Oman : Cost of Living by City
How Much Does It Cost to Live in Oman?
The Sultanate of Oman is in the Middle East, on the southeastern end of the Arabian Peninsula.
The cost of living here depends on your lifestyle, and how much you are planning on spending/saving from your income.
You should keep in mind that the prices of housing and apartments will increase as you move towards the city. Food and transportation expenses are almost constant across the country but are also on the rise.
Prices are highest in Muscat, but although costs can be lower outside of the city, you’ll also find limited choices there.
Cost of Living Breakdown in Oman
RESTAURANTS
Eating out can be costly, and if you want a drink, your only option will be expensive Western-style hotels.
If you’re on a budget, you can get breakfast for about 1.30$ max.
Assuming you’re okay with Indian food since this is what’s mostly served here in cafeterias – at certain places, you’ll be able to get lunch for about 5.20$.
There is a wide range of independent establishments in Oman where the food is excellent and reasonably priced.
| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $5.20 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $10.39 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.31 |
MARKETS
When it comes to groceries, European ex-pats will probably find the cost of food and drink in Oman cheaper, while Americans may find it more expensive.
Be that as it may, if you’re willing to consume local products, you will save money.
Lulu is the best value supermarket, Al Fair is the most expensive – but also has the highest quality products – and Carrefour is mid-range.
Buying alcohol in Oman can be complicated and costly.
| Average Market Prices | |
|---|---|
| Milk (1 Liter) | $1.77 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $1.10 |
| Eggs (12) | $2.72 |
TRANSPORTATION
The cost of using a car in Oman is much cheaper than in Europe.
As a result, virtually everyone drives and few people use public transportation.
If you’re going to be in the city, there are buses that you may take too and they usually cost around 1.30$ per ride.
For those who want to make every penny count or to experience the local atmosphere, there are ‘baisa’ buses operating throughout Muscat.
This mode of transit is largely used by the lowest-paid workers.
| Average Transport Prices | |
|---|---|
| One Way Ticket | $1.30 |
| Monthly Pass | $51.96 |
| Gasoline | $0.62 |
UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
Utilities aren’t costly in Oman.
If you’re living in an apartment of about 85m2 all basic utilities will cost you around 94.26$.
Utilities, such as water, gas, and electricity, are generally excluded from the quoted rental price.
Video communication is restricted, however, VPN and WiFi at most places (including buses) will get you through the day.
| Average Utilities Prices | |
|---|---|
| Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) | $94.26 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local | $0.13 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $78.37 |
SPORTS & LEISURE
Indulging in sports and fitness activities will cost you a bit more, as in most countries of the world.
If you want to become a member of a fitness club or a gym, it will cost you around 50$ a month.
Cinemas usually charge about 9$ for a ticket, but here, the price varies a bit depending on your seat and the movie you want to watch (whether it’s 3D or not).
| Average Leisure Prices | |
|---|---|
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $51.64 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | $27.36 |
| Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release | $9.09 |
CLOTHING & SHOES
It depends on what brands you’d want to shop from, and how much you’re looking to spend.
You should count on spending, on average, around 100$ on yourself per shopping spree.
For instance, you can buy quality jeans here for about 50$ while quality running sneakers of brands like Nike cost around 83$.
| Average Clothing Prices | |
|---|---|
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) | $47.28 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) | $37.15 |
| 1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) | $82.95 |
RENT PER MONTH
Accommodation prices are going down in Oman – like elsewhere in the Middle East.
There are a lot of new homes being built, and ex-pats will be able to find a place that fits their budget, mood, and style.
Accommodation is normally unfurnished.
An apartment in the city center will cost you around 560.69$ and one a bit further from the center will cost you about 400$.
| Average Rent Prices | |
|---|---|
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $560.69 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $405.99 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $1058.60 |
HEALTHCARE
Oman has a public healthcare system that is largely free for citizens, funded through taxes, while private insurance is common for expatriates and optional for locals, typically costing 50 to 120 USD per month.
Out-of-pocket expenses average roughly 200 to 500 USD per person per year for medications and private services.
With average monthly salaries near 2,500 USD, healthcare costs are generally affordable.
EDUCATION
Public primary and secondary schools are free for citizens, though families pay for uniforms, books, and supplies.
Private and international schools charge tuition from $4,000 to $20,000 per year.
Public universities charge modest tuition, around $1,500 to $3,000 annually, while private universities cost $5,000 to $12,000 per year.
Students also pay for housing, food, transport, and textbooks.
Average monthly income is about $1,600, so private education and university living costs represent a significant portion of household income.
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Oman?
Food is definitely how an average person living in Oman spends most of their money – this is the case in most countries.
The next expense for the people of Oman is definitely rent – it is generally expensive in Oman but manageable.
Apart from rent and food, restaurants take up a lot of money from people’s budgets, as well as transportation.
You will find the cost of living in Oman more reasonable than that of many of the neighboring Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and income is tax-free.
Average Costs Breakdown
Oman: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
The average monthly salary for a person living in Oman is around 2,082.76$ which, taking into consideration the prices in Oman makes it possible for the people of Oman to earn and live comfortably.
The minimum wage in Oman is around 850$ which is also a lot higher than in many countries with similar prices.
Generally speaking, Oman is a country where you can live comfortably and not have to worry too much about tomorrow if you cover your expenses wisely.
If you’re planning on traveling to Oman and spending some time there, 2000$ would be enough for you to live in Oman completely carefree.
Oman Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Oman Safety Review
| OVERALL RISK | LOW |
|---|---|
| TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK | LOW |
| PICKPOCKETS RISK | LOW |
| NATURAL DISASTERS RISK | LOW |
| MUGGING RISK | LOW |
| TERRORISM RISK | MEDIUM |
| SCAMS RISK | LOW |
| WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK | LOW |
| TAP WATER RISK | LOW |
Cost of Living by City in Oman
| City | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|
| Muscat |
51.04 |
I want a job in oman
How much is the salary of a foreigner works in oman?
Thank you for the cost estimation, the cost is in USD or OMR ?
there is a $ sign, it is in USD.
Seems like living in Muscat could really dent your wallet! I guess it’s a classic case of city living, huh? Just when you think you’re getting a good deal, the prices hit you.
It’s surprising to hear that living costs are on the rise even for basic things like food and transport. I guess moving to Muscat really hits the wallet hard!
Isn’t it funny how living in the city comes with a price tag that seems to grow taller than the skyscrapers? What do you think is more worth it, the view or the savings?
How do you personally manage those rising costs in Muscat? It must be quite a balancing act!
It’s interesting to think about living in Oman, but the rising costs make it a bit concerning. Sure, there’s a balance between city and country living, but it’s hard to ignore how quickly housing prices seem to be climbing. I can’t help but wonder if the trade-off for lower costs outside of Muscat is really worth it when you might sacrifice convenience and options. It seems like a tricky situation.
Sounds like living in Muscat is a trade-off! You get the vibrant city life, but those prices can really add up. It’s all about finding that sweet spot between cost and convenience, right?
Curious about how the rising costs in Muscat compare to other Middle Eastern cities? It seems like the lifestyle choices really play a big role in your overall expenses. Do you think it’s worth moving a bit further out for lower rent, or are the trade-offs with limited options not worth it?
Perfect, either hand half your salary to a Muscat landlord or move out and enjoy limited choices with a lighter wallet. My bank account couldn’t be happier.
Looks like Muscat will eat most of your paycheck if you want decent housing, and with food and transport prices climbing it’s hard to see how people actually save without moving well outside the city.
This made my heart sink, how do you manage the rising housing costs in Muscat when food and transport are climbing too?