Cost of Living in Beirut, Lebanon
Lebanon · Asia
$1,200
Monthly Cost
avg/person
45
Cost Index
NYC=100
40
Rent Index
NYC=100
48
Quality of Life
Below Average
30
Safety Index
Poor
2.4M
Population
LBP
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $7 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $28 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $7 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $3 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $5 |
| Cappuccino | $3.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $1.5 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.7 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1.5 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.8 |
| Rice (1kg) | $1.5 |
| Eggs (12) | $3 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $5 |
| Beef (1kg) | $10 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2 |
| Banana (1kg) | $1.2 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $1.5 |
| Potato (1kg) | $1 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.6 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.5 |
| Monthly Pass | $20 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.8 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.3 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $28000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $22000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $120 |
| Mobile Plan | $18 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $40 |
| Fitness Club/month | $45 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $750/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $500/mo |
| 3BR Center | $1,700/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $1,000/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $3,000/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $1,800/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $600 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 8% |
View Cost of Living in Lebanon
Cost of Living in Beirut — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Beirut, Lebanon is approximately $1,200 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Beirut has a cost index of 45, making it around 55% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Beirut costs around $500/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $750/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $1,700/month. The rent index is 40 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Beirut scores 48/100 on the quality of life index and 30/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 55/100. The climate index is 78/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Beirut is approximately $600/month. With a purchasing power index of 35/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is LBP, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Beirut
The average monthly salary in Beirut is approximately $600. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $1,200, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 35/100.
Healthcare Costs in Beirut
Healthcare quality in Beirut is rated 55/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Beirut
Beirut has a quality of life score of 48/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Beirut
Students living in Beirut should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Beirut
Expats moving to Beirut often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Beirut, Lebanon is approximately $1,200 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 45 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Beirut
Living in Beirut offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 45 and a quality of life score of 48/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $600 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Beirut provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Lebanon and around the world.
Key Facts About Beirut
- Average Monthly Cost: $1,200
- Cost Index: 45
- Rent Index: 40
- Average Salary: $600
- Quality of Life: 48/100
- Safety Score: 30/100
- Country: Lebanon
- Currency: LBP
Is Beirut Expensive?
Beirut has a cost index of 45 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Beirut compare to other cities?
Beirut is located in Asia with a population of approximately 2.4M. At a cost index of 45 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Beirut stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Beirut?
The average cost of living in Beirut, Lebanon is approximately $1,200 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 45 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Beirut?
Rent in Beirut varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 40 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Beirut alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Beirut expensive to live in?
Beirut has a cost index of 45 compared to New York City (100). At 45, Beirut is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $1,200.
What is the quality of life in Beirut?
Beirut has a quality of life index of 48/100 and a safety index of 30/100. The city is located in Asia and offers a below average quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Beirut compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Beirut with any city worldwide. Beirut's cost index is 45 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Beirut?
Many residents live comfortably in Beirut with a monthly budget of around $1,200 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Beirut good for expats?
Beirut is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Beirut?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $1,200 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Beirut.
Is Beirut cheaper than New York?
Yes, Beirut has a cost index of 45 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Beirut?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Beirut.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Beirut
Cheapest Ways to Live in Beirut
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Beirut typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $500/month compared to $750/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Beirut, Lebanon.
Is Beirut Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 35/100 and a quality of life score of 48/100, Beirut is a budget-friendly option, though residents should weigh lifestyle trade-offs carefully. Combined with a cost index of 45 relative to New York City, Beirut remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Lebanon has to offer against other destinations in Asia.
Beirut Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Beirut", "Beirut monthly expenses 2026", and "is Beirut affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $1,200, a safety score of 30/100, and healthcare rated 55/100, Beirut offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Lebanon.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026