Can You Live in Beirut on Less Than 1000 USD?

Beirut, the capital city of Lebanon, is a well-known tourism destination and commercial hub in the Middle East. However, it’s also notorious for its high cost of living, which can be a challenge for both locals and expats. The question is whether it’s possible to live in Beirut on a shoestring budget, let’s say less than 1000 USD per month?

Understanding the Cost of Living in Beirut

Before we dive into the details, let’s first understand what factors contribute to the cost of living in Beirut.

Housing

Housing is undoubtedly the biggest expense, and rental prices are comparatively high in Beirut. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center could cost around 600 to 800 USD or even higher, depending on the location and condition.

Food and Beverages

Lebanese cuisine is renowned worldwide and undoubtedly one of the highlights of the country. However, eating out and buying imported groceries can be quite expensive. On average, a basic meal in an inexpensive restaurant costs around 8 to 10 USD, while a meal for two in a mid-range restaurant can cost around 40 USD.

Transport and Utilities

The transportation system in Beirut is satisfactory and includes buses, taxis, and ridesharing services like Uber and Careem. A one-way ticket for local transportation costs around 0.30 USD, and a monthly pass costs around 25 USD. Utility bills, including electricity, water, and gas, can add up to around 60-100 USD per month.

Medical and Educational Expenses

Lebanon has an excellent healthcare system, but private healthcare can be quite expensive. On average, a regular doctor’s visit costs around 40 USD, while emergency services can cost up to 1000 USD or even more. Educational expenses are relatively low, with government-funded schools, universities, and colleges providing free education to Lebanese citizens.

Can You Live in Beirut on Less Than 1000 USD?

Now that we have an idea of the cost of living in Beirut, let’s get back to our original question. Is it possible to live in Beirut on less than 1000 USD per month?The answer is yes, but it might be a bit challenging. To live on such a budget, you’ll have to make several compromises, including:

Shared Accommodation

Single accommodation can be costly, and renting a shared apartment with roommates can significantly reduce your housing expenses. You can easily find a shared apartment for around 300 to 400 USD per month, which can help you save some money.

Cooking at Home

Lebanese cuisine is delicious, but eating out every day can be quite expensive. To save money, you can cook your meals at home, which not only saves you money but also allows you to explore the local markets and ingredients.

Using Public Transportation

While taxis and ride-sharing services are convenient, they can be expensive. To save money on transportation, you can opt for public transportation or even walk or bike to nearby places.

Limiting Your Expenses

To live on less than 1000 USD, you’ll have to limit your expenses, including entertainment, clothing, and other personal expenses. If you want to enjoy the nightlife, go for happy hours or stick to places with affordable drinks.

The Final Verdict

Living in Beirut on less than 1000 USD per month is possible, but it requires careful planning and budgeting. You’ll have to make several compromises to live within your means, but with some effort, it can be done. It’s important to note that the cost of living in Beirut can vary depending on your lifestyle choices and spending habits. Therefore, it’s crucial to plan your expenses and prioritize your spending to make the most of your budget.

Conclusion

In conclusion, living in Beirut on a budget is achievable but challenging. By being mindful of your expenses and making strategic choices, you can enjoy an excellent quality of life without overspending. However, before moving to Beirut, it’s essential to conduct thorough research and plan accordingly to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Insiders Guide to Beirut: Uncovering the Hidden Gems

If you are looking for a middle eastern city packed with delicious food, captivating history, vibrant culture, and hospitable people, Beirut should be on the top of your list. While many travelers are put off by the reputation of Beirut being an expensive city, in reality, it is entirely possible to live here on less than 1000 USD.

Here is your insider’s guide to Beirut that includes the lesser-known spots, the local cuisine, art, customs, and much more.

Local Attractions: Hidden Gems

When exploring Beirut, most travelers head straight to the historic downtown, The Corniche, and the nightlife district of Gemmayze. While these neighborhoods undoubtedly offer some of the best attractions in the city, there are still a few hidden gems that are less explored:

– Sursock Museum: Established by the Lebanese aristocrat Nicolas Sursock, the Sursock Museum is dedicated to contemporary art and was officially opened to the public in 1961. The museum is housed in a beautiful 1912 Italianate villa in the Achrafieh neighborhood, and its art collection represents the most extensive and diverse in the Middle East.

-Baabda Palace: Less known and rarely visited among travelers, the Presidential Palace in Baabda is an excellent representation of the grand architecture of Lebanon. While the palace is not open to the public, it is still worth a visit for its impressive design, lush gardens, and encompassing panoramic views of the city below.

Dining Spots: Taste of Lebanon

Beirut has limitless culinary offerings, and the city’s food culture is nothing short of fascinating. Here are some fantastic recommendations for Lebanese cuisine:

– Tawlet, Souk El Tayeb: Tawlet is an authentic experience of Lebanese food at its finest. Located in the heart of Beirut Souk in Downtown, the restaurant provides a feast prepared by local women who bring their family recipes. Every day, the menu changes based on what is in season and what the farmers are bringing in from their fields.

– Manoucheh: Manoucheh served as a substitute for bread in Lebanon and is a traditional Lebanese symbol of street food. Manoucheries can be found in almost every neighborhood of Beirut, offering the chance to taste some authentic pizzas, but instead of cheese and tomato sauce, you’ll find zaa’tar, cheese, and other Levantine toppings.

Cultural Experiences: Celebrating Beirut

Lebanon is a melting pot of religions, cultures, and unique traditions. It’s a place where Christians and Muslims live together, and influences from across the Middle East and Mediterranean blend beautifully. Here are a few cultural experiences to add to your Beirut itinerary:

– Verbois Gallery: Opened in the middle 1990s, Verbois Gallery renovated an old courtyard house into a creative space for dialogue. Operated by Aida Cherfan, the institution aims to promote various contemporary art forms, such as film screenings, exhibitions, and workshops.

– Ramadan Nights at the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque: Through the fast of Ramadan, Beirut really comes alive with Muslim customs, and nothing captures this better than the celebratory atmosphere in and around the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque.

Local History: Captivating stories from the past

Beirut had a tumultuous history – it was destroyed and rebuilt seven times before its current iteration. Here are a few captivating stories that provide a glimpse into Beirut’s past:

– Maghen Abraham Synagogue: Before the civil war in 1975, Beirut had a thriving Jewish community, living in harmony with the Muslims and Christians. The Maghen Abraham Synagogue, founded in 1926, was a landmark construction that reflected the community’s status. Today, the synagogue is abandoned, and the community is no longer visible.

– Martyrs Square: Martyrs Square is arguably the most significant public space in the city. It stands at the center of Beirut’s downtown, and over time, it’s been transformed into one of the most powerful and symbolic locations in the city. It was the site of massive protests during the war that lasted for almost four years.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Beyond Conventional

If you have enough time in Beirut, here are some recommendations that will take your experience to a whole new level:

– Kayaking in The Oasis’: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city to the Beirut River’s lush green oasis. The river, once heavily polluted, is now a haven for wildlife and vegetation. Local kayaking tours offer an unparalleled view of the city and a unique way to experience it.

– ‘Tawlet on The Road’: Take a cooking class with Tawlet in one of the rural villages surrounding Beirut. The experience includes a trip around the village’s local market, a guided tour of the farm where the ingredients are grown, and cooking lessons with a local chef.

Conclusion

Beirut has something for everyone- It is a city that has embraced its history while moving forward at an admirable pace. The kindness of the people and their willingness to share their culture with visitors make Beirut a truly special destination. Follow this guide, and you may fall in love with the city’s hidden spots, traditional cuisine, and fascinating history.