😐Monthly costs for one person with rent: $1,993 in Saar versus $61.7 in Al Budayyi.
😐Estimated couple costs with rent: $2,797 in Saar versus $72.0 in Al Budayyi.
😐Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $3,601 in Saar versus $82.8 in Al Budayyi.
😐Living in Saar is roughly 3131% more expensive than Al Budayyi, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.
📊The two cities straddle the global median: Saar is 48% above, Al Budayyi is 95% below.
Currency
🍽 Eating Out
Saar
Al Budayyi
Difference
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$10.42BHD 3.93
-
-
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$33.79BHD 12.74
-
-
Fast Food Meal(McDonalds, etc)
$10.42BHD 3.93
-
-
Cappuccino
$5.69BHD 2.14
-
-
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite(0.33 liter bottle)
$0.97BHD 0.36
-
-
Water(0.33 liter bottle)
$0.45BHD 0.17
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-
Local Beer(0.5 liter draught)
$6.01BHD 2.27
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-
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
$9.11BHD 3.43
-
-
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Saar
Al Budayyi
Difference
Milk(1 liter)
$1.73BHD 0.65
-
-
White Bread(500g)
$1.31BHD 0.49
-
-
Rice(white)(1kg)
$2.63BHD 0.99
-
-
Eggs
$2.69BHD 1.01
-
-
Local Cheese(1kg)
$13.40BHD 5.05
-
-
Chicken Fillets(1kg)
$6.71BHD 2.53
-
-
Beef Round Steak(1kg)
$15.75BHD 5.94
-
-
Apples(1kg)
$4.02BHD 1.51
-
-
Banana(1kg)
$2.32BHD 0.87
-
-
Oranges(1kg)
$3.61BHD 1.36
-
-
Tomato(1kg)
$1.97BHD 0.74
-
-
Potato(1kg)
$0.69BHD 0.26
-
-
Onion(1kg)
$1.62BHD 0.61
-
-
Wine(Bottle)
$26.57BHD 10.01
-
-
🚌 Getting Around
Saar
Al Budayyi
Difference
Taxi Start(Normal Tariff)
$5.27BHD 1.99
-
-
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Saar
Al Budayyi
Difference
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$132BHD 49.90
-
-
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
-
$19.64BHD 7.40
-
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$32.14BHD 12.11
$41.15BHD 15.51
-21.90%
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Saar
Al Budayyi
Difference
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$189BHD 71.4
-
-
Tennis Court(1 Hour on Weekend)
$106BHD 39.92
-
-
Cinema Ticket
$21.27BHD 8.02
-
-
🧸 Childcare & Education
Saar
Al Budayyi
Difference
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$554BHD 209
-
-
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
$8,057BHD 3,037
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-
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Saar
Al Budayyi
Difference
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$93.3BHD 35.15
-
-
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$39.00BHD 14.70
-
-
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$104BHD 39.22
-
-
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$108BHD 40.75
-
-
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Saar
Al Budayyi
Difference
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$1,333BHD 502
-
-
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$924BHD 348
-
-
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$2,106BHD 794
-
-
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$1,195BHD 451
-
-
Buy Apartment Outside City Center(m2)
$2,212BHD 834
-
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Saar
Al Budayyi
Difference
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$2,379BHD 897
-
-
CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update for Saar: June 7, 2026
Last update for Al Budayyi: June 7, 2026
City Median Internet Speeds Comparison (Updated April 2026)
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
Saar vs Al Budayyi: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions
Which city is more expensive, Saar or Al Budayyi?
Al Budayyi wins on cost – living expenses run 3131% lower than in Saar. Housing and daily spending are where you'll feel the difference most, making Al Budayyi the obvious pick if budget is a priority.
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Saar vs Al Budayyi?
You'd need roughly $2,990 in Saar and $92.5 in Al Budayyi to live well. The gap comes down to housing and overall price levels. Both cities are liveable on less, but these numbers represent actual comfort.
Can you live on $1,000/month in Saar or Al Budayyi?
At $61.7 in Al Budayyi versus $1,993 in Saar, a $1,000 budget is realistic in Al Budayyi but tight or insufficient in Saar. The gap between the two cities makes Al Budayyi the clear choice for anyone on this budget.
Which city offers a better quality of life: Saar or Al Budayyi?
Both cities offer a good standard of living with different trade-offs. Neither is objectively better – the right pick depends on what matters most: affordability, career, cultural scene, or climate.
How safe is Saar compared to Al Budayyi?
Safety-wise, Saar and Al Budayyi are on par. Petty crime is typical for cities this size, and most residents feel comfortable going about their daily routines in either place.
Which city is more affordable for expats?
Expats usually find Al Budayyi gentler on the wallet – expenses run 3131% less than in Saar. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.