Cost of Living: Bahrain vs Australia

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Bahrain and Australia.

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Bahrain is 34.1% cheaper than Australia. The biggest difference is in Sports And Leisure, where costs are 84.8% higher. This means that for every $100 you spend in Australia, you would spend about $66 in Bahrain for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Other Expenses 79.6%

Bahrain is 79.6% cheaper

Property Prices 64.0%

Bahrain is 64.0% cheaper

Markets 49.6%

Bahrain is 49.6% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 34.1%

Bahrain is 34.1% cheaper than Australia

Most Expensive Categories

  • Sports And Leisure +84.8%
  • Transportation +7.2%

Is Bahrain cheaper than Australia?

Yes, Bahrain is cheaper than Australia

Overall, living costs in Bahrain are 34.1% lower than in Australia.

Where Bahrain is cheaper:

  • Other Expenses 79.6% cheaper
  • Property Prices 64.0% cheaper
  • Markets 49.6% cheaper

Where Bahrain is more expensive:

  • Sports And Leisure 84.8% more expensive
  • Transportation 7.2% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Bahrain: 7.56 $ Australia: 16.22 $
53.4% cheaper in Bahrain

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Bahrain: 870.81 $ Australia: 1,381.57 $
37.0% cheaper in Bahrain

Monthly public transport pass

Bahrain: 31.83 $ Australia: 97.35 $
67.3% cheaper in Bahrain

1 liter of gasoline

Bahrain: 0.50 $ Australia: 1.18 $
57.6% cheaper in Bahrain

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Bahrain is indeed cheaper than Australia. You would save approximately 34.1% on living expenses by choosing Bahrain over Australia. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

34.1%

Bahrain is 34.1% cheaper than Australia

Restaurants

27.2%

Bahrain is 27.2% cheaper than Australia in this category

Markets

49.6%

Bahrain is 49.6% cheaper than Australia in this category

Other Expenses

79.6%

Bahrain is 79.6% cheaper than Australia in this category

Transportation

7.2%

Bahrain is 7.2% more expensive than Australia in this category

Household Utilities

25.3%

Bahrain is 25.3% cheaper than Australia in this category

Mobile and Internet

13.7%

Bahrain is 13.7% cheaper than Australia in this category

Sports And Leisure

84.8%

Bahrain is 84.8% more expensive than Australia in this category

Childcare

34.0%

Bahrain is 34.0% cheaper than Australia in this category

Clothing And Shoes

16.8%

Bahrain is 16.8% cheaper than Australia in this category

Rent Per Month

33.5%

Bahrain is 33.5% cheaper than Australia in this category

Property Prices

64.0%

Bahrain is 64.0% cheaper than Australia in this category

Salaries And Financing

40.1%

Bahrain is 40.1% cheaper than Australia in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Bahrain Australia Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 7.56 $ 16.22 $ 53.4%
Bahrain is 53.4% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 53.05 $ 77.88 $ 31.9%
Bahrain is 31.9% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 7.96 $ 9.73 $ 18.2%
Bahrain is 18.2% cheaper
Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle) 2.05 $ 8.14 $ 74.8%
Bahrain is 74.8% cheaper
Regular Cappuccino 5.01 $ 3.48 $ 44.0%
Bahrain is 44.0% more expensive
Soft Drink (330ml) 0.89 $ 2.62 $ 66.0%
Bahrain is 66.0% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.36 $ 2.16 $ 83.3%
Bahrain is 83.3% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 0.68 $ 1.51 $ 55.0%
Bahrain is 55.0% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml) 2.50 $ 5.69 $ 56.1%
Bahrain is 56.1% cheaper
Imported Beer (330ml) 3.95 $ 1.29 $ 206.2%
Bahrain is 206.2% more expensive
Mid-Range Wine 14.50 $ 7.97 $ 81.9%
Bahrain is 81.9% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 1.99 $ 1.43 $ 39.2%
Bahrain is 39.2% more expensive
Milk (1L) 1.67 $ 1.53 $ 9.2%
Bahrain is 9.2% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 1.41 $ 2.45 $ 42.4%
Bahrain is 42.4% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 2.57 $ 2.05 $ 25.4%
Bahrain is 25.4% more expensive
Eggs (12 pack) 2.60 $ 4.31 $ 39.7%
Bahrain is 39.7% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 9.55 $ 8.89 $ 7.4%
Bahrain is 7.4% more expensive
Chicken Breast (1kg) 7.49 $ 8.44 $ 11.3%
Bahrain is 11.3% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 11.27 $ 13.88 $ 18.8%
Bahrain is 18.8% cheaper
Apples (1kg) 2.47 $ 3.19 $ 22.6%
Bahrain is 22.6% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 2.13 $ 2.75 $ 22.5%
Bahrain is 22.5% cheaper
Oranges (1kg) 2.08 $ 2.93 $ 29.0%
Bahrain is 29.0% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 1.36 $ 4.30 $ 68.4%
Bahrain is 68.4% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 0.94 $ 2.47 $ 61.9%
Bahrain is 61.9% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 1.05 $ 2.14 $ 50.9%
Bahrain is 50.9% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 1.67 $ 2.22 $ 24.8%
Bahrain is 24.8% cheaper
Monthly Transit Pass 31.83 $ 97.35 $ 67.3%
Bahrain is 67.3% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 6.37 $ 31.15 $ 79.6%
Bahrain is 79.6% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 0.86 $ 2.92 $ 70.5%
Bahrain is 70.5% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 5.31 $ 3.89 $ 36.5%
Bahrain is 36.5% more expensive
Taxi per Kilometer 3.98 $ 1.88 $ 111.7%
Bahrain is 111.7% more expensive
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 33.16 $ 37.90 $ 12.5%
Bahrain is 12.5% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 0.50 $ 1.18 $ 57.6%
Bahrain is 57.6% cheaper
New Economy Car 34,485.59 $ 28,829.12 $ 19.6%
Bahrain is 19.6% more expensive
New Mid-Range Car 20,711.76 $ 22,658.59 $ 8.6%
Bahrain is 8.6% cheaper
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 131.38 $ 175.90 $ 25.3%
Bahrain is 25.3% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 27.05 $ 26.66 $ 1.5%
Bahrain is 1.5% more expensive
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 41.65 $ 52.98 $ 21.4%
Bahrain is 21.4% cheaper
Gym Membership 78.88 $ 47.43 $ 66.3%
Bahrain is 66.3% more expensive
Tennis Court (Weekend) 55.18 $ 16.59 $ 232.6%
Bahrain is 232.6% more expensive
Movie Ticket 10.61 $ 14.28 $ 25.7%
Bahrain is 25.7% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 460.20 $ 1,570.69 $ 70.7%
Bahrain is 70.7% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 8,725.47 $ 12,354.33 $ 29.4%
Bahrain is 29.4% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 47.40 $ 71.57 $ 33.8%
Bahrain is 33.8% cheaper
1 Summer Dress 55.71 $ 50.87 $ 9.5%
Bahrain is 9.5% more expensive
1 Pair of Running Shoes 87.74 $ 102.13 $ 14.1%
Bahrain is 14.1% cheaper
1 Pair of Business Shoes 87.13 $ 109.73 $ 20.6%
Bahrain is 20.6% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 870.81 $ 1,381.57 $ 37.0%
Bahrain is 37.0% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 610.25 $ 1,095.96 $ 44.3%
Bahrain is 44.3% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,733.97 $ 2,332.99 $ 25.7%
Bahrain is 25.7% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 1,131.34 $ 1,729.44 $ 34.6%
Bahrain is 34.6% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 2,542.21 $ 6,794.53 $ 62.6%
Bahrain is 62.6% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 1,730.42 $ 5,084.33 $ 66.0%
Bahrain is 66.0% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 2,163.99 $ 3,619.71 $ 40.2%
Bahrain is 40.2% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 7.97 6.35 25.5%
Bahrain is 25.5% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Australia. Enter your monthly expenses in Bahrain to see the equivalent costs.

Housing

Food & Dining

Transportation

Other Expenses

Our Methodology

Our cost of living comparisons are based on a robust methodology that combines multiple data sources and regular updates to ensure accuracy:

Data Collection

  • Regular price surveys conducted in major cities
  • Official government statistics and economic indicators
  • User-contributed data from expatriates and local residents
  • Real estate market reports and rental price indices
  • Consumer price indices and inflation data

Calculation Methods

  • Prices are normalized to USD for consistent comparison
  • Exchange rates are updated monthly
  • Regional price variations are weighted by population
  • Seasonal fluctuations are accounted for in the averages
  • Quality of life factors are considered in the overall assessment

Quality Assurance

  • Data is verified by local experts
  • Regular cross-checking with multiple sources
  • User feedback is incorporated into updates
  • Statistical outliers are identified and reviewed
  • Methodology is reviewed quarterly

Note: While we strive for accuracy, cost of living data can vary significantly within countries and cities. These comparisons should be used as a general guide, and we recommend conducting additional research for specific locations.

Lifestyle Impact

Understanding the cost of living differences between Bahrain and Australia goes beyond just numbers. Here's how these differences might affect your daily life:

Daily Living

  • Grocery shopping habits and meal planning
  • Public transportation usage vs. car ownership
  • Frequency of dining out and entertainment
  • Healthcare access and insurance coverage
  • Housing choices and neighborhood selection

Long-term Planning

  • Savings and investment strategies
  • Retirement planning considerations
  • Education costs for children
  • Property ownership opportunities
  • Business and career development

Quality of Life Considerations

While cost of living is important, it's just one aspect of quality of life. Consider also:

  • Healthcare system quality and accessibility
  • Education system standards
  • Public safety and security
  • Environmental quality
  • Cultural and recreational opportunities
  • Work-life balance norms

Making the Most of Your Budget

Tips for adapting to cost of living differences:

  • Research local shopping habits and markets
  • Learn about public transportation options
  • Understand local tax systems and benefits
  • Explore community resources and discounts
  • Network with locals for insider tips

Local Insights for Bahrain vs Australia

While both countries have similar overall costs, there are nuanced differences in how money is spent on daily necessities.

Cultural Cost Differences

Bahrain

  • Basic groceries tend to be more expensive, suggesting different shopping patterns.

Australia

  • Lower fuel costs indicate different transportation infrastructure.

Seasonal Cost Variations

Both countries experience moderate seasonal variations in living costs, with prices typically higher during peak tourist seasons and major holidays.

Explore more

Cost of living in Bahrain Cost of living in Australia

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