Cost of Living for a Single Person in Manama, Bahrain (2025 Guide)
Bahrain has long been one of the GCC’s most welcoming and livable destinations for expatriates. Its capital, Manama, offers a perfect blend of modern city life, relaxed culture, and affordability — especially for single professionals relocating for work.
As of 2025, the cost of living in Manama remains competitive compared to Dubai, Doha, or Riyadh. With tax-free salaries, lower rent prices, and a strong service sector, Bahrain provides excellent value for money without compromising on comfort or lifestyle.
In this guide, we’ll break down the average monthly living expenses for a single expat in Manama, including housing, food, transport, and entertainment, along with smart budgeting tips to help you plan ahead.
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Overview: Living as a Single Expat in Manama
Manama is home to a thriving expat community, representing over 50% of Bahrain’s population. The city’s compact size, strong banking sector, and diverse entertainment options make it a favorite among professionals from across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Bahrain also stands out for its liberal environment — offering freedom in dress, culture, and social activities. English is widely spoken, and international brands are easily accessible.
According to Numbeo 2025 Bahrain Cost of Living Index and GulfTalent Bahrain Salary Report, Manama’s living costs are roughly 30–40% lower than Dubai and Abu Dhabi for comparable lifestyles.
Average Monthly Living Costs for a Single Person (2025 Estimates)
While exact costs depend on your lifestyle and accommodation choice, here’s a realistic overview of monthly living expenses in Manama for 2025:
- Housing (1-bedroom apartment): BHD 250–400 per month depending on location.
Central areas like Juffair and Seef are pricier, while Tubli and Gudaibiya offer more affordable options. - Utilities (electricity, water, internet, mobile): BHD 40–70 per month.
Internet packages with fiber connections range between BHD 15 and 25 monthly. - Groceries and Food: BHD 100–150 per month.
Eating out frequently at mid-range restaurants may increase this to BHD 200+. - Transportation: BHD 30–60 per month.
Petrol is inexpensive (around BHD 0.2 per liter), while taxis and ride-hailing apps like Careem are common. - Entertainment and Leisure: BHD 50–100 per month.
This includes gym memberships, cinema tickets, or dining in cafés. - Healthcare and Insurance: Most employers provide coverage, but private consultations average BHD 15–30.
Altogether, a single person can live comfortably in Manama on BHD 550–900 per month, excluding rent if provided by the employer.
Accommodation and Housing
Rent is usually the biggest monthly expense in Manama.
Popular Areas for Expats:
- Juffair: Central, vibrant nightlife, near malls and gyms.
- Seef: Upscale, close to financial district and shopping centers.
- Adliya: Artistic neighborhood with restaurants and cafés.
- Tubli and Gudaibiya: Budget-friendly with furnished apartments.
Many employers offer housing allowances or company accommodation, especially for mid- to senior-level staff. Furnished studio apartments start from BHD 250, while luxury one-bedroom units in Seef can reach BHD 500.
If you’re relocating, negotiate housing support before signing your employment contract — learn more through Labeeb’s Interview & Offer Negotiation Coaching.
Food and Groceries
Bahrain offers a wide mix of international and local cuisine. You can save significantly by shopping smart and cooking at home.
- Basic groceries (milk, eggs, rice, chicken, fruits) cost around BHD 25–30 per week.
- A meal at a local restaurant averages BHD 3–5, while mid-range dining is BHD 10–15 per person.
- International fast-food meals are around BHD 3–4.
Popular supermarkets like Carrefour, Lulu Hypermarket, and Al Jazira offer both local and imported products.
Many expats prefer cooking to control costs — an excellent option if you’re living on a moderate budget.
Transportation and Getting Around
Manama is compact and easy to navigate. Most residents either drive or use ride-hailing apps.
Driving in Bahrain:
- Fuel prices are among the lowest in the GCC.
- A used car can cost between BHD 1,500–3,000 depending on model and brand.
- Public buses are cheap (around BHD 0.3 per trip) but limited in routes.
- Monthly fuel costs for regular commuting rarely exceed BHD 25–30.
For convenience, many expats rent a car through long-term contracts costing around BHD 150–200 per month.
Lifestyle and Entertainment
Life in Manama balances relaxation and excitement. Weekends are filled with café meetups, seaside walks, and cultural events.
Popular activities include:
- Visiting Bahrain Bay or The Avenues Mall for shopping and dining.
- Exploring Manama Souq for local crafts and perfumes.
- Joining gyms or social clubs like Fitness First or The Dilmun Club (around BHD 40–70 per month).
- Beach or pool access passes cost around BHD 10–20 per visit.
Bahrain is also a short flight from Dubai, Doha, or Riyadh, making it ideal for professionals who travel frequently around the GCC.
Healthcare and Safety
Healthcare standards in Bahrain are high. Most employers provide comprehensive health insurance for expats, covering both private and public hospitals.
In emergencies, private hospital consultations typically range from BHD 15 to 30, while basic medication is affordable.
Bahrain is considered one of the safest countries in the region, with low crime rates and strong community policing. Single professionals — including women — find it easy to live and move around independently.
Cost Comparison: Bahrain vs. Other GCC Cities
Although Bahrain’s economy is smaller, its cost of living is significantly lower than many neighboring cities.
- Dubai: 30–40% more expensive, especially for rent and dining.
- Doha: 20–25% higher cost for utilities and housing.
- Riyadh: Comparable in rent, but Bahrain offers a more relaxed lifestyle.
In short, Bahrain provides a comfortable balance between affordability and quality of life — ideal for singles building careers or saving for the future.
Money-Saving Tips for Single Expats
- Choose furnished housing to avoid upfront furniture costs.
- Cook at home and use local markets for groceries.
- Carpool or use ride-sharing apps instead of owning a car initially.
- Avoid unnecessary subscriptions — entertainment and gyms can add up.
- Negotiate allowances during job offers (housing, transport, utilities).
To master salary discussions and package evaluation, explore Labeeb’s Career Coaching Services.
Expat Packages and Benefits
Most expats in Bahrain receive comprehensive employment packages that include:
- Housing or housing allowance
- Transport allowance or company car
- Annual airfare
- Medical insurance
- End-of-service gratuity
Before signing a contract, always confirm whether your benefits are paid in Bahraini Dinar or your home currency, and whether dependents are covered.
For professional help negotiating or reviewing your contract, check Labeeb’s Interview & Offer Support.
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Conclusion
Manama offers one of the most affordable and enjoyable lifestyles in the GCC for single professionals. With a modest budget, you can enjoy great food, a social expat scene, and access to modern amenities without financial stress.
Whether you’re moving for a new role or planning to negotiate an offer, understanding Bahrain’s cost of living helps you make informed decisions and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Start your Bahrain journey with confidence through Labeeb Writing & Designs — your trusted partner for career and relocation success across the Gulf.
FAQs
1. How much does a single person need to live comfortably in Manama?
Around
BHD 550–900 per month, depending on housing and lifestyle.
2. Is rent expensive in Bahrain?
Rent is affordable compared to other GCC cities, with one-bedroom apartments starting from
BHD 250.
3. Is healthcare covered for expats?
Yes, most employers provide private health insurance.
4. How safe is Bahrain for single expats?
Bahrain is one of the safest countries in the Middle East, with a friendly and inclusive environment.
Arabic Summary (خلاصة بالعربية)
تُعتبر المنامة من أكثر المدن الخليجية ملاءمة للعيش للوافدين، بفضل تكاليف المعيشة المنخفضة مقارنة بدبي والدوحة والرياض. تتراوح تكلفة المعيشة الشهرية للفرد بين 550 و900 دينار بحريني وتشمل السكن والطعام والمواصلات. يقدم هذا الدليل نظرة شاملة حول نفقات الحياة في البحرين ونصائح لتوفير المال. كما يساعدك فريق Labeeb.ae في إعداد سيرة ذاتية احترافية تدعم انتقالك المهني إلى البحرين بثقة.
