Cost of Living in Oman | How Expats Manage Life in Oman?

When people talk about moving to the Middle East, the conversation often centres on places like Dubai or Doha. But for many expats seeking a quieter, more affordable lifestyle without compromising on safety, Oman is a compelling choice. Nestled between the Arabian Sea and vast desert dunes, Oman offers a unique balance of modern convenience and traditional charm. But what’s it really like to live there, especially for someone coming from abroad?

Let’s unpack what it costs to live in Oman and how expats make it work.

Affordable Living and Comfort

Compared to its Gulf neighbours, Oman is said to be wary of regard for the budget. The absence of personal income tax is one big advantage for the residents. That remuneration, in effect, makes the resident have more disposable income and thus financial flexibility, especially in the case of a family.

Rent: Varying accommodation charges will make one travel from one city to another, and also depending on the apparent size of the house to be chosen. In Muscat, the capital, a single-bedroom apartment in a fairly good location can be in the range of OMR 150–250 a month. For bigger villas or those near international schools, prices could be in the range of OMR 600 or above. Still, it’s way cheaper than Dubai or Riyadh.

Groceries & Utilities: Daily life expenses of food and utilities may maybe quite manageable. Local markets sell fresh produce at reasonable rates, and many international supermarket chains are just around. A family of four can manage their groceries monthly at around OMR 120–200, depending on their taste preference. If you are talking about utilities, that would be electric power, water, and internet: these surely will remain under OMR 50–70 each month, unless you torture that air con a little too much in the summer.

Fuel: Fuel was made cheap in Oman thanks to government subsidies. A fill-up for a mid-sized car would have cost under OMR 10, making road trips and long commutes all the more budget-friendly in comparison.

Expat Community

One of the big shocks for those new in town is the warmth and informality of the local culture. Omanis are absolutely polite and very hospitable, and expats would very soon find themselves received by the community.

English is widely spoken, especially in the domains of business and international schooling. In fact, even at local government offices, you can generally find somebody to help you in English, making life quite a bit easier for newcomers.

Active expat communities harbor social gatherings, clubs, and support networks in the cities of Muscat and Salalah. They can prove useful, especially when you are settling in and trying to get things straight-discussing everything from how to pay bills to finding a good mechanic.

Quality Education

Schooling is often a primary consideration for families, and Omani services do provide for it. There exists a variety of international schools in the country that cater to British, American, Indian, and IB curricula. Most of them are in Muscat, relatively high in educational standards, with state-of-the-art facilities and experienced teachers.

School fees generally range between OMR 1,500 and 4,000 per annum, depending on the grade and the curriculum. The price tag, though not cheap, is about the same as or somewhat less than that in other Gulf countries for the same kind of education. 

Safety

Oman is consistently considered one of the safest countries in the Middle East. Crime rates are very low. It is not uncommon to find people leaving the car windows down or shopkeepers stepping away from their shops for just a couple of minutes. The general culture behaves respectfully, and the community stands out with their informal policing. 

Many expats, especially those with families, count safety as one of the foremost reasons they feel at home in Oman. It’s the kind of place where kids play in the streets well until sundown, with neighbours looking out for one another.

Leisure, Travel, and Lifestyle

Living in Oman does not mean giving up on fun- even the opposite is true, really. The country is filled with natural wonders and cultural experiences to discover.

Weekend Getaways: Camping in the Wahiba Sands desert; Hiking in the Hajar Mountains, or just unwinding on some pristine beaches of Sur, one is never short of an outdoor retreat. Due to cheap fuel prices, travelling around the country via car is not only convenient but also cost-effective.

Cultural Events: Oman is rich in heritage, and its festivals, souks, and arts bear the signature of that heritage. One such occasion is the Muscat Festival amalgamation of food, crafts, music, and folklore open to all.

Day-to-Day Activities: There are shopping malls, cinemas, gyms, and cafes, especially in urban centres. One can lead a comfortable modern life while occasionally dipping into the traditional markets and outdoor adventures on weekends.

Healthcare That Works

Other advantages are Oman’s healthcare system. Public hospitals are modern and affordable, whereas private ones enable patients to be seen sooner in excellent quality. For expats, health insurance is compulsory to guarantee that one receives the best medical care available. 

However, with the growth of international clinics and hospitals staffed by world-class professionals, expats rarely have trouble booking dentists, surgeons, and general practitioners. Language and cultural barriers are kept at bay so that foreigners can get their dental work or surgery done without any issues.

How Do Expats Actually Manage to Make It Work?

Most expats would say that life in Oman is all about balance. Because the pace of life here is a lot slower than any hyper-modern city like Dubai, many find it refreshing and not limiting. 

In cases like Sarah, a British teacher who moved to Muscat in 2019, 

“I came here thinking I would stay for two years. Five years later, I am still here. The people are so kind; I can save money, and I never feel in a very big rush.”

For many, like Sarah, the lower cost of living, synergized with great safety and community, makes Oman a joy to live in. 

Final Thoughts

Oman might not be the very first country that comes to mind when you are thinking of moving to the Gulf, but therein lies its charm. It promises a simpler, quieter, and more affordable lifestyle to its citizens and residents without cutting corners on needs or wants like education, healthcare, and modern amenities. 

Whatever the life situation- single practitioner, family with kids, or even retirees looking for peace of mind- Oman provides the perfect blend of comparatively cheap living, culturally enriching style, and genuine warmth. It is a potential candidate for being the hidden gem of the Middle East for expats who like it safe, respectful, and slow-paced.