🇧🇭 Bahrain — Cost of Living Index Verified Market Data
Head-to-Head Comparison 🇧🇭 Manama vs 🇨🇭 Lausanne
Manama vs Lausanne Cost of Living Comparison (2026)
How does living in Manama compare to Lausanne? You would need around BHD 2,962 in Lausanne to maintain the same standard of life that BHD 810 provides in Manama (assuming you rent in both cities).
Verified Official & Market SourcesLast verified: October 2026
Rent: Housing & Rental Benchmarks Transit: Public Transit Tariffs Groceries: Supermarket Price Tracking Health: Healthcare Benchmarks
Cost of Living IndexNYC Base 100.0
56.2
Manama is ~43.8% more affordable than New York City.
Single (Excl. Rent):BHD 309/mo
1-Bed City Centre Rent:BHD 501.29/mo
Family of 4 (Excl. Rent):BHD 1,001/mo
Single Total (Inc. Rent):BHD 810/mo
Executive Summary & Key Takeaways 2026 Household Budget Models
Summary: What is the Monthly Cost of Living in Manama?
Living expenses in Manama (Bahrain) reflect current local price levels across housing, groceries, transit, and amenities. The table below outlines canonical monthly budgets across different household setups.
Single (No Rent)
BHD 309
Groceries, bills, transit, leisure
Single (1-Bed Centre)
BHD 810
Complete solo city living
Family of 4 (No Rent)
BHD 1,001
2 Adults + 2 Kids baseline
Family (3-Bed Centre)
BHD 1,903
Family accommodation & living
Data Governance & Methodology: Operating figures are aggregated and verified from official government statistics agencies, regional transport tariffs, utility provider rates, and verified local consumer submissions.
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Compare Manama with Another CityCompare rent, groceries, restaurants, and salaries side-by-side
Manama Cost of Living & Salary Calculator
Estimate your take-home pay (100% tax-free in Manama), housing expenses, and monthly savings.
Real-time 2026 Engine
BHD
Presets:
Monthly Calculation
MonthlyWeekly
Estimated Net Income
BHD 1,542BHD 356
Total Expenses
BHD 810BHD 187
Net Disposable Savings
BHD 732BHD 169
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Comfortable BudgetDetailed Monthly Budget Breakdown
Based on your income parameters, your estimated living expenses in Manama total BHD 810 per month:
| Category (Click to jump ↓) | Yearly | Monthly | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Net Take-Home Pay | BHD 18,500 | BHD 1,542 | BHD 356 |
| Total Living Expenses (78%) | BHD 9,720 | BHD 810 | BHD 187 |
| ➔Housing / Rent | BHD 6,015.48 | BHD 501.29 | BHD 116 |
| ➔Groceries & Food | BHD 1,186.56 | BHD 98.88 | BHD 23.00 |
| ➔Utilities & Broadband | BHD 1,188 | BHD 99.00 | BHD 23.00 |
| ➔Public Transit / Commute | BHD 360.60 | BHD 30.05 | BHD 7.00 |
| ➔Dining, Health & Leisure | BHD 768 | BHD 64.00 | BHD 15.00 |
| ➔Clothing & Shoes | BHD 204 | BHD 17.00 | BHD 4.00 |
| ➔Childcare & Education | BHD 0.00 | BHD 0.00 | BHD 0.00 |
| Net Savings / Buffer (22%) | BHD 8,780 | BHD 732 | BHD 169 |
How Much Salary Do You Need to Live in Manama?
Direct Answer: A single person needs a minimum net salary of BHD 1,013/month (approx. BHD 12,000 gross (100% tax-free)) to live comfortably in a private 1-bedroom apartment in Manama, covering all utilities, groceries, transit, and modest savings. Flatsharing or living outside the centre lowers the requirement to ~BHD 491/month net.
| Household Setup & Housing | Recommended Net Monthly | Estimated Total Expenses | Approx. Gross Salary / Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| University Student (Shared / Dorm)Shared room, local student transit pass, self-catered groceries | BHD 222 | BHD 185 | BHD 3,000 |
| Single (Shared Flat / Co-living)Private bedroom in shared apartment / flatshare | BHD 444 | BHD 355 | BHD 5,000 |
| Single (1-Bed Outside Centre)Suburban residential district, standard commuting distance | BHD 491 | BHD 393 | BHD 6,000 |
| Single (1-Bed City Centre)Prime downtown district, walk-to-work or rapid transit | BHD 1,013 | BHD 810 | BHD 12,000 |
| Couple (2 Adults, 1–2 Bed Flat)Dual income or single earner, shared living costs | BHD 1,503 | BHD 1,202 | BHD 18,000 |
| Family of Four (2 Adults + 2 Children)3-bedroom family home, schooling, family groceries | BHD 2,379 | BHD 1,903 | BHD 29,000 |
Is a Specific Salary Enough to Live in Manama?
Click on any annual gross salary benchmark below to inspect take-home pay (100% tax-free in Manama) and lifestyle suitability in Manama:
Is BHD 18.5k a Good Salary in Manama?
High purchasing power in Manama (~BHD 1,542/mo tax-free). Easily supports prime residential accommodation, comprehensive private health coverage, travel, and substantial savings.
Estimated Monthly Net: BHD 1,542
Single Essentials Total: BHD 810
Monthly Surplus: BHD 732
Affordability Rating
Upper Professional / High SavingsProvides ample financial buffer for rent, dining out, and regular savings in Manama.
| Annual Gross Benchmark | Take-Home / Mo (0% Tax) | Lifestyle Rating | Housing Mode | Target Household Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BHD 7,776 | BHD 648 | Tight for Solo / Ideal for Shared | Shared Flat / Suburbs | Student / Junior Entry |
| BHD 12,600 | BHD 1,050 | Manageable Entry Budget | Suburban 1-Bed Apartment | Early Career Solo |
| BHD 18,500 | BHD 1,542 | Upper Professional / High Savings | Prime 2-Bed Apartment | Senior Specialist / Couple |
| BHD 26,200 | BHD 2,183 | Senior Executive Leadership | Luxury Home / Prime Penthouse | Executive / Director |
| BHD 36,900 | BHD 3,075 | Established Family Tier | 3-Bed Family Home / Villa | Family of 3–4 |
| BHD 53,500 | BHD 4,458 | Senior Executive Leadership | Luxury Home / Prime Penthouse | Executive / Director |
Head-to-Head Comparison 2026 Verified Cost Benchmarks
Manama vs Lausanne Cost of Living Comparison
Executive Comparison Summary:
You would need around BHD 2,962 in Lausanne to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with BHD 810 in Manama (assuming you rent in both cities).
Cost of living in Manama is 51.5% cheaper than Lausanne Rent in Manama is 77% lower Groceries in Manama are 73.9% cheaper
Cost Index (NYC Base)
56.2 vs 115.8
51.5% Cheaper
1-Bed City Centre Rent
BHD 501.29
Lausanne: BHD 2,180.91
77% Cheaper
Monthly Groceries
BHD 98.88
Lausanne: BHD 378.74
73.9% Cheaper
Average Net Salary
BHD 836
Lausanne: BHD 874
4.3% Lower
| Category / Expense Item | Manama | Lausanne | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing & Rent | |||
| 1-Bedroom Apartment (City Centre) | BHD 501.29 | BHD 2,180.91 | -77% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside of Centre) | BHD 83.60 | BHD 91.20 | -8.3% |
| 3-Bedroom Apartment (City Centre) | BHD 902 | BHD 3,926 | -77% |
| Groceries & Food | |||
| Monthly Grocery Basket (Basic Essentials) | BHD 98.88 | BHD 378.74 | -73.9% |
| Restaurants & Dining Out | |||
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | BHD 5.03 | BHD 10.06 | -50% |
| Meal for 2 People (Mid-Range Restaurant, 3 Courses) | BHD 22.04 | BHD 43.95 | -49.9% |
| Transportation & Utilities | |||
| Monthly Public Transit Pass | BHD 30.05 | BHD 51.95 | -42.2% |
| Basic Utilities (Gas, Water, Electricity, Heating - 85m²) | BHD 60.54 | BHD 88.66 | -31.7% |
| Childcare & Apparel | |||
| Preschool / Kindergarten (Monthly Full Day) | BHD 331.74 | BHD 540.04 | -38.6% |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | BHD 16.70 | BHD 25.89 | -35.5% |
| Salaries & Purchasing Power | |||
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | BHD 836 | BHD 874 | -4.3% |
Itemized Cost of Living in Manama (Verified Prices)
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Housing & Rental BenchmarkAccommodation & Rent in Manama
Standard residential leases in Manama typically require a 1 to 2 month refundable security deposit. Rental rates vary significantly between prime central districts and residential suburban areas.
| Housing Type | Average Monthly Rent |
|---|---|
| 3-Bedroom Apartment (City Centre / Prime) | BHD 902 |
| 3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburban / Outside Centre) | BHD 134 |
| 2-Bedroom Apartment | BHD 677 |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment (City Centre) | BHD 501.29 |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Centre) | BHD 83.60 |
| Shared Room / Student Room (Co-housing) | BHD 46.00 |
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Local SupermarketsFood & Supermarket
| Item | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Loaf of Fresh Bread (500g) | BHD 1.06 |
| 12 Medium/Large Eggs | BHD 1.22 |
| 1 Liter Fresh Milk | BHD 0.31 |
| 1 kg White Rice | BHD 1.44 |
| 1 kg Local Cheese | BHD 3.68 |
| 1 kg Chicken Fillets | BHD 3.52 |
| 1 kg Apples | BHD 1.31 |
| 1.5L Mineral Water | BHD 0.63 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L / Bottle) | BHD 0.73 |
| Bottle of Mid-Range Wine | BHD 4.35 |
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Manama TransitPublic Transit & Travel
| Ticket / Option | Price |
|---|---|
| Monthly Public Transit Pass (Unlimited) | BHD 30.05 |
| Student / Youth Monthly Pass | BHD 15.03 / mo |
| Single Transit Ticket (One-way) | BHD 0.88 |
| 10-Journey / Multi-Trip Card | BHD 7.92 |
| Taxi Starting Tariff | BHD 1.13 |
| Taxi 1km Tariff | BHD 0.53 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter Unleaded) | BHD 0.30 |
| City Bike Share Membership | BHD 7.51 / mo |
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Local UtilitiesUtilities & Telecoms
| Utility Service | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic Utilities (Gas/Heating/Water/Electricity - 85m²) | BHD 60.54 |
| Fiber Internet (100+ Mbps Unlimited) | BHD 22.06 |
| Mobile Plan (20GB 5G / Unlimited Calls) | BHD 16.88 |
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Market AveragesDining Out & Leisure
| Activity / Item | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | BHD 5.03 |
| Meal for 2 People (Mid-Range Restaurant, 3 Courses) | BHD 22.04 |
| McDonald's Combo Meal (or Fast-Food Meal) | BHD 2.50 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter Draught) | BHD 1.81 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | BHD 4.53 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | BHD 1.44 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33L Bottle) | BHD 0.62 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter Restaurant) | BHD 0.25 |
| Monthly Fitness Club / Gym (1 Adult) | BHD 15.53 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release, 1 Seat) | BHD 3.86 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | BHD 7.57 |
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School BenchmarksChildcare & Education
| Level / Program | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten (Monthly per Child) | BHD 331.74 |
| International Primary School (Annual Tuition per Child) | BHD 6,244.95 / yr |
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Retail BenchmarksClothing & Shoes
| Apparel Item | Average Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | BHD 16.70 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, etc.) | BHD 14.31 |
| 1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | BHD 30.54 |
| 1 Pair of Men's Leather Business Shoes | BHD 39.12 |
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Financial BenchmarksSalaries & Financing
AVERAGE MONTHLY NET SALARY
BHD 836
100% tax-free take-home pay (no personal income tax or social security in UAE)
20-YEAR MORTGAGE INTEREST RATE
4.50%
Annual fixed interest rate for home loans
| Financial Indicator / Property Type | Benchmark Value |
|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (100% Tax-Free) | BHD 836 / mo |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed) | 4.50% |
| Price per Sq Metre / Sq Ft to Buy Apartment in City Centre | BHD 1,754.52 |
| Price per Sq Metre / Sq Ft to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | BHD 267.52 |
Tax & Net Pay Engine 2026 Fiscal Rates
Bahrain Take-Home Salary (100% Tax-Free)
In Manama (Bahrain), there is 0% personal income tax and 0% social security deduction on expat earnings. Your gross salary equals your net take-home salary.
Estimated City Net Benchmark:BHD 836 / mo
Single Person Living Baseline (Inc. Rent):BHD 810 / mo
Cost Comparison Peer Benchmarks
Related & Nearby Peer Cities
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Student Cost of Living in Manama
Key living considerations for students and academics residing in Manama (Bahrain).
- Monthly Budget: BHD 185 – BHD 222/month (shared room / student dorm baseline).
- Student Room / Partition: BHD 46.00/month on average.
- Public Transit: BHD 15.03/month .
- Food & Groceries: ~BHD 84.00/month with student cooking.
- Shared Utilities & Wi-Fi: ~BHD 40.00/month (pro-rated per student).
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Childcare & Education in Manama
Educational institutions and childcare availability across Manama.
- Preschool / Kindergarten: Full-day private nurseries average BHD 331.74/month.
- International Primary School: British, American, and IB curriculum schools average BHD 6,244.95/year.
- School Structure: Public and private institutions subject to local educational standards.
- Family Apartment (3-Bed): Average rent BHD 902/month in central residential areas.
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Bahrain Healthcare & Medical Access
Medical care, statutory health coverage, and private insurance norms in Manama.
- Doctor (GP) Visit: Standard consultation typically ~BHD 8.00.
- Health Insurance Mandate: Expat policies range ~BHD 25.00 to BHD 54.00/month.
- Prescription Medicine: Essential pharmaceuticals covered with 10%–20% copay under standard networks.
- Hospital Network: World-class medical centers including Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), and Burjeel.
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Relocation Setup & Living Tips in Manama
Upfront relocation costs and essential initial budgeting items:
- Rental Deposit & Cheques: Typically 1 to 2 months of base rent (approx. BHD 752).
- Registration & Agency Fees: Fast broadband ~BHD 22.06/month.
- Utility Connection (ADDC): Unlimited voice + 20GB+ data ~BHD 16.88/month.
- Initial Household Setup: Budget ~BHD 251 for furnishing basics and appliances.
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Expert Money-Saving Tips in Manama
1. Smart Supermarket Tiering Shop at local discount grocery chains and weekly open-air neighborhood produce markets for savings of 20–35% on fresh foods.
2. Monthly Transit Passes Opt for monthly or annual contactless public transportation passes over single pay-as-you-go tickets for maximum daily commuting value.
3. Energy Efficiency Monitor heating and air conditioning usage during seasonal extremes to keep residential utility charges predictable.
Frequently Asked Questions about Living in Manama
The estimated monthly cost of living in Manama for a single individual is approximately BHD 810 including a private 1-bedroom city centre apartment, groceries, utilities, high-speed internet, and local public transit. Excluding rent, baseline monthly living costs are approximately BHD 309.
To live comfortably as a single professional in Manama with a private 1-bedroom apartment, regular dining out, leisure activities, and savings, a recommended net monthly income of at least BHD 1,013 to BHD 1,215 is advised. Because the UAE levies 0% personal income tax and 0% social security deductions, your gross salary equals 100% of your take-home pay. For an expatriate family of four living in a 3-bedroom apartment with schooling, a household monthly income of BHD 2,379 to BHD 2,855 is recommended.
Average rent in Manama varies by location and unit size:
- 1-Bedroom Apartment (City Centre): BHD 501.29/mo
- 1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Centre): BHD 83.60/mo
- Shared Room / Flatshare: BHD 46.00/mo
- 3-Bedroom Family Apartment (City Centre): BHD 902/mo
- 3-Bedroom Family Apartment (Outside Centre): BHD 134/mo
Public transportation in Manama is accessible and economical. A regular monthly transit pass averages BHD 30.05, while single one-way tickets cost around BHD 0.88.
Monthly grocery costs in Manama average between BHD 98.88 for a single adult and approximately BHD 277 for a family of four. Shopping at local supermarkets and neighborhood markets helps optimize your budget.
No. The United Arab Emirates imposes 0% personal income tax on employment earnings and zero social security deductions for foreign expatriate residents. What your employer offers as gross remuneration is 100% your net take-home salary. There is a standard 5% Value Added Tax (VAT) applied to most consumer goods and dining, and a 3% municipality housing fee (minimum AED 450/year, Resolution No. 13 of 2016) incorporated into monthly Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC) utility bills for expatriate rented homes.
The primary monthly expenses are housing and rent (typically 35%–45% of total budget), groceries (18%–25%), basic utilities and broadband (8%–12%), transport (5%–8%), and dining & leisure activities (10%–15%).
Methodology, Sources & Editorial Verification
Cost of living benchmarks for Manama are compiled using official regulatory schedules, statutory municipal fees, public transit tariffs, and verified local expat expenditure surveys.
Data aggregated from municipal utilities, official transit operators, statistical agencies, and verified user submissions.
Reviewed by: Relocation & Expat Economics Editorial Team
Last Recalibrated: October 2026
Update Cycle: Monthly dynamic sampling
2026 Audit Changelog
- October 2026: Aligned Abu Dhabi municipality housing fee to statutory 3% ADDC rate (Resolution 13/2016). Removed single-person childcare default in calculator. Updated ITC Hafilat AED 80 pass & ADDC Green Slab cooling advice.
- September 2026: Standardized GCC cost-of-living index baseline (Abu Dhabi 58.2 vs Dubai 65.8). Integrated UAE Labour Law No. 33 of 2021 gratuity (EOSG) formulas.
- June 2026: Added 9-area neighbourhood rental breakdown (Al Reem, Saadiyat, Yas, Khalifa City, Masdar, MBZ, Al Raha, Corniche, Mussafah).