How much does it cost to rent an apartment or a house in Bahrain?
Understandably, a wide range of rents are available. At the lower end, for a 2-BR apartment in Salmabad costs us upto BD 220 a month. In Manama, the rent could start from BD 250/- a month. A 3-BR apartment costs above BD 325 a month. I have heard of BD 500-850/- a month for 3-BR apartment in modern apartments in Manama, Juffair, although my friends don't seem to be paying more than BD 500/- a month.
How much do you pay on average for public transportation (bus, subway, train, tram, taxi)?
Taxis are available, though not so frequently as in Dubai or in an Indian city. Taxi cost me BD 11/- from Riffa to Airport, and BD 7/- from Adliya to Airport. I haven't tried Uber. City bus costs BD 0.200 - 0.500 per trip, based on the distance traveled. City bus's frequency in the designated routes is good. But, if your place is far from the bus stop, then, your options for commuting to the bus stop have to be thought of.
How much do you pay for basic food items such as rice, bread, and pasta?
A loaf of plain white bread costs BD 0.100 to BD .150/- Milk bread and brown bread would cost BD 0.300 to BD 0.450 a loaf.
A 5-kg rice bag cost me BD 2.500/- and can cost upto BD 4/- a bag. As low as BD 2/- is achievable.
Pasta pack, 450 grams, cost me BD 0.300/- and can cost upto BD 0.750/-
What is your monthly budget for groceries?
For a family of 2, BD 100-200 is to be expected. As low as BD 60/- is achievable, if managed frugally. I have seen bachelor employees manage in BD 25 to 40/- per person. For a family of 4, BD 150 - 275 is to be expected.
How much does it cost to see a doctor/dentist/physician/specialist in Bahrain?
If covered by employer in their health scheme, these doctor costs are paid by employer. Otherwise, it costs BD 5 to 10/- to see a doctor/ physician/ dentist. A specialist could cost BD 10 - 35/-
How much do you pay for health insurance per month?
My employer pays for my health insurance. For my family members & occasionally for me, we pay for the consultation and medicines in private hospitals. But, we do not pay for health insurance.
What is your child's schooling budget per month?
It cost me around BD 50/- (includes school bus) for "+2 grade" in an Indian school. For lower classes, I have heard of BD 30/- plus, in an Indian school. A couple of other Indian schools could cost BD 5 to 15/- more. I do not know about other international schools.
How much does it cost to fill up your car’s fuel tank?
On 14-Jan-2018, it cost me BD 8/- to fill the tank full with Jayyid fuel for my 3.5L Toyota sedan.
How much do you pay for electricity/gas/water etc., per month?
Electricity, Water, Municipality tax are combined in one bill. Muni. Tax is usually the costliest of these 3 in the bill, as it is approximately 10% of the house rent. BD 48/- has been paid in Dec 2017. A few months ago, my bill was almost BD 58/-
How much do you pay for your internet and phone subscription?
I paid for Landline, BD 3/- a month; Post-paid mobile BD 12/- a month with data pack; home internet BD 10/- a month. Lesser than my payments are achievable, if someone can plan his/ her phone & internet cost frugally.
How much do you pay for your lunch pack on weekdays?
A simple veggie meal in a simple, hygienic Indian restaurant cost me BD 0.8 to 1.2/- A meal in a luxury Indian restaurant can cost from BD 2 to 7/- depending on how large the meal is.
How much do you pay for an espresso coffee?
A glass of instant coffee cost me BD 0.250 to BD 0.350/- (not espresso, as in Starbucks or similar)
How much do you pay for a cinema ticket?
BD 3/-
Getting married in Bahrain
Driving in Bahrain
Opening a bank account in Bahrain
Relocating with your pets to Bahrain
Starting a business in Bahrain
Studying in Bahrain
Education and childcare in Bahrain
Healthcare in Bahrain
