Cost Of Living in Bahrain 2024

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

1,400 BHD

per month
$3,700

110 BHD   $280
$37,000   14,000 BHD

Single

960 BHD

per month
$2,600

320 BHD   $850
$17,000   6,400 BHD

Couple

1,600 BHD

per month
$4,300

540 BHD   $1,400
$23,000   8,600 BHD

Family

2,100 BHD

per month
$5,700

750 BHD   $2,000
$31,000   12,000 BHD

Student

680 BHD

per month
$1,800

270 BHD   $720
$3,200   1,200 BHD
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 320 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 12,000 BHD.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Bahrain is 680 BHD. Students spend from 270 BHD to 1,200 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


Dining, food, and beverages costs


Large bottle of water
0.18 BHD 0.20 BHD 0.23 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.47 $0.53 $0.61
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
Soda or Soft Drink
0.21 BHD 0.25 BHD 0.30 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.57 $0.66 $0.80
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
Loaf of bread
0.18 BHD 0.21 BHD 0.24 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.48 $0.55 $0.63
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
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb
2 BHD 3 BHD 6 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.3 $8 $16
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb
0.81 BHD 1.1 BHD 1.6 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.1 $2.9 $4.2
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb
0.30 BHD 0.40 BHD 0.75 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.80 $1.1 $2
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb
0.54 BHD 0.70 BHD 1.2 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.4 $1.9 $3.1

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

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual
19 BHD 58 BHD 390 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$51 $150 $1,000
Utility Bill - Couple
27 BHD 80 BHD 430 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$71 $210 $1,100
Utility Bill - Family
22 BHD 64 BHD 350 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$60 $170 $940
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

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

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

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

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.


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%

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, Water6%

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

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.


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

130 BHD
$340
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 130 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
4,700 BHD
$13,000
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 4,700 BHD being the minimum and maximum respectively.

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.

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.

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 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 asked the 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 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.

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 societal expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

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%

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

230 BHD
$620
690 BHD
$1,800
4,600 BHD
$12,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

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.


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 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
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
3-bedroom apartment
300 BHD 500 BHD 1,400 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$800 $1,300 $3,600
Furnished apartment
600 BHD 1,500 BHD 3,000 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,600 $4,000 $8,000
Townhouse
500 BHD 750 BHD 2,100 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,300 $2,000 $5,700
House
600 BHD 1,500 BHD 3,000 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,600 $4,000 $8,000
Villa
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
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
3-bedroom apartment
170,000 BHD 250,000 BHD 750,000 BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$440,000 $660,000 $2M
Townhouse
210,000 BHD 500,000 BHD 1.9M BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$570,000 $1.3M $5M
House
250,000 BHD 1.5M BHD 2.1M BHD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$660,000 $4M $5.7M
Villa
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.


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

Housing33%

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

LOW$310   120 BHD
AVERAGE$920   350 BHD
HIGH$6,200   2,300 BHD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

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

LOW$51   19 BHD
AVERAGE$150   58 BHD
HIGH$1,000   390 BHD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel6%

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

LOW$68   26 BHD
AVERAGE$210   77 BHD
HIGH$1,400   510 BHD
Per Month

Food and Groceries18%

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

LOW$140   51 BHD
AVERAGE$410   150 BHD
HIGH$2,700   1,000 BHD
Per Month

Healthcare11%

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

LOW$77   29 BHD
AVERAGE$230   87 BHD
HIGH$1,500   580 BHD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

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

LOW$43   16 BHD
AVERAGE$130   48 BHD
HIGH$850   320 BHD
Per Month

Education2%

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

LOW$17   6.4 BHD
AVERAGE$51   19 BHD
HIGH$340   130 BHD
Per Month

Other Expenses20%

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

LOW$150   58 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

Housing30%

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

LOW$470   180 BHD
AVERAGE$1,400   530 BHD
HIGH$7,500   2,800 BHD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water6%

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

LOW$71   27 BHD
AVERAGE$210   80 BHD
HIGH$1,100   430 BHD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel10%

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 Groceries16%

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

Healthcare13%

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, Shopping5%

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

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

Education2%

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

Housing29%

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

LOW$640   240 BHD
AVERAGE$1,800   690 BHD
HIGH$10,000   3,800 BHD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel6%

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

LOW$160   60 BHD
AVERAGE$460   170 BHD
HIGH$2,500   940 BHD
Per Month

Food and Groceries20%

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

LOW$360   130 BHD
AVERAGE$1,000   390 BHD
HIGH$5,600   2,100 BHD
Per Month

Healthcare10%

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

LOW$160   60 BHD
AVERAGE$460   170 BHD
HIGH$2,500   940 BHD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

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

LOW$100   37 BHD
AVERAGE$280   110 BHD
HIGH$1,600   590 BHD
Per Month

Education14%

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

LOW$280   100 BHD
AVERAGE$800   300 BHD
HIGH$4,400   1,600 BHD
Per Month

Other Expenses14%

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

LOW$240   90 BHD
AVERAGE$680   260 BHD
HIGH$3,800   1,400 BHD
Per Month


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

Housing21%

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

LOW$170   65 BHD
AVERAGE$430   160 BHD
HIGH$780   290 BHD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water5%

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

LOW$29   11 BHD
AVERAGE$72   27 BHD
HIGH$130   49 BHD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel5%

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

LOW$50   19 BHD
AVERAGE$130   47 BHD
HIGH$230   85 BHD
Per Month

Food and Groceries22%

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

LOW$140   54 BHD
AVERAGE$360   140 BHD
HIGH$650   240 BHD
Per Month

Healthcare8%

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

LOW$43   16 BHD
AVERAGE$110   41 BHD
HIGH$190   73 BHD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

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

LOW$36   14 BHD
AVERAGE$90   34 BHD
HIGH$160   61 BHD
Per Month

Education19%

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

LOW$140   51 BHD
AVERAGE$340   130 BHD
HIGH$610   230 BHD
Per Month

Other Expenses17%

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

LOW$110   41 BHD
AVERAGE$270   100 BHD
HIGH$480   180 BHD
Per Month
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