Cost of living in Beirut
Beirut, the capital city of Lebanon, is known for its vibrant culture and historical significance. Understanding the cost of living in Beirut is crucial for both residents and expatriates planning to move to the city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of various expenses, including housing, transportation, dining, and more, to help you plan your budget effectively.
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
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $1 and $2.5, with a monthly pass priced between $65.22 and $150.
- 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
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $400 to $1600, averaging $738.24.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $250 to $700, averaging $359.38.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $850 to $3500, averaging $1739.29.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $500 to $1500, averaging $757.69.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $2500 to $4000, averaging $3116.67.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $800 to $2500, averaging $1400.
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
Beirut ranks 1st on the Cost of Living rankings in Lebanon. 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
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"
Beirut offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many Western cities, especially in terms of dining and transportation.
Housing costs can vary significantly depending on the location, with city centre apartments being more expensive.
Grocery prices are generally reasonable, but imported goods can be pricier.
Utilities and internet services are moderately priced, but it's important to budget for potential fluctuations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Beirut presents a diverse cost of living landscape with affordable dining and transportation options.
Housing and utilities require careful budgeting, especially for those looking to live in the city centre.
Overall, Beirut is an attractive option for those seeking a vibrant city life with a moderate cost of living.
Nearby Cities
All cities in Lebanon