Q: 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!
A: 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)