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Muscat🇴🇲

Oman · Cost of living & nomad guide 2026

Timezone
Asia/Muscat
Nomad community
Small

City metrics

Financial

Rent 1BR (centre)$800/mo
Rent 1BR (outside)$600/mo
Rent 3BR (centre)$1,700/mo
Cost of living (national avg)48 (USA=100, World Bank ICP)
Cheap meal$8.00
Mid-range meal for 2$22.00
Monthly groceries~$330

Infrastructure

Internet speed80 Mbps
Internet reliability8/100
Healthcare index72/100
Coworking spaces~5

Lifestyle

Safety index82/100
Air quality65 AQI — Moderate
Walkability50/100
Climate score68/100
English proficiencyhigh
Source: OpenAQ · Global Peace Index · regional statistical agencies · Updated Live + annual

Nomad

Nomad communitySmall
Visa easemoderate
Budget score7/100
Lifestyle score7/100
Overall nomad score
7/100
Source: NoodlePants composite (World Bank ICP, Ookla, OpenAQ) · Updated Quarterly

What it's actually like here

Living here as a digital nomad can be surprisingly affordable, with a 1-bedroom in the city center around $800, and $600 outside. Groceries will set you back about $330 monthly. This isn't a bustling nomad hub (community is small), but with high English proficiency and decent internet (80mbps, 7.5 reliability), it’s practical. It suits those seeking a peaceful, safe environment (safety index 82) with a good healthcare system (index 72). Think less party, more quiet exploration and cultural immersion. The moderate air quality (index 65) is a plus. The internet’s solid for work, and there are a handful of co-working spaces if you need them. Visa ease is moderate, so plan ahead. One honest caveat: walkability is just okay (score 50), so you’ll likely rely on transport. Overall, it’s a budget-friendly option for nomads prioritizing safety and a relaxed pace.

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Who this suits

Families

Featured neighbourhoods

Neighbourhood guides coming soon for Muscat.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to live in Muscat as a digital nomad?+

As of 2026, a 1-bedroom apartment in the centre of Muscat averages around $800 per month. The national cost-of-living index for Oman sits at 48 (USA=100) — sourced from World Bank ICP. City-level detail is coming as we gather it; for now this is a national figure. Nomads typically budget extra for coworking, eating out, and travel.

Is Muscat safe for digital nomads?+

Muscat scores 82/100 on our composite safety index, which blends the Global Peace Index, crime stats and traveller-advisory data. Most nomad-friendly neighbourhoods feel comfortable to walk in day and night.

How fast is the internet in Muscat?+

Headline average internet speed in Muscat is around 80 Mbps based on Ookla Speedtest data. That's enough for video calls, large file uploads and most remote-work needs in central neighbourhoods — coworking spaces and serviced apartments usually run faster than that.

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