Cost of living in Manama
Manama, the capital city of Bahrain, is a vibrant hub known for its modern architecture and rich cultural heritage. Understanding the cost of living in Manama is crucial for anyone considering relocating or planning an extended stay in this dynamic city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you budget effectively for life in Manama.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $6.9 on average, with a range between $2.65 and $15.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $53.06, with prices ranging from $31.84 to $79.59.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $7.16, with a range between $6.63 and $7.96.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $6.63 to $15.92, imported beer $7.96 to $26.53, cappuccino $3.98 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $0.66 to $1.59.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.27 and $2.65 per liter, averaging $1.79.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.8 and $3.98, with an average price of $1.43.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.59 to $4.78, averaging $2.64.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.59 to $3.98 per kg, while oranges range from $1.06 to $5.31 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.4 and $1.19 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.06 to $5.31 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.8 and $1.33, with a monthly pass priced between $31.84 and $39.8.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.37 and $0.66 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.65, with a cost of $2.65 to $7.96 per km and $5.31 to $39.8 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $530.62 to $1326.54, averaging $770.28.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $397.96 to $1061.23, averaging $544.1.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1061.23 to $2122.46, averaging $1623.9.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $742.86 to $1857.15, averaging $1135.02.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $1857.15 to $2653.08, averaging $2454.1.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $1326.54 to $3183.69, averaging $2056.13.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $97.14 and $265.31, averaging $125.58.
- Internet - Internet services range from $29.18 to $53.06, with an average cost of $40.24.
Cost of Living Rankings
Manama ranks 1st on the Cost of Living rankings in Bahrain. The cost of living indices for Bahrain are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Bahrain, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Manama offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many other capital cities, particularly in terms of dining and transportation.
Housing costs can vary significantly depending on the location, with city centre apartments being more expensive.
Groceries and utilities are reasonably priced, making it easier to manage monthly expenses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Manama presents a balanced cost of living that caters to a range of budgets. While housing in the city centre can be pricey, other expenses such as dining, transportation, and groceries remain affordable.
For those considering a move to Manama, understanding these costs can help in planning a comfortable lifestyle in this vibrant city.