Skyline of Manama
Cost of Living: 100 600,000

Manama, Bahrain

Manama is a major city in Bahrain with a population of 600,000.

Updated August 11, 2026
Cost of Living 100

Below Average vs Bahrain Avg (100)

Housing Index 120

Above Average

Median Income BD 15,600

Household income

Unemployment 5.0%

Job market health

Manama vs Bahrain Average

Cost of Living
Manama: 100
Bahrain Avg: 100
Housing Index
Manama: 120
Bahrain Avg: 100

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: None
  • Sales Tax: 0.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: BD 15,600
  • Unemployment: 5.0%
  • Population: 600,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 300/year
  • Summer High: 100°F
  • Winter Low: 58°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7a

Housing

  • Median Home: BD150,000
  • 1BR Rent: BD400/mo

Cost of Living

Manama's cost of living index is 100 (Bahrain average = 100).

CategoryManamaNational AverageDifference
Overall1001000.0%
Housing120100+20.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home PriceBD150,000
Median Rent (1BR)BD400/mo
Median Rent (2BR)BD500/mo
Price per Sq FtBD100

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

BD
%
$90,000 down
%
%
BD

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Manama:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
ElectricityBD15
Heating & CoolingN/AEstimated based on local climate.
Cooling (AC)BD74Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
WaterBD10Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)BD25Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total UtilitiesBD124Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Remote Work Score

Manama scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
100
Rent
BD400
Sunny Days
300
Tax
None
Unemployment
5.0%
Climate
100°F / 58°F
Safety
0.5 homicides/100k
Population
600,000
Internet Speed
120 Mbps

Climate

Manama has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January78°F58°F2.5"
April85°F73°F2.8"
July100°F75°F1.5"
October80°F76°F2.2"
USDA Zone 7a

Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees

Natural Hazards

Manama faces the following natural hazards:

Drought Extreme Risk

Arid country with extreme drought conditions.

Heat Wave Extreme Risk

Extreme summer heat with temperatures frequently exceeding 45°C.

Sandstorm High Risk

Frequent sandstorms.

Earthquake Moderate Risk

Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.

Flood Low Risk

Coastal flooding.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 0% (None)
  • Sales Tax: 0%
  • Property Tax: ~0% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.0%.

Schools & Education

Total Schools

Academic Schedule

School Hours 7:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Academic Year September to June
Term System Semester — Fall (Sep-Dec), Spring (Jan-Jun)
Summer Break June to September (13 weeks)
Winter Break December to January (2 weeks)
Spring Break Ramadan and Eid break (2-3 weeks)

Sunday to Thursday school week.

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Manama, Bahrain?

The cost of living index in Manama is 100, which is Lower the Bahrain national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Manama?

The median home price in Manama is BD150,000. The housing index is 120.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Manama is approximately BD400/mo.

Does Manama, Capital have income tax?

Manama is in Capital, which has no income tax.

What is the climate like in Manama?

Manama enjoys approximately 300 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 100°F, while winter lows can drop to around 58°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
  • Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.