Cost of Living for a Single Person in Manama, Bahrain (2025 Guide)

Planning to move to Manama, Bahrain for work in 2025? You’re not alone — Bahrain continues to attract professionals seeking a balanced lifestyle, cultural diversity, and a cost of living that’s more affordable than many other GCC countries.

As the country strengthens its economy through Vision 2030 initiatives, the capital city, Manama, offers excellent career opportunities across banking, hospitality, education, and technology sectors.

This guide provides a full breakdown of the monthly cost of living for a single person in Bahrain, helping you plan your budget before relocating.

For assistance with relocation planning or GCC job documentation, visit Labeeb Writing & Designs Career Support.

Overview: Living in Manama as an Expat

Bahrain’s capital is known for its welcoming atmosphere, modern infrastructure, and thriving expat community. Unlike other GCC nations, Manama offers a more relaxed work culture and a relatively lower cost of living — especially for single professionals.

According to Numbeo’s 2025 Bahrain Index and GulfTalent Bahrain Reports:

• Bahrain remains 15–25% more affordable than Dubai or Doha.
• Average monthly costs for a single person range between BHD 450–700, depending on lifestyle.
• Rent and transportation are the main expenses for most expatriates.

Average Monthly Cost Breakdown (2025 Estimates)

While expenses vary based on lifestyle, here’s an approximate breakdown for a single professional living in Manama:

• Rent (1-bedroom apartment): BHD 250–400/month
• Utilities (electricity, water, internet): BHD 40–70/month
• Groceries and dining: BHD 100–150/month
• Transportation: BHD 30–60/month
• Leisure, gym, and entertainment: BHD 50–100/month
• Mobile and internet plan: BHD 10–20/month

Total Estimated Cost: BHD 480–700/month (equivalent to USD 1,270–1,850)

This moderate budget allows professionals to live comfortably, especially since Bahrain has no personal income tax.

Housing Costs in Manama

Housing is the largest expense for expats. Most professionals prefer living in neighborhoods like:

• Juffair: Popular with young expats, near malls and cafes.
• Seef District: Modern area close to offices and shopping centers.
• Adliya: Known for its restaurants, art galleries, and nightlife.

Average Rent (2025):

• Studio: BHD 200–300/month
• 1-Bedroom Apartment: BHD 250–400/month
• Furnished options cost slightly higher but often include maintenance.

Many employers offer housing allowances or include accommodation in the salary package.

Food and Groceries

Grocery prices in Bahrain are relatively stable, with a mix of local and imported options.

• Monthly groceries: BHD 70–100
• Dining out at mid-range restaurants: BHD 6–12 per meal
• Fast food: BHD 3–5 per meal
• Coffee or juice: BHD 2–3

Cooking at home significantly reduces monthly expenses, while occasional dining out adds variety to the expat experience.

Transportation

Bahrain’s transportation system is efficient and affordable:

• Taxi rides: BHD 3–5 for short trips
• Monthly fuel cost (for private car): BHD 20–40
• Public bus pass: BHD 10–15
• Ride-hailing services like Careem and Uber operate widely.

Many expats also carpool or receive a transportation allowance from their employers.

Utilities and Internet

Utilities are reasonably priced and reliable in Manama.

• Electricity and water: BHD 20–40/month
• Internet (fiber): BHD 20–30/month
• Mobile postpaid plan: BHD 10–15/month

Apartments in new developments often include shared utilities or maintenance services.

Health Insurance

Healthcare in Bahrain is of high quality, with both public and private hospitals available.

• Basic medical insurance is often included in employment contracts.
• Private insurance plans for single expats range between BHD 10–25/month, depending on coverage.

Always confirm that your employer provides medical coverage that includes hospital visits and emergency care.

Entertainment and Lifestyle

Manama offers a vibrant lifestyle with plenty of social, cultural, and recreational options:

• Gym memberships: BHD 20–40/month
• Movie tickets: BHD 4–6
• Weekend dining or outings: BHD 50–80/month
• Fitness and wellness activities are growing in popularity among expats.

Despite its cosmopolitan character, Bahrain maintains a balanced lifestyle, combining modern convenience with Arabian hospitality.

Visa and Residency Costs

Expatriates typically work under employer sponsorship.

• Work visa and residence permit costs are usually covered by the company.
• Renewals are processed annually or biannually through Bahrain’s Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA).

Learn more at https://www.lmra.bh/.

For document and visa preparation support, explore Labeeb’s Expert Career Support Services.

Salary vs. Lifestyle in Manama

While salaries in Bahrain are slightly lower than in the UAE or Qatar, the lower cost of living balances out.

Typical monthly salaries for single professionals:

• Administrative/Customer Service: BHD 700–1,200
• Finance & Accounting: BHD 1,000–2,000
• Engineers & IT Specialists: BHD 1,200–2,500
• Mid-Level Managers: BHD 1,800–3,000

With prudent budgeting, single expatriates can save 20–35% of their monthly income while enjoying a comfortable lifestyle.

Tips for Saving Money in Bahrain

1. Choose shared accommodation or studio apartments.
2. Use public transport or carpool instead of owning a car.
3. Shop at local markets (e.g., Manama Souq) for groceries.
4. Take advantage of company allowances (housing, internet, or gym).
5. Track monthly spending through budgeting apps.

A simple, organized financial approach ensures long-term savings and financial stability.

How Labeeb Writing & Designs Supports Bahrain Professionals

At Labeeb Writing & Designs, we help expats and GCC job seekers prepare for relocation, employment documentation, and professional growth.

Our tailored services include:

• Professional CV Writing for GCC Employers
• ATS Resume Optimization for Bahrain Jobs
• Cover Letter Writing for Expat Applications
• LinkedIn Profile Enhancement for GCC Visibility
• Interview Coaching & Salary Negotiation
• Career Support & Relocation Advice

We ensure your professional profile stands out in Bahrain’s growing job market and supports your relocation goals smoothly.

Conclusion

Living in Manama, Bahrain offers a unique blend of affordability, cultural richness, and career opportunity. With no income tax, low rent, and a friendly expat community, Bahrain provides excellent value for professionals seeking balance and growth in 2025.

Before relocating, understand your expected expenses, negotiate a well-rounded employment package, and plan financially for comfort and savings.

Start your GCC relocation confidently with Labeeb Writing & Designs — your trusted partner for professional documentation, relocation planning, and career success.

FAQs

1. Is Bahrain cheaper than Dubai or Doha?
Yes, Bahrain’s overall cost of living is about 20% lower on average than Dubai or Doha.

2. What’s the average monthly rent in Manama for a single person?
Between BHD 250 and 400 for a one-bedroom apartment.

3. Are utilities expensive in Bahrain?
No, they’re moderate — around BHD 40–70 per month for a single person.

4. How much can I save in Bahrain as an expat?
Most single expats save 20–35% of their monthly income, depending on lifestyle choices.

Arabic Summary (خلاصة بالعربية)

تُعدّ المنامة، عاصمة البحرين، وجهة مفضلة للوافدين بفضل تكاليف المعيشة المعقولة مقارنة بدول الخليج الأخرى. تتراوح النفقات الشهرية للفرد بين 450 و700 دينار بحريني وتشمل السكن، المواصلات، والطعام. مع الدخل المعفى من الضرائب وبيئة العمل الودية، يمكن للوافدين تحقيق توازن ممتاز بين الحياة والعمل. يقدم Labeeb.ae دعمًا مهنيًا متكاملًا لتجهيز سيرتك الذاتية والتخطيط لانتقالك الوظيفي إلى البحرين بثقة.