What is the average monthly cost of living in Muscat for a single expat?

A single expat can live comfortably in Muscat on OMR 500–700 per month (excluding rent). Including a shared or studio apartment, budget OMR 700–1,000/month total. For a family of 4 with private school and a 2-bedroom apartment, expect OMR 1,800–2,500/month or more.

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Muscat?

Muscat rent (2026 approximate): Studio: OMR 150–250/month. 1-bedroom: OMR 200–350/month. 2-bedroom: OMR 300–500/month. 3-bedroom villa: OMR 500–900/month. Prices vary significantly by area — Shatti Al Qurum and Al Mouj are the most expensive; Ghala, Al Khuwair and Ruwi are more affordable.

Is food expensive in Oman?

Food costs are moderate. Cooking at home is significantly cheaper than eating out. A full grocery shopping for a single person: OMR 80–120/month. A meal at a local restaurant: OMR 1.5–3. A meal at a mid-range restaurant: OMR 5–10. Imported goods (Western brands) cost more than local/regional products.

How much does a car cost to run in Oman?

Petrol is subsidized and relatively cheap in Oman. Approximate monthly costs: Petrol for regular commuting: OMR 25–45/month. Car insurance: OMR 150–250/year (OMR 12–21/month). Car loan payment (for a mid-range car): OMR 100–200/month. Public transport (city buses) exists but is limited — most expats drive.

Are private school fees high in Oman?

Private international school fees in Muscat vary widely: Indian curriculum schools (CBSE/ICSE): OMR 1,500–3,000/year. British curriculum schools: OMR 3,000–6,000/year. American curriculum schools: OMR 4,000–7,000/year. Many expat employers (especially in oil & gas) provide a school fee allowance — check your contract.

Cost of Living in Oman 2026 — Muscat Expat Guide

Comprehensive 2026 pricing guide for expats: rent, groceries, transport, utilities and school fees — all in Omani Rial (OMR).

OMR 700

Single expat/month

OMR 2,000

Family of 4/month

OMR 250

Avg. 1-bed rent/month

OMR 0.23

Petrol per litre

Rent in Muscat 2026

Apartment Type	Budget Area (Ruwi, Ghala)	Mid Area (Qurum, Khuwair)	Premium (Shatti, Al Mouj)
Studio	OMR 120–160	OMR 180–250	OMR 280–400
1 Bedroom	OMR 150–200	OMR 220–320	OMR 350–500
2 Bedroom	OMR 200–300	OMR 300–450	OMR 500–750
3 Bedroom Villa	OMR 350–450	OMR 450–650	OMR 700–1,200

Food & Groceries

Item	Approximate Price (OMR)
Rice (1 kg)	OMR 0.40–0.80
Chicken (1 kg)	OMR 1.20–1.80
Eggs (12 pack)	OMR 0.70–1.00
Fresh vegetables (1 kg)	OMR 0.30–0.80
Local restaurant meal	OMR 1.50–3.00
Mid-range restaurant (2 people)	OMR 12–25
Monthly groceries (single person)	OMR 80–120

Transport Costs

Item	Cost (OMR)
Petrol (Super 95, per litre)	OMR 0.23
Monthly petrol (average commuter)	OMR 25–45
Car insurance (annual, basic)	OMR 150–250
Taxi (Mwasalat app, short trip)	OMR 1.50–4.00
City bus (single journey)	OMR 0.20–0.50

Utilities & Internet

Utility	Monthly Cost (OMR)
Electricity + water (1-bed apartment)	OMR 20–45 (higher in summer with A/C)
Home internet (fibre, 100 Mbps)	OMR 15–25
Mobile SIM (postpaid with data)	OMR 8–15
International calling package	OMR 5–12

Monthly Budget Summary

Category	Single Expat	Family of 4
Rent (mid-range area)	OMR 200–320	OMR 350–550
Food & groceries	OMR 100–150	OMR 250–400
Transport	OMR 50–100	OMR 80–150
Utilities & internet	OMR 40–65	OMR 60–100
School fees (2 children)	—	OMR 250–500
Entertainment & misc	OMR 50–100	OMR 100–200
Total estimate	OMR 440–735	OMR 1,090–1,900

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Oman expensive compared to the UAE or Saudi Arabia?

Oman is generally 10–20% less expensive than Dubai (UAE) for accommodation and dining. Compared to Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), costs are broadly similar. Muscat is one of the most affordable Gulf capitals for expats.

Is a housing allowance common in Oman?

Yes. Most professional expat packages in Oman include a housing allowance, typically OMR 100–300/month depending on company and seniority. Some employers provide free accommodation. Always check whether the advertised salary is basic only or inclusive of allowances.

How much should I earn to live comfortably in Muscat?

For a single expat: OMR 600–800/month total compensation is sufficient for a modest but comfortable lifestyle. For a family of 4 without school allowance: OMR 1,500–2,000+. Oil & gas and professional roles typically pay well above this — use the Salary Calculator to check your specific net take-home.

Are utilities included in Oman rent?

Rarely. Most Muscat apartments are rented excluding utilities. Electricity and water are billed separately by NAAM (formerly Muscat Electricity Distribution Company). Electricity costs spike in summer (June–September) due to air conditioning demand — budget OMR 40–80/month during those months.