Oman has been ranked the most budget-friendly place to live in the Gulf region, according to the 2025 Cost of Living Index by global data platform Numbeo. The Sultanate stood out for its notably low living expenses and rental costs, beating out its Gulf neighbors.
The new index revealed that a family of four in Oman can expect to spend around Dh9,597.6 monthly—excluding rent—while single residents may spend roughly Dh2,773.2. These figures represent a cost of living that is 26.5 per cent lower than the United Arab Emirates, with rental rates averaging a dramatic 71.7 per cent less.
Trailing behind Oman in terms of affordability are Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, all offering significantly lower costs compared to the UAE.
At the other end of the scale, the UAE continues to top the list as the most expensive country in the Gulf. In Dubai, family living costs hover around Dh14,765 a month, and single-person expenses reach Dh4,242.5—making it the priciest city across the GCC. While Abu Dhabi offers a slight reprieve with marginally lower expenses, it still remains costly by regional standards.
