Cost of living in Baalbek
Baalbek, a city in Lebanon, is known for its rich history and cultural significance. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both residents and potential newcomers.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Baalbek, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $10 on average, with a range between $5 and $20.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $50, with prices ranging from $30 to $100.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $7.64, with a range between $7 and $10.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $2 to $5, imported beer $3 to $6, cappuccino $1 to $5, and Coke/Pepsi $1 to $2.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.23 and $2.25 per liter, averaging $1.63.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.4 and $3, with an average price of $0.91.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.6 to $4.8, averaging $2.72.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $0.5 to $2.22 per kg, while oranges range from $0.35 to $1.74 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.5 and $1.34 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.48 to $1.02 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.76 and $1.1 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $4, with a cost of $0.62 to $3 per km and $10.6 to $30 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $1000.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $600.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $100 and $450, averaging $210.78.
- Internet - Internet services range from $25 to $60, with an average cost of $31.88.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for Lebanon 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 Lebanon, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
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"
Baalbek offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many urban centers, with reasonable prices for dining and groceries.
Housing costs are moderate, especially for those looking to purchase property, with competitive prices per square meter.
Transportation and utility costs are manageable, making Baalbek a viable option for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Baalbek presents a cost-effective living environment with a blend of historical charm and modern amenities.
Whether you're considering a move or simply planning a visit, understanding these costs can help you budget effectively and enjoy all that Baalbek has to offer.