Cost of Living in Oman: Full Guide for Expats

Housing and Accommodation Costs

Living cost in Oman depends on the exact location. The capital Muscat has higher prices than smaller cities like Sohar or Salalah. You can learn more about Oman’s real estate prices (mostly focused on Muscat and Salalah) in our guide. 

While calculating Oman cost of living, make sure you keep in mind housing and accommodation costs, as they are going to be your biggest expense there.

Numbeo has published the following information:

• The price for a 1-bedroom apartment rented in the city center is $517.90.
• The price for a 1-bedroom apartment rented outside of the city center is $363.71.
• The price for a 3-bedroom apartment rented in the city center is $969.42.
• The price for a 3-bedroom apartment rented outside of the city center is $628.61.
• The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city center is $1,455.05.
• The price per square meter to buy an apartment outside of the city center is $1,118.27.

Utilities and Household Expenses

While trying to figure out the Oman cost of living, consider budgeting for utilities such as electricity, water, gas, waste collection, internet, and television. Because the climate is hot for much of the year, air‑conditioning can be one of the biggest utility expenses.

• The basic utilities (including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage) for an 85 square-meter apartment are $99.65 per month.
• A standard monthly mobile phone plan that includes calls and 10 GB+ data costs $32.51.
• A broadband internet with unlimited data (60 Mbps or higher) costs $72.11 a month.

Food and Grocery Prices

Food costs can be budget-friendly if you buy local ingredients from markets and cook at home. Imported products and dining out quickly increase expenses.

Numbeo provides an updated list of average food prices in Oman. Here are some of the most common grocery items and their approximate costs:

• Milk (regular, 1 liter): $2.03
• Fresh white bread (500 g loaf): $1.22
• White rice (1 kg): $1.90
• Eggs (12, large size): $2.58
• Local cheese (1 kg): $6.82
• Chicken fillets (1 kg): $6.19
• Beef round or equivalent back leg red meat (1 kg): $9.70
• Apples (1 kg): $2.66
• Bananas (1 kg): $1.83
• Oranges (1 kg): $2.03
• Tomatoes (1 kg): $1.24
• Potatoes (1 kg): $1.14
• Onions (1 kg): $1.18
• Lettuce (1 head): $1.19
• Bottled water (1.5 liters): $0.60
• Bottle of wine (mid-range): $15.60
• Domestic beer (0.5 liter bottle): $4.03
• Imported beer (0.33 liter bottle): $7.31
• Cigarettes (Marlboro, pack of 20): $6.24

If you have a special occasion and would like to dine out, keep in mind the following points:

• A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs $5.20.
• A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant (with three courses but no drinks) costs $26.01.
• A regular-sized cappuccino costs $4.85.
• Soft drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 liter bottle) costs $0.88.

Transportation and Fuel Costs

Oman has limited public transport, so many expats rely on cars. However, bus routes in Muscat have improved, and ride‑hailing apps such as Otaxi offer affordable fares.

Here are the average prices:

• A one-way ticket on the local transport is $1.30.
• A monthly public transport pass is $58.52.
• A taxi start (standard tariff) is $2.86.
• 1 km of taxi (standard tariff) is $0.78.
• 1 liter of gasoline is $0.62.

Healthcare and Insurance Expenses

Oman’s public healthcare system is widely popular. However, expats typically prefer private clinics or international hospitals and maintain private insurance.

• For a medical consultation, a general practitioner visit costs $26-52. A dental visit can cost $52-260.
• Basic private health insurance costs $104-260 per month. More comprehensive plans for families run $520-1300 per year.

Education and Childcare Costs

Those who move with their children should consider a budget for education, as expat students are not eligible for public schools.

• A fee for a private full-day preschool/kindergarten is $230.66 a month.
• An annual tuition for an international primary school is $10,973.28.

Entertainment and Lifestyle Spending

Life in Oman offers a wide range of outdoor activities such as hiking, wadis, beaches, and desert camping. Many of these are at a low cost or are free. There are also paid entertainment and lifestyle expenses, including gyms, cinemas, shopping, and travel. Consider the following Oman life expenses:

• Monthly fitness club membership costs $52.32.
• Renting a tennis court for one hour costs $20.23 during the weekend.
• One cinema ticket (international release) costs $10.40.

Residency and Visa-Related Costs

Before applying for a visa, make sure you have considered Oman cost of living. 

Surely expats need a valid visa to live and work in Oman. Depending on the purpose and duration of stay, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) issues various permits. Here are the approximate fees for the different types of visa prices:

• An employment visa should be sponsored by the employer. The visa is valid for 2 years, and the application fee is OMR 20 (≈ $52).
• Family joining visa is also valid for 2 years, and the application fee is OMR 30 (≈ $78).
• A student visa can be valid for 1-2 years, and the application fee is OMR 30.
• A property owner visa typically allows residence for up to 2 years, and the application fee is OMR 50 (≈ $130).
• A family visit visa allows the applicant to stay in Oman from one week to 3 months. The application fee is OMR 20.
• A tourist visa is valid for 10-30 days. The application fee is OMR 20-50.
• A multi-entry visa (sponsored) can be valid for 6-12 months. The application fee is OMR 50.
• A multi-entry visit visa (unsponsored) is valid for a year and allows 30-day visits. The application fee is OMR 50.
• A GCC resident visa is valid for 28 days. The application fee is OMR 5 (≈ $13).
• A 10-year multi-entry visa allows stays of up to six months per visit. The application fee is OMR 50.
• A tourist visit visa (unsponsored) is valid for a month. The application fee is OMR 5-20.

In August 2025, Oman updated its Golden Visa program. According to the new program, applicants who invest at least OMR 200,000 (≈ 520K) in one of the 7 given pathways can obtain a 10-year residency for themselves and their family members. As the program is new, there is still no formal information about the application fees. Considering the fact that many things have changed, we advise you to contact a specialized agent if you want to have a smoother application process for your Oman Golden Visa.

Salary vs Cost of Living: What You Need to Earn

Numbeo states that an average monthly net salary (after taxes) is $2,306.53.

To determine which salary range will support your lifestyle, and how much is Oman cost of living, consider expenses like housing and accommodation, utilities, food and groceries, transportation, healthcare and insurance, education, and entertainment.

Many employers provide housing allowances, transport allowances, and medical insurance, which substantially reduce personal expenses.

Tips for Saving Money in Oman

Here are several tips that will help you lower Oman cost of living:

• First of all, wisely choose the neighbourhood. Remember that housing and accommodation are your biggest expenses. Living outside Muscat’s center or sharing an apartment can cut your rent by 30-50 %. Secondary cities like Salalah, Nizwa, or Sohar are 15-30% more affordable than Muscat.
• Do your daily shopping in local markets. Fresh produce, fish, and meat are cheaper at souqs and local markets, and imported goods at supermarkets have higher prices. Additionally, buying seasonal products and bulk grains helps you save more money.
• Use public transport and carpool. Numbeo states that a one-way ticket in the local transport costs $1.30, which is a cheaper alternative to driving.
• Take advantage of the country’s free activities. Oman has very beautiful mountains, beaches, and wadis that offer free relaxation. Hiking in Jebel Akhdar, swimming at Wadi Shab, or picnicking on beaches cost nothing. Additionally, National Day celebrations and cultural festivals often include free entertainment.
• Negotiate for the utilities and internet packages. Don’t just find one telecom company and become their customer. Look for some alternatives, ask natives, and compare to find the best option for you. In villas, you can install energy-efficient appliances and use ceiling fans to reduce electricity usage.
• If you want to take advantage of more activities, consider domestic travel during off‑peak periods. Hotels and resorts offer discounts outside high season (October-April). Also, remember that the day to the beach resorts is cheaper on weekdays.
• Use employer benefits. Some companies offer their employees advantages such as free flights home once a year, medical insurance, schooling allowances, and interest‑free car loans. 
• Stay according to your visa limits. Keep in mind that overstaying may cost around OMR 50 ($130) per month.