Oman : Cost of Living by CityHow Much Does It Cost to Live in Muscat?
Muscat is the capital of Oman and the country’s largest city. It is in fact three smaller towns which have grown together over time.
Comparing to Dubai and Doha, Muscat is much cheaper to live. You should keep in mind that prices of housing and apartments will increase as you move towards the city.
As for the cost of living, even for a single person it still depends on many things: your life expectations, the rent of the apartment you live, the district you want to live, the social activities you want to take part in, etc.
Cost of Living Breakdown in Muscat
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 2.50$. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a vegetarian or not, because the prices are similar when you eat outside.
| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $6.75 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $7.79 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.28 |
MARKETS
When it comes to groceries, European expats will probably find the cost of food and drink in Muscat 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, and Al Fair is the most expensive – but also has highest quality products – and Carrefour is mid-range. Buying alcohol in Oman can be complicated and costly.
| Average Market Prices | |
|---|---|
| Milk (1 Liter) | $1.63 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $1.05 |
| Eggs (12) | $2.58 |
TRANSPORTATION
Cost of transportation will vary depending on where you stay in Muscat and where you need to go for work. Note that public transport is almost non existent in Muscat. There are a few bus routes and taxis without meters. 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 | $0.78 |
| Monthly Pass | $38.96 |
| Gasoline | $0.58 |
UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
Utilities aren’t costly in Muscat. If you’re living in an apartment of about 85m2 all basic utilities will cost you around 55$. Utilities, such as water, gas and electricity, are generally excluded in 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) | $56.68 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local | $0.17 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $74.29 |
SPORTS & LEISURE
Indulging in sports and fitness activities will cost you a bit more, as in most countries of the world. If you want to become a member of a fitness club or a gym, it will cost you around 50$ a month. Cinemas usually charge about 8$ 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 | $48.70 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | $26.78 |
| Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release | $9.09 |
CLOTHING & SHOES
It depends what brands you’d want to shop from, and how much you’re looking to spend. You should count on spending, on average, around 100$ on yourself per shopping spree in Muscat. For instance, you can buy quality jeans here for about 50$ while quality running sneakers of brands like Nike cost around 85$.
| Average Clothing Prices | |
|---|---|
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) | $51.39 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) | $49.22 |
| 1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) | $86.62 |
RENT PER MONTH
Accommodation prices are going down in Oman, and Muscat as well – like elsewhere in the Middle East. There are a lot of new homes being built, and expats will be able to find a place that fits their budget, mood and style. Accommodation is normally unfurnished. An apartment in the city center will cost you around 700$ and one a but further from the center will cost you about 400$.
| Average Rent Prices | |
|---|---|
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $702.46 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $485.38 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $1381.44 |
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Muscat?
Rent is definitely how an average person living in Muscat spends most of their money – it is generally expensive in Oman but manageable.
The next expense for the people of Muscat is definitely food – this is the case in most countries.
Apart from rent and food, restaurants take up a lot of money from the people’s budgets, as well as transportation.
You will find the cost of living in Muscat more reasonable than that of many of the neighboring Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and income is tax-free.
Average Costs Breakdown
Muscat: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
The average monthly salary for a person living in Muscat is around 1.400$ which, taking into consideration the prices in Muscat, makes it possible for the people of Muscat to earn and live comfortably.
The minimum wage in Muscat is around 850$ which is also a lot higher than in many countries with similar prices.
Generally speaking, Muscat 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 this gorgeous city and spending some time there, 2000$ would be enough for you to live here completely carefree.
Muscat Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Muscat Safety Review
| OVERALL RISK | LOW |
|---|---|
| TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK | LOW |
| PICKPOCKETS RISK | LOW |
| NATURAL DISASTERS RISK | MEDIUM |
| MUGGING RISK | LOW |
| TERRORISM RISK | HIGH |
| SCAMS RISK | LOW |
| WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK | LOW |
| TAP WATER RISK | MEDIUM |
It’s interesting to see how Muscat stacks up against places like Dubai and Doha. I wonder how the costs vary depending on lifestyle choices. It must be a balancing act between enjoying the city’s amenities and managing expenses. Have many people found a comfortable way to live there without breaking the bank?