Cost Of Living in Muscat 2024
Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Muscat
Whether you're living in Muscat or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.
Average Monthly Expenditure
Currency: OMR
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single
Currency: OMR
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple
Currency: OMR
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family
Currency: OMR
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student
Currency: OMR
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.
Singles
The average monthly expense for a single person living in Muscat is 730 OMR. Expenses can range from 100 OMR at the minimum level to 4,900 OMR at the highest end.
Couples
The average monthly spending of couples in Muscat is 1,200 OMR. Expenditure can range from 410 OMR to 6,500 OMR per month.
Families
The average cost of living for families in Muscat is 1,600 OMR per month. Families spend anywhere from 570 OMR to 11,000 OMR.
Students
The average monthly expenditure for students in Muscat is 530 OMR. Students spend from 81 OMR to 3,500 OMR per month.
Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Muscat
Dining, food, and beverages costs
Fast food combo meal
Restaurant meal for one
Fine dining meal for one
Cappuccino or latte
Grocery and market costs
Milk large bottle
12 eggs
Fresh whole chicken
Pack of beef
Medium bag of rice
| 0.56 OMR | 0.77 OMR | 1.1 OMR |
Bag of tomatos
| 0.21 OMR | 0.28 OMR | 0.52 OMR |
Bag of apples
| 0.37 OMR | 0.49 OMR | 0.80 OMR |
Commute, travel, and transportation costs
20 minutes taxi ride
Average car full tank
Average car 1-day rental
Average car price
| 2,600 OMR | 5,200 OMR | 7,000 OMR |
Bus ticket one way
| 0.19 OMR | 0.29 OMR | 0.58 OMR |
Car Service
Utility cost (monthly)
Utility Bill - Individual
Utility Bill - Couple
Utility Bill - Family
Internet and cable
Mobile phone charges
Leisure and activities costs
Movie ticket
One month gym membership
Cloths and accessories costs
Pair of jeans or pants
Woman dress
Woman shoes
Men's shoes
Men suit
Regular t-shirt
Housing costs / monthly rent
Studio apartment
1-bedroom apartment
2-bedroom apartment
Housing costs / Buying
Studio apartment
| 19,000 OMR | 29,000 OMR | 57,000 OMR |
1-bedroom apartment
| 23,000 OMR | 38,000 OMR | 140,000 OMR |
| $60,000 | $100,000 | $370,000 |
2-bedroom apartment
| 38,000 OMR | 110,000 OMR | 230,000 OMR |
| $100,000 | $300,000 | $600,000 |
Furniture Costs
King Size Bed
Double Bed
Single Bed
Living Room
Dining Table
Sofa or Couch
Electronics and House Appliance Costs
TV Set
Fridge or Freezer
Washing Machine
Stove or Cooker
Mobile Phone
Laptop or Computer
Expenditure to Income Ratio in Muscat
One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.
Spending to Income Ratio
91%
81% to 100%
( expenditure / income ) x 100
Expense to income distribution levels
| Spending To Income Ratio | % People |
|---|
| < 50% | 6% |
| 50% - 60% | 11% |
| 60% - 70% | 18% |
| 70% - 80% | 26% |
| 80% - 90% | 16% |
| 90% - 100% | 9% |
| 100% - 110% | 5% |
| 110% - 120% | 3% |
| 120% - 130% | 2% |
| 130% - 140% | 2% |
| > 140% | 1% |
Interpretation and Analysis
The average spending-to-salary ratio in Muscat is 91%
This means that on average, people spend around 91% of their income for living.
According to the distribution table, 18% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.
How can spending be more than income?
A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.
Individual
82%
Spending-Income-Ratio
73%
91%
Couple
86%
Spending-Income-Ratio
77%
96%
Family
96%
Spending-Income-Ratio
85%
110%
How do people spend their money in Muscat?
We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.
The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.
Housing Expenditure27%
27% of total expenses on average (16% to 35%)
| LOW | $63 24 OMR |
| AVERAGE | $820 320 OMR |
| HIGH | $8,200 3,200 OMR |
| Per Month |
People living in Muscat typically spend from 16% to 35% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 27% being the average. The average spend on housing is 320 OMR with expenditure ranging from 24 OMR to 3,200 OMR. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile6%
6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)
| LOW | $11 4.1 OMR |
| AVERAGE | $140 53 OMR |
| HIGH | $1,400 530 OMR |
| Per Month |
Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Muscat ranges from 3% to 10% of total expenses with 6% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 53 OMR with 4.1 OMR and 530 OMR being the upper and lower limits.
Transport, Fuel, Commute8%
8% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)
| LOW | $21 8.1 OMR |
| AVERAGE | $270 110 OMR |
| HIGH | $2,700 1,100 OMR |
| Per Month |
Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 8.1 OMR to 1,100 OMR on commuting with 110 OMR being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 8% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 12%.
Food and Groceries Cost27%
27% of total expenses on average (19% to 33%)
| LOW | $53 20 OMR |
| AVERAGE | $690 260 OMR |
| HIGH | $6,900 2,600 OMR |
| Per Month |
The average outlay on groceries in a month in Muscat is 260 OMR. The cost of groceries can range between 20 OMR to 2,600 OMR. People spend on average about 27% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 19% and 33% respectively.
Healthcare and Medical Services9%
9% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)
| LOW | $15 5.7 OMR |
| AVERAGE | $190 74 OMR |
| HIGH | $1,900 740 OMR |
| Per Month |
People in Muscat allocate 4% to 12% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 9%. The range of medical expenses range from 5.7 OMR to 740 OMR with 74 OMR being the norm.
Leisure and Shopping6%
6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)
| LOW | $8.5 3.3 OMR |
| AVERAGE | $110 42 OMR |
| HIGH | $1,100 420 OMR |
| Per Month |
This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 3.3 OMR to 420 OMR with 42 OMR being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 10% of total expenses with an average of 6% for most residents.
Education and Schooling6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)
| LOW | $13 4.9 OMR |
| AVERAGE | $160 63 OMR |
| HIGH | $1,600 630 OMR |
| Per Month |
Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 6% of the monthly expenditure with 4% and 12% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 63 OMR per month with 4.9 OMR being the minimum spent amount and 630 OMR being the maximum.
Other Expenses12%
12% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)
| LOW | $27 11 OMR |
| AVERAGE | $360 140 OMR |
| HIGH | $3,600 1,400 OMR |
| Per Month |
How much money can you save in Muscat every month?
We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.
What percentage of people in Muscat manage to save money from their income every month?
Almost 72% of the surveyed people in Muscat said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 28% said that aren't saving anything.
Percentage of people saving money by population group in Muscat
| Group | Savers | Non Savers |
|---|
| Singles | 80% | 20% |
| Couples | 74% | 26% |
| Families | 69% | 31% |
Savings-to-Income Ratio
The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
34 OMR
$87 | 440 OMR
$1,100 | 4,400 OMR
$11,000 |
For most people, 11% to 33% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 20% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 440 OMR on average with savings ranging from 34 OMR to 4,400 OMR.
80% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 74% of couples said the same. 69% of families confirmed their ability to save money.
How much money do people actually save in Muscat?
The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.
Singles
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
34 OMR
$87 | 300 OMR
$790 | 2,000 OMR
$5,200 |
Savings to income distribution levels for singles
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Singles |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 29% |
| 10% - 20% | 23% |
| 20% - 30% | 16% |
| 30% - 40% | 16% |
| 40% - 50% | 12% |
| > 50% | 4% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 14% to 35% of their monthly income to savings, with 24% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 300 OMR with 34 OMR and 2,000 OMR being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Couples
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
170 OMR
$440 | 500 OMR
$1,300 | 2,700 OMR
$7,000 |
Savings to income distribution levels for couples
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Couples |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 33% |
| 10% - 20% | 25% |
| 20% - 30% | 19% |
| 30% - 40% | 11% |
| 40% - 50% | 9% |
| > 50% | 3% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 12% to 34% of their monthly income, with 22% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 500 OMR with 170 OMR and 2,700 OMR being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Families
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
240 OMR
$610 | 670 OMR
$1,700 | 4,400 OMR
$11,000 |
Savings to income distribution levels for families
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Families |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 36% |
| 10% - 20% | 28% |
| 20% - 30% | 20% |
| 30% - 40% | 8% |
| 40% - 50% | 6% |
| > 50% | 2% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Families in Muscat can save anywhere between 11% to 31% of their monthly income, with 19% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 670 OMR with 240 OMR and 4,400 OMR being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Saving Challenges in Muscat
Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money
We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Muscat. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.
| Reason | % People |
|---|
| Low Income | 6% |
| High Expenses | 9% |
| Debt and Loans | 18% |
| Lack of Budgeting Skills | 10% |
| Impulsive Spending | 9% |
| Financial Emergencies | 6% |
| Living the moment | 7% |
| Will do it later | 17% |
| Inflation | 11% |
| Social Pressure | 3% |
| Market Instability | 3% |
Around 6% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 9% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 18% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 10% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 9% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 7% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 17% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 11% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.
Typical saving choices for people in Muscat
Where do people choose to put their savings?
| Saving Type | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Funds | 11% |
| Gold | 10% |
| Savings Accounts | 17% |
| Retirement Accounts | 11% |
| Cash Savings | 16% |
| Real Estate | 10% |
| Investment | 6% |
| Stocks | 6% |
| Bonds | 6% |
| Mutual Funds | 3% |
| Certificates of Deposit | 3% |
A typical and healthy budgeting structure
The 50/30/20 rule
Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle,
location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule,
which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.
50% for needs and financial obligations
This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.
30% for wants and discretionary spending
This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.
20% for savings and emergency fund
This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.
About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting
The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.
Affordable living in Muscat
Income and cost of living compatibility
We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.
Is it affordable or economical to live in Muscat?
Around 85% of surveyed residents think that living in Muscat is affordable with proper budgeting while 15% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.
Low-cost alternatives in Muscat
People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:
Plenty of low-cost options67%
Few low-cost options33%
Based on the survey, 67% of the people living in Muscat have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 33% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.
Emergency Funds
An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents of Muscat whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.
Yes81%
No19%
Based on the survey, 19% of the people living in Muscat said that they don't have an emergency fund while 81% said that they do.
Financial Literacy in Oman
Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.
Financial Leteracy73%
We asked residents of Oman whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 27% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 73% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.
Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning
We wanted to understand whether residents of Oman have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 28% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 72% said that they have everything under control.
Struggles with finance28%
Easily manages finances72%
Financial goals of people in Muscat
In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Muscat, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.
| Financial Goal | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Fund | 7% |
| Debt Reduction | 33% |
| Retirement Savings | 8% |
| Education Funding | 8% |
| Homeownership | 17% |
| Investing | 9% |
| Travel or Lifestyle | 11% |
| Healthcare Expenses | 9% |
| Financial Independence | 8% |
Around 7% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 33% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 8% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 8% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 17% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 9% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 11% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 9% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.
Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Muscat
What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Muscat and how much retirement savings are required?
Retirement age
The retirement age for most employees in Oman is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.
Retirement planning and savings
There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.
The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 5x monthly salary at age 25 |
| 30 | 10x monthly salary at age 30 |
| 35 | 15x monthly salary at age 35 |
| 40 | 25x monthly salary at age 40 |
| 45 | 32x monthly salary at age 45 |
| 50 | 48x monthly salary at age 50 |
| 55 | 56x monthly salary at age 55 |
| 60 | 64x monthly salary at age 60 |
| 65 | 78x monthly salary at age 65 |
The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Muscat:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 3,000 OMR |
| 30 | 6,000 OMR |
| 35 | 10,000 OMR |
| 40 | 15,000 OMR |
| 45 | 22,000 OMR |
| 50 | 31,000 OMR |
| 55 | 37,000 OMR |
| 60 | 46,000 OMR |
| 65 | 55,000 OMR |
Retirement Income Distribution
We asked residents of Muscat about their retirement income sources and below are the results.
| Source | % People |
|---|
| Pensions | 13% |
| Savings | 22% |
| Investments | 13% |
| Social Security | 8% |
| Annuities | 8% |
| Part-time Job | 10% |
| Real Estate | 17% |
| Dividends and Interest | 8% |
Retirement Monthly Expenses in Muscat 58 OMR
$150 | 530 OMR
$1,400 | 3,500 OMR
$9,100 |
Debt, loans, and mortgages in Muscat
Percentage of people who are in debt
According to the survey, 31% of the people in Muscat have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 69% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.
Debt-to-income ratio in Muscat
Debt to income ratio
31%
21% to 41%
( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100
Interpretation
The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 31% of the people's monthly income in Muscat goes to debt settlement.
Debt levelsMonthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income
| Debt-to-income ratio | % People |
|---|
| > 60% | 3% |
| 50% - 60% | 12% |
| 40% - 50% | 11% |
| 30% - 40% | 13% |
| 20% - 30% | 15% |
| 10% - 20% | 18% |
| 0% - 10% | 28% |
According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Muscat pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 12% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 11% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 13% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 15% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.
Distribution by type of debt in Muscat
| Debt | % People |
|---|
| Real Estate Mortgage | 13% |
| Auto Loan | 22% |
| Student Loan | 3% |
| Credit Card | 25% |
| Personal Loan | 37% |
13% of debtors in Muscat confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 25% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 22% of people and personal loans rose at 37%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Muscat.
About credit score and debt managementManaging debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.
Good debt vs. Bad debt
Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.
Loan Affordability Index in Muscat
Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Muscat how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.
Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.
| Frequency | % People |
|---|
| Never | 55% |
| Once a year | 22% |
| Twice a year | 11% |
| Three times a year | 8% |
| Four times a year | 4% |
Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Muscat
Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Rent Cost in Muscat
Monthly Rent Prices
Studio apartment monthly rent cost
1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 230 OMR | 380 OMR | 1,000 OMR |
Furnished apartment monthly rent cost
| 460 OMR | 1,100 OMR | 2,300 OMR |
Townhouse monthly rent cost
| 380 OMR | 570 OMR | 1,600 OMR |
House monthly rent cost
| 460 OMR | 1,100 OMR | 2,300 OMR |
Villa monthly rent cost
| 570 OMR | 1,400 OMR | 2,300 OMR |
The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Muscat ranges between 96 OMR and 380 OMR, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 140 OMR to 570 OMR. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 190 OMR and 770 OMR per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 230 OMR to 1,000 OMR. The average rent of a townhouse in Muscat is around 570 OMR while house rental costs can be as high as 1,100 OMR per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 570 OMR to 2,300 OMR per month.
Apartment and house prices in Muscat
Cost of buying a property
Studio apartment price
| 19,000 OMR | 29,000 OMR | 57,000 OMR |
1-bedroom apartment price
| 23,000 OMR | 38,000 OMR | 140,000 OMR |
| $60,000 | $100,000 | $370,000 |
2-bedroom apartment price
| 38,000 OMR | 110,000 OMR | 230,000 OMR |
| $100,000 | $300,000 | $600,000 |
3-bedroom apartment price
| 130,000 OMR | 190,000 OMR | 570,000 OMR |
Townhouse price
| 160,000 OMR | 380,000 OMR | 1.4M OMR |
| $430,000 | $1,000,000 | $3.7M |
House price
| 190,000 OMR | 1.1M OMR | 1.6M OMR |
Villa price
| 230,000 OMR | 1.3M OMR | 1.9M OMR |
The average price of a studio apartment in Muscat can range from 19,000 OMR to 57,000 OMR depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 23,000 OMR to 140,000 OMR. A villa can cost you 1.3M OMR on average with prices ranging from 230,000 OMR to 1.9M OMR.
If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Muscat will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.
House / apartment prices to income ratio
Property price to income ratio
( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100
| 45 | x134 monthly income | 233 |
Property prices in Muscat can be x134 to x233 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x134 multiples of the average monthly salary in Muscat.
Rent to income ratio
Rent to income ratio
( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100
The average rent-to-income ratio in Muscat is around 35%. This means that people pay 35% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 24% to 46% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.
The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.
Housing affordability index
The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.
Housing Affordability Index
32% Property Taxes
Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.
Home Maintenance Costs
Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.
Urban vs. rural living costs
Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.
Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Muscat
Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.
Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Muscat
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Individual
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family
Internet and cable cost
Mobile phone bill and charges
Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.
The average monthly expenditure for individuals on electricty, water, and gas in Muscat ranges between 6.3 OMR and 290 OMR with average being 44 OMR, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 55 OMR with 16 OMR and 360 OMR being the upper and lower limits respectively. As expected, the energy and water consumption of families is the highest among the three groups with an average of 81 OMR. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and ranges from 5.2 OMR to 14 OMR with 10 OMR being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 7 OMR but can range between 4.2 OMR and 21 OMR depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.
Energy / Utility expense to income ratio
( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100
The average utility-to-income ratio in Muscat is around 5.5%. This means that people pay 5.5% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 2.2% to 9.9% depending on salary and location.
Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Muscat
Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Muscat
Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.
Fast food combo meal price
The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Muscat is approximatly 2.1 OMR with meal cost ranging from 1 OMR to 3.5 OMR. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.
Restaurant meal for one price
If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 3.7 OMR and 11 OMR with 5.5 OMR being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Muscat.
Fine dining meal for one price
The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 7.3 OMR to 44 OMR with the average cost being 11 OMR for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Muscat.
Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..
The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Muscat is around 1.4 OMR. Price ranges between 0.87 OMR and 2.1 OMR depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.
Grocery and market costs
Large bottle of milk price
The average price of a large bottle of milk in Muscat is 0.84 OMR. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 1 OMR and the minimum being 0.70 OMR depending on the brand of milk and other properties.
12 eggs price
A dozen eggs costs around 0.70 OMR on average with 0.52 OMR and 1 OMR being the lower and upper limits respectively.
Fresh whole chicken price
The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Muscat is between 1.2 OMR and 2.2 OMR depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 1.5 OMR.
Pack of beef price
The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 2.1 OMR. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.
Medium bag of rice price
| 0.56 OMR | 0.77 OMR | 1.1 OMR |
A bag of rice in Muscat costs around 0.77 OMR on average with prices rangeing between 0.56 OMR and 1.1 OMR depending on the brand and quality.
Bag of tomatos price
| 0.21 OMR | 0.28 OMR | 0.52 OMR |
A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 0.21 OMR to 0.52 OMR. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.
Bag of apples price
| 0.37 OMR | 0.49 OMR | 0.80 OMR |
A bag of apples costs 0.49 OMR on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.
Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio
( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100
The average grocery-to-income ratio in Muscat is around 27%. This means that people spend 27% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 19% to 34% depending on salary and location.
Expenditure on food and grocery for every population group
A single person living alone spends approximately 120 OMR per month on grocery and food with expenditure fluctuating between 17 OMR and 780 OMR depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 170 OMR per month. That number can be get as low as 57 OMR or a high as 910 OMR. Families' spending on grocery ranges from 100 OMR to 1,900 OMR with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.
SingleSpending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Muscat
Housing cost for a single person33%
33% of total expenses on average (21% to 45%)
| LOW | $98 38 OMR |
| AVERAGE | $680 260 OMR |
| HIGH | $4,600 1,800 OMR |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile7%
7% of total expenses on average (3% to 12%)
| LOW | $16 6.3 OMR |
| AVERAGE | $110 44 OMR |
| HIGH | $760 290 OMR |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)
| LOW | $22 8.3 OMR |
| AVERAGE | $150 59 OMR |
| HIGH | $1,000 390 OMR |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost18%
18% of total expenses on average (12% to 23%)
| LOW | $43 17 OMR |
| AVERAGE | $300 120 OMR |
| HIGH | $2,000 780 OMR |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost11%
11% of total expenses on average (5% to 15%)
| LOW | $24 9.4 OMR |
| AVERAGE | $170 66 OMR |
| HIGH | $1,100 440 OMR |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Expenditure4%
4% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)
| LOW | $14 5.2 OMR |
| AVERAGE | $95 37 OMR |
| HIGH | $630 240 OMR |
| Per Month |
Education Cost2%
2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)
| LOW | $5.4 2.1 OMR |
| AVERAGE | $38 15 OMR |
| HIGH | $250 98 OMR |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses20%
20% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)
| LOW | $49 19 OMR |
| AVERAGE | $340 130 OMR |
| HIGH | $2,300 880 OMR |
| Per Month |
CoupleAverage monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Muscat
Housing cost for a couple30%
30% of total expenses on average (23% to 40%)
| LOW | $360 140 OMR |
| AVERAGE | $1,100 410 OMR |
| HIGH | $5,700 2,200 OMR |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)
| LOW | $42 16 OMR |
| AVERAGE | $140 55 OMR |
| HIGH | $930 360 OMR |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost10%
10% of total expenses on average (4% to 15%)
| LOW | $130 49 OMR |
| AVERAGE | $380 150 OMR |
| HIGH | $2,000 780 OMR |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost16%
16% of total expenses on average (11% to 21%)
| LOW | $150 57 OMR |
| AVERAGE | $440 170 OMR |
| HIGH | $2,400 910 OMR |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost13%
13% of total expenses on average (7% to 17%)
| LOW | $120 45 OMR |
| AVERAGE | $350 130 OMR |
| HIGH | $1,900 720 OMR |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost5%
5% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)
| LOW | $63 24 OMR |
| AVERAGE | $190 73 OMR |
| HIGH | $1,000 390 OMR |
| Per Month |
Education Cost2%
2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)
| LOW | $21 8.1 OMR |
| AVERAGE | $63 24 OMR |
| HIGH | $340 130 OMR |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses19%
19% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)
| LOW | $180 69 OMR |
| AVERAGE | $540 210 OMR |
| HIGH | $2,900 1,100 OMR |
| Per Month |
FamilyAverage monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Muscat
Housing cost for a family29%
29% of total expenses on average (24% to 39%)
| LOW | $470 180 OMR |
| AVERAGE | $1,400 520 OMR |
| HIGH | $8,800 3,400 OMR |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile4%
4% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)
| LOW | $74 28 OMR |
| AVERAGE | $210 81 OMR |
| HIGH | $1,400 530 OMR |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Expenses6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 8%)
| LOW | $150 57 OMR |
| AVERAGE | $420 160 OMR |
| HIGH | $2,700 1,100 OMR |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost20%
20% of total expenses on average (13% to 26%)
| LOW | $270 100 OMR |
| AVERAGE | $760 290 OMR |
| HIGH | $4,900 1,900 OMR |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Expenses10%
10% of total expenses on average (6% to 15%)
| LOW | $130 51 OMR |
| AVERAGE | $420 160 OMR |
| HIGH | $2,200 850 OMR |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost4%
4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)
| LOW | $74 28 OMR |
| AVERAGE | $210 81 OMR |
| HIGH | $1,400 530 OMR |
| Per Month |
Education Cost14%
14% of total expenses on average (7% to 22%)
| LOW | $210 80 OMR |
| AVERAGE | $590 230 OMR |
| HIGH | $3,800 1,500 OMR |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses14%
14% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)
| LOW | $120 46 OMR |
| AVERAGE | $340 130 OMR |
| HIGH | $2,200 850 OMR |
| Per Month |
StudentCost of living and expenses break down for students living in Muscat
Housing costs for Student21%
21% of total expenses on average (16% to 27%)
| LOW | $51 20 OMR |
| AVERAGE | $330 130 OMR |
| HIGH | $2,200 840 OMR |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, and Mobile Expenses5%
5% of total expenses on average (3% to 9%)
| LOW | $8.5 3.3 OMR |
| AVERAGE | $55 21 OMR |
| HIGH | $360 140 OMR |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost5%
5% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)
| LOW | $15 5.7 OMR |
| AVERAGE | $96 37 OMR |
| HIGH | $640 250 OMR |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Expenditure22%
22% of total expenses on average (16% to 26%)
| LOW | $42 16 OMR |
| AVERAGE | $270 110 OMR |
| HIGH | $1,800 700 OMR |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost8%
8% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)
| LOW | $13 4.9 OMR |
| AVERAGE | $82 32 OMR |
| HIGH | $550 210 OMR |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost4%
4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)
| LOW | $11 4.1 OMR |
| AVERAGE | $68 26 OMR |
| HIGH | $450 180 OMR |
| Per Month |
Education Cost19%
19% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)
| LOW | $40 15 OMR |
| AVERAGE | $260 100 OMR |
| HIGH | $1,700 670 OMR |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses17%
17% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)
| LOW | $32 12 OMR |
| AVERAGE | $200 79 OMR |
| HIGH | $1,400 530 OMR |
| Per Month |
