Why is Oman considered the cheapest country in the Gulf? , world News
According to the latest cost of the Living Index released by the data platform Numbo, Oman has been named the cheapest country to live in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for 2025. Long has been known for its cool landscapes and is understood to be attracted, the Sultanate is now recognizing something else, it provides the residents of the Gulf’s most budget-friendly lifestyle.
From marine empire to modern oasis
For centuries, Oman’s identity was sea -shaped. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Muscat was a prosperous maritime capital, with Omani ships dominating trade routes with East Africa and the Indian Ocean. The Omani Empire once spread the African coast including Zanzibar, in which language, architecture and cuisine are still seen as a cultural heritage.Unlike its flashier Gulf neighbors, Oman maintained a different approach to modernization. Sultan Kabos bin said that after coming to power in 1970, Oman made rapid changes, with free education, healthcare and a strong infrastructure in a modern state with a few kilometers of paved roads from a isolated desert empire. Nevertheless, it did so without adopting hyper-ignition of hyper-ignition in Dubai or Doha.Today, under Sultan Hatham bin Tariq, Oman has continued its vision 2040 reforms, targeting its cultural authentication, targeting for economic diversification. This Balancing Act is a major part of why living in Oman feels quiet and low pressure than the steel-end-glass intensity of its neighbors.
2025 cost of living rankings
Numbeo’s cost of 2025 costs Living Index rank GCC countries at least cheap, and Oman stands out as the best-value destination of the region:
- Oman: Monthly family cost average DH9,597.6 (OMR 1,004.7; approx. USD 2,611.54), with single inhabitants spend around DH2,773.2 (OMR 290.3; approx. USD 755.56). Solnet’s stay cost is 26.5% lower than the UAE, and the fare is 71.7% cheaper.
- Bahrain: The second cheapest, Manama’s family cost DH10,496.8 (BHD 1,076.1) and single cost at DH2,968.5 (BHD 304.3), is about 25% cheaper than Dubai.
- Kuwait: Family’s stay cost DH11,105.1 (KWD 923.0), single DH3,012.5 (KWD 250.4). Living here is about 27% cheaper than Dubai, with 61% less rent.
- Qatar: Personal costs at Doha DH11,716.9 (Qar 11,655.5) and personal costs at DH3,276.7 (Qar 3,259.5) sees 20.7% cheaper than Dubai.
- Saudi Arabia: Riyadh’s family costs are DH12,167.9 (SAR 12,424.0), with DH3,378.5 (SAR 3,449.6) with singles. The living cost is 19.9% lower than Dubai, and the fare is 55.2% lower.
- United Arab Emirates: The United Arab Emirates remains a precious country in the region. In Dubai, families spend around DH14,765 monthly and single DH4,242.5. Abu Dhabi is a bit cheaper, but still more expensive than other GCC capitals.
Why Oman’s strength is standing out
The edge of Oman is not only at cost but in the quality of life. Its cities are less crowded, the infrastructure is reliable, and its social cloth remains close. For migrants, Oman provides a rare combination: security, economic value and cultural prosperity, the tireless speed of the large Gulf hub and consumerism.In addition, the natural beauty of Oman, from the Dantar Hajar Mountains to the Golden Wahiba Sands and the Tranquil coast, feels like a permanent migration. Rent control and its policies on subsidy structures also prevent costs.
Effect on regional migration and policy
This strength index matters beyond lifestyle options. It can reopen migration patterns within GCC, with more professionals and families considering Muscat on Dubai or Doha. For policy makers, data is a reminder that economic growth strategies should balance high-end growth with a living, inexpensive environment.
What is the cost of the living index?
The cost of the living index is a global tool that compared the average expenses required to maintain a certain standard of life. It measures housing, food, utilities, transport and diverse daily costs, providing insight to individuals, businesses and governments worldwide. Numbeo, the platform behind it crowds the data globally to present the real -time snapshots of the crowdsourse.
Oman’s path forward
As soon as the infection, Oman’s stable approach can prove to be intelligent as soon as the infection in the post -Gulf era. Its diverse economy, from tourism to logistics, combined with affordable life, is located as a growing dark horse of the region. While Dubai dazzle and Riyadh Rebrands, Oman Oman remains, Tranwil, traditional and surprisingly cost effective.For those who seek dignity without drowning in debt, this can only be the best secret secret of the Gulf.
