Cost of Living in Muscat, Oman
Oman · Asia
$2,000
Monthly Cost
avg/person
58
Cost Index
NYC=100
52
Rent Index
NYC=100
70
Quality of Life
Good
84
Safety Index
Excellent
1.4M
Population
OMR
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $8 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $32 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $7 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $5 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $6 |
| Cappuccino | $3.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $1.2 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.6 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1.2 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.9 |
| Rice (1kg) | $1.4 |
| Eggs (12) | $2.5 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $5 |
| Beef (1kg) | $11 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2.2 |
| Banana (1kg) | $1 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $1.5 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.9 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.5 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.5 |
| Monthly Pass | $30 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.8 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $0.48 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $30000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $24000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $130 |
| Mobile Plan | $28 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $50 |
| Fitness Club/month | $72 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $900/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $600/mo |
| 3BR Center | $2,000/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $1,300/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $3,000/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $1,800/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $2500 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 5% |
Cost of Living in Muscat — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Muscat, Oman is approximately $2,000 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Muscat has a cost index of 58, making it around 42% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Muscat costs around $600/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $900/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $2,000/month. The rent index is 52 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Muscat scores 70/100 on the quality of life index and 84/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 72/100. The climate index is 46/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Muscat is approximately $2,500/month. With a purchasing power index of 74/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is OMR, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Muscat
The average monthly salary in Muscat is approximately $2,500. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $2,000, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 74/100.
Healthcare Costs in Muscat
Healthcare quality in Muscat is rated 72/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Muscat
Muscat has a quality of life score of 70/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Muscat
Students living in Muscat should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Muscat
Expats moving to Muscat often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Muscat, Oman is approximately $2,000 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 58 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Muscat
Living in Muscat offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 58 and a quality of life score of 70/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $2,500 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Muscat provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Oman and around the world.
Key Facts About Muscat
- Average Monthly Cost: $2,000
- Cost Index: 58
- Rent Index: 52
- Average Salary: $2,500
- Quality of Life: 70/100
- Safety Score: 84/100
- Country: Oman
- Currency: OMR
Is Muscat Expensive?
Muscat has a cost index of 58 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Muscat compare to other cities?
Muscat is located in Asia with a population of approximately 1.4M. At a cost index of 58 (NYC = 100), it is a moderately affordable city, offering good value compared to most Western cities. Use the free comparison tool to see how Muscat stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Muscat?
The average cost of living in Muscat, Oman is approximately $2,000 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 58 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Muscat?
Rent in Muscat varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 52 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Muscat alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Muscat expensive to live in?
Muscat has a cost index of 58 compared to New York City (100). At 58, Muscat is moderately priced and more affordable than most Western cities. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $2,000.
What is the quality of life in Muscat?
Muscat has a quality of life index of 70/100 and a safety index of 84/100. The city is located in Asia and offers a good quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Muscat compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Muscat with any city worldwide. Muscat's cost index is 58 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Muscat?
Many residents live comfortably in Muscat with a monthly budget of around $2,000 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Muscat good for expats?
Muscat is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Muscat?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $2,000 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Muscat.
Is Muscat cheaper than New York?
Yes, Muscat has a cost index of 58 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Muscat?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Muscat.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Muscat
Cheapest Ways to Live in Muscat
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Muscat typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $600/month compared to $900/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Muscat, Oman.
Is Muscat Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 74/100 and a quality of life score of 70/100, Muscat is considered a highly desirable relocation destination with strong infrastructure and services. Combined with a cost index of 58 relative to New York City, Muscat remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Oman has to offer against other destinations in Asia.
Muscat Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Muscat", "Muscat monthly expenses 2026", and "is Muscat affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $2,000, a safety score of 84/100, and healthcare rated 72/100, Muscat offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Oman.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026