Name: Muscat
Address: Muscat, Oman

Muscat provides expat families a unique Arabian Gulf experience with excellent international schools and tax-free living. The capital of Oman combines traditional Islamic culture with modern infrastructure and stunning natural beauty from mountains to pristine beaches. The city is notably safer and more culturally tolerant than many regional counterparts. While summer heat is intense, winter months are pleasant. The expat community is well-established, particularly among Western families working in oil, gas, and government sectors. Healthcare is good, and English is widely used in business and education settings.

☀️ Climate & Weather

Monthly temperatures, rainfall, and sea conditions

42°C

Hottest (Jul)

18°C

Coolest (Jan)

Sunny days/mo avg

99mm

Annual rainfall

Avg highAvg lowSea tempRainfall

24°

🌊 Jan

23°

🌊 Feb

24°

🌊 Mar

27°

🌊 Apr

30°

🌊 May

31°

🌊 Jun

32°

🌊 Jul

32°

🌊 Aug

31°

🌊 Sep

29°

🌊 Oct

27°

🌊 Nov

25°

🌊 Dec

💰 Cost of Living

Monthly family budget estimates (USD)

At a Glance

$1,200

Avg. rent /mo

$8.00

Budget meal

$40

Mid-range dinner (2 ppl)

Dining & Drinks

Cappuccino$4.20

Domestic beer$5.00

Imported beer$6.50

Water (1.5L)$0.40

Groceries

Loaf of bread$1.80

Milk (1L)$1.70

Dozen eggs$2.50

Chicken (1 kg)$4.80

Transport

Taxi flag-drop$1.30

Taxi per km$0.65

Monthly transit pass$0.00

Gasoline (per liter)$0.55

Monthly Bills

Internet$55 /mo

Utilities (avg.)$150 /mo

Gym membership$65 /mo

Domestic help$550 /mo

Preschool / nursery$500 /mo

Comfortable

Apartment in Al Khuwair or Al Ghubra, mix of hypermarket and local shopping, occasional dining out, smaller international school, modest car.

$5,500/mo

Rent$1,200

Groceries$550

Lifestyle & leisure$350

Transport$250

Utilities$150

Dining out$350

Healthcare$300

School fees (per child)$1,800

Domestic help$550

Established

Villa in Qurum, MQ, or Al Mouj, established international school, SUV, regular restaurant dining, gym and beach club, weekend trips to Nizwa or coast.

$10,000/mo

Rent$2,500

Groceries$850

Lifestyle & leisure$650

Transport$500

Utilities$250

Dining out$650

Healthcare$500

School fees (per child)$3,200

Domestic help$900

Premium

Large villa in Shatti Al Qurum or The Wave, premium international school (BSM/ABA), luxury vehicle, fine dining, Oman Sail/golf club, regular international travel.

$18,000/mo

Rent$4,500

Groceries$1,300

Lifestyle & leisure$1,300

Transport$900

Utilities$400

Dining out$1,200

Healthcare$800

School fees (per child)$5,500

Domestic help$2,100

Estimates for a family of four in Muscat, Oman. Rent assumes a 2–3 bedroom villa or apartment. School fees reflect one child at an international school. Domestic help is a full-time live-in housekeeper (common in Oman). All figures in USD at approximately 1 USD = 0.385 OMR. Muscat is moderately expensive by Gulf standards, cheaper than Dubai but pricier than most Asian cities.