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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

Muscat offers a surprisingly affordable lifestyle, especially when compared to other Gulf cities. Rent for a decent one-bedroom apartment in the city center is quite reasonable, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious nomads. The internet is generally fast and reliable, perfect for remote work without connection headaches. Safety is a non-issue here; you'll feel very secure at all times. This city truly suits those seeking a peaceful, culturally rich experience rather than a bustling hub. While English is widely spoken, the nomad community is on the smaller side, so don't expect a huge, established scene. The biggest caveat? The summer heat can be intense, so be prepared for indoor living for a few months of the year. Outside of that, it's a calm, safe, and genuinely pleasant place to call home.

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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)48 (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 48 (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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