Thinking about living in Bahrain on a Budget? You’re probably not making a mistake — this tiny island country is known for its beauty and hospitality. However, when you’re choosing where to move, there are always practicalities to consider as well. For instance, regardless of whether you’re looking to rent or buy a home, the question is — can you live in Bahrain on a budget? After all, we’re talking about a Gulf country, most of which are famously glamorous but notoriously expensive.
However, it’s actually possible to live in Bahrain and travel affordably. Of course, “affordable” is relative here — we’re talking about the scale of the Gulf states. So, what does less expensive living look like in Bahrain?
Let’s dive in to find out.
Why Is Bahrain Less Expensive Than Its Neighbors?
When you think about rich Gulf states like Qatar and Dubai, it almost seems impossible to believe that you could live affordably in any of them. So, how does Bahrain separate itself from the fold?
Well, one of the things you should know about Bahrain before moving here is that the local rent is more affordable than that of its neighbors.
More precisely, rent is almost 50% cheaper in Bahrain than in Dubai for many reasons. Primarily, you can find more affordable housing in Bahrain because there’s less demand. While Bahrain gets plenty of tourists as well, it’s nowhere near the number of expats and travelers that visit Qatar and Dubai.
Plus, thanks to their extremely expensive amenities, other Gulf countries are simply used to charging more for rent and homeownership.
Besides this, basic living expenses are less expensive in Bahrain than in places like Dubai. We’re talking about everyday stuff, including utilities, groceries, and local transport. Of course, these expenses can vary depending on your habits and lifestyle. But, on average, Bahrain is more affordable.
The Local Housing Market in Bahrain
Before diving into the specifics of living in Bahrain on a budget, you should know that the local housing market is quite dynamic. Like in most other Gulf countries, the market is driven by expat demand — though a solid number of locals rent as well.
When it comes to your choices as someone moving to Bahrain, you can basically pick between villas and apartments. In general, apartments are more affordable. However, like anywhere else, the exact prices depend on a variety of factors, including your job and your budget.
A small apartment in a high-demand area will set you back more than a villa in a middle-class area. In most cases, families rent or buy villas because they provide some much-needed outdoor space.
So, what are your options in Bahrain if you want to live affordably? Let’s dive in.
Affordable Areas in Bahrain
Buying a home in Bahrain is definitely not for someone looking to live on a budget. However, renting is another story — as you can find plenty of affordable properties if you know where to look.
For instance, Isa Town is a popular choice among middle-class renters. It’s an older area known for its dynamic, traditional market and plenty of available properties. If you’re set on buying your first home in Bahrain, you’ll probably look here first. But even if you only want to rent, there are plenty of affordable options in Isa Town.
After that, we’ve got the up-and-coming coastal area of Budaiya. This town has plenty of affordable housing and gorgeous beaches — at least for now. While the beaches are likely to stay beautiful, there’s been plenty of construction and development in the area — especially regarding road infrastructure. In the future, the local property prices will probably go up.
Your third obvious choice is Zinj — an old residential section of the nation’s capital, Manama. It’s well-connected to the nearby highway that connects Bahrain to Saudi Arabia, and the light railway network that’s currently in development will go through Zinj as well.
For now, this suburban area has plenty of properties with affordable rent, including villas and apartments. The villas are mostly found in New Zinj, and many of them offer a gorgeous view of the nearby Tubli Bay.
Other Expenses To Consider
If you’re moving to Bahrain on a budget with your family, you have to consider costs other than rent — and that includes education. Depending on what age your children are, you’re looking at different costs.
Most expats that relocate here enroll their kids in one of the top-rated international schools. Some of these include:
- British School of Bahrain
- Christopher’s School
- Bahrain School
If you want your children to have a quality education in English in an international setting, these are your top three choices.
Of course, your biggest everyday expenses will be groceries — which is why you should plan your shopping carefully and avoid overpaying for anything. For starters, don’t fall into the trap of opting for imported goods from brands you know from back home.
Like anywhere else, imported brands will be quite expensive. Considering you can find local alternatives for almost anything, this would be irrational for someone trying to live on a budget.
In most cases, regional food will be fresher than something shipped from overseas — so it’s the healthier choice as well. If you shop at more affordable stores and the Central Market, you can save a pretty penny even in Bahrain. For instance, the Al Jazira Supermarket is a less pricey option than the Lulu Hypermarket.
Wrapping Up
The good news is that living on a budget in Bahrain is quite possible. In fact, saving money while living in Bahrain is a more realistic proposition than doing so in most other Gulf states. All you need to do is carefully plan your personal or family budget.
Don’t buy stuff from expensive imported brands; find a home you can afford with your salary, and spend the money on important things like education instead. There are plenty of free attractions and cheap amenities in local communities, so you won’t have to overspend if you don’t want to. Share this article with your friends who are looking to settle in the Gulf.
