Written by: Shuja Ahmad
Oman Business Setup Consultant | Helping professionals relocate to Oman since 2019
Last Updated: February 2026
What’s New: Updated Muscat rent prices, January 2026 fuel costs, new international school fees, Q4 2025 salary data.
Table of Contents
Oman offers stability and a calmer pace of life than other Gulf countries. After helping 300+ professionals relocate to Oman since 2019, I’ve learned that understanding real costs before arrival prevents financial surprises.
This guide breaks down actual living costs in Oman for 2026, based on verified data from residents, government sources, and cost-of-living platforms.
Data Sources
Costs come from:
- Numbeo and Expatistan data for Muscat (January 2026)
- PropertyFinder and Bayat rental listings (December 2025 – January 2026)
- Direct surveys of 150+ expat households
- Lulu Hypermarket and Carrefour price checks (January 2026)
- Our client tracking (300+ relocations since 2019)
- Official rates from DIAM, Omantel, Ooredoo
All OMR amounts convert at 1 OMR = $2.60 USD (fixed rate).
Quick Overview
Monthly living costs by household:
Single Professional: OMR 800 – 1,200 ($2,080 – $3,120)
Couple: OMR 1,200 – 1,800 ($3,120 – $4,680)
Family of Four: OMR 1,600 – 2,600 ($4,160 – $6,760)
Oman is 25-35% cheaper than Dubai or Doha. The Omani Rial’s fixed peg provides stable pricing.
Sample Monthly Budgets
Single Professional (Comfortable)
- Studio apartment (Al Khoud): OMR 320
- Utilities: OMR 55
- Groceries: OMR 140
- Dining out: OMR 90
- Transport: OMR 55
- Mobile + gym: OMR 47
- Entertainment: OMR 80
- Total: OMR 787
Couple (Mid-Range)
- 2-bedroom (Seeb): OMR 480
- Utilities: OMR 65
- Groceries: OMR 220
- Dining: OMR 120
- Transport: OMR 70
- Phones + entertainment: OMR 130
- Miscellaneous: OMR 85
- Total: OMR 1,170
Family of Four (Comfortable)
- 3-bedroom villa (Al Hail): OMR 750
- Utilities: OMR 85
- Groceries: OMR 320
- School fees (monthly avg): OMR 550
- Transport: OMR 95
- Healthcare: OMR 80
- Entertainment + misc: OMR 260
- Total: OMR 2,140
School fees vary dramatically (OMR 150-750/month per child).
Housing Costs by Neighborhood
Rent takes 30-40% of household income. Location matters significantly.
Muscat Apartment Rents (Unfurnished)
Premium Areas (Qurum, Al Mouj, Shatti):
- Studio: OMR 300 – 400
- 1-bedroom: OMR 450 – 600
- 2-bedroom: OMR 650 – 850
- 3-bedroom: OMR 900 – 1,200
Mid-Range (Ghubra, Al Khuwair, Bausher):
- Studio: OMR 250 – 320
- 1-bedroom: OMR 350 – 480
- 2-bedroom: OMR 500 – 680
- 3-bedroom: OMR 700 – 950
Budget-Friendly (Al Khoud, Seeb, Al Hail):
- Studio: OMR 220 – 280
- 1-bedroom: OMR 320 – 420
- 2-bedroom: OMR 450 – 600
- 3-bedroom: OMR 650 – 850
Furnished apartments cost 15-25% more. Newer buildings with facilities command premiums.
Villa Rentals
- 3-bedroom (premium): OMR 1,100 – 1,500
- 3-bedroom (standard): OMR 750 – 1,000
- 4-bedroom (premium): OMR 1,400 – 2,000
- 4-bedroom (standard): OMR 1,000 – 1,400
Utilities (Government Subsidized)
- Electricity & water: OMR 35 – 85/month (higher in summer)
- Internet: OMR 15 – 25/month
- Mobile: OMR 8 – 20/month
- Municipality: OMR 2 – 5/month
Food Costs
Monthly Groceries:
- Single person: OMR 120 – 200
- Family of four: OMR 280 – 450
Local produce, rice, fish, and chicken are affordable. Imported brands cost more.
Typical Prices (January 2026):
- Rice (5kg): OMR 3 – 5
- Chicken (1kg): OMR 2.5 – 3.5
- Fresh fish (1kg): OMR 3 – 6
- Milk (1L): OMR 0.4 – 0.6
- Eggs (12): OMR 0.8 – 1.2
Dining Out:
- Local cafés: OMR 2 – 4
- Casual restaurants: OMR 6 – 12
- Mid-range: OMR 12 – 20
- Fine dining: OMR 25 – 45
Shopping at souqs saves 20-40% versus hypermarkets.
Transportation
Fuel (January 2026):
- M91 petrol: OMR 0.162/liter
- M95 petrol: OMR 0.177/liter
- Diesel: OMR 0.180/liter
Monthly fuel for typical commute: OMR 35-50
Car Ownership:
- New economy car: OMR 4,500 – 8,500
- Mid-range: OMR 9,000 – 16,000
- Insurance: OMR 150 – 400/year
- Registration: OMR 50 – 100/year
Public Transport:
- Mwasalat buses: OMR 0.2 – 0.5/trip
- Taxis: OMR 2 – 3/km
Healthcare
Health Insurance: OMR 200 – 500/year (most employers provide)
Typical Costs:
- GP visit: OMR 15 – 30
- Specialist: OMR 25 – 50
- Dental check-up: OMR 20 – 40
Education
International Schools (Annual):
- Standard: OMR 1,800 – 4,500
- Premium (IB/British): OMR 5,000 – 9,000
Add OMR 300-600/year for books, uniforms, and transport.
Universities:
- Public: OMR 2,000 – 4,000/year
- Private: OMR 3,000 – 6,500/year
City Comparison
| City | Cost vs Muscat | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muscat | Baseline (100%) | Most jobs, best amenities, international schools | Highest costs |
| Salalah | 15-20% cheaper | Unique climate, relaxed pace | Fewer jobs, limited schools |
| Nizwa | 25-30% cheaper | Traditional lifestyle, low housing costs | Very limited international schools |
| Sohar | 20-30% cheaper | Industrial jobs, affordable housing | Small expat community |
Salary Context
Typical Ranges:
- Entry level: OMR 400 – 600
- Mid-level: OMR 800 – 1,500
- Senior: OMR 1,500 – 3,000
- Executive: OMR 3,000+
Common Benefits:
- Housing allowance: OMR 200-800
- Transport allowance: OMR 50-150
- Health insurance
- Annual tickets
These significantly reduce personal expenses.
Money-Saving Tips
Based on 300+ client relocations:
- Choose wisely – Al Khoud/Seeb save 30% versus Qurum
- Shop local markets – 20-40% cheaper for produce
- Avoid imported luxury – Stick to local brands
- Share accommodation – Singles can split villas
- Fuel-efficient cars – Japanese compacts popular
- Cook at home – Saves OMR 150-300/month
Frequently Asked Questions
How much salary is enough to live comfortably in Muscat?
Singles need OMR 800-1,200/month; couples, OMR 1,200-1,800; families, OMR 1,600-2,600 (excluding private schooling).
Is Oman cheaper than the UAE or Qatar?
Yes, 25-35% cheaper. A 2-bedroom in Dubai costs $2,000-3,000/month; the same in Muscat costs $1,200-1,800.
Are utilities expensive in Oman?
No, they’re subsidized. Electricity/water costs OMR 35-85/month, even with AC usage.
What’s the average monthly budget for a single person?
OMR 800-1,200 for comfortable living. Budget-conscious singles in shared housing manage on OMR 600-700.
How much does it cost to buy a car?
New cars: OMR 4,500-15,000. Used cars from OMR 2,000-3,000. Japanese brands hold value best.
What are the cheapest cities in Oman?
Nizwa, Salalah, and Sohar are 20-30% cheaper than Muscat, but offer fewer job opportunities and fewer international schools.
How much for groceries in Oman?
OMR 120-200/month for singles, OMR 280-450 for families. Shop at souqs to save 20-40%.
Is healthcare expensive?
No. Insurance costs OMR 200-500/year. GP visits: OMR 15-30; specialists: OMR 25-50.
International school costs?
Standard schools: OMR 1,800-4,500/year. Premium (British/IB): OMR 5,000-9,000/year plus books/uniforms.
Is Oman expensive for expats?
Moderately priced. Cheaper than Dubai/Doha but higher than some Asian markets. Housing and schooling are the main costs; fuel, food, and utilities remain affordable.
Conclusion
Oman balances cost and quality of life well. Housing and international schooling are significant expenses, but subsidized utilities, cheap fuel, and affordable food keep overall costs manageable.
For professionals considering Oman relocation or business setup, budget OMR 1,000-1,200 (single) or OMR 1,800-2,600 (family) for comfortable Muscat living. Outside the capital, costs drop 20-30%.
Understanding these costs early prevents surprises and supports better financial planning.
About the Author
Shuja Ahmad is an Oman business setup consultant with 300+ successful professional relocations since 2019. He provides practical guidance on business registration, visa processes, and settling into life in Oman.
For Oman business setup assistance, visit OmanBusinessSetup.com.
