ BHD ($212-530+) per night

For the best hotel deals, I recommend checking Hotellook which compares prices across multiple booking platforms.

Food:

Local meal – 2-4 BHD ($5-11)

Mid-range restaurant – 7-15 BHD ($19-40) per person

Fine dining – 20+ BHD ($53+) per person

Activities:

Bahrain National Museum – 1 BHD ($2.65)

Bahrain Fort – Free

Formula 1 experience – 40-150 BHD ($106-400)

For activity bookings and attraction tickets without the hassle, Tiqets offers convenient digital access to many of Bahrain’s highlights.

Getting Around as a Visitor

Airport to hotel transfer: 5-10 BHD ($13-27)

Local taxis: Starting from 1 BHD ($2.65)

Daily car rental: 12-25 BHD ($32-66)

For smooth airport transfers, I personally recommend Welcome Pickups for their reliability and fixed pricing.

Don’t forget travel insurance – Visitorscoverage offers plans specifically tailored to Bahrain’s healthcare system and regional requirements.

Luxury Living in Bahrain

Five-star hotels like Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton

Exclusive beach clubs with annual memberships (500-1,500 BHD)

Fine dining restaurants featuring celebrity chefs

Designer shopping at Moda Mall and City Centre

Private yacht charters and golf club memberships

Luxury living in Bahrain is still more affordable than in Dubai or European capitals while maintaining exceptional quality and exclusivity.

Money-Saving Tips for Bahrain

1.Housing – Consider areas just outside premium neighborhoods for better value

2.Transportation – Weigh leasing versus buying a car based on your stay duration

3.Shopping – Mix local markets with occasional premium shopping

4.Travel – Use WayAway to find the best flight deals to and from Bahrain

5.Activities – Look for resident offers and early bird discounts

6.Dining – Explore local eateries outside hotels for authentic experiences at better prices

Conclusion

Bahrain’s a place where your money stretches further, whether you’re settling in or just passing through. With no income tax, affordable housing, and a vibrant expat scene, it’s a Gulf gem that balances cost and quality. Ready to make the move or plan a visit? Start with Trip.com for flights, Hotellook for stays, and Tiqets for experiences. Got questions or tips? Drop them below—I’d love to hear your Bahrain stories!