The Cost of Living in Beirut: Monthly Budget Breakdown (and a whole lotta chaos)
okay, so, like, Beirut. right? it’s… intense. i’ve been here three months, mostly fueled by lukewarm espresso and the vague hope of finding a decent stencil set. seriously, the humidity is a whole thing. it’s like stepping into a sauna that’s also trying to steal your socks. it’s perpetually 95% humidity and 38 degrees, and the air smells vaguely of diesel and something floral that’s probably trying to mask the diesel.
seriously, the map is here:
. it’s a crazy place, you know? like, you can be sipping mint tea in Gemmayzeh one minute, dodging a stray bullet the next. don’t get me wrong, the architecture is insane - crumbling Ottoman buildings next to these ultra-modern glass towers. it’s a visual assault, in the best way possible, i guess.
my friend Leo, a touring session drummer (don’t ask, he’s a vibe), told me the other night, “Beirut’s like a broken drum kit, man. It’s got potential, but you gotta know how to tune it.” deep, right?
so, the budget. let’s be real, it’s not cheap. i’m running around $1200-$1600 a month, give or take. and that’s tight. i’m a freelance photographer, which means my income is… seasonal. let’s just say the summer season is a godsend.
*Here’s the breakdown (rough estimates, obviously):Expense Category Estimated Cost ($) Notes Rent (Studio in Mar Mikhael) 600-800 Seriously, Mar Mikhael is gorgeous, but it’s a bloodbath for rent. I’m in a shared space, which is the only way i can afford it. Utilities (Electricity, Water, Internet) 150-200 Beirut’s electricity is… temperamental. Expect blackouts. Invest in a generator, or just learn to love candlelight. Food 300-400 Street food is your friend. Seriously. Falafel, shawarma, kibbeh… it’s cheap and delicious. Grocery shopping is a struggle. Transportation 100-150 Uber/Careem is easy, but expensive. The bus is… an experience. Mostly chaotic. Entertainment/Social 200-300 Beirut’s nightlife is legendary. But it’s also expensive. There are plenty of free things to do - wandering through the souks, checking out street art, people-watching. Gear/Supplies (Photography) 100-200 Gotta keep the lenses clean, you know? TOTAL 1350 - 1850
Overheard Gossip (from a bartender in Hamra): “Don’t trust anyone who says they’re ‘investing’ in Beirut. They’re just waiting for the next collapse. It’s a beautiful disaster, though, right?” Yeah, pretty much.
Pro-Tip (from a disillusioned consultant, who looked like he hadn’t slept in a week): “Learn Arabic. Seriously. It’ll save you a lot of headaches. And don’t try to negotiate prices. Just accept it.” He then promptly downed three shots of Arak.
Safety Note: Okay, this is important. Beirut isn’t dangerous in the way some places are. But there’s a persistent undercurrent of tension. Keep your wits about you, especially at night. I’ve heard rumors about certain areas being… less friendly. Check out this Reddit thread for more info: https://www.reddit.com/r/Beirut/
Also, a quick Yelp review: “The best manoucheh in the city! But be prepared to wait in line.” https://www.yelp.com/user_reviews/beirut-lebanon
TripAdvisor Recommendation:* “Don’t miss the Pigeon Rocks! Amazing views.” https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298398-d326333-Reviews-Pigeon_Rocks-Beirut.html
And, you know, just… go. Seriously. It’s weird, it’s chaotic, it’s beautiful, and it’s probably going to change you. Just bring a good camera and a healthy dose of skepticism. And maybe a spare pair of socks.
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