If you're planning to move to Oman in 2026, here's what things cost
Monthly Cost Breakdown
| Category | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR, City Centre) | €650 | Largest expense |
| Rent (3BR, City Centre) | €1,100 | For families |
| Groceries | €280 | One person, home cooking |
| Public Transport | €35 | Monthly pass |
| Utilities (85m2) | €120 | Electricity, water, heating |
| Dining Out (per meal) | €8 | Inexpensive restaurant |
| Total (Single Person) | €1,149 | Comfortable lifestyle |
Income vs Expenses
| Income Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Average Salary (Gross) | €2,502/month |
| Minimum Wage | €450/month |
| Salary After Rent (1BR) | €1,852/month |
With an average salary of €2,502 and rent of €650, approximately 26% of income goes to housing.
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Cost Indices (vs New York City = 100)
| Index | Score | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living | 43.6 | Significantly cheaper NYC |
| Rent | 13.2 | Much cheaper NYC |
| Groceries | 42.4 | Cheaper NYC |
| Restaurant Prices | 41.8 | Cheaper NYC |
| Local Purchasing Power | 152.7 | Higher than NYC |
Money-Saving Tips
- Shop at local markets: Fresh produce is typically 20-40% cheaper than supermarkets
- Cook at home: Eating in saves 60-70% compared to dining out
- Use public transport: Monthly passes are much cheaper than car ownership
- Live outside the centre: Suburbs offer 20-40% lower rent with reasonable commutes
- Compare utilities: Switch providers for electricity and internet to get better deals
- Student discounts: Available for under-26s on transport, museums, and cultural events
Salary by Sector
| Sector | Entry Level | Median | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| It | €24,500 | €35,000 | €49,000 |
| Retail | €10,000 | €14,000 | €19,500 |
| Finance | €21,500 | €31,000 | €43,500 |
| Education | €13,500 | €19,000 | €26,500 |
| Healthcare | €19,500 | €28,000 | €39,000 |
| Engineering | €22,500 | €32,000 | €45,000 |
| Hospitality | €10,500 | €15,000 | €21,000 |
| Construction | €17,000 | €24,000 | €33,500 |
Figures are annual gross salaries in EUR.
Additional Practical Information
The following information is compiled from expat community sources and recent reports to complement the official data above.
Additional Data Points
Recent reports and expat sources provide these additional figures for Oman:
- Apartments or twin villas can be located in gated communities with multiple housing units. They are popular among expatriates for the community feel and shared facilities. Rent in compounds typically starts at OMR 350 per month for small apartments and can go up to OMR 2,500 for villas. Compounds often include communal swimming pools, gyms, security, and recreational areas.
- Sometimes, utilities are included in the rent. The security deposit can be between 1 to 3 months. Pay attention to any clauses related to early termination, renewal, and termination of the lease.
- Apartment prices start from OMR 50,000 for a one-bedroom unit and up to OMR 400,000 for larger, high-end apartments with views.
- Townhouses are typically priced between OMR 150,000 and OMR 450,000, depending on size and location.
- Prices for villas start from OMR 200,000 up to OMR 1 million , depending on the size, with luxury beachfront villas at the higher end of the scale.
- One of the main issues with renting single rooms is that, generally, only one lease contract with one name is issued for the entire flat rate. In this case, it is important to make sure that the company can support you with a lease agreement on one of their premises, even if you live in your own place.
- Having a Mixed system residence with unmarried people is now prohibited. There is also a limit of two people per room, even if they are same-sex households.
- Muscat stretches over more than 50 km, so it is extremely important to choose the right location to live based on your work location and your children's school to avoid endless commuting in the city as the traffic is very dense during the morning and evening hours.
- The area on the east side of the refinery used to be the main business hub of the city. It mainly includes Wadi Kabir , Ruwi , and Muscat . Many government offices have shifted in the last decade from those areas to settle closer to Muscat International Airport, but it is still one of the main areas for Asian expatriates, especially Indians, Bangladeshis, and Pakistanis, to stay.
- While it's not recommended for anyone to go to Oman to look for a job, it's important to ensure you have a ...
Additional data sourced from expat community reports. All information should be verified with official sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I live comfortably on a remote worker salary in Oman?
With a monthly budget of approximately €1,149, a remote salary of €2,000-3,000/month would provide a very comfortable lifestyle. Research specific cities for the most accurate picture.
What is the minimum wage in Oman?
The minimum wage in Oman is approximately €450/month. This compares to an average salary of €2,502. Note that minimum wage may not apply to all sectors or expat workers.
How does purchasing power compare in Oman?
The local purchasing power index in Oman is 152.7/100 (NYC = 100), meaning residents enjoy higher purchasing power than NYC. This factors in both incomes and costs.
What is the cheapest city to live in Oman?
Cost of living varies significantly within Oman. Smaller cities and rural areas are generally 20-40% cheaper than the capital. The national average rent for a 1BR is €650, but you can find significantly lower prices outside major urban areas. Research specific cities before deciding.
What is the average salary in Oman?
The average monthly salary in Oman is approximately €2,502 gross. The minimum wage is €450/month. Local purchasing power index is 152.7/100.
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