Cost of Living in Muscat
How much does it cost to visit Muscat? Daily budgets, accommodation costs, and real price examples for 2026.
Photo: Sven Scheuermeier / Unsplash
Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget
Hostels, street food, free attractions
OMR 40
per day
Weekly: OMR 280
Monthly: OMR 1200
Examples
- 🏨Rove Downtown Dubai (if you consider Dubai a day trip from Muscat, otherwise a guesthouse in Muttrah)OMR 15
- 🍽️Shawarma from a local street vendorOMR 3
- 🚌Local bus O-Nawab (if available and practical, otherwise minimal taxi use)OMR 2
- 🎟️Explore Muttrah Souq and Corniche (free)OMR 0
- 🎟️Visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque (free entry)OMR 0
- 🎟️Wander through the Al Alam Palace grounds (exterior view)OMR 0
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, restaurants, guided tours
OMR 120
per day
Weekly: OMR 840
Monthly: OMR 3600
Examples
- 🏨Hotel Mutrah CornicheOMR 40
- 🍽️Lunch at Kargeen Cafe (traditional Omani dishes)OMR 15
- 🍽️Dinner at The Beach Restaurant (seafood)OMR 30
- 🚌Taxi for key journeys (e.g., to Grand Mosque, to hotel)OMR 15
- 🎟️Omani National Museum entrance feeOMR 5
- 🎟️Dolphin watching tour from Marina Bandar Al RowdhaOMR 15
Luxury
5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours
OMR 350
per day
Weekly: OMR 2450
Monthly: OMR 10500
Examples
- 🏨The Chedi MuscatOMR 180
- 🍽️Fine dining lunch at Bait Al Luban Omani RestaurantOMR 40
- 🍽️Gourmet dinner at Al Angham RestaurantOMR 70
- 🚌Private car with driver for the dayOMR 70
- 🎟️Private guided tour of the Sultan Qaboos Grand MosqueOMR 40
- 🎟️Spa treatment at The Chedi MuscatOMR 40
Cost by Category
accommodation
15-50 OMR (hostel/budget hotel)
food
10-30 OMR (local eateries/mid-range)
Transport
5-15 OMR (taxis/some ride-share)
activities
10-30 OMR (entry fees/souvenir shopping)
Cost by Neighbourhood
| Neighbourhood | Budget Level | vs City Centre | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al Qurum | Luxury | slightly above | families, couples |
| Ruwi | Mid-range | average | first-timers, budget |
| Mutrah | Budget | below average | first-timers, culture |
| Al Khuwair | Mid-range | average | solo travelers, foodies |
Money-Saving Tips for Muscat
🏨 Accommodation
- Stay in budget neighbourhoods outside the tourist centre
- Book apartments for longer stays (weekly discounts)
- Travel in shoulder season for lower hotel rates
- Compare prices across multiple booking platforms
🍽️ Food & Drink
- Eat where locals eat, away from tourist hotspots
- Try street food and market stalls for cheap eats
- Buy lunch specials instead of evening meals
- Cook some meals if your accommodation has a kitchen
🚌 Transport
- Buy multi-day transit passes for unlimited travel
- Walk between nearby attractions to save fares
- Use public transport over taxis where possible
- Book airport transfers in advance for fixed prices
🎟️ Activities
- Take free walking tours (tip-based)
- Look for free museum days or discounted hours
- Book tours and activities online for lower prices
- Explore parks, markets, and neighbourhoods on foot
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FAQ: Muscat Costs
How much does it cost to visit Muscat?
Budget travellers can visit Muscat for around OMR 40/day (OMR 280/week). Mid-range travellers should budget OMR 120/day, while luxury travel costs around OMR 350/day.
Is Muscat expensive?
Muscat is affordable for most travellers. At just OMR 40/day for budget travellers, your money goes a long way here.
How much should I budget per day in Muscat?
For a comfortable mid-range experience in Muscat, budget OMR 120/day. This covers a decent hotel, meals at sit-down restaurants, public transport, and a couple of activities.
What is the cheapest way to visit Muscat?
Budget travellers in Muscat can get by on OMR 40/day by staying in hostels or budget hotels, eating street food and local restaurants, using public transport, and choosing free walking tours and public attractions.