🇴🇲 Oman — Cost of Living Index Verified Market Data
Head-to-Head Comparison 🇴🇲 Muscat vs 🇬🇧 London
Muscat vs London Cost of Living Comparison (2026)
How does living in Muscat compare to London? You would need around OMR 1,011 in London to maintain the same standard of life that OMR 656 provides in Muscat (assuming you rent in both cities).
Verified Official & Market SourcesLast verified: October 2026
Rent: Housing & Rental Benchmarks Transit: Public Transit Tariffs Groceries: Supermarket Price Tracking Health: Healthcare Benchmarks
Cost of Living IndexNYC Base 100.0
50.5
Muscat is ~49.5% more affordable than New York City.
Single (Excl. Rent):OMR 269/mo
1-Bed City Centre Rent:OMR 387.20/mo
Family of 4 (Excl. Rent):OMR 840/mo
Single Total (Inc. Rent):OMR 656/mo
Executive Summary & Key Takeaways 2026 Household Budget Models
Summary: What is the Monthly Cost of Living in Muscat?
Living expenses in Muscat (Oman) reflect current local price levels across housing, groceries, transit, and amenities. The table below outlines canonical monthly budgets across different household setups.
Single (No Rent)
OMR 269
Groceries, bills, transit, leisure
Single (1-Bed Centre)
OMR 656
Complete solo city living
Family of 4 (No Rent)
OMR 840
2 Adults + 2 Kids baseline
Family (3-Bed Centre)
OMR 1,537
Family accommodation & living
Data Governance & Methodology: Operating figures are aggregated and verified from official government statistics agencies, regional transport tariffs, utility provider rates, and verified local consumer submissions.
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Compare Muscat with Another CityCompare rent, groceries, restaurants, and salaries side-by-side
Muscat Cost of Living & Salary Calculator
Estimate your take-home pay (100% tax-free in Muscat), housing expenses, and monthly savings.
Real-time 2026 Engine
OMR
Presets:
Monthly Calculation
MonthlyWeekly
Estimated Net Income
OMR 1,250OMR 288
Total Expenses
OMR 656OMR 152
Net Disposable Savings
OMR 594OMR 137
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Comfortable BudgetDetailed Monthly Budget Breakdown
Based on your income parameters, your estimated living expenses in Muscat total OMR 656 per month:
| Category (Click to jump ↓) | Yearly | Monthly | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Net Take-Home Pay | OMR 15,000 | OMR 1,250 | OMR 288 |
| Total Living Expenses (78%) | OMR 7,872 | OMR 656 | OMR 152 |
| ➔Housing / Rent | OMR 4,646.40 | OMR 387.20 | OMR 89.00 |
| ➔Groceries & Food | OMR 1,008.84 | OMR 84.07 | OMR 19.00 |
| ➔Utilities & Broadband | OMR 1,020 | OMR 85.00 | OMR 20.00 |
| ➔Public Transit / Commute | OMR 335.88 | OMR 27.99 | OMR 6.00 |
| ➔Dining, Health & Leisure | OMR 660 | OMR 55.00 | OMR 13.00 |
| ➔Clothing & Shoes | OMR 204 | OMR 17.00 | OMR 4.00 |
| ➔Childcare & Education | OMR 0.00 | OMR 0.00 | OMR 0.00 |
| Net Savings / Buffer (22%) | OMR 7,128 | OMR 594 | OMR 137 |
How Much Salary Do You Need to Live in Muscat?
Direct Answer: A single person needs a minimum net salary of OMR 820/month (approx. OMR 10,000 gross (100% tax-free)) to live comfortably in a private 1-bedroom apartment in Muscat, covering all utilities, groceries, transit, and modest savings. Flatsharing or living outside the centre lowers the requirement to ~OMR 441/month net.
| Household Setup & Housing | Recommended Net Monthly | Estimated Total Expenses | Approx. Gross Salary / Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| University Student (Shared / Dorm)Shared room, local student transit pass, self-catered groceries | OMR 199 | OMR 165 | OMR 2,000 |
| Single (Shared Flat / Co-living)Private bedroom in shared apartment / flatshare | OMR 394 | OMR 315 | OMR 5,000 |
| Single (1-Bed Outside Centre)Suburban residential district, standard commuting distance | OMR 441 | OMR 353 | OMR 5,000 |
| Single (1-Bed City Centre)Prime downtown district, walk-to-work or rapid transit | OMR 820 | OMR 656 | OMR 10,000 |
| Couple (2 Adults, 1–2 Bed Flat)Dual income or single earner, shared living costs | OMR 1,225 | OMR 980 | OMR 15,000 |
| Family of Four (2 Adults + 2 Children)3-bedroom family home, schooling, family groceries | OMR 1,921 | OMR 1,537 | OMR 23,000 |
Is a Specific Salary Enough to Live in Muscat?
Click on any annual gross salary benchmark below to inspect take-home pay (100% tax-free in Muscat) and lifestyle suitability in Muscat:
Is OMR 15k a Good Salary in Muscat?
High purchasing power in Muscat (~OMR 1,250/mo tax-free). Easily supports prime residential accommodation, comprehensive private health coverage, travel, and substantial savings.
Estimated Monthly Net: OMR 1,250
Single Essentials Total: OMR 656
Monthly Surplus: OMR 594
Affordability Rating
Upper Professional / High SavingsProvides ample financial buffer for rent, dining out, and regular savings in Muscat.
| Annual Gross Benchmark | Take-Home / Mo (0% Tax) | Lifestyle Rating | Housing Mode | Target Household Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OMR 6,298 | OMR 525 | Tight for Solo / Ideal for Shared | Shared Flat / Suburbs | Student / Junior Entry |
| OMR 10,200 | OMR 850 | Manageable Entry Budget | Suburban 1-Bed Apartment | Early Career Solo |
| OMR 15,000 | OMR 1,250 | Upper Professional / High Savings | Prime 2-Bed Apartment | Senior Specialist / Couple |
| OMR 21,300 | OMR 1,775 | Senior Executive Leadership | Luxury Home / Prime Penthouse | Executive / Director |
| OMR 29,900 | OMR 2,492 | Established Family Tier | 3-Bed Family Home / Villa | Family of 3–4 |
| OMR 43,300 | OMR 3,608 | Senior Executive Leadership | Luxury Home / Prime Penthouse | Executive / Director |
Head-to-Head Comparison 2026 Verified Cost Benchmarks
Muscat vs London Cost of Living Comparison
Executive Comparison Summary:
You would need around OMR 1,011 in London to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with OMR 656 in Muscat (assuming you rent in both cities).
Cost of living in Muscat is 41.3% cheaper than London Rent in Muscat is 47.4% lower Groceries in Muscat are 13.6% cheaper
Cost Index (NYC Base)
50.5 vs 86.1
41.3% Cheaper
1-Bed City Centre Rent
OMR 387.20
London: OMR 735.97
47.4% Cheaper
Monthly Groceries
OMR 84.07
London: OMR 97.28
13.6% Cheaper
Average Net Salary
OMR 836
London: OMR 874
4.3% Lower
| Category / Expense Item | Muscat | London | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing & Rent | |||
| 1-Bedroom Apartment (City Centre) | OMR 387.20 | OMR 735.97 | -47.4% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside of Centre) | OMR 83.60 | OMR 91.20 | -8.3% |
| 3-Bedroom Apartment (City Centre) | OMR 697 | OMR 1,325 | -47.4% |
| Groceries & Food | |||
| Monthly Grocery Basket (Basic Essentials) | OMR 84.07 | OMR 97.28 | -13.6% |
| Restaurants & Dining Out | |||
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | OMR 3.70 | OMR 5.55 | -33.3% |
| Meal for 2 People (Mid-Range Restaurant, 3 Courses) | OMR 16.55 | OMR 26.08 | -36.5% |
| Transportation & Utilities | |||
| Monthly Public Transit Pass | OMR 27.99 | OMR 41.51 | -32.6% |
| Basic Utilities (Gas, Water, Electricity, Heating - 85m²) | OMR 54.42 | OMR 63.07 | -13.7% |
| Childcare & Apparel | |||
| Preschool / Kindergarten (Monthly Full Day) | OMR 256.15 | OMR 300.71 | -14.8% |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | OMR 17.02 | OMR 15.99 | +6.4% |
| Salaries & Purchasing Power | |||
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | OMR 836 | OMR 874 | -4.3% |
Itemized Cost of Living in Muscat (Verified Prices)
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Housing & Rental BenchmarkAccommodation & Rent in Muscat
Standard residential leases in Muscat typically require a 1 to 2 month refundable security deposit. Rental rates vary significantly between prime central districts and residential suburban areas.
| Housing Type | Average Monthly Rent |
|---|---|
| 3-Bedroom Apartment (City Centre / Prime) | OMR 697 |
| 3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburban / Outside Centre) | OMR 134 |
| 2-Bedroom Apartment | OMR 523 |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment (City Centre) | OMR 387.20 |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Centre) | OMR 83.60 |
| Shared Room / Student Room (Co-housing) | OMR 46.00 |
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Local SupermarketsFood & Supermarket
| Item | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Loaf of Fresh Bread (500g) | OMR 0.79 |
| 12 Medium/Large Eggs | OMR 0.95 |
| 1 Liter Fresh Milk | OMR 0.26 |
| 1 kg White Rice | OMR 1.06 |
| 1 kg Local Cheese | OMR 3.06 |
| 1 kg Chicken Fillets | OMR 3.00 |
| 1 kg Apples | OMR 1.33 |
| 1.5L Mineral Water | OMR 0.47 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L / Bottle) | OMR 0.59 |
| Bottle of Mid-Range Wine | OMR 3.90 |
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Muscat TransitPublic Transit & Travel
| Ticket / Option | Price |
|---|---|
| Monthly Public Transit Pass (Unlimited) | OMR 27.99 |
| Student / Youth Monthly Pass | OMR 14.00 / mo |
| Single Transit Ticket (One-way) | OMR 0.78 |
| 10-Journey / Multi-Trip Card | OMR 7.02 |
| Taxi Starting Tariff | OMR 0.87 |
| Taxi 1km Tariff | OMR 0.44 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter Unleaded) | OMR 0.29 |
| City Bike Share Membership | OMR 7.00 / mo |
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Local UtilitiesUtilities & Telecoms
| Utility Service | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic Utilities (Gas/Heating/Water/Electricity - 85m²) | OMR 54.42 |
| Fiber Internet (100+ Mbps Unlimited) | OMR 18.49 |
| Mobile Plan (20GB 5G / Unlimited Calls) | OMR 12.52 |
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Market AveragesDining Out & Leisure
| Activity / Item | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | OMR 3.70 |
| Meal for 2 People (Mid-Range Restaurant, 3 Courses) | OMR 16.55 |
| McDonald's Combo Meal (or Fast-Food Meal) | OMR 1.93 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter Draught) | OMR 1.47 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | OMR 3.33 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | OMR 1.26 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33L Bottle) | OMR 0.50 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter Restaurant) | OMR 0.19 |
| Monthly Fitness Club / Gym (1 Adult) | OMR 11.64 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release, 1 Seat) | OMR 3.51 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | OMR 5.16 |
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School BenchmarksChildcare & Education
| Level / Program | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten (Monthly per Child) | OMR 256.15 |
| International Primary School (Annual Tuition per Child) | OMR 4,904.26 / yr |
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Retail BenchmarksClothing & Shoes
| Apparel Item | Average Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | OMR 17.02 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, etc.) | OMR 11.13 |
| 1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | OMR 24.67 |
| 1 Pair of Men's Leather Business Shoes | OMR 34.27 |
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Financial BenchmarksSalaries & Financing
AVERAGE MONTHLY NET SALARY
OMR 836
100% tax-free take-home pay (no personal income tax or social security in UAE)
20-YEAR MORTGAGE INTEREST RATE
4.50%
Annual fixed interest rate for home loans
| Financial Indicator / Property Type | Benchmark Value |
|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (100% Tax-Free) | OMR 836 / mo |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed) | 4.50% |
| Price per Sq Metre / Sq Ft to Buy Apartment in City Centre | OMR 1,355.20 |
| Price per Sq Metre / Sq Ft to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | OMR 267.52 |
Tax & Net Pay Engine 2026 Fiscal Rates
Oman Take-Home Salary (100% Tax-Free)
In Muscat (Oman), there is 0% personal income tax and 0% social security deduction on expat earnings. Your gross salary equals your net take-home salary.
Estimated City Net Benchmark:OMR 836 / mo
Single Person Living Baseline (Inc. Rent):OMR 656 / mo
Cost Comparison Peer Benchmarks
Related & Nearby Peer Cities
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Student Cost of Living in Muscat
Key living considerations for students and academics residing in Muscat (Oman).
- Monthly Budget: OMR 165 – OMR 199/month (shared room / student dorm baseline).
- Student Room / Partition: OMR 46.00/month on average.
- Public Transit: OMR 14.00/month .
- Food & Groceries: ~OMR 71.00/month with student cooking.
- Shared Utilities & Wi-Fi: ~OMR 34.00/month (pro-rated per student).
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Childcare & Education in Muscat
Educational institutions and childcare availability across Muscat.
- Preschool / Kindergarten: Full-day private nurseries average OMR 256.15/month.
- International Primary School: British, American, and IB curriculum schools average OMR 4,904.26/year.
- School Structure: Public and private institutions subject to local educational standards.
- Family Apartment (3-Bed): Average rent OMR 697/month in central residential areas.
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Oman Healthcare & Medical Access
Medical care, statutory health coverage, and private insurance norms in Muscat.
- Doctor (GP) Visit: Standard consultation typically ~OMR 6.00.
- Health Insurance Mandate: Expat policies range ~OMR 21.00 to OMR 46.00/month.
- Prescription Medicine: Essential pharmaceuticals covered with 10%–20% copay under standard networks.
- Hospital Network: World-class medical centers including Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), and Burjeel.
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Relocation Setup & Living Tips in Muscat
Upfront relocation costs and essential initial budgeting items:
- Rental Deposit & Cheques: Typically 1 to 2 months of base rent (approx. OMR 581).
- Registration & Agency Fees: Fast broadband ~OMR 18.49/month.
- Utility Connection (ADDC): Unlimited voice + 20GB+ data ~OMR 12.52/month.
- Initial Household Setup: Budget ~OMR 194 for furnishing basics and appliances.
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Expert Money-Saving Tips in Muscat
1. Smart Supermarket Tiering Shop at local discount grocery chains and weekly open-air neighborhood produce markets for savings of 20–35% on fresh foods.
2. Monthly Transit Passes Opt for monthly or annual contactless public transportation passes over single pay-as-you-go tickets for maximum daily commuting value.
3. Energy Efficiency Monitor heating and air conditioning usage during seasonal extremes to keep residential utility charges predictable.
Frequently Asked Questions about Living in Muscat
The estimated monthly cost of living in Muscat for a single individual is approximately OMR 656 including a private 1-bedroom city centre apartment, groceries, utilities, high-speed internet, and local public transit. Excluding rent, baseline monthly living costs are approximately OMR 269.
To live comfortably as a single professional in Muscat with a private 1-bedroom apartment, regular dining out, leisure activities, and savings, a recommended net monthly income of at least OMR 820 to OMR 984 is advised. Because the UAE levies 0% personal income tax and 0% social security deductions, your gross salary equals 100% of your take-home pay. For an expatriate family of four living in a 3-bedroom apartment with schooling, a household monthly income of OMR 1,921 to OMR 2,306 is recommended.
Average rent in Muscat varies by location and unit size:
- 1-Bedroom Apartment (City Centre): OMR 387.20/mo
- 1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Centre): OMR 83.60/mo
- Shared Room / Flatshare: OMR 46.00/mo
- 3-Bedroom Family Apartment (City Centre): OMR 697/mo
- 3-Bedroom Family Apartment (Outside Centre): OMR 134/mo
Public transportation in Muscat is accessible and economical. A regular monthly transit pass averages OMR 27.99, while single one-way tickets cost around OMR 0.78.
Monthly grocery costs in Muscat average between OMR 84.07 for a single adult and approximately OMR 235 for a family of four. Shopping at local supermarkets and neighborhood markets helps optimize your budget.
No. The United Arab Emirates imposes 0% personal income tax on employment earnings and zero social security deductions for foreign expatriate residents. What your employer offers as gross remuneration is 100% your net take-home salary. There is a standard 5% Value Added Tax (VAT) applied to most consumer goods and dining, and a 3% municipality housing fee (minimum AED 450/year, Resolution No. 13 of 2016) incorporated into monthly Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC) utility bills for expatriate rented homes.
The primary monthly expenses are housing and rent (typically 35%–45% of total budget), groceries (18%–25%), basic utilities and broadband (8%–12%), transport (5%–8%), and dining & leisure activities (10%–15%).
Methodology, Sources & Editorial Verification
Cost of living benchmarks for Muscat are compiled using official regulatory schedules, statutory municipal fees, public transit tariffs, and verified local expat expenditure surveys.
Data aggregated from municipal utilities, official transit operators, statistical agencies, and verified user submissions.
Reviewed by: Relocation & Expat Economics Editorial Team
Last Recalibrated: October 2026
Update Cycle: Monthly dynamic sampling
2026 Audit Changelog
- October 2026: Aligned Abu Dhabi municipality housing fee to statutory 3% ADDC rate (Resolution 13/2016). Removed single-person childcare default in calculator. Updated ITC Hafilat AED 80 pass & ADDC Green Slab cooling advice.
- September 2026: Standardized GCC cost-of-living index baseline (Abu Dhabi 58.2 vs Dubai 65.8). Integrated UAE Labour Law No. 33 of 2021 gratuity (EOSG) formulas.
- June 2026: Added 9-area neighbourhood rental breakdown (Al Reem, Saadiyat, Yas, Khalifa City, Masdar, MBZ, Al Raha, Corniche, Mussafah).