Bahrain🇧🇭
At a Glance
How Bahrain compares across key indices
Cost of Living
50 vs NYC
100 = NYC
Safety Index
55/100
Healthcare
73/100
Quality of Life
120/200
Cost of Living
How far your money goes in Bahrain
Cost of Living
50
100 = NYC baseline
Rent Index
38
100 = NYC rent
Groceries
50
100 = NYC groceries
Restaurant Prices
53
100 = NYC dining
Safety & Crime
Moderate RiskHow safe residents feel in Bahrain - based on surveys of people living there
Safety Index
55/100
Crime Index
55/100
Lower is better
Walking Safety
0 point drop from day to night
Cities in Bahrain
Bahrain has 8 cities with Freedom Abroad estimates. Monthly costs for a single person range from $994 in Madīnat ‘Īsá to $1,183 in Manama. Al Muharraq leads on safety, scoring 55/100. Manama ranks highest for quality of life at 124/200.
Madīnat ‘Īsá
$994/mo
Al Muharraq
55/100
Manama
124/200
Manama
77/100
| City | Monthly Cost | Safety | Quality of Life | Healthcare | Pollution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manama | $1,183 | 55/100 | 124/200 | 77/100 | 95 |
| Al Muharraq | $1,060 | 55/100 | 124/200 | 73/100 | 95 |
| Madīnat Ḩamad | $1,045 | 55/100 | 124/200 | 72/100 | 95 |
| Ar Rifā‘ | $1,038 | 55/100 | 123/200 | 72/100 | 95 |
| Sitrah | $1,013 | 55/100 | 123/200 | 70/100 | 94 |
| Jidd Ḩafş | $1,009 | 55/100 | 124/200 | 70/100 | 93 |
| Dār Kulayb | $1,008 | 55/100 | 123/200 | 70/100 | 93 |
| Madīnat ‘Īsá | $994 | 55/100 | 124/200 | 69/100 | 92 |
Freedom Abroad estimates are modeled for a single person including rent. Pollution: lower score = cleaner air. Click column headers to sort.
Compare Cities Side by Side
Detailed comparison of cost of living, safety, and quality of life
Healthcare
Healthcare system overview for Bahrain
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Environment
PollutedAir quality, water, and environmental conditions in Bahrain
Pollution Index
100/100
Lower is better
PM2.5
58.5ug/m3
Unhealthy
Environmental Quality
Based on 0 survey responses. Perception scores are 0–100 where higher is better unless noted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about living in Bahrain, answered with data
What is the cost of living in Bahrain?
Bahrain has a cost of living index of 50 relative to New York City (100). It is moderately affordable compared to the US. Monthly costs for a single person start around $1,038 in Ar Rifā‘ and reach $1,183 in Manama.
What is the cheapest city in Bahrain for expats?
Ar Rifā‘ is the most affordable city in Bahrain in Freedom Abroad estimates, with estimated monthly costs of $1,038 for a single person including rent. Madīnat Ḩamad is the next most affordable at $1,045/mo.
Is Bahrain safe for expats?
Bahrain has a safety index of 55/100, making it generally safe for expats and travellers. Among cities with data, Al Muharraq scores highest on safety at 55/100.
What is the best city in Bahrain for expats and digital nomads?
Manama ranks highest for quality of life in Bahrain, scoring 124/200 in Freedom Abroad's modeled quality-of-life estimate. Monthly costs there run around $1,183/mo for a single person. For budget-conscious expats, Ar Rifā‘ offers the lowest monthly costs at $1,038/mo.
How good is healthcare in Bahrain?
Bahrain scores 73/100 in Freedom Abroad's modeled healthcare estimate, making it good by global standards. This estimate reflects open public indicators for health outcomes and system capacity.
Is Bahrain cheaper than the United States?
Yes. Bahrain's cost of living is roughly 50% lower than New York City and generally cheaper than most major US cities. Rent specifically is around 62% cheaper. This makes it a popular destination for remote workers looking to stretch their dollar.
What is the air quality and pollution like in Bahrain?
Bahrain has a pollution index of 100/100 (lower = cleaner). Pollution can be a concern in urban areas. Research specific cities before committing, as rural and coastal areas typically fare better.
Before You Go
Your pre-departure checklist for Bahrain
Plan Your Move
Where Can I Move?
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Compare Countries
Side-by-side breakdown of cost of living, safety, healthcare, and more.
Cost of Living
Model monthly costs with Freedom Abroad estimates before you narrow the shortlist.
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Set Up International Banking
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Get Connected
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Book Your First Accommodation
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Cost of living, safety, and quality-of-life figures on this page are Freedom Abroad estimates modeled from open public sources. Data sources
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