Oman Ranked Most Affordable Country to Live in GCC for 2025

Oman has officially become the most affordable country to live in among all the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, according to the 2025 edition of the ‘World Cost of Living Index’ published by Numbeo. This report, released every year, carefully compares the cost of living in different countries around the world. It looks at common everyday expenses like rent, grocery prices, restaurant bills, and how much people can buy with their income (also called purchasing power). New York City is used as a standard of comparison and is given a score of 100. All other countries are then ranked based on how expensive or cheap they are in comparison. In this ranking, Oman stands out as the cheapest country in the GCC and one of the more affordable ones globally.

Oman's Global Rank and Score in 2025

Oman received a Cost of Living Index score of 39.8 in this year’s report. This score means that Oman is about 60% cheaper than New York City when it comes to everyday living expenses. Globally, this score placed Oman at 93rd out of 139 countries in terms of living costs. This position shows that Oman is not just affordable in the Gulf, but it is also quite low-cost when compared to countries all over the world. For people looking to live comfortably on a reasonable budget, Oman is becoming one of the most attractive choices. Whether you are a local citizen or a foreign expatriate, the affordability of Oman allows you to enjoy life without the stress of high expenses.

Comparing Oman to Other Gulf Countries

When we compare Oman to other countries in the GCC, the difference in cost becomes even more clear. According to the report, Kuwait was ranked 62nd globally with a score of 40.4, Saudi Arabia came in at 56th with 41.9, and Qatar was placed 44th with 47.5. Bahrain ranked 41st with a score of 48.3, while the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was ranked 31st globally with a score of 54.1, making it the most expensive country to live in within the GCC. These rankings confirm that among the six Gulf countries, Oman is the least expensive to live in, offering much more value for money in daily life.

Affordable Housing Is a Big Factor

One of the biggest reasons Oman has such a low cost of living is due to its affordable housing options. In Oman, renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs about US$476 per month. If you move a little outside the city center, the rent becomes even cheaper—around US$336 per month. This is a huge difference when compared to cities like Dubai or Doha, where similar apartments can cost twice or even three times as much. Housing is often one of the biggest expenses people face, so lower rent makes a big difference in helping people live more comfortably.

Daily Living Is Cheaper for Everyone

It’s not just rent that is cheap in Oman. Other everyday expenses are also very affordable. For example, eating out at an inexpensive restaurant will cost around US$5.61, which is very low compared to most countries. In places like the UAE or Qatar, eating the same meal could cost double or more. Even petrol prices are extremely low in Oman—a liter of gasoline costs just US$0.62, making it much easier for people to travel and commute without worrying about fuel bills. Whether it’s groceries, utilities, or eating out, people in Oman save money on all fronts.

Good Value for Your Income

Another big advantage Oman has is its strong purchasing power. Purchasing power means how much you can actually buy with the money you earn. In Oman, people can afford more with what they make, especially when compared to those living in expensive countries. Even those with modest incomes can enjoy a good standard of living, pay for basic needs, and still have enough left over for savings or entertainment. This is very important for middle-class families, young workers, and even retirees who want to make the most of their income without having to earn huge salaries.

Oman Offers High Quality of Life

Affordability is important, but so is the overall quality of life—and Oman scores high in this area as well. In a mid-2024 Numbeo report, Oman was ranked 4th in the world for quality of life, which is a very impressive achievement. This ranking takes into account things like safety, healthcare, low pollution, affordable housing, and weather conditions. Many people find that Oman is peaceful, clean, and well-organized. It also has a friendly culture, good infrastructure, and beautiful natural surroundings. So, in Oman, people are not just saving money—they’re also enjoying a better life.

How Oman Compares Globally

When we look at the global picture, some countries have an even lower cost of living than Oman. These include Pakistan, Egypt, Libya, India, Afghanistan, Madagascar, Bangladesh, Russia, and Paraguay. However, many of these places may not offer the same level of safety, healthcare, or public services that Oman does. That’s what makes Oman special—it gives you low costs without giving up comfort or safety. On the other side, the most expensive countries in the world are Switzerland, the US Virgin Islands, Iceland, the Bahamas, Singapore, Hong Kong, Barbados, Norway, Papua New Guinea, and Denmark. In these countries, everything from rent to food to transportation costs a lot more. Many people living there need very high incomes just to maintain a basic lifestyle.

Why Oman Is a Smart Choice for Everyone

Oman is clearly the smartest and most affordable choice for anyone thinking about living or moving to the Gulf region. It combines low costs with a good quality of life, something that’s hard to find in many other countries. Whether you are a single worker, a family with kids, or someone planning for retirement, Oman gives you the chance to live well without spending too much. With low rents, cheap food, affordable fuel, clean cities, good healthcare, and a peaceful environment, Oman checks all the right boxes. As the cost of living keeps rising in many parts of the world, Oman is quickly becoming a preferred destination for people who want to save money and live comfortably. It offers more than just savings—it offers a better lifestyle. For these reasons, Oman truly deserves its title as the most affordable and livable country in the Gulf.