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Muscat cityscape

Muscat🇴🇲

Oman · Cost of living & nomad guide 2026

Photo by Eduard Galitsky on Unsplash

Who this suits

Families
Population
797,000
Timezone
Asia/Muscat
Nomad community
Small

What it's actually like here

Life in Muscat offers a unique blend for the savvy digital nomad. You'll find it genuinely affordable, especially compared to Western cities, making your budget stretch further for everyday expenses and comfortable living. Rent for a decent apartment is quite reasonable, offering good value. This city is ideal for those seeking a more tranquil pace and a deep dive into local culture, rather than a bustling expat party scene. The internet infrastructure is robust, providing fast and reliable connections perfect for remote work. English proficiency is generally high, making daily interactions straightforward. However, temper your expectations regarding a buzzing nomad community; it's fairly small here. While incredibly safe and welcoming, the biggest caveat is the summer heat, which can be intense, limiting outdoor activities for several months. Otherwise, Muscat presents a peaceful, culturally rich, and budget-friendly option for long-term stays.

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City metrics

Financial

Rent 1BR (centre)US$800/mo
Rent 1BR (outside)US$600/mo
Rent 3BR (centre)US$1,700/mo
Cost of living (national avg)47 (US=100, World Bank ICP)
Cheap mealUS$8.00
Mid-range meal for 2US$22.00
Monthly groceries~US$330

Infrastructure

Internet speed80 Mbps
Connectivity score83/100
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: World Bank ICP (cost of living, US=100), Ookla (internet), OpenAQ (air quality) · Updated Quarterly

📍 Muscat on the map

A quick look at where in the world this city sits.

Find accommodation in Muscat

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Featured neighbourhoods

Neighbourhood guides coming soon for Muscat.

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 47 (US=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.

Community data for this city
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