Living in Bahrain, does this sound like a good deal?

Question

My husband has been offered a job in Bahrain for BD 4,000 per month. In which range is this salary (middle-high)? We have a 2 yr old daughter and another baby due in December.

Included is an accommodation allowance, transportation allowance, health, relocation costs and a few other benefits. We will shortly find out how much of an allowance we receive for accommodation because I realise this is important.

On this salary, would we be able to save much? We want to live an mid-upper class lifestyle and enjoy things while we are there. But we will buy a house in Australia and plan to pay off a big chunk of the mortgage to help 'set us up'' for the future.

Where is the best place to live? Can you help with all questions asked - greatly appreciated - thanks!

Answer 1

BD 4000 is good by all standards.

Most western expats prefer living in areas like Saar/Budaiya/Janabiya where you have gated community villas (pool/gym etc thrown in) for families.  Rents vary from 700-2000 BD, depending on size, amenities etc.

Juffair is an area I would avoid for living. Its a concrete jungle with drunken American Navy sailors and equally drunken beastly saudi men crawling all over the place. It really is that bad!

Food expenses wont be more than 400 BD per month for the family and eating out in a decent restaurant would cost about BD 50 for 2-3 people.

Bahrain is liberal on the lines of Dubai. These are the only two cities in the Middle East which have alcohol flowing freely. And you will enjoy the pace of life and the community feel. There is a strong Aussie expat population here.

However, dont expect the beaches in Bahrain, even though this is an island! ( figure it out!)

As for saving, you should be able to save a decent amount for that house in Australia!

Good luck.

Answer 2

I am not clear from your question if your husband would get an housing all in addition to the salary? Anyways the salary of BD 4000 is very good. If its part of salary then it hardly matters how much it is as you pay from your salary.

Most of the western expats stay in the Sar/Budaiya/Janabiya/ Barbar/Diraz localities. There are compound villas (like gated community) with common facilities like swimming pool, etc. Depending on the facilities provided and number of bedrooms you need the rent varies from BD 800-BD 1500 (On this you need to add 10% rent tax and about BD 30-50 for elec/water). You can get individual villas for slightly lower rents but they wont have any facilities.

The schools like St Chrisopers and British School costs around BD 2500-BD 3000/yr. The others cost of living is comparable to western cities with the exception of petrol which is just BD 0.100/lt.

The cars if taken on lease (ex HONDA CRV costs abt BD 270/month) and a car loan costs abt BD 477/month (for a loan of BD 10000 for 3 yrs)

Answer 3

4000 per month that so good try living in sar or in juffir stay close to the capital because if you lived in hamad town everything will be far from you

Answer 4

BD 4,000 is very high!

You'll live well here.

Most Bahrainis live on much below BD 1,000, do you know many Bahraini families receive something like BD 500? So they can't live as well as they want to.

So, anyhow... yes you need to figure out the allowance for residence as it might be the most "monthly" cost you'll have to be paying.

But I suppose with BD 4,000 and only two children, you'll live pretty nicely and will be able to save some money.

Good luck!