Oman is a country that’s not on many people’s bucket list which is surprising as its stunning landscapes, fascinating history and culture should be a drawcard. It’s the least visited country in the Middle East which makes living in Oman a pleasure as you won’t have to complete with hoards of tourists, just a handful of discerning ones. The Omani people are extremely welcoming and proud of their country and have actively encouraged tourism since the 1970s.
If you are considering moving to Oman, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved when moving and living in this part of the world.
Quick Oman Facts:
- Population: 5,417,115 (2022 estimate)
- Official Language:Arabic
- GDP Per Capita:US$16,439.30 (2021)
- Land of Frankincense: the Land of Frankincense is a UNESCO heritage site. The area was once the hub of the medieval incense trade where frankincense was bought and sold. Frankincense is still harvested from the Boswellia sacra trees which grow wild in Oman and is known to be the finest in the world.
- Currency: Omani Rial (OMR). As of 2022, OMR 1= US$2.60, £2.14, €2.49. $3.46 (CAD), and $3.84 (AUD).
1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Oman
Here are some sample container shipping rates to Oman from other countries around the world.
Also see: 9 Best International Moving Companies in Oman
2. Oman Housing Costs
There’s a big selection of property to choose from in Oman – apartments, town houses and villas. Most expats live in Muscat and the surrounding areas of Ruwi, Muttrah and Qurum. The Omanis continue to build housing, often in gated communities, to encourage more expats into the region.
Monthly Rental Prices in Oman
- 1 bedroom apartment in City Centre: OMR120.00 – OMR 400.00
- 1 bedroom apartment outside the City Centre: OMR100.00 – OMR280.00
- 3-bedroom apartment in City Centre: OMR200.00 – OMR700.00
- 3-bedroom apartment outside the City Centre: OMR150.00 – OMR500.00
- Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: OMR450.00 – OMR1,403.00
- Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: OMR280.00 – OMR1,076.39
Source: Numbeo
Oman Housing Cost Comparison
Below are how rents in Oman compare with other countries around the globe.
United Kingdom is 98.86% more expensive
United States is 201.07% more expensive
Canada is 118.16% more expensive
Australia is 125.44% more expensive
France is 60.51% more expensive
Spain is 37.15% more expensive
Italy is 29.66% more expensive
Germany is 66.02% more expensive
Source: Numbeo
How to Save on Housing Costs
- Share an apartment or house. Sharing a room or flat with a roommate or flatmate is a good idea to save on housing costs. Have a look at the following sites to find your perfect room or flatmate: iroommates, Expatriates, Just Landed, Erasmusuand Expat.
- Different areas – different prices. Most expats live in or near Muscat and there’s very little difference in the pricing in the preferred areas of Al Mouj, Dolphin Village, Madinat al Sultan Qaboos and Qurum. There are compound-style developments which usually have a gym and swimming pool. When it comes to choosing your accommodation, the most important thing is having great air conditioning to help you cope with 50C temperatures in the summer.
3. Oman Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs
Almost 1.8 million foreigners work in Oman, the majority of whom are from India. Hotels, restaurants and supermarkets and grocers sell food to satisfy most nationalities’ palates, especially with the increase in tourism. There’s a great selection of restaurants, from burger bars to fine dining.
- Inexpensive Restaurant: OMR1.00 – OMR5.00
- Domestic beer: OMR2.00 – OMR5.00
- Coke/Pepsi: OMR0.25 – OMR0.50
- 1L of milk: OMR0.25 – OMR0.70
- Loaf of Bread: OMR0.25 – OMR0.70
- 12 Eggs: OMR0.48 – OMR1.50
- 1kg Chicken Fillets: OMR1.00 – 3.20
- 1kg Beef: OMR2.10 – OMR5.00
- 1kg Apples: OMR0.50 – OMR1.20
- 1kg White Rice: OMR0.30 – OMR1.50
Source: Numbeo
Below are how food prices and restaurants compare with other major countries in the world.
- UKrestaurants are 32% more expensive than and groceries are 9.99% more expensive than in Oman.
- United State restaurants are 08% more expensive than and groceries are 62.91% more expensive than in Oman.
- Canada restaurants are 48% more expensive than and groceries are 49.08% more expensive in Oman.
- Australia restaurants are29% more expensive than and groceries are 62.42% more expensive than in Oman.
- France restaurants are 77% more expensive and groceries are 46.30% more expensive than in Oman.
- Spain restaurants are 45% more expensive and groceries are 8.12% cheaper than in Oman.
- Italy restaurants are 58% more expensive and groceries are 16.78% more expensive than in Oman.
- Germanyrestaurants are 21% more expensive and groceries are 13.27% more expensive than in Oman.
Source: Numbeo
Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries
- Know your supermarkets: There’s a good selection of supermarkets and independently owned grocery stores in Oman. Food prices are high, especially when it comes to fresh produce. Popular supermarkets in Oman are Lulu Hypermarket, Salam Fresh, Abraj Group, Nesto Hypermarket and Al Karama Hypermarket.
- Find Cheap Eats: Eating out in Oman is expensive but have a look at the following sites for suggestions – 50 Best Cheap Eats in Muscat, Cheap Eats in Salalah, Nizwa Cheap eats, Where to eat in Sohar,and Khasab-Musandam Cheap Eats.
4. Oman Alcohol Costs
Drinking in Oman for non-Muslim residents is permitted with a license from the Royal Oman Police. However, as a non-resident in Oman, you can buy and drink in licensed places like restaurants, hotels, bars, pubs, and clubs.
- Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: OMR3.50 – OMR8.00
- Pint (0.5L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: OMR2.00 – OMR5.00
- Pint (0.5L) domestic beer at a supermarket: OMR1.20 – OMR3.00
- Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: OMR1.50 – OMR5.00
- Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: OMR3.00 – OMR20.00
Source: Numbeo
How to drink for less in Oman
- Local cafes usually sell coffee in the morning and alcoholic beverages in the later parts of the day. Alcohol is expensive everywhere you’re allowed to buy it.
- Though Oman has many rules and regulations on drinking alcohol, it still has a vibrant nightlife scene. Have a look at the following sites for more tips on where to go to save money on a night out – Nightlife in Oman, Drinks and Happy-Hour, Wanderlog, Le Petit Belge, and Bars in Oman.
5. Oman Transportation Fares
Oman has a good public transport system comprising of roads and ferries. Oman’s government-owned bus transport service (Mwasalat) is the best and most reliable mode of transportation that connects all major cities and is affordable. There are small buses called Baizes that run in several areas. Besides this, taxis are reliable and comfortable for long-distance trips but they are a bit pricy compared with going by bus.
Below are some example ticket costs.
- One-way ticket (Local transport: OMR0.30 – OMR1.00
- Monthly Pass, (Regular Price): OMR10.00 – OMR30.00
- Taxi start (normal tariff): OMR1.00 – OMR2.50
- Taxi 1km (normal tariff): OMR0.20 – OMR0.50
Source: Numbeo
How to save money on public transport
- Mwasalat-owned buses are the best to save money on public transport in Oman. Their routes and prices are clearly laid out on Mwasalat’s
6. Cost of Internet in Oman
Internet in Oman ranks 74th in the world for internet quality and affordability. The average speed of internet in the country is 91.3Mbps for mobile internet and 67.8Mbps for broadband.
7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure
Oman has a subtropical climate with hot, windy summers where the temperature can hit 50C. Winters in Oman are pleasant with temperatures ranging from 20C to 25C. However, temperature can go below 0C with snowfalls in the mountainous regions. Annual rainfall varies depending on the region. Northern regions get between 150mm to 300mm, and southern regions are drier, receiving between 50mm and 150mm of rain per annum.
Below are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.
- Pair of Jeans: OMR8.00 – OMR35.00
- Summer Dress: OMR6.00 – OMR30.00
- Running Shoes (Trainers): OMR20.00 – OMR50.00
- Business Shoes: OMR15.00 – OMR50.00
- Short Doctor’s visit (15 mins): OMR15
- Deodorant: OMR2.375
- Shampoo: OMR2.000
- Toilet Paper (4 rolls): OMR1.289
- Gym membership per month: OMR 8.33 – OMR60.00
- Movie (cinema) ticket: OMR3.00 – OMR5.00
Source: Numbeo and Expatistan
8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Oman
Though public transport in Oman is good, many people prefer owning and driving their own vehicles. As of March 2022, over 1.5 million vehicles were registered in Oman out of which 79.5% were privately owned vehicles.
You can buy up to three cars and drive with an international driving licence. However, if you’re on a visitor’s visa and want to drive on your home country’s driving licence, you are only allowed to drive a rental.
Below are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in Oman:
- Volkswagen Golf:OMR6,000.00 – OMR9,000.00
- 1 litre (¼ gallon) of gas (petrol):OMR0.21 – OMR0.28
- Other fees (if any):Buying a car in Oman requires several documents – passport, visa, labour card if you are working in Oman, a valid driving licence, and a vehicle buying form. Have a look at the Royal Oman Police website of the Royal Oman Police for up to date information on costs and rules. You must have an international driving licence to drive your own car in Oman. However, you can apply for an international driving license or get an Oman driving license in Oman.
Source: Numbeo, Royal Oman Police
Ways to save money driving in Oman
- Careem is the only Uber equivalent in Oman. Careem, O taxi, Kapten, and Marhaba apps to save money driving in Oman.
- Taxis are a cheaper option, especially if you are parking all day. Try O taxiand Kapten.
Need your car/vehicle moved to Oman? Then read our guide to Car Transport & Vehicle Shipping
9. Taxes in Oman
There is no personal tax or wealth tax payable in Oman. For more information refer Tax Summaries.
You do have to pay stamp duty if you buy property which is 3% of the total value of the property. Buying a property in Oman as a non-resident is a very tedious process which is why the vast majority of expats choose to rent rather than buy. For details refer to Expat.
The VAT rate in Oman starts from 5% but there are exemptions. For details refer to Tax Summaries.
10. Flight Costs from Oman
If you do make the move to Finland, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of 2022:
- London: OMR118
- Paris: OMR90
- New York: OMR266
- Los Angeles: OMR297
- Toronto: OMR 265
- Dubai: OMR45
- Sydney: OMR233
- Melbourne: OMR229
- Cape Town: OMR251
- Hong Kong: OMR151
Other Oman Relocation Tips
The above costs and pricing should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Oman. But perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.
11. Relocating to Oman Alone
Moving abroad is stressful but moving alone can be exceptionally difficult. Omanis are extremely welcoming people. That, coupled with the large expat community in Oman, is bound to make you settle in quickly. Below are a few tips about settling in Oman.
- Meetups:Connect with like-minded souls through Meetup to participate in a wide range of activities in Oman – from sandboarding to chess.
- Attend local events: People in Oman love events and festivals and festivals are usually free to attend. Have a look at the following sites for inspiration – 4 Festivals in Oman, Exoticca, Oman Festivals, Events & Festivalsand I explore.
12. Moving to Oman with a Family
Moving abroad with a family has many advantages but there are challenges too. However, Oman has a lot to attract families and keep the kids happy, including a great selection of amusement parks and water parks, national parks, museums, art galleries, music and, of course the beach.
- New parents (or parents-to-be):Join groups such as Muscat Mums, Oman Mums, Mommy & Me Oman, Moms Club, and Muscat Expat Parents for advice, courses and ways to meet other parents or parents-to-be.
- Live in a family-friendly area:Looking for a family-friendly area to stay in will be your first priority when moving to Oman. Areas like Al Azaiba, Ai Mouj, Ai Qurum, and Madinat Ai Sultan Qaboos are popular family-friendly areas in Muscat. Sur is another relaxing and peaceful town with a lot of fun activities for a family. You could also consider Ruwi which is not only family-friendly but also affordable.
- Find things to do with the kids:Oman has many things for children to do. Have a look at the following website for inspiration – Trip Advisor, Show them the Globe, Edarabia, Oman with Kids and Family Travel.
13. Moving to Oman for Work
Moving to a new country for work is one of the most common reasons people choose to move. While it is possible to move without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move
It’s not as easy to get a job in Oman as it was in the past due to ‘Omanisation’, where the government, like most governments around the world, are trying to fill jobs with Omani citizens rather than foreigners. That said, those people who are at the top of their field will have no difficulty in finding employment in Oman. There are jobs available in the following sectors – oil and gas, engineering, finance, teaching, medicine and hospitality.
Below are a few things to consider when moving for work:
- Salary: The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea, how much more you’ll want to be making to make the move worthwhile. You can check salary ranges for your profession on Paylab and Glassdoor.
- How to find work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Oman, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start Naukri Gulf, Monster Gulf, Internations, Visa Hunterand Edarabia. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.
14. Moving to Oman from Australia
A small proportion of the 1,749,485 expatriates in Oman are Australian. If you are thinking of moving from Australia to Oman, here are a few things to consider.
- Size comparison:Australia is 25 times bigger than Oman. The population of Australia is 25,890,773 whereas the population of Oman is 5,417,115.
- Join expat groups: Connect with fellow Australians in Oman through MeetUp, Internationsand Facebook.
15. Moving to Oman from Canada
There a relatively large Canadian contingent working and living in Oman. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.
- Size:Canada is 32 times bigger than Oman. The population of Canada is 38,929,902 whereas the population of Oman is 5,417,115.
- Expat groups:Connect with fellow Canadians in Oman through Internations and MeetUp.
16. Moving to Oman from the United Kingdom
Oman is a popular country for Brits to move to for work. If you are moving from the UK and want to meet fellow Brits in Oman, consider the following.
- Size: The UK is 13 times bigger than Oman. The population of the UK is 68,730,050 whereas the population of Oman is 5,417,115.
- Expat groups:Connect with fellow Brits in Oman through Internations and MeetUp.
Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Oman you can start by comparing moving quotes here.
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