There are many cost-effective choices in terms of accommodation, entertainment, health care, food, education and utility services. Competitive wages make affordability a common privilege shared among Bahraini locals and foreigners. Despite the economic crunch, those living in this Gulf state are always at an advantage when it comes to life's comforts and financial freedom.
Accommodation
Furnished apartments cost between BD 650 (US $1730) and BD 1000 (US $2660) while villas are worth from BD 800 (US $2130) to BD 950 (US $2000-2500) depending on the availability of a pool, garage, parking and a gated community. These rates usually include utility bills such as electricity, water, gas, internet, telephone and sewerage. If not, tenants will need to set aside about $225 for a single person's use of such utilities. Mobile phones are commonly used as landline phones as they cost around the same.
Food
Food can be expensive or very affordable depending on the type and location of the restaurant you choose. Expats who believe in practicality usually prefer to cook and eat meals at home.
On average, a casual lunch costs BD 3 (US $8). A McDonald's Big Mac takeout costs BD 1 (US $3) and a Big Mac Meal is BD 1.5 (US $4).
Around $1,050 should be allotted as a monthly food budget for a family of four. For a family of three, about BD 160 (US $425) is enough for a month of groceries while for larger families, BD 200 (US $531) will be required. Single expats should allow BD 100 (US $265).
Pork can be expensive mainly because it can only be sourced from special western stores. Alcoholic drinks are pricey if you buy them from five-star hotels. Take note that alcoholic drinks are banned during Ramadan.
Education
Schooling in Bahrain is provided by the government. However, expats who prefer to send their children to private schools will need to pay an annual fee of about BD 2,500 (US $6,700). International private schools cost around BD 8000 (US $21,300), while Primary Child Care is available for about BD 1,500 (US $4000).
Transportation
Commuters in Bahrain rely largely on radio taxis that are considerably cheaper than yellow cabs, which tend to be exorbitantly priced. Buses are not common, although there are routes where they are available. As Bahrain is a premiere world oil exporter, petrol prices are cheap, even as low as BD 5 ($13) for a week's consumption or BD20 ($53) monthly. Filling a petrol tank costs about 4 BD.
Although ranked lowest in terms of cost of living among the GCC's, Bahrain is generally perceived by Asian expats to be an expensive nation to live in. However, high wages and the government's non-taxation policy amply compensate to enable a high quality of living for all workers and their loved ones.
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