Cost Of Living in Lebanon 2024

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

Whether you're living in Lebanon 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 USD

per month

110 USD
14,000 USD

Single

960 USD

per month

320 USD
6,400 USD

Couple

1,600 USD

per month

530 USD
8,500 USD

Family

2,100 USD

per month

750 USD
12,000 USD

Student

650 USD

per month

260 USD
1,200 USD
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Lebanon is 960 USD. Expenses can range from 320 USD at the minimum level to 6,400 USD at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Lebanon is 1,600 USD. Expenditure can range from 530 USD to 8,500 USD per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Lebanon is 2,100 USD per month. Families spend anywhere from 750 USD to 12,000 USD.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Lebanon is 650 USD. Students spend from 260 USD to 1,200 USD 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 Lebanon


Dining, food, and beverages costs


Large bottle of water
0.17 USD 0.19 USD 0.22 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Fast food combo meal
1.5 USD 2.9 USD 4.8 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Restaurant meal for one
4.8 USD 7.3 USD 15 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Fine dining meal for one
9.7 USD 15 USD 58 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Soda or Soft Drink
0.21 USD 0.24 USD 0.29 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Cappuccino or latte
1.2 USD 1.9 USD 2.9 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle
0.97 USD 1.2 USD 1.5 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Loaf of bread
0.18 USD 0.20 USD 0.23 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
12 eggs
0.73 USD 0.97 USD 1.5 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Fresh whole chicken
1.7 USD 2.1 USD 3 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb
1.9 USD 2.9 USD 5.8 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb
0.78 USD 1.1 USD 1.5 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb
0.29 USD 0.39 USD 0.73 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb
0.52 USD 0.68 USD 1.1 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride
1.2 USD 1.5 USD 2.9 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Average car full tank
7.3 USD 9.7 USD 19 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Average car 1-day rental
7.3 USD 9.7 USD 15 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Average car price
3,600 USD 7,300 USD 9,700 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Bus ticket one way
0.24 USD 0.36 USD 0.73 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Car Service
9.7 USD 15 USD 29 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual
19 USD 58 USD 380 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Utility Bill - Couple
27 USD 80 USD 430 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Utility Bill - Family
22 USD 64 USD 350 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Internet and cable
7.3 USD 15 USD 19 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Mobile phone charges
5.8 USD 9.7 USD 29 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket
3.6 USD 4.8 USD 7.3 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
One month gym membership
12 USD 15 USD 29 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants
8.5 USD 12 USD 18 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Woman dress
8.1 USD 11 USD 36 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Woman shoes
7.6 USD 10 USD 24 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Men's shoes
6.6 USD 8.1 USD 16 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Men suit
7.3 USD 9.1 USD 48 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Regular t-shirt
3.6 USD 4.8 USD 15 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment
120 USD 180 USD 480 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
1-bedroom apartment
180 USD 290 USD 730 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
2-bedroom apartment
240 USD 360 USD 970 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment
24,000 USD 36,000 USD 73,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
1-bedroom apartment
29,000 USD 48,000 USD 180,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
2-bedroom apartment
48,000 USD 150,000 USD 290,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed
150 USD 180 USD 240 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Double Bed
97 USD 150 USD 180 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Single Bed
85 USD 110 USD 150 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Living Room
160 USD 210 USD 730 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Dining Table
73 USD 97 USD 180 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Sofa or Couch
97 USD 130 USD 290 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set
97 USD 150 USD 290 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Fridge or Freezer
85 USD 130 USD 180 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Washing Machine
110 USD 160 USD 290 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Stove or Cooker
100 USD 130 USD 180 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Mobile Phone
120 USD 150 USD 210 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Laptop or Computer
130 USD 160 USD 290 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Lebanon

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%12%
60% - 70%18%
70% - 80%26%
80% - 90%15%
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 Lebanon 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 Lebanon?

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%)

LOW32 USD
AVERAGE420 USD
HIGH4,200 USD
Per Month

People living in Lebanon 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 USD with expenditure ranging from 32 USD to 4,200 USD. 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%)

LOW5.3 USD
AVERAGE69 USD
HIGH690 USD
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Lebanon ranges from 3% to 10% of total expenses with 6% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 69 USD with 5.3 USD and 690 USD being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute8%

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

LOW11 USD
AVERAGE140 USD
HIGH1,400 USD
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 USD to 1,400 USD on commuting with 140 USD 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%)

LOW27 USD
AVERAGE350 USD
HIGH3,500 USD
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Lebanon is 350 USD. The cost of groceries can range between 27 USD to 3,500 USD. 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%)

LOW7.5 USD
AVERAGE97 USD
HIGH970 USD
Per Month

People in Lebanon 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 USD to 970 USD with 97 USD being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping6%

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

LOW4.3 USD
AVERAGE56 USD
HIGH560 USD
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 USD to 560 USD with 56 USD 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%)

LOW6.4 USD
AVERAGE83 USD
HIGH830 USD
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 83 USD per month with 6.4 USD being the minimum spent amount and 830 USD being the maximum.

Other Expenses12%

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

LOW14 USD
AVERAGE180 USD
HIGH1,800 USD
Per Month

How much money can you save in Lebanon 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 Lebanon manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
60%
Not Saving
40%

Almost 60% of the surveyed people in Lebanon said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 40% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Lebanon

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles66%34%
Couples61%39%
Families56%44%

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

12% 21% of income 32%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

38 USD 500 USD 5,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 12% to 32% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 21% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 500 USD on average with savings ranging from 38 USD to 5,000 USD.

66% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 61% of couples said the same. 56% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Lebanon?

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

15% 25% of income 34%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

110 USD 340 USD 2,300 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%28%
10% - 20%22%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%17%
40% - 50%13%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 15% to 34% of their monthly income to savings, with 25% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 340 USD with 110 USD and 2,300 USD being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

13% 23% of income 33%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

190 USD 570 USD 3,100 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%32%
10% - 20%24%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%12%
40% - 50%10%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 13% to 33% of their monthly income, with 23% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 570 USD with 190 USD and 3,100 USD being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

12% 19% of income 30%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

270 USD 770 USD 4,200 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%35%
10% - 20%27%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%9%
40% - 50%7%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Lebanon can save anywhere between 12% to 30% of their monthly income, with 19% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 770 USD with 270 USD and 4,200 USD 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 Lebanon

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Lebanon?


Yes
64%
No
36%

Around 64% of surveyed residents think that living in Lebanon is affordable with proper budgeting while 36% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Lebanon

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 options57%

Few low-cost options43%


Based on the survey, 57% of the people living in Lebanon have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 43% 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 Lebanon whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes61%

No39%


Based on the survey, 39% of the people living in Lebanon said that they don't have an emergency fund while 61% said that they do.

Financial Literacy in Lebanon

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 Leteracy59%


We asked residents of Lebanon whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 41% 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 59% 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 Lebanon have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so asked the people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 40% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 60% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance40%

Easily manages finances60%

Financial goals of people in Lebanon

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Lebanon, 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 Reduction32%
Retirement Savings7%
Education Funding8%
Homeownership17%
Investing9%
Travel or Lifestyle11%
Healthcare Expenses9%
Financial Independence9%

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 32% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 7% 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 Lebanon

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Lebanon. 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%
Inflation10%
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. 10% 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 Lebanon

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 Lebanon

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

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in Lebanon 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 Lebanon:
AgeAmount
253,800 USD
307,600 USD
3513,000 USD
4019,000 USD
4528,000 USD
5040,000 USD
5547,000 USD
6059,000 USD
6570,000 USD

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Lebanon 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 Lebanon

230 USD 700 USD 4,700 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Lebanon


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
30%
Debt Free
70%

According to the survey, 30% of the people in Lebanon 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 Lebanon

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 Lebanon goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%11%
40% - 50%11%
30% - 40%13%
20% - 30%15%
10% - 20%19%
0% - 10%28%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Lebanon pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 11% 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 Lebanon

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage13%
Auto Loan23%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card25%
Personal Loan36%

13% of debtors in Lebanon 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 23% of people and personal loans rose at 36%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Lebanon.


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 Lebanon

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Lebanon 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 Lebanon

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


Rent Cost in Lebanon

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment
120 USD 180 USD 480 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
1-bedroom apartment
180 USD 290 USD 730 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
2-bedroom apartment
240 USD 360 USD 970 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
3-bedroom apartment
290 USD 480 USD 1,300 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Furnished apartment
580 USD 1,500 USD 2,900 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Townhouse
480 USD 730 USD 2,100 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
House
580 USD 1,500 USD 2,900 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Villa
730 USD 1,800 USD 2,900 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Lebanon ranges between 120 USD and 480 USD, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 180 USD to 730 USD. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 240 USD and 970 USD per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 290 USD to 1,300 USD. The average rent of a townhouse in Lebanon is around 730 USD while house rental costs can be as high as 1,500 USD per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 730 USD to 2,900 USD per month.



Apartment and house prices in Lebanon

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment
24,000 USD 36,000 USD 73,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
1-bedroom apartment
29,000 USD 48,000 USD 180,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
2-bedroom apartment
48,000 USD 150,000 USD 290,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
3-bedroom apartment
160,000 USD 240,000 USD 730,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Townhouse
210,000 USD 480,000 USD 1.8M USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
House
240,000 USD 1.5M USD 2.1M USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Villa
290,000 USD 1.6M USD 2.4M USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average price of a studio apartment in Lebanon can range from 24,000 USD to 73,000 USD depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 29,000 USD to 180,000 USD. A villa can cost you 1.6M USD on average with prices ranging from 290,000 USD to 2.4M USD.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Lebanon 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


41 x120 monthly income 212
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Lebanon can be x120 to x212 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x120 multiples of the average monthly salary in Lebanon.



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 Lebanon 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 USD 28 USD 280 USD
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 Lebanon

Housing33%

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

LOW120 USD
AVERAGE350 USD
HIGH2,300 USD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

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

LOW19 USD
AVERAGE58 USD
HIGH380 USD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel6%

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

LOW26 USD
AVERAGE77 USD
HIGH510 USD
Per Month

Food and Groceries18%

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

LOW51 USD
AVERAGE150 USD
HIGH1,000 USD
Per Month

Healthcare11%

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

LOW29 USD
AVERAGE87 USD
HIGH580 USD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

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

LOW16 USD
AVERAGE48 USD
HIGH320 USD
Per Month

Education2%

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

LOW6.4 USD
AVERAGE19 USD
HIGH130 USD
Per Month

Other Expenses20%

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

LOW58 USD
AVERAGE170 USD
HIGH1,200 USD
Per Month


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

Housing30%

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

LOW180 USD
AVERAGE530 USD
HIGH2,800 USD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water6%

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

LOW27 USD
AVERAGE80 USD
HIGH430 USD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel10%

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

LOW64 USD
AVERAGE190 USD
HIGH1,000 USD
Per Month

Food and Groceries16%

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

LOW75 USD
AVERAGE220 USD
HIGH1,200 USD
Per Month

Healthcare13%

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

LOW59 USD
AVERAGE180 USD
HIGH940 USD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping5%

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

LOW32 USD
AVERAGE96 USD
HIGH510 USD
Per Month

Education2%

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

LOW11 USD
AVERAGE32 USD
HIGH170 USD
Per Month

Other Expenses19%

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

LOW91 USD
AVERAGE270 USD
HIGH1,500 USD
Per Month


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

Housing29%

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

LOW240 USD
AVERAGE680 USD
HIGH3,800 USD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel6%

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

LOW60 USD
AVERAGE170 USD
HIGH940 USD
Per Month

Food and Groceries20%

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

LOW130 USD
AVERAGE380 USD
HIGH2,100 USD
Per Month

Healthcare10%

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

LOW60 USD
AVERAGE170 USD
HIGH940 USD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

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

LOW37 USD
AVERAGE110 USD
HIGH590 USD
Per Month

Education14%

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

LOW100 USD
AVERAGE300 USD
HIGH1,600 USD
Per Month

Other Expenses14%

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

LOW90 USD
AVERAGE260 USD
HIGH1,400 USD
Per Month


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

Housing21%

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

LOW63 USD
AVERAGE160 USD
HIGH280 USD
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water5%

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

LOW10 USD
AVERAGE26 USD
HIGH47 USD
Per Month

Transport, Fuel5%

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

LOW18 USD
AVERAGE46 USD
HIGH82 USD
Per Month

Food and Groceries22%

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

LOW52 USD
AVERAGE130 USD
HIGH240 USD
Per Month

Healthcare8%

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

LOW16 USD
AVERAGE39 USD
HIGH71 USD
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

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

LOW13 USD
AVERAGE33 USD
HIGH59 USD
Per Month

Education19%

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

LOW50 USD
AVERAGE120 USD
HIGH220 USD
Per Month

Other Expenses17%

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

LOW39 USD
AVERAGE98 USD
HIGH180 USD
Per Month
Beirut  
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