Oman Crowned Most Affordable Tax-Free Country for Expats

A recent study by international health insurance provider William Russell has named Oman the most affordable tax-free country for expatriates in 2024. This marks the second consecutive year Oman has claimed the top position in the rankings.

The research evaluated popular tax-free destinations based on key relocation costs, including flight expenses, rent, and utility bills, to identify the most budget-friendly options for 2025.

How Oman Secured the Top Spot

Oman achieved a relocation score of 7.92 out of 10, excelling in categories such as housing affordability and living expenses. Renting or purchasing an apartment in Oman is the cheapest among the surveyed countries. The monthly cost of utilities averages around $103, making it the third most affordable globally in this category.

Additionally, Oman offers one of the lowest monthly costs (excluding rent), while the average monthly salary stands at approximately $2,205. Flights to Muscat are also reasonably priced, with one-way tickets costing around $227 from London and $492 from New York.

Other Budget-Friendly Tax-Free Destinations

Kuwait came in second, with a relocation score of 6.49. The country is notable for its low monthly costs and utility expenses, while flights range from $166 to $690 depending on the departure location.

Bahrain secured the third spot with a score of 6.36. It ranks as the second cheapest country for apartment purchases, averaging $173 per square meter. Bahrain also ranks fifth for both monthly living costs and utilities.

Other countries rounding out the top ten include the UAE, Brunei, Maldives, Qatar, Bahamas, Monaco, and the Cayman Islands.

Least Affordable Tax-Free Country

At the other end of the spectrum, Vanuatu was ranked the least affordable tax-free destination, with a relocation score of just 2.08. Monthly costs per person average $1,113, while utility bills reach approximately $198. The average monthly salary in Vanuatu is significantly lower at $616.