Cost Of Living For a Single Person in Muscat 2025

Single person cost of living chart - individual average monthly expenditure in Muscat

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: OMR
130 930 10,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$340 $2,400 $27,000

Average monthly spending for a single person or individual in Muscat

How much money does an individual need in a month to survive in Muscat?

A single person in Muscat spends around 930 OMR per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a single individual can survive with a monthly budget as low as 130 OMR or as high as 10,000 OMR. Location and income are very important factors and have a huge influence on expenditure and budget.

Prices and cost of goods and services in Muscat

Chart showing the prices and cost of grocery, food, restaurant meals, market, and beverages in Muscat

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

1.2 OMR 2.5 OMR 4.1 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.2 $6.4 $11

Restaurant meal for one

4.3 OMR 6.4 OMR 13 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $17 $33

Fine dining meal for one

8.2 OMR 12 OMR 49 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $32 $130

Cappuccino or latte

1.1 OMR 1.7 OMR 2.5 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.7 $4.4 $6.6

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

0.86 OMR 1 OMR 1.3 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.2 $2.7 $3.3

12 eggs

0.61 OMR 0.82 OMR 1.2 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.6 $2.1 $3.2

Fresh whole chicken

1.5 OMR 1.9 OMR 2.7 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.8 $4.9 $7

Pack of beef

1.8 OMR 2.7 OMR 5.3 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.6 $6.9 $14

Medium bag of rice

0.65 OMR 0.89 OMR 1.3 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.7 $2.3 $3.3

Bag of tomatos

0.25 OMR 0.33 OMR 0.62 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.64 $0.86 $1.6

Bag of apples

0.45 OMR 0.59 OMR 0.97 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.5 $2.5
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in Muscat

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

1.1 OMR 1.3 OMR 2.6 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.8 $3.4 $6.7

Average car full tank

6.2 OMR 8.2 OMR 16 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $21 $43

Average car 1-day rental

5.8 OMR 7.7 OMR 12 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $20 $30

Average car price

2,900 OMR 5,900 OMR 7,900 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7,700 $15,000 $20,000

Bus ticket one way

0.20 OMR 0.29 OMR 0.59 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.51 $0.76 $1.5

Car Service

8 OMR 12 OMR 24 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $31 $62
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas for a single person in Muscat

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual

6.9 OMR 48 OMR 540 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $130 $1,400

Internet and cable

6.5 OMR 13 OMR 17 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $34 $45

Mobile phone charges

4.2 OMR 7 OMR 21 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $18 $55

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

2.7 OMR 3.7 OMR 5.5 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.1 $9.5 $14

One month gym membership

10 OMR 13 OMR 25 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $33 $65
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Muscat

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

7.6 OMR 11 OMR 16 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $28 $42

Woman dress

7.3 OMR 10 OMR 33 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$19 $26 $86

Woman shoes

6.5 OMR 8.8 OMR 21 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $23 $53

Men's shoes

5.7 OMR 7 OMR 14 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $18 $36

Men suit

6.5 OMR 8.1 OMR 43 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $21 $110

Regular t-shirt

3.3 OMR 4.4 OMR 13 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.6 $11 $34
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Muscat

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

120 OMR 180 OMR 470 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$310 $460 $1,200

1-bedroom apartment

180 OMR 290 OMR 730 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$470 $760 $1,900

2-bedroom apartment

250 OMR 370 OMR 990 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$640 $970 $2,600

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

25,000 OMR 37,000 OMR 74,000 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$64,000 $97,000 $190,000

1-bedroom apartment

31,000 OMR 51,000 OMR 190,000 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$79,000 $130,000 $500,000

2-bedroom apartment

47,000 OMR 140,000 OMR 280,000 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120,000 $370,000 $740,000
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Muscat

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

120 OMR 150 OMR 200 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$320 $400 $530

Double Bed

83 OMR 120 OMR 160 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$220 $320 $410

Single Bed

75 OMR 98 OMR 130 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200 $260 $330

Living Room

150 OMR 190 OMR 650 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$380 $490 $1,700

Dining Table

61 OMR 81 OMR 150 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$160 $210 $400

Sofa or Couch

83 OMR 110 OMR 250 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$220 $290 $650
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Muscat

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

84 OMR 130 OMR 250 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$220 $330 $650

Fridge or Freezer

76 OMR 120 OMR 160 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200 $300 $420

Washing Machine

92 OMR 130 OMR 240 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$240 $350 $620

Stove or Cooker

88 OMR 110 OMR 150 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$230 $290 $400

Mobile Phone

100 OMR 130 OMR 180 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$270 $330 $470

Laptop or Computer

120 OMR 140 OMR 260 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$300 $370 $670
Single person or Individual cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Muscat

Single person expenditure to income ratio in Muscat

Analysing the how affordable it is for an individual to live 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. Individuals usually spend a larger chunk of their income than other population groups. A typical and healthy expenditure percentage for a single individual ranges between 70% to 80%.


Spending to Income Ratio

88%

78% to 97%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Individuals in Muscat spend around 88% of their monthly income. Some individuals spend as low as 78% of their income while some as high as 97%.

Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses of a single person in Muscat

How do individuals spend their money in Muscat?

We asked thousands of individuals about their spending habits and expenditure break down.


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 and accomodation expenditure for individuals

Accomodation Cost33%

33% of total expenses on average (21% to 45%)

LOW$120   46 OMR
AVERAGE$850   330 OMR
HIGH$9,400   3,600 OMR
Per Month

Individuals in Muscat typically spend from 21% to 45% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 33% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 330 OMR with expenditure ranging from 46 OMR to 3,600 OMR. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for individuals

Cost of utilities7%

7% of total expenses on average (3% to 12%)

LOW$18   6.9 OMR
AVERAGE$130   48 OMR
HIGH$1,400   540 OMR
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Muscat ranges from 3% to 12% of total expenses with 7% being the average for most individuals. The average monthly cost of utilities is 48 OMR with 6.9 OMR and 540 OMR being the upper and lower limits for a single person.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for individuals

Cost of transport and fuel6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$26   9.8 OMR
AVERAGE$180   69 OMR
HIGH$2,000   770 OMR
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a single person resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a single person would expect to spend from 9.8 OMR to 770 OMR in a month on commuting with 69 OMR being the norm for most individuals. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 6% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 12%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for individuals

Food and Groceries Cost18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 23%)

LOW$50   19 OMR
AVERAGE$350   130 OMR
HIGH$3,900   1,500 OMR
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical person in a month in Muscat is 130 OMR. The cost of groceries can range between 19 OMR to 1,500 OMR. Individuals spend on average about 18% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 12% and 23% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for individuals

Cost of healthcare11%

11% of total expenses on average (5% to 15%)

LOW$25   9.6 OMR
AVERAGE$170   67 OMR
HIGH$1,900   750 OMR
Per Month

Individuals in Muscat allocate 5% to 15% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending on medical services and clinic visits is around 11%. The range of medical expenses range from 9.6 OMR to 750 OMR with 67 OMR being the norm for most individuals.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for individuals

Cost of leisure and shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)

LOW$16   6 OMR
AVERAGE$110   42 OMR
HIGH$1,200   470 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 6 OMR to 470 OMR with 42 OMR being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 7% of total expenses with an average of 4% for most individuals.

Education and schooling expenditure for individuals

Cost of education and schooling2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$6.2   2.4 OMR
AVERAGE$44   17 OMR
HIGH$490   190 OMR
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different individuals. On average, education constitutes 2% of the monthly expenditure of individuals with 1% and 4% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 17 OMR per month with 2.4 OMR being the minimum spent amount and 190 OMR being the maximum.

Other Expenses20%

20% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$59   23 OMR
AVERAGE$410   160 OMR
HIGH$4,600   1,800 OMR
Per Month
Percentage of individuals who manage to save money from their income every month in Muscat

What percentage of individuals in Muscat are able to save money and how much can they save?


Percentage of individuals that reported their ability to save money


Saving Money
82%
Not Saving
18%

Almost 82% of surveyed individuals in Muscat said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 18% reported that they have to utilize their whole income to survive.


A single person savings to income ratio in Muscat

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.


How much money do individuals manage to add to their savings?

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.

Saving to Income Ratio

15% 26% of income 38%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

43 OMR
$110
380 OMR
$1,000
4,300 OMR
$11,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for individuals

Saving To Income Ratio% Individuals
0% - 10%29%
10% - 20%23%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%16%
40% - 50%12%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Individuals that are able to save money can put anywhere from 15% to 38% of their monthly income to their savings, with 26% being the average for most individuals. The average monthly amount of money that individuals can put aside is 380 OMR with 43 OMR and 4,300 OMR being the minimum and maximum respectively.

A typical and healthy budgeting structure. The 50-30-20 rule

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.

Reasons that make it difficult for individuals to save money in Muscat

Saving Challenges in Muscat

Reasons that make it difficult for individuals 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 Income6%
High Expenses9%
Debt and Loans18%
Lack of Budgeting Skills10%
Impulsive Spending9%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment7%
Will do it later17%
Inflation11%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability3%

Around 6% of the individuals 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% of individuals 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.

Financial goals and targets of single people living in Muscat

Financial goals of individuals 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 Fund7%
Debt Reduction33%
Retirement Savings8%
Education Funding8%
Homeownership17%
Investing9%
Travel or Lifestyle11%
Healthcare Expenses9%
Financial Independence8%

Around 7% of individuals 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.

Where do individuals choose to put their savings in Muscat

Typical saving choices for individuals in Muscat

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds11%
Gold10%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts11%
Cash Savings16%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks6%
Bonds6%
Mutual Funds3%
Certificates of Deposit3%
Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning for individuals in Muscat

Financial Literacy in

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 individuals in Muscat 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 single people of 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%

Emergency Funds For Individuals

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 individuals whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes74%

No26%


Based on the survey, 26% of the individuals living in Muscat said that they don't have an emergency fund while 74% said that they do.

Income and cost of living compatibility. Is it affordable or economical for individuals to live in Muscat

Affordable living in Muscat

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked individuals one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Muscat?


Yes
78%
No
22%

Around 78% of surveyed individuals think that living in Muscat is affordable with proper budgeting while 22% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

How easily is cost-cutting for individuals. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Muscat

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 individuals how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options61%

Few low-cost options39%


Based on the survey, 61% of the individuals living in Muscat have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 39% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Chart showing the percentage of individuals who are in debt in Muscat

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Muscat


Percentage of individuals who are in debt


In Debt
28%
Debt Free
72%

According to the survey, 28% of the individuals in Muscat have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 72% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Muscat

Debt-to-income ratio in Muscat

Debt to income ratio

28%

19% to 37%

( 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 28% of a single person's monthly income in Muscat goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly 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 Mortgage13%
Auto Loan22%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card25%
Personal Loan37%

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 management

Managing 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 individuals 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
Never55%
Once a year22%
Twice a year11%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year4%
Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in Muscat

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

120 OMR 180 OMR 470 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$310 $460 $1,200

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

180 OMR 290 OMR 730 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$470 $760 $1,900

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

250 OMR 370 OMR 990 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$640 $970 $2,600

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

310 OMR 510 OMR 1,400 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$790 $1,300 $3,600

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

580 OMR 1,500 OMR 2,900 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,500 $3,800 $7,600

Townhouse monthly rent cost

480 OMR 710 OMR 2,000 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,200 $1,900 $5,300

House monthly rent cost

580 OMR 1,500 OMR 2,900 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,500 $3,800 $7,600

Villa monthly rent cost

710 OMR 1,800 OMR 2,800 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,800 $4,600 $7,400

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Muscat ranges between 120 OMR and 470 OMR, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 180 OMR to 730 OMR. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 250 OMR and 990 OMR per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 310 OMR to 1,400 OMR. The average rent of a townhouse in Muscat is around 710 OMR while house rental costs can be as high as 1,500 OMR per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 710 OMR to 2,800 OMR per month.



Apartment and house prices in Muscat

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

25,000 OMR 37,000 OMR 74,000 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$64,000 $97,000 $190,000

1-bedroom apartment price

31,000 OMR 51,000 OMR 190,000 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$79,000 $130,000 $500,000

2-bedroom apartment price

47,000 OMR 140,000 OMR 280,000 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120,000 $370,000 $740,000

3-bedroom apartment price

160,000 OMR 240,000 OMR 730,000 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$420,000 $630,000 $1.9M

Townhouse price

210,000 OMR 500,000 OMR 1.9M OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$550,000 $1.3M $4.9M

House price

260,000 OMR 1.5M OMR 2.2M OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$660,000 $4M $5.7M

Villa price

310,000 OMR 1.7M OMR 2.5M OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$790,000 $4.4M $6.6M

The average price of a studio apartment in Muscat can range from 25,000 OMR to 74,000 OMR depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 31,000 OMR to 190,000 OMR. A villa can cost you 1.7M OMR on average with prices ranging from 310,000 OMR to 2.5M 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


56 x166 monthly income 289
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Muscat can be x166 to x289 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x166 multiples of the average monthly salary in Muscat.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


27% 39% of income 51%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Muscat is around 39%. This means that people pay 39% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 27% to 51% 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
30%

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.


FROM
2.2%
AVERAGE
3.2%
TO
4.2%

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.


2 OMR 20 OMR 300 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

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 / A single person

6.9 OMR 48 OMR 540 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $130 $1,400

Internet and cable cost

6.5 OMR 13 OMR 17 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $34 $45

Mobile phone bill and charges

4.2 OMR 7 OMR 21 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $18 $55

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 energy and water consumption of individuals is around 48 OMR. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 6.5 OMR to 17 OMR with 13 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


2.4% 5.9% of income 11%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in Muscat is around 5.9%. This means that people pay 5.9% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 2.4% to 11% 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

1.2 OMR 2.5 OMR 4.1 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.2 $6.4 $11

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 2.5 OMR with meal cost ranging from 1.2 OMR to 4.1 OMR. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

4.3 OMR 6.4 OMR 13 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $17 $33

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 4.3 OMR and 13 OMR with 6.4 OMR being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Muscat.

Fine dining meal for one price

8.2 OMR 12 OMR 49 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $32 $130

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 8.2 OMR to 49 OMR with the average cost being 12 OMR for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Muscat.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

1.1 OMR 1.7 OMR 2.5 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.7 $4.4 $6.6

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Muscat is around 1.7 OMR. Price ranges between 1.1 OMR and 2.5 OMR depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

0.86 OMR 1 OMR 1.3 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.2 $2.7 $3.3

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Muscat is 1 OMR. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 1.3 OMR and the minimum being 0.86 OMR depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

0.61 OMR 0.82 OMR 1.2 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.6 $2.1 $3.2

A dozen eggs costs around 0.82 OMR on average with 0.61 OMR and 1.2 OMR being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

1.5 OMR 1.9 OMR 2.7 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.8 $4.9 $7

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Muscat is between 1.5 OMR and 2.7 OMR depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 1.9 OMR.

Pack of beef price

1.8 OMR 2.7 OMR 5.3 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.6 $6.9 $14

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 2.7 OMR. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

0.65 OMR 0.89 OMR 1.3 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.7 $2.3 $3.3

A bag of rice in Muscat costs around 0.89 OMR on average with prices rangeing between 0.65 OMR and 1.3 OMR depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

0.25 OMR 0.33 OMR 0.62 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.64 $0.86 $1.6

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 0.25 OMR to 0.62 OMR. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

0.45 OMR 0.59 OMR 0.97 OMR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.5 $2.5

A bag of apples costs 0.59 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


20% 29% of income 36%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Muscat is around 29%. This means that individuals spend 29% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 20% to 36% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for individuals

Individuals' spending on grocery ranges from 19 OMR to 1,500 OMR with the location, income being the most determinite factors.

Published: March 13, 2024   Last Update: April 6, 2025



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