Muscat, Oman
Editor
March 12, 2023
The Sultanate of Muscat is an ideal destination for digital nomads looking for a unique and exciting experience. With its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and low cost of living, Muscat is an ideal place to work and explore. According to the World Bank, Muscat has the lowest cost of living in the Middle East, making it an attractive option for digital nomads. Additionally, the country has a strong infrastructure, with reliable internet access and a wide range of accommodation options. The country also offers a variety of activities for digital nomads, from exploring the stunning beaches and mountains to visiting the many historical sites. With its rich culture and friendly people, Muscat is a great place to work and explore.
Living in Muscat, Oman: Overview
Overall score | Worksplorer index
-
60%
Quality of life -
34%
Cost of living -
84%
Connectivity -
67%
Weather
66
General
| Currency | OMR |
| Population (in millions) | 4.2 |
| Quality of life (world rank from 1 to 200) | 97 |
| Cost of living compared to Chicago, USA | 10% more expensive |
| Best neighborhood to stay | Al Khuwair, Muscat Governorate |
Culture
| Number of museums and galleries | 30 |
| Top selling local beer | Halwa |
| Most popular local dish | Kabsa |
Travel
| Most popular tourist attraction(s) | Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Mutrah Corniche, Al Alam Palace |
| Discount airline | Oman Air |
| Major airline | Oman Air |
| Largest ride sharing company | Careem |
| Primary train stations | Al Seeb, Al Ghubra, Al Mabelah |
| Primary airports | Muscat International Airport, Salalah Airport, Sohar Airport |
| Best rental car company | Europcar |
| Used car costs | 25000 OMR |
Connectivity
| Apple store addresses | The Avenues Mall, Muscat, Oman |
| Internet connection (in Mbps) | 20 Mbps |
| Power socket type | G |
| Supply voltage | 230V |
| Best electronics store | Carrefour |
| Best internet carrier | Omantel |
| Primary cellular carrier | Ooredoo |
| Average monthly cost for internet | 40 OMR |
Shopping
| The best drug store | Lulu |
| Best restaurant chain | Al Angham |
| The best grocery store | Carrefour |
| The most popular fashion brand | Mango |
Regulatory
| GDP per capita | $20,945 / year |
| Average annual income | $25,000 |
| Sales tax rate | 5% |
| Income tax rate | 0% |
| Tourist visa valid (in days) | 30 |
Financial
| Average mortgage rate | 4.5% |
| Suggested ATM take out | 200 OMR |
| Bank that has the most ATM machines | Bank Muscat |
| Average tip in restaurant | 5-10% |
| Pay using credit or debit card | Not very common |
Health
| Emergency Phone Numbers | 999 (general), 9999 (police), 9998 (ambulance), 9990 (firefighters) |
| Polution per square meter | 545 |
| Health quality rank (according to WHO) | 73 |
| Main religion | Islam |
Quality of life
60%
-
80%
Safety, freedom, rights -
99%
Traffic -
37%
Property to income -
20%
Crime -
59%
Healthcare -
67%
Weather
Salaries
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | OMR 670 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate | 5.25% |
Childcare
| Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child | OMR 80 |
| International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child | OMR 2,830 |
Cost of living
34%
-
Purchasing Power
88%
-
Rent
18%
-
Food
42%
-
Restaurant
44%
-
Workspace
36%
-
Transport
21%
Rent
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre Per Month | OMR 244.35 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre Per Month | OMR 171.90 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre Per Month | OMR 455.68 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre Per Month | OMR 319.29 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend), Sports And Leisure | OMR 12.50 |
Food
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | OMR 0.68 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | OMR 0.45 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | OMR 1.05 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | OMR 2.60 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | OMR 0.22 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | OMR 8.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) | OMR 1.76 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | OMR 3.31 |
| Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) | OMR 2.40 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | OMR 1.89 |
| Apples (1kg) | OMR 0.88 |
| Oranges (1kg) | OMR 0.65 |
| Potato (1kg) | OMR 0.41 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | OMR 0.45 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | OMR 0.72 |
| Tomato (1kg) | OMR 0.48 |
| Banana (1kg) | OMR 0.70 |
| Onion (1kg) | OMR 0.37 |
| Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) | OMR 3.37 |
Restaurants
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | OMR 2.00 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | OMR 15.00 |
| McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | OMR 2.60 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) | OMR 4.00 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | OMR 4.00 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) | OMR 0.32 |
| Water (0.33 liter bottle) | OMR 0.12 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | OMR 1.84 |
Connectivity
94%
Infrastructure
89/100
Internet speed
92/100
Internet cost
95/100
Pre-paid plan
98/100
Utilities (Monthly)
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment | OMR 36.08 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) | OMR 0.05 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | OMR 29.89 |
Sports
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | OMR 17.02 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | OMR 12.50 |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | OMR 3.50 |
Transportation
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | OMR 0.50 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | OMR 25.00 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | OMR 0.24 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) | OMR 8,500.00 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) | OMR 7,776.92 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | OMR 2.00 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | OMR 0.30 |
| Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | OMR 5.00 |
