Cost Of Living in Bahrain 2025

cost of living chart - average monthly expenditure in Bahrain

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Bahrain

Whether you're living in Bahrain or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: BHD
110 1,400 14,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$280 $3,700 $37,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single

Currency: BHD
140 960 6,400
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$360 $2,600 $17,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple

Currency: BHD
540 1,600 8,600
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,400 $4,300 $23,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family

Currency: BHD
750 2,100 14,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,000 $5,700 $37,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student

Currency: BHD
110 690 4,600
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$280 $1,800 $12,000
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Bahrain is 960 BHD. Expenses can range from 140 BHD at the minimum level to 6,400 BHD at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Bahrain is 1,600 BHD. Expenditure can range from 540 BHD to 8,600 BHD per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Bahrain is 2,100 BHD per month. Families spend anywhere from 750 BHD to 14,000 BHD.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Bahrain is 690 BHD. Students spend from 110 BHD to 4,600 BHD per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.



Prices and cost of goods and services in Bahrain


Chart showing the prices and cost of grocery, food, restaurant meals, market, and beverages in Bahrain

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

1.5 BHD 3 BHD 5 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4 $8 $13

Restaurant meal for one

5 BHD 7.5 BHD 15 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $20 $40

Fine dining meal for one

10 BHD 15 BHD 60 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$27 $40 $160

Cappuccino or latte

1.3 BHD 2 BHD 3 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.3 $5.3 $8

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

1 BHD 1.2 BHD 1.5 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.7 $3.2 $4

12 eggs

0.75 BHD 1 BHD 1.5 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2 $2.7 $4

Fresh whole chicken

1.7 BHD 2.2 BHD 3.1 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.5 $5.9 $8.3

Pack of beef

2 BHD 3 BHD 6 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.3 $8 $16

Medium bag of rice

0.81 BHD 1.1 BHD 1.6 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.1 $2.9 $4.2

Bag of tomatos

0.30 BHD 0.40 BHD 0.75 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.80 $1.1 $2

Bag of apples

0.54 BHD 0.70 BHD 1.2 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.4 $1.9 $3.1
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in Bahrain

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

1.3 BHD 1.5 BHD 3 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.3 $4 $8

Average car full tank

7.5 BHD 10 BHD 20 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $27 $53

Average car 1-day rental

7.5 BHD 10 BHD 15 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $27 $40

Average car price

3,800 BHD 7,500 BHD 10,000 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$10,000 $20,000 $27,000

Bus ticket one way

0.25 BHD 0.38 BHD 0.75 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.66 $1.00 $2

Car Service

10 BHD 15 BHD 30 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$27 $40 $80
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas for a family in Bahrain

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual

8.2 BHD 58 BHD 390 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $150 $1,000

Utility Bill - Couple

21 BHD 72 BHD 470 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$57 $190 $1,300

Utility Bill - Family

37 BHD 110 BHD 700 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$100 $280 $1,900

Internet and cable

7.5 BHD 15 BHD 20 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $40 $53

Mobile phone charges

6 BHD 10 BHD 30 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $27 $80

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

3.8 BHD 5 BHD 7.5 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$10 $13 $20

One month gym membership

12 BHD 15 BHD 30 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$32 $40 $80
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Bahrain

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

8.8 BHD 13 BHD 19 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$23 $33 $50

Woman dress

8.3 BHD 12 BHD 38 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $31 $100

Woman shoes

7.9 BHD 11 BHD 25 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $28 $66

Men's shoes

6.8 BHD 8.3 BHD 17 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $22 $44

Men suit

7.5 BHD 9.4 BHD 50 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $25 $130

Regular t-shirt

3.8 BHD 5 BHD 15 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$10 $13 $40
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Bahrain

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

130 BHD 190 BHD 500 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$330 $500 $1,300

1-bedroom apartment

190 BHD 300 BHD 750 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$500 $800 $2,000

2-bedroom apartment

250 BHD 380 BHD 1,000 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$660 $1,000 $2,700

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

25,000 BHD 38,000 BHD 75,000 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$66,000 $100,000 $200,000

1-bedroom apartment

30,000 BHD 50,000 BHD 190,000 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$80,000 $130,000 $500,000

2-bedroom apartment

50,000 BHD 150,000 BHD 300,000 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130,000 $400,000 $800,000
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Bahrain

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

150 BHD 190 BHD 250 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$400 $500 $660

Double Bed

100 BHD 150 BHD 190 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$270 $400 $500

Single Bed

88 BHD 120 BHD 150 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$230 $310 $400

Living Room

170 BHD 210 BHD 750 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$440 $570 $2,000

Dining Table

75 BHD 100 BHD 190 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200 $270 $500

Sofa or Couch

100 BHD 140 BHD 300 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$270 $360 $800
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Bahrain

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

100 BHD 150 BHD 300 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$270 $400 $800

Fridge or Freezer

88 BHD 140 BHD 190 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$230 $360 $500

Washing Machine

120 BHD 170 BHD 300 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$310 $440 $800

Stove or Cooker

110 BHD 140 BHD 190 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$280 $360 $500

Mobile Phone

130 BHD 150 BHD 210 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$330 $400 $570

Laptop or Computer

140 BHD 170 BHD 300 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$360 $440 $800

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Bahrain

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.

Cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Bahrain

Spending to Income Ratio

83%

75% to 93%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%6%
50% - 60%11%
60% - 70%18%
70% - 80%26%
80% - 90%16%
90% - 100%9%
100% - 110%5%
110% - 120%3%
120% - 130%2%
130% - 140%2%
> 140%1%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Bahrain is 83% This means that on average, people spend around 83% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 18% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
75%
Spending-Income-Ratio
68%
84%

Couple
79%
Spending-Income-Ratio
71%
88%

Family
87%
Spending-Income-Ratio
79%
98%
Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses in Bahrain

How do people spend their money in Bahrain?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing Expenditure27%

27% of total expenses on average (16% to 35%)

LOW$85   32 BHD
AVERAGE$1,100   420 BHD
HIGH$11,000   4,200 BHD
Per Month

People living in Bahrain typically spend from 16% to 35% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 27% being the average. The average spend on housing is 420 BHD with expenditure ranging from 32 BHD to 4,200 BHD. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile6%

6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)

LOW$14   5.4 BHD
AVERAGE$190   70 BHD
HIGH$1,900   700 BHD
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Bahrain ranges from 3% to 10% of total expenses with 6% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 70 BHD with 5.4 BHD and 700 BHD being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$28   11 BHD
AVERAGE$370   140 BHD
HIGH$3,700   1,400 BHD
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 11 BHD to 1,400 BHD on commuting with 140 BHD being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 8% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 12%.

Food and Groceries Cost27%

27% of total expenses on average (19% to 33%)

LOW$71   27 BHD
AVERAGE$930   350 BHD
HIGH$9,300   3,500 BHD
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Bahrain is 350 BHD. The cost of groceries can range between 27 BHD to 3,500 BHD. People spend on average about 27% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 19% and 33% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services9%

9% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$20   7.5 BHD
AVERAGE$260   97 BHD
HIGH$2,600   970 BHD
Per Month

People in Bahrain allocate 4% to 12% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 9%. The range of medical expenses range from 7.5 BHD to 970 BHD with 97 BHD being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping6%

6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)

LOW$11   4.3 BHD
AVERAGE$150   56 BHD
HIGH$1,500   560 BHD
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 4.3 BHD to 560 BHD with 56 BHD being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 10% of total expenses with an average of 6% for most residents.

Education and Schooling6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$17   6.4 BHD
AVERAGE$220   84 BHD
HIGH$2,200   840 BHD
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 6% of the monthly expenditure with 4% and 12% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 84 BHD per month with 6.4 BHD being the minimum spent amount and 840 BHD being the maximum.

Other Expenses12%

12% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)

LOW$37   14 BHD
AVERAGE$480   180 BHD
HIGH$4,800   1,800 BHD
Per Month
Percentage of people who manage to save money from their income every month in Bahrain

How much money can you save in Bahrain every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.


What percentage of people in Bahrain manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
63%
Not Saving
37%

Almost 63% of the surveyed people in Bahrain said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 37% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Bahrain

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles72%28%
Couples67%33%
Families62%38%

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


Savings to income ratio in Bahrain

Saving to Income Ratio

10% 17% of income 30%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

43 BHD
$110
560 BHD
$1,500
5,600 BHD
$15,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 10% to 30% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 17% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 560 BHD on average with savings ranging from 43 BHD to 5,600 BHD.

72% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 67% of couples said the same. 62% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Bahrain?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

13% 21% of income 32%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

43 BHD
$110
390 BHD
$1,000
2,600 BHD
$6,800
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%31%
10% - 20%24%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%14%
40% - 50%11%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 13% to 32% of their monthly income to savings, with 21% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 390 BHD with 43 BHD and 2,600 BHD being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

11% 19% of income 31%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

210 BHD
$570
640 BHD
$1,700
3,400 BHD
$9,100
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%35%
10% - 20%26%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%9%
40% - 50%8%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 11% to 31% of their monthly income, with 19% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 640 BHD with 210 BHD and 3,400 BHD being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

9% 16% of income 28%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

300 BHD
$800
860 BHD
$2,300
5,600 BHD
$15,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%38%
10% - 20%29%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%6%
40% - 50%5%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Bahrain can save anywhere between 9% to 28% of their monthly income, with 16% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 860 BHD with 300 BHD and 5,600 BHD being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money in Bahrain

Saving Challenges in Bahrain

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Bahrain. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income6%
High Expenses9%
Debt and Loans18%
Lack of Budgeting Skills10%
Impulsive Spending9%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment7%
Will do it later17%
Inflation11%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability3%

Around 6% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 9% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 18% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 10% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 9% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 7% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 17% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 11% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Where do people choose to put their savings in Bahrain

Typical saving choices for people in Bahrain

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds11%
Gold10%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts11%
Cash Savings16%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks6%
Bonds6%
Mutual Funds3%
Certificates of Deposit3%
A typical and healthy budgeting structure. The 50-30-20 rule

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Income and cost of living compatibility. Is it affordable or economical to live in Bahrain

Affordable living in Bahrain

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Bahrain?


Yes
74%
No
26%

Around 74% of surveyed residents think that living in Bahrain is affordable with proper budgeting while 26% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

How easily is cost-cutting. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Bahrain

Low-cost alternatives in Bahrain

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options59%

Few low-cost options41%


Based on the survey, 59% of the people living in Bahrain have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 41% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents of Bahrain whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes69%

No31%


Based on the survey, 31% of the people living in Bahrain said that they don't have an emergency fund while 69% said that they do.

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning in Bahrain

Financial Literacy in Bahrain

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy69%


We asked residents of Bahrain whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 31% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 69% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether residents of Bahrain have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 35% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 65% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance35%

Easily manages finances65%

Financial goals and targets of people living in Bahrain

Financial goals of people in Bahrain

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Bahrain, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund7%
Debt Reduction33%
Retirement Savings8%
Education Funding8%
Homeownership17%
Investing9%
Travel or Lifestyle11%
Healthcare Expenses9%
Financial Independence8%

Around 7% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 33% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 8% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 8% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 17% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 9% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 11% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 9% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Bahrain

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Bahrain and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in Bahrain is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Bahrain:
AgeAmount
253,900 BHD
307,800 BHD
3514,000 BHD
4020,000 BHD
4529,000 BHD
5041,000 BHD
5549,000 BHD
6060,000 BHD
6572,000 BHD

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Bahrain about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions13%
Savings22%
Investments13%
Social Security8%
Annuities8%
Part-time Job10%
Real Estate17%
Dividends and Interest8%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Bahrain

77 BHD
$210
690 BHD
$1,800
4,600 BHD
$12,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Chart showing the percentage of people who are in debt in Bahrain

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Bahrain


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
30%
Debt Free
70%

According to the survey, 30% of the people in Bahrain have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 70% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Bahrain

Debt-to-income ratio in Bahrain

Debt to income ratio

28%

19% to 38%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 28% of the people's monthly income in Bahrain goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%12%
40% - 50%11%
30% - 40%13%
20% - 30%15%
10% - 20%18%
0% - 10%28%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Bahrain pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 12% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 11% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 13% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 15% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Bahrain

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage13%
Auto Loan22%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card25%
Personal Loan37%

13% of debtors in Bahrain confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 25% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 22% of people and personal loans rose at 37%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Bahrain.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Bahrain

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Bahrain how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never55%
Once a year22%
Twice a year11%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year4%
Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in Bahrain

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Bahrain

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Bahrain

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

130 BHD 190 BHD 500 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$330 $500 $1,300

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

190 BHD 300 BHD 750 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$500 $800 $2,000

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

250 BHD 380 BHD 1,000 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$660 $1,000 $2,700

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

300 BHD 500 BHD 1,400 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$800 $1,300 $3,600

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

600 BHD 1,500 BHD 3,000 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,600 $4,000 $8,000

Townhouse monthly rent cost

500 BHD 750 BHD 2,100 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,300 $2,000 $5,700

House monthly rent cost

600 BHD 1,500 BHD 3,000 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,600 $4,000 $8,000

Villa monthly rent cost

750 BHD 1,900 BHD 3,000 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,000 $5,000 $8,000

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Bahrain ranges between 130 BHD and 500 BHD, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 190 BHD to 750 BHD. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 250 BHD and 1,000 BHD per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 300 BHD to 1,400 BHD. The average rent of a townhouse in Bahrain is around 750 BHD while house rental costs can be as high as 1,500 BHD per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 750 BHD to 3,000 BHD per month.



Apartment and house prices in Bahrain

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

25,000 BHD 38,000 BHD 75,000 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$66,000 $100,000 $200,000

1-bedroom apartment price

30,000 BHD 50,000 BHD 190,000 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$80,000 $130,000 $500,000

2-bedroom apartment price

50,000 BHD 150,000 BHD 300,000 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130,000 $400,000 $800,000

3-bedroom apartment price

170,000 BHD 250,000 BHD 750,000 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$440,000 $660,000 $2M

Townhouse price

210,000 BHD 500,000 BHD 1.9M BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$570,000 $1.3M $5M

House price

250,000 BHD 1.5M BHD 2.1M BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$660,000 $4M $5.7M

Villa price

300,000 BHD 1.7M BHD 2.5M BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$800,000 $4.4M $6.6M

The average price of a studio apartment in Bahrain can range from 25,000 BHD to 75,000 BHD depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 30,000 BHD to 190,000 BHD. A villa can cost you 1.7M BHD on average with prices ranging from 300,000 BHD to 2.5M BHD.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Bahrain will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


40 x117 monthly income 210
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Bahrain can be x117 to x210 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x117 multiples of the average monthly salary in Bahrain.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


22% 32% of income 42%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Bahrain is around 32%. This means that people pay 32% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 22% to 42% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
30%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2.2%
AVERAGE
3.2%
TO
4.2%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


2.1 BHD 28 BHD 280 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Bahrain

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Bahrain

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Individual

8.2 BHD 58 BHD 390 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $150 $1,000

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple

21 BHD 72 BHD 470 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$57 $190 $1,300

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family

37 BHD 110 BHD 700 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$100 $280 $1,900

Internet and cable cost

7.5 BHD 15 BHD 20 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $40 $53

Mobile phone bill and charges

6 BHD 10 BHD 30 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $27 $80

Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.


The average monthly expenditure for individuals on electricty, water, and gas in Bahrain ranges between 8.2 BHD and 390 BHD with average being 58 BHD, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 72 BHD with 21 BHD and 470 BHD being the upper and lower limits respectively. As expected, the energy and water consumption of families is the highest among the three groups with an average of 110 BHD. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and ranges from 7.5 BHD to 20 BHD with 15 BHD being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 10 BHD but can range between 6 BHD and 30 BHD depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.


Energy / Utility expense to income ratio


( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100


2% 5% of income 9%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in Bahrain is around 5%. This means that people pay 5% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 2% to 9% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Bahrain

Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Bahrain

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

1.5 BHD 3 BHD 5 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4 $8 $13

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Bahrain is approximatly 3 BHD with meal cost ranging from 1.5 BHD to 5 BHD. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

5 BHD 7.5 BHD 15 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $20 $40

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 5 BHD and 15 BHD with 7.5 BHD being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Bahrain.

Fine dining meal for one price

10 BHD 15 BHD 60 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$27 $40 $160

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 10 BHD to 60 BHD with the average cost being 15 BHD for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Bahrain.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

1.3 BHD 2 BHD 3 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.3 $5.3 $8

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Bahrain is around 2 BHD. Price ranges between 1.3 BHD and 3 BHD depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

1 BHD 1.2 BHD 1.5 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.7 $3.2 $4

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Bahrain is 1.2 BHD. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 1.5 BHD and the minimum being 1 BHD depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

0.75 BHD 1 BHD 1.5 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2 $2.7 $4

A dozen eggs costs around 1 BHD on average with 0.75 BHD and 1.5 BHD being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

1.7 BHD 2.2 BHD 3.1 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.5 $5.9 $8.3

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Bahrain is between 1.7 BHD and 3.1 BHD depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 2.2 BHD.

Pack of beef price

2 BHD 3 BHD 6 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.3 $8 $16

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 3 BHD. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

0.81 BHD 1.1 BHD 1.6 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.1 $2.9 $4.2

A bag of rice in Bahrain costs around 1.1 BHD on average with prices rangeing between 0.81 BHD and 1.6 BHD depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

0.30 BHD 0.40 BHD 0.75 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.80 $1.1 $2

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 0.30 BHD to 0.75 BHD. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

0.54 BHD 0.70 BHD 1.2 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.4 $1.9 $3.1

A bag of apples costs 0.70 BHD on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.


Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio


( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100


18% 26% of income 32%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Bahrain is around 26%. This means that people spend 26% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 18% to 32% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for every population group

A single person living alone spends approximately 150 BHD per month on grocery and food with expenditure fluctuating between 22 BHD and 1,000 BHD depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 220 BHD per month. That number can be get as low as 75 BHD or a high as 1,200 BHD. Families' spending on grocery ranges from 130 BHD to 2,500 BHD with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.


Single
Spending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Bahrain

Housing cost for a single person33%

33% of total expenses on average (21% to 45%)

LOW$130   49 BHD
AVERAGE$920   350 BHD
HIGH$6,200   2,300 BHD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile7%

7% of total expenses on average (3% to 12%)

LOW$22   8.2 BHD
AVERAGE$150   58 BHD
HIGH$1,000   390 BHD
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$29   11 BHD
AVERAGE$210   77 BHD
HIGH$1,400   510 BHD
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 23%)

LOW$58   22 BHD
AVERAGE$410   150 BHD
HIGH$2,700   1,000 BHD
Per Month

Healthcare Cost11%

11% of total expenses on average (5% to 15%)

LOW$33   12 BHD
AVERAGE$230   87 BHD
HIGH$1,500   580 BHD
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Expenditure4%

4% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)

LOW$18   6.9 BHD
AVERAGE$130   48 BHD
HIGH$850   320 BHD
Per Month

Education Cost2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$7.3   2.7 BHD
AVERAGE$51   19 BHD
HIGH$340   130 BHD
Per Month

Other Expenses20%

20% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$66   25 BHD
AVERAGE$460   170 BHD
HIGH$3,100   1,200 BHD
Per Month


Couple
Average monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Bahrain

Housing cost for a couple30%

30% of total expenses on average (23% to 40%)

LOW$480   180 BHD
AVERAGE$1,500   550 BHD
HIGH$7,700   2,900 BHD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$57   21 BHD
AVERAGE$190   72 BHD
HIGH$1,300   470 BHD
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost10%

10% of total expenses on average (4% to 15%)

LOW$170   64 BHD
AVERAGE$510   190 BHD
HIGH$2,700   1,000 BHD
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost16%

16% of total expenses on average (11% to 21%)

LOW$200   75 BHD
AVERAGE$600   220 BHD
HIGH$3,200   1,200 BHD
Per Month

Healthcare Cost13%

13% of total expenses on average (7% to 17%)

LOW$160   59 BHD
AVERAGE$470   180 BHD
HIGH$2,500   940 BHD
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost5%

5% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$85   32 BHD
AVERAGE$260   96 BHD
HIGH$1,400   510 BHD
Per Month

Education Cost2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$28   11 BHD
AVERAGE$85   32 BHD
HIGH$460   170 BHD
Per Month

Other Expenses19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)

LOW$240   91 BHD
AVERAGE$730   270 BHD
HIGH$3,900   1,500 BHD
Per Month


Family
Average monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Bahrain

Housing cost for a family29%

29% of total expenses on average (24% to 39%)

LOW$640   240 BHD
AVERAGE$1,800   690 BHD
HIGH$12,000   4,500 BHD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$100   37 BHD
AVERAGE$280   110 BHD
HIGH$1,900   700 BHD
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Expenses6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 8%)

LOW$200   75 BHD
AVERAGE$570   210 BHD
HIGH$3,700   1,400 BHD
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost20%

20% of total expenses on average (13% to 26%)

LOW$360   130 BHD
AVERAGE$1,000   390 BHD
HIGH$6,700   2,500 BHD
Per Month

Healthcare Expenses10%

10% of total expenses on average (6% to 15%)

LOW$180   67 BHD
AVERAGE$570   210 BHD
HIGH$3,000   1,100 BHD
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$100   37 BHD
AVERAGE$280   110 BHD
HIGH$1,900   700 BHD
Per Month

Education Cost14%

14% of total expenses on average (7% to 22%)

LOW$280   100 BHD
AVERAGE$800   300 BHD
HIGH$5,200   1,900 BHD
Per Month

Other Expenses14%

14% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)

LOW$160   60 BHD
AVERAGE$460   170 BHD
HIGH$3,000   1,100 BHD
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in Bahrain

Housing costs for Student21%

21% of total expenses on average (16% to 27%)

LOW$68   26 BHD
AVERAGE$440   170 BHD
HIGH$3,000   1,100 BHD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, and Mobile Expenses5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 9%)

LOW$11   4.3 BHD
AVERAGE$74   28 BHD
HIGH$490   190 BHD
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost5%

5% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$20   7.5 BHD
AVERAGE$130   49 BHD
HIGH$860   320 BHD
Per Month

Food and Groceries Expenditure22%

22% of total expenses on average (16% to 26%)

LOW$57   21 BHD
AVERAGE$370   140 BHD
HIGH$2,500   930 BHD
Per Month

Healthcare Cost8%

8% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$17   6.4 BHD
AVERAGE$110   42 BHD
HIGH$740   280 BHD
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$14   5.4 BHD
AVERAGE$92   35 BHD
HIGH$620   230 BHD
Per Month

Education Cost19%

19% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$54   20 BHD
AVERAGE$350   130 BHD
HIGH$2,300   880 BHD
Per Month

Other Expenses17%

17% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)

LOW$43   16 BHD
AVERAGE$280   100 BHD
HIGH$1,800   690 BHD
Per Month
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