Cost of Living in Manama, Bahrain
Bahrain · Asia
$2,100
Monthly Cost
avg/person
62
Cost Index
NYC=100
58
Rent Index
NYC=100
72
Quality of Life
Good
80
Safety Index
Excellent
0.15M
Population
BHD
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $8 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $35 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $7 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $5 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $6 |
| Cappuccino | $4 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $1.5 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.7 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1.2 |
| Bread (500g) | $1 |
| Rice (1kg) | $1.5 |
| Eggs (12) | $2.5 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $5 |
| Beef (1kg) | $12 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Banana (1kg) | $1.2 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $1.5 |
| Potato (1kg) | $1 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.5 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.5 |
| Monthly Pass | $25 |
| Taxi 1km | $1 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $0.35 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $32000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $25000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $120 |
| Mobile Plan | $30 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $50 |
| Fitness Club/month | $70 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $1,000/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $650/mo |
| 3BR Center | $2,200/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $1,400/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $3,500/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $2,200/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $2800 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 4.5% |
View Cost of Living in Bahrain
Cost of Living in Manama — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Manama, Bahrain is approximately $2,100 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Manama has a cost index of 62, making it around 38% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Manama costs around $650/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $1,000/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $2,200/month. The rent index is 58 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Manama scores 72/100 on the quality of life index and 80/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 74/100. The climate index is 46/100. 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 Manama is approximately $2,800/month. With a purchasing power index of 78/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is BHD, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Manama
The average monthly salary in Manama is approximately $2,800. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $2,100, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 78/100.
Healthcare Costs in Manama
Healthcare quality in Manama is rated 74/100. 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 Manama
Manama has a quality of life score of 72/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Manama
Students living in Manama 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 Manama
Expats moving to Manama 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 Manama, Bahrain is approximately $2,100 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 62 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Manama
Living in Manama offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 62 and a quality of life score of 72/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $2,800 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Manama provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Bahrain and around the world.
Key Facts About Manama
- Average Monthly Cost: $2,100
- Cost Index: 62
- Rent Index: 58
- Average Salary: $2,800
- Quality of Life: 72/100
- Safety Score: 80/100
- Country: Bahrain
- Currency: BHD
Is Manama Expensive?
Manama has a cost index of 62 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Manama compare to other cities?
Manama is located in Asia with a population of approximately 0.15M. At a cost index of 62 (NYC = 100), it is a moderately affordable city, offering good value compared to most Western cities. Use the free comparison tool to see how Manama stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Manama?
The average cost of living in Manama, Bahrain is approximately $2,100 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 62 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Manama?
Rent in Manama varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 58 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Manama alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Manama expensive to live in?
Manama has a cost index of 62 compared to New York City (100). At 62, Manama is moderately priced and more affordable than most Western cities. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $2,100.
What is the quality of life in Manama?
Manama has a quality of life index of 72/100 and a safety index of 80/100. The city is located in Asia and offers a good quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Manama compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Manama with any city worldwide. Manama's cost index is 62 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Manama?
Many residents live comfortably in Manama with a monthly budget of around $2,100 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Manama good for expats?
Manama is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Manama?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $2,100 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Manama.
Is Manama cheaper than New York?
Yes, Manama has a cost index of 62 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Manama?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Manama.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Manama
Cheapest Ways to Live in Manama
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Manama typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $650/month compared to $1,000/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 Manama, Bahrain.
Is Manama Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 78/100 and a quality of life score of 72/100, Manama is considered a highly desirable relocation destination with strong infrastructure and services. Combined with a cost index of 62 relative to New York City, Manama remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Bahrain has to offer against other destinations in Asia.
Manama Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Manama", "Manama monthly expenses 2026", and "is Manama affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $2,100, a safety score of 80/100, and healthcare rated 74/100, Manama offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Bahrain.
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Last reviewed: 7/4/2026