Oman (OM)
Oman is one of the most welcoming and stable expat destinations in the Middle East, offering a unique blend of ancient Arabian heritage, dramatic natural landscapes, and a rapidly modernising economy.
Capital: Muscat
Region: Middle East
Language: Arabic
Currency: OMR (ر.ع.)
Cost of living: Moderate (index 58)
Emergency: 9999
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Cost of Living
Real prices in Oman — 2026 data in OMR.
58
Cost of living index
(100 = NYC reference)
Affordable compared to most Western countries. Good value for the quality of life offered.
Food & Groceries
Milk (1L) OMR 0.600–0.850
Eggs (12) OMR 0.650–0.900
Chicken breast (1kg) OMR 1.500–2.200
Rice (1kg, local) OMR 0.400–0.600
Kuboos / flatbread (local bakery) OMR 0.100–0.200
Dates (Omani, 500g, locally grown) OMR 1.500–5.000
Bottled water (1.5L, Tanuf / Salalah) OMR 0.100–0.150
Monthly groceries for 1 person OMR 60–100
Dining Out
Karak chai (iconic Omani spiced milk tea) OMR 0.100–0.300
Shuwa (slow-cooked lamb, iconic dish, restaurant portion) OMR 3–8
Cheap Indian / Pakistani meal (local restaurant) OMR 0.800–1.500
Casual restaurant meal for 1 OMR 2–6
Coffee (espresso at café) OMR 1.000–2.500
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) OMR 15–30
Rent
Studio apartment, Muscat OMR 150–250/month
1-bed apartment, Muscat (good area) OMR 250–400/month
2-bed apartment, Muscat expat area OMR 350–600/month
3-bed villa, Muscat compound OMR 600–1,200/month
Shared room (budget) OMR 80–150/month
Short-stay serviced apartment, Muscat OMR 400–900/month
Transport
Mwasalat city bus (Muscat, single ride) OMR 0.200–0.500
Uber / Careem city ride OMR 1.800–4.000
Taxi from Muscat International Airport OMR 8–15
Petrol (RON 91, per litre — government-regulated) OMR 0.180
Petrol (RON 95, per litre) OMR 0.205
Car insurance (annual, basic third-party) OMR 80–180
Used compact car OMR 4,000–12,000
Health & Insurance
PASI government hospital (employed residents) Subsidised for employed residents
Private GP consultation OMR 10–20
Private specialist consultation OMR 20–50
Dental cleaning OMR 15–35
Annual health insurance (comprehensive expat plan) OMR 350–700
Utilities
Electricity (MEDC / OIFC, monthly, 2-bed with AC) OMR 20–45
Water (monthly) OMR 5–15
Internet (50 Mbps fibre) OMR 12–18/month
Mobile plan (50GB data, major network) OMR 8–15/month
Building / apartment service charge OMR 15–50/month
Childcare
British School Muscat (BSM, annual) OMR 4,200–8,500
ABA / American-British Academy (annual) OMR 4,000–7,500
Indian School Muscat (CBSE, annual) OMR 600–1,200
Private nursery (monthly) OMR 150–400
Leisure
Cinema ticket (Muscat Grand Mall / City Centre) OMR 2.500–4.000
Gym membership (monthly) OMR 20–50
Beach club day pass OMR 10–25
Desert safari (full day, Wahiba Sands area) OMR 25–60/person
Wadi adventure / hiking tour OMR 20–50/person
Domestic helper (live-in, monthly salary) OMR 100–200
Haircut (men's, barber) OMR 2–5
Haircut (women's) OMR 15–40
Cost of Living
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