Key Cost of Living Data
Manama 2026 · NYC baseline = 100
| Category | Value | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CoL Index | N/A | NYC baseline = 100 · global avg 87.2 | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| Rent Index | N/A | Avg rent vs NYC | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| 1-BR City Centre | $560 | Monthly rent, USD | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| 1-BR Outside Centre | $364 | Monthly rent, USD | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| Cheap Restaurant Meal | $6 | Per person, USD | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| Monthly Groceries | $360 | Single person, USD | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| Monthly Transport | $79 | Transit pass, USD | GlobalCostData 2026 |
Affordability snapshot
Rent / Salary ratio
N/A
Share of average net salary absorbed by 1-bed city-centre rent. Lower = more disposable income.
Country context · Bahrain
Avg net salary
N/A
Food basket /mo
N/A
Avg rent /mo
$560
Internet speed
42 Mbps
Safety index
9.4
HDI
0.888
Life expectancy
76.8 yrs
Purchasing power
148.8
Housing & Rent
USD per month · 2026
| Type | USD / month | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed, city centre | $560 | Capital city avg. |
| 1-bed, outside centre | $364 | Suburbs avg. |
| Country avg rent | $560 | Bahrain (national) |
Food & Dining
Per-item prices in USD
| Item | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cheap restaurant meal | $6 | Per person |
| Mid-range restaurant (2p) | $18 | 3-course |
| Monthly groceries (single) | $360 | Single person estimate |
| Country food basket | N/A | Bahrain (national avg) |
Transport
Monthly costs in USD
| Type | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly transit pass | $79 | Public transport avg. |
City Insight
Manama's CoL Index of 66.0 makes it a 'value destination' — expats from Western countries typically see their purchasing power increase substantially here.
Country profile
Full cost of living guide for Bahrain
Related · TaxRatesByCountry.com
Tax Rates in Bahrain for Expats 2026
Income tax, corporate rates, capital gains & special regimes
Read guide →
Free resource
Planning a move to Manama?
Get our Expat Budget Calculator — personalised monthly cost estimate for your lifestyle and city.
Monthly Budget Estimates
Manama · 2026 · Single person
| Lifestyle | Monthly Budget (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Frugal | $500 | Shared room, basic lifestyle |
| Comfortable | $800 | 1-bed apt, normal expat lifestyle |
| Western expat | $1,300 | Private apt, regular travel |
Monthly Budget Calculator
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Frequently Asked Questions
Manama cost of living
Is Manama cheap to live in?
Manama is moderately affordable with a CoL Index of 66.0. It is cheaper than most Western cities, making it popular with digital nomads and expats. A comfortable single-person lifestyle typically costs $660–$924/month.
What is the average rent in Manama?
A 1-bedroom apartment in the centre of Manama costs approximately $560/month, while outside the city centre it averages $364/month. Prices vary significantly by neighbourhood and property quality.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Manama?
A comfortable single-person lifestyle in Manama requires approximately $629/month, covering rent, food, transport, and leisure. On a tight budget (shared housing, cooking at home), $352/month is feasible. A Western expat lifestyle with private accommodation costs $1,075+/month.
Is Manama, the capital, more expensive than other cities in Bahrain?
As the capital of Bahrain, Manama tends to command a premium over smaller regional cities. Its CoL Index of 66.0 (NYC=100) reflects the concentration of government, business, and international institutions that typically drive up housing and service costs. Secondary cities in Bahrain are often 20–40% cheaper for rent.
What is the average salary in Manama?
Salary data for Manama is not yet available in our dataset. For national averages, see the Bahrain country profile. International job boards and local recruiters are the best source for current benchmarks.
Cities With Similar Cost of Living
Comparable CoL Index (+/- 10 points) to Manama
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Sources: World Bank Open Data 2026 · GlobalCostData Research 2026. Data verified April 2026. Not financial or legal advice.
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and vary by neighbourhood and individual lifestyle. Verify with local sources before relocating.