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Bahrain, a small but prosperous island nation in the Middle East, is known for its vibrant culture, warm hospitality and bustling economy. If you’re considering relocating to Bahrain for higher study and planning a long-term stay, then you must understand the cost of living in Bahrain because it is known for its relatively high cost of living, which reflects its status as an affluent country in the region.
Understanding the cost of living in Bahrain helps students determine how much money they need to have in their accounts to enjoy a worry-free stay in Bahrain. So, in this blog post, we’ll delve into various aspects of the cost of living in Bahrain, including student accommodation, transportation, groceries, healthcare and entertainment, to help you make informed decisions about your financial planning. Keep reading this blog for essential insights!
This Blog Includes:
- Cost of Living in Bahrain
- Costs of Accommodation in Bahrain
- Cost of a Utility in Bahrain
- Transportation Costs in Bahrain
- Restaurant Food Costs in Bahrain
- Cost of Grocery in Bahrain
- Healthcare Costs in Bahrain
- Miscellaneous Costs in Bahrain
- Cost of Living Comparison: Bahrain vs Other Countries
- Average Cost of Studying in Bahrain
- Why Choose Bahrain?
- FAQs on the Cost of Living in Bahrain
Cost of Living in Bahrain
The average cost of living in Bahrain for a single person, excluding housing rent, is approximately BHD 324, according to numbeo Data. For a one-bedroom apartment, individuals can expect to pay between BHD 200 and BHD 500 for rent. The overall cost of living in Bahrain can vary according to the standard of living, preferred area, and other essential criteria for students.
The cost of living in Bahrain comprises various expenses, including utility bills, housing rent, travel passes, personal expenses, food, and grocery expenses. Below, we provide an overview of the average living expenses in Bahrain across different categories for those considering residing in this vibrant city. Please have a look:
Also read: Cost of Living in Calgary: Updated Prices, Other Cities Comparison
Costs of Accommodation in Bahrain
The expense of accommodation in Bahrain is high and it also depends on the type of accommodation and student’s preferences. If you choose to stay in the hostel dormitory, your cost of living in Bahrain for students can be lower, however, if you want a private space, your average rent for a room apartment can be around BHD 200 to BHD 500 per month.
Before moving to Bahrain it is essential to carefully research and compare the apartment rent of different areas to ensure whether they meet your needs and budget. For your convenience, we have compiled the average cost of housing data for various flats located both inside and outside the city centre.
| Apartment Type | Location | Approx. Monthly Cost |
| 1 bedroom | in the City Centre | BHD 312.88 |
| 3 bedrooms | in the City Centre | BHD 605.58 |
| 1 bedroom | Outside of Centre | BHD 230.27 |
| 3 bedrooms | Outside of Centre | BHD 411.67 |
Cost of a Utility in Bahrain
Utilities in Bahrain encompass a range of essential services that contribute to enhancing the quality of life for residents. The services that are included in utility are electricity, water, heating, internet, and garbage. Understanding the cost of basic utilities can help students to manage household expenses effectively there.
The basic monthly utility cost for a one-bedroom apartment in Bahrain could be around BHD 44.68. However, planning your monthly cost of living in Bahrain must include the utility expenses as they can affect your overall costs. Keep in mind that utility bills tend to rise during the hot summer months due to increased usage of air conditioning. The table below provides an overview of the average utility expenses in Bahrain:
| Utility Type | Utility Name | Approx. Cost |
| Basic Utility Bills (for 85m2 Apartment) | Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage, etc | BHD 109 |
| Internet | 60 Mbps+, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL monthly | BHD 15.90 |
Transportation Costs in Bahrain
It is important to evaluate Travel costs in Bahrain for you as a student because you will have to commute to and from college. For your reference, we have given the average transportation cost in the table below so that you can estimate and add your transportation budget to your cost of living in Bahrain accordingly.
Take an overview so that you can hang around the Bahrain area comfortably:
| Mode of Transport | Approx Cost |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | BHD 0.30 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price for Local Transport) | BHD 12.60 |
| Taxi Fares Start From | BHD 2.00 |
| Taxi fares Start From | BHD 2.00 |
| Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | BHD 10.00 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | BHD 0.18 |
Also read: Cost of Living in Norway: Updated Prices, Other Countries Comparison
Restaurant Food Costs in Bahrain
Understanding the cost and variety of food available in Bahrain is essential for managing your budget and enjoying the local cuisine. Bahrain offers a rich culinary scene influenced by its Arabian heritage, as well as a blend of international flavours due to its diverse population. The average monthly food expenses for a person in Bahrain are around BHD 789, according to livingcost data.
Eating out regularly can be costly and it can affect the cost of living in Bahrain for students. So cooking at home can be a good idea to save lots of money while studying in Bahrain. Here’s an approx cost of a meal at restaurants in Bahrain:
| Type of Restaurant | Approx Cost of Meal in Restaurant |
| Food Expenses (monthly) | BHD 789 |
| Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant | BHD 3.00 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | BHD 20 |
| McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | BHD 2.70 |
| Cappuccino | BHD 1.86 |
Cost of Grocery in Bahrain
The grocery expenses are the daily expenses for students if they prefer to prepare food at their residence and their meal preferences will decide the expenses of groceries there. However, the cost of groceries can influence the overall cost of living in Bahrain.
It’s important to compare prices across different stores or vendors, to get the best value when shopping for groceries in Bahrain. Below is a table summarizing the average grocery expenses in Bahrain:
| Grocery Item | Approx Cost |
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | BHD 0.65 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | BHD 0.56 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | BHD 0.92 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | BHD 1 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | BHD 3.33 |
| Apples (1kg) | BHD 0.96 |
| Banana (1kg) | BHD 0.85 |
| Oranges (1kg) | BHD 0.76 |
| Tomato (1kg) | BHD 0.51 |
| Potato (1kg) | BHD 0.34 |
| Onion (1kg) | BHD 0.39 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | BHD 0.69 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | BHD 0.27 |
Healthcare Costs in Bahrain
Healthcare costs in Bahrain are generally moderate, with a range of private and public healthcare options available. The country’s healthcare system ensures access to quality medical services for residents and expatriates alike. A few costs related to healthcare in Bahrain are given below:
| Personal Care Item | Approx Cost |
| Cold medicine for 6 days | BHD 2.00 |
| 1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | BHD 7 |
| Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | BHD 5.00 |
| 1 box of 32 tampons | BHD 2.00 |
| Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | BHD 2.06 |
| Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | BHD 2.50 |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | BHD 1.00 |
| Tube of toothpaste | BHD 1.00 |
| Standard men’s haircut | BHD 2.41 |
Also read: Cost of Living in Sheffield: Updated Prices, Other Cities Comparison
Miscellaneous Costs in Bahrain
Apart from accommodation, food, and travel costs, you may need to consider a few miscellaneous expenses while living in Bahrain, such as gym subscriptions, movie tickets, clothing, etc. These miscellaneous expenses can add up over time, so it’s important to account for them in your budget.
These expenses can vary depending on individual lifestyles and preferences. Please refer to the table below for a detailed list of these miscellaneous expenses.
| Miscellaneous | Approx Cost |
| Movie Ticket | BHD 3.92 |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) | BHD 19.15 |
| Fitness Club (Gym Membership) | BHD 30 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, …) | BHD 24.50 |
| 1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | BHD 35.83 |
Cost of Living Comparison: Bahrain vs Other Countries
When comparing the cost of living in Bahrain to other Countries around the world, several factors come into play. Bahrain is renowned for its high living expenses, particularly in terms of housing and transportation. Bahrain remains an attractive option within the Persian Gulf for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.
Understanding the cost of living comparison between Bahrain and other countries is crucial for making informed decisions about relocation or long-term stays. To give you a thorough understanding of how the cost of living in Bahrain compares to other major Countries like Dubai, Saudi Arabia, The UK, Oman, Kuwait, South Africa, Qatar, The USA, and Canada, we have compiled relevant data. Please take a look for more clarity:
| Cost of Living City Wise | Average Cost of living | Comparison with Cost of Living in Bahrain |
| Cost of Living in Dubai | BHD 411 (excluding rent) | Higher than Bahrain |
| Cost of Living in Saudi Arabia | BHD 302 (excluding rent) | Lower than Bahrain |
| Cost of Living in The UK | BHD 389 (excluding rent) | Higher than Bahrain |
| Cost of Living in Oman | BHD 278 (excluding rent) | Lower than Bahrain |
| Cost of Living in Kuwait | BHD 306 (excluding rent) | Lower than Bahrain |
| Cost of Living in South Africa | BHD 223 (excluding rent) | Lower than Bahrain |
| Cost of Living in Qatar | BHD 345 (excluding rent) | Higher than Bahrain |
| Cost of Living in The USA | BHD 439 (excluding rent) | Higher than Bahrain |
| Cost of Living in Canada | BHD 396 (excluding rent) | Higher than Bahrain |
Average Cost of Studying in Bahrain
Bahrain is a popular destination for international students due to its high-quality education system, diverse culture, and strategic location in the Middle East. Here is an overview of the actual costs involved in studying in Bahrain, based on available data and common expenses. Pursuing higher education in Bahrain can be high, but it will not affect that much your cost of living in Bahrain.
It’s essential to explore available scholarships or financial aid provided by universities when planning studies in Bahrain. Careful financial planning enables students to maximize educational opportunities while managing costs effectively. The cost of tuition in Bahrain varies by institution, program, and level of study. Below is a table summarizing tuition fees at selected universities in Bahrain:
| University/Colleges Name | Tuition Fees |
| Arabian Gulf University | BHD 4000 – BHD 17,400 |
| Bahrain Polytechnic | BHD 2516 |
| Applied Science University | BHD 92.700 – BHD 180 (Fees per Credit Hours ) |
| Ahlia University | BHD 3,600 |
| University of Bahrain | BHD 8.000 – BHD 160.000 (Fees Per Credit Hour) |
How to Calculate the Tuition Fees for credit hours
Each course is assigned a specific number of credit hours, with the majority of courses being 3 credit hours each.
Example Calculation:
- Let cost per Credit Hour: 8 BD
- Credit Hours per Course: 3
- Cost per Course: 3 credit hours × 8 BD = 24 BD
- If there is a total of 5 Courses, then the total fee will: 24 BD per course × 5 courses = 120 BD
So, if a student registers for 5 courses in a semester, the total tuition fee will be 120 BD.
Conclusion: Understanding the essential costs that contribute to the cost of living in Bahrain, helps students budget wisely. This knowledge enables students to manage their finances effectively, enjoy the local culture, and maintain a comfortable lifestyle while studying.
Why Choose Bahrain?
Bahrain is a compelling choice for various reasons. Its thriving economy and abundant business opportunities make it an attractive destination for professionals and entrepreneurs. Situated in a strategic location, Bahrain offers excellent connectivity to regional and international markets.
The country boasts a high quality of life, with modern infrastructure, advanced healthcare facilities, and top-notch education institutions. Moreover, Bahrain embraces a cosmopolitan environment, welcoming people from different cultures and backgrounds. The nation’s rich cultural heritage adds a unique charm, allowing residents and visitors to experience a blend of traditional and contemporary lifestyles.
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FAQs on the Cost of Living in Bahrain
Answer: The monthly average cost of living in Bahrain for a single person is roughly BHD 324, with rental costs. Whereas, the estimated cost of housing rent can range from BHD 200 to BHD 500. However, these expenses can vary according to the preferred location and things.
Answer: The average monthly cost of living in Bahrain for a single person is approximately with rent is BHD 506. This amount can vary based on the individual’s living standards, location, and personal preferences.
Answer: For one person, the average cost of living in Bahrain, including rent is around BHD 324 per month. This amount shows that Bahrain is among the most expensive country. It ranked 41th out of 197 of the expensive country in around the world according to livingcost.
Bahrain has a reputation for being one of the safest countries in the region. The government maintains a stable environment and takes measures to ensure the safety of residents and visitors. However, it is always advisable to exercise general caution and follow any local safety guidelines.
The official language of Bahrain is Arabic. However, English is widely spoken and understood, especially in business and tourist areas.
Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. Some countries may be eligible for visa-free entry, while others may require a visa. It is recommended to check the official Bahrain government website or consult with the nearest Bahraini embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa information.
So, this was all about the cost of living in Bahrain. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.
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