Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Oman Property Pack
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This guide breaks down exactly how much money you need to retire in Oman in 2026, from bare minimum survival budgets to luxury living in Muscat's most sought-after neighborhoods.
We cover real monthly expenses, housing costs in specific areas like Al Mouj and Qurum, and the visa, tax, and healthcare realities that foreign retirees face.
We constantly update this blog post with the latest housing prices and cost of living data for Oman.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Oman.
How much money do I need to retire in Oman right now?
What's the absolute minimum monthly budget to survive in Oman?
The absolute minimum monthly budget to survive in Oman as a retiree is around OMR 500 to 600 per month, which equals approximately $1,300 to $1,560 or €1,110 to €1,330.
At this minimum budget level in Oman, you can cover a basic studio or older one-bedroom apartment in non-prime areas like Al Ghubrah, modest utilities, groceries for cooking at home, minimal transportation using buses or occasional taxis, and basic healthcare coverage.
Living on this tight budget in Oman means accepting significant trade-offs: you will likely need to avoid air conditioning during the scorching summer months (which can push temperatures above 45°C in Muscat), skip restaurants almost entirely, and forgo leisure activities or travel, making this a bare-bones existence rather than a comfortable retirement.
What lifestyle do I get with $2,000/month in Oman in 2026?
As of early 2026, a budget of $2,000 per month (around OMR 770) in Oman gives you a simple but pleasant lifestyle where you can afford decent housing in a central neighborhood and cover all your basic needs without constantly watching every rial.
With this budget, you can realistically rent a one-bedroom apartment in neighborhoods like Al Khuwair or Qurum for OMR 300 to 380 per month ($780 to $990 or €725 to €920), though you will be looking at older building stock rather than new developments.
At $2,000 per month in Muscat, you can enjoy weekly meals at casual restaurants, visit the Royal Opera House occasionally (which has surprisingly affordable tickets), explore free beaches like Qurum Beach, and join basic gym facilities or community activities.
The main limitation at this budget level in Oman is transportation: owning a car becomes difficult if you also want quality healthcare coverage, so you will likely rely on taxis and ride-hailing apps like Mwasalat, which limits your ability to explore Oman's stunning wadis and mountain villages independently.
What lifestyle do I get with $3,000/month in Oman in 2026?
As of early 2026, a budget of $3,000 per month (around OMR 1,155) in Oman provides what most retirees would call a comfortable lifestyle, with room for quality housing, regular dining out, private healthcare, and occasional travel.
At this budget level, you can afford a solid one-bedroom apartment in premium-feel areas like Madinat Al Sultan Qaboos or Muscat Hills for OMR 400 to 520 per month ($1,040 to $1,350 or €970 to €1,260), or even stretch to a two-bedroom in Qurum if you prefer more space.
With $3,000 monthly in Muscat, you can dine at mid-range restaurants like those in the Qurum commercial district several times a week, enjoy weekend trips to Nizwa or Jebel Akhdar, maintain a gym membership at a quality fitness center, and have comfortable private health insurance coverage.
The key upgrade from a $2,000 budget in Oman is the ability to comfortably own and maintain a car, which transforms your retirement experience by opening access to Oman's incredible natural attractions like Wadi Shab, the Wahiba Sands desert, and the Musandam Peninsula without relying on expensive tours.
What lifestyle do I get with $5,000/month in Oman in 2026?
As of early 2026, a budget of $5,000 per month (around OMR 1,925) gives you an upper-comfortable lifestyle in Oman, while $10,000 per month (around OMR 3,850) puts you firmly in the no-compromises luxury category where you simply do not need to think about costs.
At $5,000 monthly, you can afford a two-bedroom apartment in the prestigious Al Mouj (The Wave) development for OMR 700 to 800 ($1,820 to $2,080 or €1,690 to €1,930), while $10,000 opens the door to high-end villas in Al Mouj or waterfront properties in Shatti Al Qurum that can run OMR 1,200 to 2,000+ per month ($3,120 to $5,200 or €2,900 to €4,840).
At the $5,000 to $10,000 range in Oman, you gain access to premium experiences that define Gulf luxury: membership at The Wave's beach clubs, fine dining at hotels like the Chedi Muscat and Al Bustan Palace, regular regional travel to Dubai or the Maldives, top-tier international health insurance, and the option to hire part-time domestic help for housekeeping or cooking.
How much for a "comfortable" retirement in Oman in 2026?
As of early 2026, a comfortable retirement in Oman requires approximately OMR 1,200 to 1,500 per month, which translates to $3,100 to $3,900 or €2,900 to €3,600, allowing you to live well without constantly budgeting.
We recommend adding a safety buffer of 20% to 25%, which means an extra OMR 250 to 375 per month ($650 to $975 or €600 to €900), to account for summer electricity spikes from air conditioning, potential rent increases at renewal, and unexpected visa or medical administrative costs.
A comfortable retirement budget in Oman covers expenses that a basic budget simply cannot: quality private health insurance (not just emergency coverage), a reliable car with full maintenance, regular restaurant meals, gym or club memberships, domestic travel to places like Salalah during the khareef season, and a financial cushion for visa renewals and medical checks that come with expat residency.
How much for a "luxury" retirement in Oman in 2026?
As of early 2026, a luxury retirement in Oman requires OMR 2,700 to 3,850 per month, equivalent to $7,000 to $10,000 or €6,500 to €9,300, which provides a completely stress-free lifestyle with premium everything.
A luxury budget in Oman covers a high-end apartment or villa in Al Mouj or Shatti Al Qurum (OMR 1,000 to 2,000+ monthly), top-tier international health insurance with no exclusions (OMR 200 to 400+ monthly), a premium vehicle, frequent fine dining at venues like The Restaurant at The Chedi, membership at exclusive beach and yacht clubs, and regular international travel.
The most popular luxury retirement neighborhoods in Oman are Al Mouj (The Wave) for its marina, golf course, and integrated community feel; Shatti Al Qurum for its proximity to embassies and upscale hotels; and premium villas in Madinat Al Sultan Qaboos (MQ) for those who prefer established, tree-lined residential streets.
The main advantage of a luxury budget beyond comfort in Oman is the complete elimination of administrative stress: you can afford premium visa services, concierge healthcare arrangements, and the financial cushion to handle any unexpected situation without disrupting your retirement lifestyle.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Oman. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
What are the real monthly expenses for retirees in Oman in 2026?
What is a realistic monthly budget breakdown by category in Oman?
A realistic monthly budget breakdown for a comfortable retiree lifestyle in Oman (around $3,300 or €3,070 total) includes: housing at $1,300 to $1,700 (€1,210 to €1,580), utilities at $80 to $200 (€75 to €185), food at $470 to $780 (€440 to €725), transport at $160 to $390 (€150 to €360), healthcare at $180 to $520 (€170 to €480), and leisure at $200 to $400 (€185 to €370).
Housing typically consumes 35% to 45% of a retiree's total monthly budget in Oman, ranging from OMR 350 to 650 ($910 to $1,690 or €845 to €1,570) depending on whether you choose a value neighborhood like Al Ghubrah or a premium area like Muscat Hills.
Food and groceries in Oman account for roughly 15% to 20% of the budget, with a single person spending OMR 70 to 140 monthly ($180 to $365 or €170 to €340) on groceries, plus another OMR 50 to 150 ($130 to $390 or €120 to €360) if you eat out regularly.
The budget category that varies most depending on personal lifestyle in Oman is healthcare: a basic local insurance plan might cost OMR 40 monthly ($105 or €95), while comprehensive international coverage with no exclusions can easily exceed OMR 200 monthly ($520 or €480), especially for retirees over 60.
What fees surprise foreigners most after moving to Oman?
The top three hidden fees that catch foreigners off guard in Oman are: lump-sum rent payments (many landlords demand 6 to 12 months upfront rather than monthly payments), the cost of mandatory medical examinations for residency renewals, and the surprisingly high price of alcohol due to Oman's "sin tax" and the requirement to obtain a liquor permit.
When first arriving in Oman, foreigners should budget OMR 500 to 1,500 ($1,300 to $3,900 or €1,210 to €3,625) for one-time setup costs including: residence card processing, medical tests, housing deposit (often two months' rent), furniture if renting unfurnished (most rentals are), basic household setup, and potentially a car deposit or down payment.
What's the average rent for a 1-bedroom or a 2-bedroom in Oman in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Muscat ranges from OMR 275 to 600 ($715 to $1,560 or €665 to €1,450), while a two-bedroom apartment averages OMR 390 to 755 ($1,015 to $1,965 or €940 to €1,825) depending heavily on the neighborhood.
For a one-bedroom in Oman, rent ranges from budget-friendly options in Al Ghubrah at around OMR 200 to 280 ($520 to $730 or €480 to €680) up to premium units in Al Mouj at OMR 520 to 600 ($1,350 to $1,560 or €1,255 to €1,450).
For a two-bedroom in Oman, expect to pay OMR 300 to 400 ($780 to $1,040 or €725 to €965) in value areas like Al Ghubrah, OMR 450 to 520 ($1,170 to $1,350 or €1,085 to €1,255) in popular expat zones like Al Khuwair and Qurum, and OMR 700 to 755+ ($1,820 to $1,965+ or €1,690 to €1,825+) in premium communities like Al Mouj and Muscat Hills.
The best value neighborhoods for retirees seeking affordable rent in Oman are Al Ghubrah (more local feel with good amenities), Al Khuwair (central with many services), and parts of Bausher, where you can find decent one-bedroom apartments for OMR 250 to 350 ($650 to $910 or €605 to €845) with reasonable access to shops and healthcare facilities.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the latest rent data in Oman.
What do utilities cost monthly in Oman in 2026?
As of early 2026, total monthly utilities for a typical retiree apartment in Oman run OMR 50 to 120 ($130 to $310 or €120 to €290), with significant seasonal variation due to air conditioning usage during the hot months from May to September.
The typical monthly breakdown in Oman is: electricity at OMR 20 to 70 ($50 to $180 or €50 to €170) depending on A/C use, water and sewage at OMR 10 to 20 ($25 to $50 or €25 to €50) for typical household usage, and there is no piped gas (cooking uses electric or bottled LPG at around OMR 5 to 10 per canister).
Internet and mobile phone service in Oman costs approximately OMR 20 to 40 ($50 to $105 or €50 to €95) monthly for a decent home broadband package and a mobile plan with data, with providers like Omantel and Ooredoo offering various bundles.
What's the monthly food and transportation budget for one person in Oman in 2026?
As of early 2026, a single retiree in Oman should budget OMR 150 to 350 ($390 to $910 or €360 to €845) monthly for food and OMR 50 to 200 ($130 to $520 or €120 to €480) for transportation, depending on lifestyle choices.
A single retiree cooking mostly at home in Oman can manage on OMR 80 to 130 ($210 to $340 or €195 to €315) monthly for groceries, shopping at supermarkets like Lulu, Carrefour, or Al Fair, while buying local produce at traditional markets like Muttrah Souq can reduce costs further.
Dining out regularly in Oman adds OMR 100 to 200 ($260 to $520 or €240 to €480) monthly to your food budget: casual local restaurants charge OMR 2 to 5 ($5 to $13 or €5 to €12) per meal, mid-range restaurants OMR 8 to 15 ($20 to $40 or €20 to €35), and upscale hotel dining OMR 25+ ($65+ or €60+).
Transportation costs in Oman vary dramatically: relying on taxis and ride-hailing runs OMR 50 to 100 ($130 to $260 or €120 to €240) monthly for moderate use, while owning a car adds OMR 100 to 200+ ($260 to $520+ or €240 to €480+) monthly for fuel (which is cheap at around OMR 0.22 per liter), insurance, maintenance, and parking.
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Can I retire in Oman if I want to buy property in 2026?
What's the average home price in Oman in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average home price in Oman for properties that foreigners can actually purchase (mainly in Integrated Tourism Complexes or ITCs) ranges from OMR 90,000 to 450,000+ ($234,000 to $1,170,000+ or €217,500 to €1,087,500+), with significant variation by property type and location.
The realistic price range in Oman spans from "affordable" ITC apartments in newer developments starting around OMR 90,000 to 140,000 ($234,000 to $364,000 or €217,500 to €338,000) for a one-bedroom, up to premium villas in Al Mouj or Muscat Hills at OMR 300,000 to 500,000+ ($780,000 to $1,300,000+ or €725,000 to €1,210,000+).
For retirees in Oman, apartments in Integrated Tourism Complexes like Al Mouj, Muscat Hills, or Jebel Sifah offer the best value because they come with community amenities (pools, gyms, landscaping), professional management, and the legal clarity that comes with ITC ownership, whereas villas require more maintenance and oversight.
Please note that you will find all the information you need in our pack about properties in Oman.
What down payment do foreigners usually need in Oman in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreigners purchasing property in Oman typically need a down payment of around 20% of the property value, meaning OMR 20,000 to 90,000 ($52,000 to $234,000 or €48,000 to €217,500) for a typical apartment in an ITC, plus an additional 2% to 6% for transaction costs, valuation fees, and bank arrangement charges.
Foreigners in Oman generally face the same down payment requirements as locals when financing through local banks, with most lenders like Oman Arab Bank and Meethaq (Bank Muscat's Islamic arm) offering up to 80% loan-to-value, though approval depends heavily on residency status, income verification, and the specific property being purchased.
We have a document entirely dedicated to the mortgage process in our pack about properties in Oman.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Oman.
What's the all-in monthly cost to own in Oman in 2026?
As of early 2026, the all-in monthly cost to own a typical two-bedroom apartment in a prime Muscat ITC community runs OMR 900 to 1,400 ($2,340 to $3,640 or €2,175 to €3,380), which includes mortgage payments, service charges, maintenance, insurance, and utilities.
The all-in ownership figure in Oman includes: mortgage payment (varies by loan amount and tenure, but roughly OMR 500 to 800 for a OMR 150,000 loan), community service charges or HOA fees, building insurance, contents insurance, maintenance reserves, and monthly utilities.
Typical monthly service charges (HOA fees) in Oman's ITC communities run OMR 50 to 150 ($130 to $390 or €120 to €360) depending on the amenities provided, and there is currently no annual property tax in Oman, though this may change as the government diversifies revenue sources.
The hidden ownership cost that catches new buyers off guard in Oman is the "sinking fund" or major maintenance reserve that some communities require on top of regular service charges, plus the reality that air conditioning systems need frequent maintenance and eventual replacement in the harsh Gulf climate.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing the property taxes and fees in Oman.
Is buying cheaper than renting in Oman in 2026?
As of early 2026, comparing a two-bedroom in Al Mouj shows renting at approximately OMR 750 per month ($1,950 or €1,810) versus all-in ownership costs of OMR 900 to 1,100+ ($2,340 to $2,860+ or €2,175 to €2,660+), meaning renting is often cheaper on a pure monthly cash-flow basis in Oman's premium expat zones.
The typical break-even point where buying becomes financially advantageous over renting in Oman is around 7 to 10+ years of ownership, assuming stable property values and no major unexpected costs, which is a long horizon for retirees who may want flexibility.
Key factors that make buying more or less attractive for retirees in Oman include: net rental yields (if you can find properties yielding 6%+ annually, buying looks better), the requirement to tie up significant capital as a down payment (reducing liquidity), the fact that ITC properties carry service charges that renters do not pay directly, and the reality that Oman's property market is smaller and less liquid than Dubai's, meaning resale can take time.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Oman versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What visas, taxes, and healthcare costs should I plan for in Oman in 2026?
What retirement visa options exist in Oman in 2026?
As of early 2026, Oman does not offer a traditional "retirement visa" but provides long-term residency through the Golden Visa program, with the retiree route requiring proof of fixed monthly income of at least OMR 4,000 ($10,400 or €9,665) and costing approximately OMR 326 to 551 ($850 to $1,430 or €790 to €1,330) in application fees for a 5-year or 10-year permit.
To qualify for Oman's Golden Visa retiree track, you must be over 60 years old and demonstrate a fixed monthly income of at least OMR 4,000 ($10,400 or €9,665), which can come from pensions, investments, or other verifiable sources, along with health insurance and a clean criminal record.
Visa renewal in Oman typically costs OMR 100 to 300 ($260 to $780 or €240 to €725) annually per person when you factor in the official fees, mandatory medical examinations, and administrative processing, though Golden Visa holders with 5-year or 10-year permits have less frequent renewals.
The most common visa mistake foreign retirees make in Oman is underestimating the income documentation requirements: Omani authorities require official, notarized proof of pension or investment income, and informal income sources or estimates are not accepted, leaving some applicants scrambling to gather proper documentation.
Please note that we keep this page updated with the residency pathways in Oman.
Do I pay tax on foreign income in Oman in 2026?
As of early 2026, there is no personal income tax in effect in Oman, meaning retirees pay zero Omani tax on foreign pensions, Social Security, investment income, or any other personal income, though Oman's Personal Income Tax law is scheduled to take effect in 2028.
All types of foreign income including pensions, Social Security payments, dividends, interest, rental income from abroad, and capital gains are currently exempt from taxation in Oman because no personal income tax system exists yet, making Oman highly attractive for retirees compared to many other destinations.
Oman has limited tax treaties in place, and because there is currently no personal income tax, treaty provisions regarding income are not yet relevant for most retirees; however, you should still check your home country's rules because some countries (like the United States) tax citizens on worldwide income regardless of residence.
The single most important tax rule foreign retirees should understand before moving to Oman is that while 2026 is tax-free, the Personal Income Tax law effective from 2028 may change this landscape, so anyone planning a long-term retirement in Oman should monitor developments and consider how future taxation might affect their financial planning.
What health insurance do retirees need in Oman in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreign retirees in Oman need private health insurance, with monthly costs ranging from OMR 40 to 200+ ($105 to $520+ or €95 to €480+) depending on coverage level, age, and whether you want access to premium private hospitals or international coverage.
Foreigners can access public healthcare facilities in Oman in emergencies, but routine care requires the private system; expats are not eligible for the subsidized public healthcare that Omani citizens receive, making comprehensive private insurance essential for any retiree.
A realistic total annual healthcare budget for a retiree in Oman is OMR 1,500 to 4,500 ($3,900 to $11,700 or €3,625 to €10,870), which includes: insurance premiums of OMR 500 to 2,400 annually, out-of-pocket costs for deductibles and uncovered treatments of OMR 200 to 800, medications of OMR 300 to 600, and mandatory medical checks for residency renewal of OMR 100 to 300.
Buying real estate in Oman can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Oman, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Central Bank of Oman | Oman's central bank publishes official exchange rates. | We used it for all USD and EUR currency conversions. We kept budgets in both OMR and foreign currencies for practical planning. |
| Savills Oman | A globally recognized real estate consultancy with consistent methodology. | We anchored all Muscat rent benchmarks on their quarterly reports. We used their data for neighborhood comparisons and premium property pricing. |
| Nama Water Services | Official utility entity publishing regulated water and sewage tariffs. | We used it to estimate realistic monthly water bills. We confirmed that water costs are modest compared to electricity. |
| Nama Supply | Official residential electricity tariff schedule for Oman. | We built electricity estimates using actual slab rates. We modeled seasonal A/C cost spikes using these tariffs. |
| Numbeo | Widely used cost-of-living database with transparent methodology. | We used it to cross-check groceries, restaurants, and daily costs. We validated our budget estimates against their January 2026 data. |
| Oman Tax Authority | Government tax authority with official policy announcements. | We confirmed that personal income tax does not apply until 2028. We used it to explain the current tax-free status for retirees. |
| Oman Golden Residency | Official government platform for long-term residency programs. | We verified visa requirements and income thresholds. We used it to explain retiree eligibility criteria accurately. |
| Oman Arab Bank | Major Omani bank describing its own lending terms. | We used it to estimate typical down payment requirements. We validated LTV ratios for foreign property buyers. |
| Meethaq Home Financing | Bank Muscat's Islamic banking arm with published financing terms. | We confirmed that 80% financing is commonly available. We used it to size upfront cash requirements for buyers. |
| Foyer Global Health | International health insurance provider with localized cost data. | We referenced their healthcare and insurance cost estimates. We used them to build realistic medical budgets for retirees. |
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Oman compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
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