The Cost of Living in Oman

Are you eyeing a move to Oman? Well, before really stepping foot in Oman's airport, one thing you must understand is how much the cost of living in the Sultanate is. You need to compare whether the living expenses in this country are much higher or lower than your current lifestyle, allowing you to make the necessary adjustments. Besides, searching for this information is a step closer to ensuring a hassle-free and convenient transition to Oman.

Here's an overview of the usual living expenses in Oman:

Grocery Shopping

When it comes to groceries, Oman offers a good balance between local and imported products. A liter of regular milk is approximately 0.70 OMR, while a 500g loaf of fresh white bread will set you back about 0.44 OMR. For your staple diet, expect to pay 0.72 OMR for a 1kg bag of white rice and 0.96 OMR for a dozen eggs. If you're a fan of local cheese, a kilogram costs around 2.24 OMR. Meat lovers can find chicken fillets at 1.93 OMR per kilogram, while beef round (or equivalent back leg red meat) is about 3.36 OMR per kilogram. Fresh fruits' prices vary but generally fall between 0.33 to 0.84 OMR. Staying hydrated is affordable with a 1.5-liter bottle of water costing approximately 0.21 OMR.

Restaurant Dining

Dining out in Oman offers a variety of choices to suit different budgets. An inexpensive meal at a local restaurant would cost around 2 OMR, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant typically averages at 10.75 OMR. Fast-food lovers will find a McDonald's meal combo priced at 2.80 OMR. For those in need of a caffeine fix, a regular cappuccino goes for 1.79 OMR, and a 0.33-liter bottle of cola is around 0.31 OMR. To quench your thirst, a 0.33-liter bottle of water costs a mere 0.11 OMR.

Transportation

In Oman, transportation is both accessible and affordable. A one-way ticket for local transport is priced at 0.50 OMR, and a monthly pass for regular public transportation costs 22.00 OMR. Taxis are a convenient mode of transport, with a starting tariff of around 1.50 OMR and an additional 0.30 OMR per kilometer. If you need a taxi for an hour of waiting, it would cost around 5.00 OMR. Gasoline is remarkably cheap at only 0.24 OMR per liter, making it economical for those who own a vehicle. If you're in the market for a new car, a Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline or an equivalent model would be around 8,690.00 OMR, while a Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort, or its equivalent, would cost approximately 7,708.70 OMR.

Utilities

Monthly utility expenses for an 85m2 apartment in Oman include electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage collection, which typically amount to 38.98 OMR. For staying connected, a mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data costs approximately 20.11 OMR. Fast and reliable internet with speeds of 60 Mbps or more, along with unlimited data, is available for around 29.62 OMR.

Sports and Leisure

Staying active and entertained is affordable in Oman. A monthly fitness club membership for one adult can be found for about 17.39 OMR. If you're into tennis, renting a court for one hour on the weekend typically costs 11.71 OMR. Enjoying the latest international releases at the cinema is a treat, with a single seat priced at around 3.50 OMR.

Childcare and Education

For families, the cost of childcare and education is a significant consideration. A full-day preschool or kindergarten for one child in a private institution can be found for approximately 66.21 OMR per month. For primary education, international schools in Oman may charge yearly fees ranging from 2,200 OMR per child.

Clothing and Footwear

Shopping for clothing and shoes in Oman offers a wide range of options. A pair of Levis 501 or similar jeans typically costs around 18.22 OMR. A summer dress from a chain store like Zara or H&M can be found for about 14.65 OMR. If you're in need of quality running shoes, a mid-range pair of Nike shoes is priced at approximately 33.32 OMR. For those who prefer formal footwear, a pair of men's leather business shoes typically costs around 30.06 OMR.

Rent and Real Estate

Housing costs can vary significantly based on location and size. For a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, you can expect to pay around 218.71 OMR per month, while the same apartment outside of the city center is more affordable, with prices averaging 149.08 OMR per month. Larger families may opt for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center, which can cost around 394.15 OMR per month, while the same apartment outside of the city center averages at 268.72 OMR per month.

When considering a more permanent move, it's worth noting that the price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city center is approximately 597.11 OMR, while outside of the city center, the cost is around 360.06 OMR per square meter.

Salaries and Financing

The average monthly net salary in Oman, after taxes, floats around 838.23 OMR. For those considering long-term financial commitments, the yearly mortgage interest rate stands at approximately 4.64%.

Distribution of Expenses

To maintain a balanced budget and make the most of your life in Oman, it's wise to allocate your resources thoughtfully. Here's a customizable suggestion for your budget allocation:

• Groceries: 30%
• Rent per Month: 21.9%
• Restaurant Dining: 13.2%
• Utilities: 12.7%
• Transportation: 11.2%
• Sports and Leisure: 8.2%
• Clothing and Shoes: 2.8%