Cost of living in Oman in 2025 – what is an expat's monthly budget?

Oman is increasingly appearing on the map of destinations chosen by professionals looking for work in the Gulf states. It attracts people with a slower pace of life than Dubai, beautiful beaches, a high level of safety, and a favorable tax system – there is still no income tax in the country. It is no wonder, then, that many expats are wondering how much it really costs to live in Oman in 2025 and what monthly budget should be planned.

Is Oman more expensive than Poland? How does it compare to the UAE or Qatar? How much do you have to pay for housing, fuel, food, and daily expenses? In this article, you will find current and verified data that will help you assess how much it actually costs to live in Muscat – the most popular city for expats – and what expenses await those planning to work or move to this country. This will make it easier for you to evaluate whether Oman is a good option for starting or developing your professional career.

Is Oman expensive? A general overview of the cost of living

Compared to other Persian Gulf states, Oman is still considered one of the more affordable destinations for expats. It does not match the cheap countries of Southeast Asia, but compared to Dubai or Doha, its cost of living is definitely lower — and the quality of life remains very high.

How does Oman compare to other Gulf countries?

In 2025, Oman is considered one of the most "balanced" countries in the GCC region in terms of prices. For example:

• monthly living costs for one person in Muscat (excluding rent) are approx. 280–300 OMR,
• similar costs in Dubai are often 500–700 OMR,
• in Qatar – 400–600 OMR.

Oman is therefore even half as cheap as the most popular expat cities in the Gulf. This translates into, among other things, cheaper rent, lower food prices, and very affordable transport costs.

Why is Oman relatively cheap for expats?

The favorable price level is due to several factors:

• No income tax — the "take-home" salary is exactly what is stated in the contract.
• Cheap fuel — gasoline prices are among the lowest in the world.
• Stable food and service prices — no sharp price spikes, unlike in some countries in the region.
• Rational real estate market — Muscat does not have as artificially inflated a market as Dubai.

Thanks to this, many expats rate Oman as a place where it is relatively easy to maintain a comfortable lifestyle without excessive financial pressure.

Is Oman cheaper than Poland?

It depends on the category:

• cheaper: fuel, transport, some services, some food;
• more expensive: rent in good neighborhoods, restaurants, imported products;
• comparable: basic grocery shopping, utility bills.

Although Oman is not a "budget" destination, the ratio of the cost of living to earnings is very favorable, especially with contracts in the oil & gas, IT, finance, or logistics sectors.

Utilities, internet, phone – how much should you add per month?

Utility costs in Oman are relatively stable and moderate, but it is worth remembering one important factor: air conditioning runs here for practically most of the year. It is responsible for the largest part of the bills, especially from May to September. For expats planning a move to Muscat, this is a very important item in the monthly budget.

How much do electricity, water, and air conditioning cost?

The average monthly cost of utilities for a 1–2 bedroom apartment is:

• 22–40 OMR – with economical use of air conditioning,
• 50–70 OMR – with standard usage (the most common scenario),
• 80–90+ OMR – in months of extreme heat or in larger apartments.

The biggest impact on the bill is:

• frequency of turning on the air conditioning,
• apartment size,
• thermal insulation standard of the building (newer buildings are more efficient).

Home internet – what are the prices?

The fixed-line internet offer in Oman is well-developed, especially in Muscat. The most common packages cost:

• 25–35 OMR/month – for a fast fiber-optic connection (the most popular option),
• Approx. 20 OMR/month – slower connections or promotional offers.

Most expats opt for a full home package including internet + TV, which usually falls in the 30–40 OMR range.

Mobile phone – how much does a monthly plan cost?

Data package prices do not differ significantly from European standards:

• 5–10 OMR/month – basic plans with fewer GB,
• 10–20 OMR/month – plans most often chosen by expats,
• 25+ OMR/month – large data packages for heavy users.

There are several popular operators in Oman (e.g., Omantel, Ooredoo, Red Bull Mobile), and all offer flexible prepaid and postpaid plans.

How much does all this add up to monthly?

The average expat should assume that the monthly cost of "utilities + internet + phone" will be:

• approx. 70–100 OMR – for a single person,
• approx. 90–130 OMR – for a couple or family (larger area = more air conditioning).

This is an important part of the budget, especially in the summer months when the air conditioning runs practically non-stop.

Food – grocery shopping and restaurants

Food costs in Oman vary depending on your lifestyle. If you focus on home cooking and local products, monthly expenses will be relatively low. However, if you like to eat out more often or choose imported food items, the budget will increase even twofold. You also have to remember that in Muscat, most products are imported from abroad, which affects prices in supermarkets.

Grocery shopping – how much do basic products cost?

Average monthly spending on groceries for one person is usually 100–250 OMR, depending on whether you choose local or imported products.

Example prices of basic items:

• bread: 0.40–0.50 OMR,
• milk 1 l: 0.60 OMR,
• rice 1 kg: 0.70 OMR,
• chicken breast 1 kg: 1.3–1.8 OMR,
• apples 1 kg: 0.6–0.8 OMR,
• eggs (12 pcs.): 0.8–1 OMR,
• yellow cheese 1 kg: 3–4 OMR.

How to reduce shopping costs?

• Choose local markets and smaller shops instead of exclusive supermarkets.
• Buy seasonal and local products (fruits and vegetables from the region).
• Avoid an excess of imported brands — they can be up to 2–3 times more expensive.

Eating out – how much does a restaurant visit cost?

Muscat offers a wide selection of restaurants – from local, cheap bars to luxury places known in the region. The costs of going out depend heavily on the standard of the venue.

Example prices:

• cheap meal in a local eatery: 2–3 OMR,
• lunch in a mid-range restaurant: 5–8 OMR,
• dinner in a premium restaurant: 12–20+ OMR,
• latte coffee: 1.5–2 OMR,
• dessert in a cafe: 1–3 OMR,
• beer in places where it is available: 3–5 OMR.

If an expat eats out often, monthly expenses can rise to 150–250 OMR, or even more with an active lifestyle.

What most affects the expat food budget?

• frequency of eating out,
• choice of local vs. imported products,
• standard of restaurants visited,
• lifestyle (coffee out, desserts, social gatherings),
• apartment location (prices can be higher in expat neighborhoods).

Is it worth considering Oman? Summary of pros and cons

Oman is a destination that combines moderate living costs, a high level of safety, and a calm daily lifestyle. It does not offer the pace of Dubai, but many expats consider it a much more balanced and comfortable place to live. Here are the most important pros and cons worth considering before moving.

Advantages of living in Oman

• No income tax – the entire salary shown in the contract goes into your account.
• Very low fuel prices – daily commutes and weekend trips are exceptionally cheap.
• High level of safety – Oman is regularly among the safest countries in the world.
• Moderate cost of living – housing, food, and transport are cheaper than in the UAE or Qatar.
• Stable prices and no high inflation – expenses are predictable.
• Beautiful nature and high quality of life – beaches, mountains, and the desert at your fingertips.
• Friendly environment for expats – a large international community and a growing job market.

Disadvantages of living in Oman

• Necessity of owning a car – public transport is limited.
• Extreme heat in summer – temperatures above 40°C increase air conditioning costs and limit outdoor activity.
• Less entertainment than in Dubai – Oman is quieter and more "local."
• Higher prices for imported products – in supermarkets for expats, you can easily overpay.
• High costs of international education – a large burden on the family budget.

Oman is a great choice for people looking for stability, safety, and a good quality of life at reasonable costs. It is ideal for expats who want to live in a quieter place than Dubai, while at the same time benefiting from high earnings, no income tax, and beautiful, diverse landscapes. If you value work-life balance, nature, and predictable costs – Oman definitely deserves your attention.