How Much Does It Cost to Live In Manama?
Manama is the capital city of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and it is frequently taken as an expensive city.
On average, the cost of living there is definitely lower than in most major cities in the world, especially in Europe and America.
The rent is lower even though the cost of living is increasing due to the large number of people coming to settle there.
Being that the cost of living is based on your lifestyle, these are some of the facts that might be helpful if you decide to move there.
Bahrain : Cost of Living by City
RESTAURANTS
Eating at home is a much cheaper option than eating out, but Manama residents tend to spend time and money at restaurants.
This is due to not so expensive meals, which can be found at the price of $5 per person.
However, alcohol has pretty high prices and it is not affordable at all.
MARKETS
You cannot know exactly how much money you will need to have each month so as to be able to buy all the groceries and foodstuff, but according to the average prices you can at least assume how much money is expected to spend each month.
Food is expensive in Manama, but not so much as in Australia.
TRANSPORTATION
Commuting through the city can be a nuisance, especially if you do not possess your own vehicle.
Public transport is low-cost here, and monthly pass is only $37.
However, paying $0.5 for a gallon of gasoline is more than affordable.
UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
As compared to Australia and European cities, Manama has lower utility prices.
But if you want to balance the budget and put aside some money, you will not be able to save on services.
Approximately, $160 must be spent on these basic utilities monthly.
SPORTS & LEISURE
After work, many people like to relax and do some leisure activities, so as to feel better.
In Manama, fitness clubs and tennis courts are affordable only to those who earn an average salary, and who can put away some money to spend on these, as the prices are pretty high.
CLOTHING & SHOES
Bahrain is not such an expensive country in terms of clothing items, and Manama is the city that proves that.
Even though it is the capital city, crowded with tourists, it can be noticed that clothing prices are almost the same as in the whole country.
RENT PER MONTH
No matter whether you choose to rent an apartment in the city center or out of it, this will probably take up the largest amount of your monthly salary.
Still, if you are not earning too much, finding an apartment in less popular area and smaller in size would save you some money.
Cost of Living Averages Table for Manama
*Note: All prices are indicated in USD.| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $5.30 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $10.61 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.30 | Average Market Prices |
| Milk (1 Liter) | $1.72 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $1.05 |
| Eggs (12) | $2.27 | Average Transport Prices |
| One Way Ticket | $0.80 |
| Monthly Pass | $37.13 |
| Gasoline | $0.49 | Average Utilities Prices |
| Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) | $115.27 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local | $0.11 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $40.09 | Average Leisure Prices |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $69.69 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | $25.37 |
| Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release | $7.96 | Average Clothing Prices |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) | $43.64 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) | $52.03 |
| 1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) | $70.11 | Average Rent Prices |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $827.29 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $581.64 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $1769.50 |
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Manama?
The most money is spent on rent and food, so if you are economical, you should think about renting an apartment out of the city center, as the property within the prominent areas are always more expensive than those further away from the city center.
When food is in question, you can always decide to buy groceries at the local markets, rather than spend a fortune in the supermarkets.
People from Manama spend quite a lot of their monthly salary in restaurants, probably because they are not too expensive.
Average Costs Breakdown
Manama: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
Buying your own place when you come to any city would be the ideal option.
However, buying a property in Manama would be difficult, due to the high interest rates, that overcome 6%.
So, you will need to be satisfied if you manage to find the apartment which will be appropriate for your budget.
Rent is high here, and it can take almost all of your monthly salary, if you are earning the minimum wage.
There is a huge difference between the average and minimum salary in Manama.
Manama Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Manama Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
