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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Salalah 2024
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Cost of Living in Salalah

By Betsy Burlingame

SJB Global
SJB Global

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Salalah helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Salalah is around $400 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around $800 per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around $300 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around $600 per month.
Apartment Purchases The cost of purchasing an apartment in Salalah varies depending on the size and location. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center range from $50,000 to $100,000. Prices for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center range from $100,000 to $200,000. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center range from $30,000 to $60,000. Prices for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center range from $60,000 to $120,000.
Transportation Public transportation in Salalah is inexpensive and reliable. A one-way ticket on the bus costs around $0.50. Taxis are also available and the cost of a ride is around $2.50. Car rentals are also available and the cost of a rental car for a day is around $50.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Salalah is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs around $1.50, a liter of milk costs around $1.50, a dozen eggs costs around $2.50, and a kilogram of rice costs around $2.00.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Salalah is relatively low. A meal at a fast food restaurant costs around $5.00, a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around $15.00, and a meal at a high-end restaurant costs around $30.00.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Salalah is relatively low. The average cost of electricity is around $30.00 per month, the average cost of water is around $10.00 per month, and the average cost of internet is around $20.00 per month.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Salalah varies depending on the school and the grade level. The average cost of tuition for preschool is around $1,000 per year, the average cost of tuition for elementary school is around $2,000 per year, the average cost of tuition for middle school is around $3,000 per year, and the average cost of tuition for high school is around $4,000 per year.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Salalah

"The cost of living in Salalah is generally considered to be quite reasonable. Groceries, utilities, and transportation are all relatively inexpensive, while housing costs can vary depending on the area. Eating out is also quite affordable, with a variety of restaurants offering a range of cuisines. Overall, Salalah is a great place to live for those looking for a more affordable lifestyle," said one expat living in Salalah.

Can I live in Salalah on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Salalah for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. I'd recommend looking for a rental in neighborhoods like Al Wadi or Al Dahariz, where you can find a decent apartment for around $400-$600 a month. You might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Al Haffa or Al Saadah, as rents there can be much higher.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your utility bills, especially during the summer months when air conditioning usage can drive up your electricity bill. Try to conserve energy by using fans and keeping your AC at a reasonable temperature. Water bills are generally not too high, but it's still a good idea to be conscious of your usage.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to fuel and maintenance costs. I'd recommend using public transportation or taxis, which are relatively affordable in Salalah. If you do decide to buy a car, consider a fuel-efficient model to save on gas.For groceries and household items, shop at local markets and discount stores to save money. You can find fresh produce and other essentials at reasonable prices if you're willing to shop around. Eating out can be affordable if you stick to local restaurants and avoid high-end establishments.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options in Salalah. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches, parks, and historical sites without spending much money. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive hobbies or activities, like frequent trips to the cinema or joining a high-end gym.In summary, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Salalah is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, conserving utilities, using public transportation, and being budget-conscious with your shopping and entertainment choices, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Salalah.

Can I live in Salalah on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Salalah for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to make some adjustments to your lifestyle. First, let's talk about housing. The most affordable neighborhoods in Salalah are Al Wadi, Al Dahariz, and Al Haffa. These areas have a mix of apartments and villas, and you can find a decent 2-bedroom apartment for around $500-$700 per month. On the other hand, if you're looking for something more upscale, you might want to consider neighborhoods like Al Khoudh or Al Mawaleh, but keep in mind that rents in these areas can go up to $1,500 or more for a 2-bedroom apartment.As for transportation, owning a car is pretty much a necessity in Salalah, as public transportation is limited. You can find a decent used car for around $5,000-$7,000, and the cost of fuel is relatively low compared to other countries. If you prefer not to drive, you can always rely on taxis, but the costs can add up quickly.When it comes to groceries and dining out, you'll find that the cost of living in Salalah is quite reasonable. Local markets and supermarkets offer a wide variety of fresh produce and other essentials at affordable prices. Dining out can be as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be, with plenty of options for local Omani cuisine, as well as international restaurants. However, if you're used to dining out frequently at high-end restaurants, you might have to cut back on that to stay within your budget.Entertainment and leisure activities in Salalah are also quite affordable. There are beautiful beaches, parks, and historical sites to explore, most of which are free or have a minimal entrance fee. However, if you're into more extravagant activities like golfing or frequent spa visits, you might have to limit those to stay within your budget.In terms of healthcare, the public healthcare system in Oman is quite good, but as an expat, you'll most likely want to opt for private healthcare. Make sure to factor in the cost of health insurance and any out-of-pocket expenses for medical care.Overall, living in Salalah on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll have to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, cutting back on dining out, and finding cost-effective ways to enjoy your leisure time, you can live comfortably and enjoy all that this beautiful city has to offer," said one expat living in Salalah.

Can I live in Salalah on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Salalah for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. The cost of living here is relatively low compared to other cities in the region, and you can find a good balance between maintaining your lifestyle and saving money.In terms of housing, you can find a nice apartment or villa in a decent neighborhood for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods to consider are Al Wadi, Al Dahariz, and Al Haffa. These areas have a good mix of locals and expats, and you'll find plenty of shops, restaurants, and other amenities nearby. On the other hand, if you're looking for something more upscale, you might want to check out neighborhoods like Al Khoudh or Al Mawaleh, but keep in mind that the rents there can be significantly higher, sometimes reaching up to $2,500 or more for a luxury villa.As for transportation, owning a car is pretty much a necessity in Salalah, as public transportation is limited. However, the cost of fuel is quite low, and you can find a decent used car for around $5,000 to $10,000. If you prefer not to drive, you can always rely on taxis, but the costs can add up over time.When it comes to groceries and dining out, you'll find that the prices are quite reasonable. Local markets offer fresh produce at affordable prices, and you can find a wide variety of international products in supermarkets like Lulu Hypermarket and Carrefour. Dining out is also relatively inexpensive, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $10 to $15 per person.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there's a good mix of options available. You can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, beach trips, and exploring the beautiful landscapes of the Dhofar region. There are also a few shopping malls, cinemas, and sports facilities in the city. However, if you're used to a more vibrant nightlife scene, you might find Salalah a bit quiet, as there are only a handful of bars and clubs in the city.Overall, I think you can live quite comfortably in Salalah on a $5,000 a month budget without making too many sacrifices. Just be mindful of your housing and transportation choices, and you should be able to enjoy a good quality of life while saving some money at the same time," commented an expat living in Salalah.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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