Bahrain (BH)

A compact, English-friendly Gulf island state with no personal income tax, strong banking and professional services, liberal social norms by regional standards, and a practical base for Saudi Arabia via the King Fahd Causeway.

Capital: Manama

Region: Middle East

Language: Arabic

Currency: BHD (BD)

Cost of living: Moderate (index 58)

Emergency: 999

Cost of Living

Real prices in Bahrain — 2026 data in BHD.

Cost of living index

(100 = NYC reference)

Affordable compared to most Western countries. Good value for the quality of life offered.

Food & Groceries

Milk (1L) BD 0.600–0.900

Bread (khubz loaf) BD 0.200–0.600

Rice (5kg) BD 2.500–6.000

Chicken (1kg) BD 1.800–3.200

Imported cheese (200g) BD 1.500–3.500

Dates (1kg, fresh local / Sukkari) BD 2–8

Water (1.5L, Safa / Baraka) BD 0.100–0.300

Monthly groceries for 1 person BD 100–250

Dining Out

Karak tea (iconic Bahraini spiced milk tea) BD 0.200–0.600

Shawarma / falafel wrap BD 0.800–1.800

Machboos / kabsa (traditional rice dish) BD 3–8

Casual restaurant meal for 1 BD 3–8

Coffee (espresso) BD 1–3

Hotel brunch (popular Friday ritual) BD 18–40

Rent

1-bed apartment, Manama / Juffair / Seef BD 280–550/month

2-bed apartment, expat area BD 450–850/month

3-bed villa / compound home BD 700–1,600+/month

Room in shared accommodation BD 100–200/month

Utilities (EWA electricity + water, monthly) BD 30–180

Short-stay furnished apartment BD 500–1,500+/month

Transport

Bus (Bahrain Public Transport / GO card) BD 0.200–0.400

Uber / Careem short city ride BD 1.500–4.000

Taxi from airport (BAH–Manama) BD 4–8

Petrol (1L, 95 octane — heavily subsidised) BD 0.140–0.200

Car insurance (comprehensive, annual) BD 150–500

Used compact car BD 1,500–4,000

King Fahd Causeway toll (Bahrain–Saudi Arabia, return) BD 2

Health & Insurance

Salmaniya Medical Complex (public hospital) Free for citizens; fees for expats

Private GP visit BD 10–30

Private specialist visit BD 20–60

Dental cleaning BD 15–35

Individual / expat medical insurance (annual) BD 200–1,200

Utilities

Electricity / water (EWA, monthly with AC) BD 30–180

Home fibre broadband BD 15–35/month

Mobile data plan BD 5–15/month

Building maintenance / service charge BD 20–80/month

Streaming subscription (monthly equivalent) BD 3–6

Childcare

Nursery (monthly) BD 120–350

International primary school (annual) BD 1,500–5,000

International secondary school (annual) BD 2,500–7,000

Private tutor (per hour) BD 8–20

Leisure

Cinema ticket (Cineco / BFC) BD 3–5

Gym membership (monthly) BD 20–60

Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) BD 20–50

Dive trip (single tank, Coral Bay) BD 25–60

Bahrain Grand Prix ticket (race day) BD 50–200+

Camel racing (Sakhir circuit) Free entry / nominal fee

Haircut (men's) BD 3–10

Haircut (women's) BD 15–50

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