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

By Betsy Burlingame

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

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

Apartment Rentals The average cost of renting an apartment in Muscat is around $1,000 per month. This cost can vary depending on the size and location of the apartment. A one-bedroom apartment in a central area can cost up to $1,500 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment in a more suburban area can cost around $1,200 per month.
Apartment Purchases The average cost of purchasing an apartment in Muscat, Oman is around $200,000. This cost can vary depending on the size and location of the apartment. A one-bedroom apartment in a central area can cost up to $300,000, while a two-bedroom apartment in a more suburban area can cost around $250,000.
Transportation The cost of transportation in Muscat, Oman is relatively inexpensive. A monthly bus pass costs around $20, while a taxi ride within the city can cost around $5. Additionally, there are many car rental companies in the city, with prices starting at around $30 per day.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Muscat, Oman is relatively inexpensive. A basic grocery basket of items such as bread, milk, eggs, and vegetables can cost around $20. Additionally, there are many supermarkets and grocery stores in the city, with prices starting at around $10.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Muscat, Oman is relatively inexpensive. A meal at a local restaurant can cost around $10, while a meal at a more upscale restaurant can cost around $20. Additionally, there are many fast food restaurants in the city, with prices starting at around $5.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Muscat, Oman is relatively inexpensive. The average cost of electricity is around $50 per month, while the average cost of water is around $20 per month. Additionally, the cost of internet and phone services can vary depending on the provider, with prices starting at around $30 per month.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Muscat, Oman can vary depending on the school. The average cost of preschool tuition is around $1,000 per year, while the average cost of elementary school tuition is around $2,000 per year. The average cost of middle school tuition is around $3,000 per year, while the average cost of high school tuition is around $4,000 per year.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Muscat

"The cost of living in Muscat is generally considered to be quite reasonable. Prices for basic necessities such as food, transportation, and housing are generally lower than in many other countries. However, the cost of luxury items such as electronics, cars, and clothing can be quite expensive. Additionally, the cost of entertainment and leisure activities can vary depending on the type of activity," said one expat living in Muscat.

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

"I've been living in Muscat for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a place to live that's affordable. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods like Qurum, Shatti Al Qurum, and Madinat Al Sultan Qaboos might be out of your budget. Instead, consider looking for a place in more affordable areas like Al Khuwair, Ruwi, or Ghubra. You can find a decent one-bedroom apartment in these areas for around $500 to $700 a month.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. Owning a car can be expensive, so you might want to consider using public transportation or sharing a ride with a coworker. If you do decide to buy a car, make sure to choose a fuel-efficient model to save on gas.When it comes to food, eating out can be quite expensive in Muscat, especially in the more upscale restaurants. To save money, try cooking at home more often and shopping at local markets for fresh produce. You can also find some affordable restaurants and cafes in the more budget-friendly neighborhoods.As for entertainment, you might have to cut back on some of the more expensive activities like going to the cinema or attending concerts. Instead, take advantage of the many free or low-cost activities that Muscat has to offer, like visiting the beautiful beaches, parks, and historical sites.Finally, be prepared to cut back on some of the modern amenities you might be used to. For example, you might have to live without a gym membership or a regular house cleaning service. However, with some creativity and resourcefulness, you can still maintain a comfortable lifestyle on a budget.Overall, living in Muscat on $1,500 a month is doable, but it will require some sacrifices and adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being mindful of your transportation and food costs, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Muscat.

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

"I've been living in Muscat for a few years 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 and sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more expensive areas like Qurum, Shatti Al Qurum, and Madinat Al Sultan Qaboos might be out of your budget. Instead, consider looking for housing in areas like Al Khuwair, Ruwi, or Ghubrah, which are more affordable and still offer decent amenities.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to the high cost of insurance and fuel. I'd recommend using public transportation like buses or shared taxis, which are quite affordable and reliable. Alternatively, you could consider carpooling with colleagues or friends to save on transportation costs.Eating out can also be expensive, especially if you're used to dining at high-end restaurants. To save money, try eating at local eateries or cooking at home more often. There are plenty of supermarkets and local markets where you can find fresh produce and ingredients at reasonable prices.As for entertainment, you might have to cut back on some of your usual activities. Going to the cinema, attending concerts, or visiting high-end bars and clubs can be quite pricey. Instead, look for free or low-cost activities like visiting the beach, exploring local parks, or attending community events.Lastly, keep in mind that the cost of living in Muscat can vary depending on your lifestyle and preferences. If you're willing to make some sacrifices and adjust your expectations, you can definitely live comfortably on $3,000 a month. Just be prepared to be more budget-conscious and explore the more affordable options that the city has to offer," said one expat living in Muscat.

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

"I've been living in Muscat for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make a few sacrifices in terms of housing and entertainment options. Firstly, you'll want to look for housing in more affordable neighborhoods. Some of the more expensive areas in Muscat, like Shatti Al Qurum and Madinat Al Sultan Qaboos, might be out of your budget if you want to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Instead, consider looking for housing in areas like Al Khuwair, Al Ghubrah, or Ruwi. These neighborhoods are still relatively close to the city center and offer a good mix of modern amenities and affordability. In terms of housing, you might have to settle for a smaller apartment or a shared villa, rather than a large standalone villa. This will help you save on rent and utilities, which can be quite expensive in Muscat. Additionally, you might want to consider living a bit further from the city center, as this can also help you save on housing costs.When it comes to transportation, owning a car is almost a necessity in Muscat, as public transportation options are limited. However, you can save on transportation costs by opting for a fuel-efficient vehicle and carpooling with coworkers or friends when possible.As for entertainment and dining out, you might have to be more selective about where you go and how often you indulge. There are plenty of affordable restaurants and cafes in Muscat, but you'll want to avoid the more upscale establishments if you're trying to stick to your budget. Additionally, you might want to limit your visits to high-end shopping malls and entertainment venues, as these can quickly eat into your monthly budget.Overall, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Muscat is definitely achievable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing and entertainment options. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood and being selective about your leisure activities, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in this beautiful city," commented an expat living in Muscat.

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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