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.
Oman : Cost of Living by City
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$.
There is a wide range of independent establishments in Oman where the food is excellent and reasonably priced.
MARKETS
When it comes to groceries, European ex-pats will probably find the cost of food and drink in Oman cheaper, while Americans may find it more expensive.
Be that as it may, if you’re willing to consume local products, you will save money.
Lulu is the best value supermarket, Al Fair is the most expensive – but also has the highest quality products – and Carrefour is mid-range.
Buying alcohol in Oman can be complicated and costly.
TRANSPORTATION
The cost of using a car in Oman is much cheaper than in Europe.
As a result, virtually everyone drives and few people use public transportation.
If you’re going to be in the city, there are buses that you may take too and they usually cost around 1.30$ 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.
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$.
Utilities, such as water, gas, and electricity, are generally excluded from the quoted rental price.
Video communication is restricted, however, VPN and WiFi at most places (including buses) will get you through the day.
SPORTS & LEISURE
Indulging in sports and fitness activities will cost you a bit more, as in most countries of the world.
If you want to become a member of a fitness club or a gym, it will cost you around 50$ 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).
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$.
RENT PER MONTH
Accommodation prices are going down in Oman – like elsewhere in the Middle East.
There are a lot of new homes being built, and ex-pats will be able to find a place that fits their budget, mood, and style.
Accommodation is normally unfurnished.
An apartment in the city center will cost you around 560.69$ and one a bit further from the center will cost you about 400$.
Cost of Living Averages Table for Oman
*Note: All prices are indicated in USD.| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $5.20 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $10.39 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.31 | Average Market Prices |
| Milk (1 Liter) | $1.77 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $1.10 |
| Eggs (12) | $2.72 | Average Transport Prices |
| One Way Ticket | $1.30 |
| Monthly Pass | $51.96 |
| Gasoline | $0.62 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | $1058.60 |
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Oman?
Food is definitely how an average person living in Oman spends most of their money – this is the case in most countries.
The next expense for the people of Oman is definitely rent – it is generally expensive in Oman but manageable.
Apart from rent and food, restaurants take up a lot of money from people’s budgets, as well as transportation.
You will find the cost of living in Oman more reasonable than that of many of the neighboring Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and income is tax-free.
Average Costs Breakdown
Oman: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
The average monthly salary for a person living in Oman is around 2,082.76$ 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
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS 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.