What a Month in Beirut Really Costs

Add up what you actually pay each month — rent, the generator, water, school, food — in fresh dollars, and see how much of it replaces what the state should provide.

In Beirut the real cost of a month isn't rent and food. It's what you pay private operators for the things the state is meant to provide — the generator, the water truck, the school run — all in fresh dollars, while much of the country still earns in lira.

Add up your own month below. Nothing is saved and nothing is sent; the sum stays in your browser. Leave blank any line that isn't yours.

Add up your own month

Type what you actually pay for each line — leave blank anything that isn’t yours. Nothing is saved or sent; the sum stays in your browser.

Rent(a month)A modest flat, per monthTypical range: $470 – $900

State electricity (EDL)(a month)The state bill — but the grid gives only about 6–8 hours a day

Generator subscription(a month)Private diesel power, priced by amperesTypical range: $50 – $320

Trucked water(a month)Delivered tanks — around $5–11 per 1,000 L, up ~60% since 2020Typical range: $20 – $45

Drinking water(a month)Refill jugs — the trucked and state water is brackish, not for drinkingTypical range: $8 – $25

Cooking gas(a month)A household cylinder refillTypical range: $10 – $13

Home internet(a month)Ogero DSL to private fibreTypical range: $10 – $60

Mobile phone(a month)A basic Alfa or touch bundleTypical range: $5 – $30

Groceries(a month)A basic food basketTypical range: $150 – $500

Private school(a year, if it applies)Tuition for one child — many families' single biggest costTypical range: $3,000 – $22,000

Fill in any of the 10 lines above to see your monthly total.

A typical month here runs about $723–$1,893.