Oman ranks most affordable GCC country to live in 2025, study finds

Oman has been named the most affordable country to live in across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for 2025, according to the latest Cost of Living Index released by data platform Numbeo. The Sultanate stands out for its notably low overall living costs and rental prices, providing a significantly more budget-friendly lifestyle compared to its Gulf neighbors.

Oman Leads GCC in Affordability
Numbeo’s 2025 report highlights Oman as the top choice for families and individuals looking for a balance between quality of life and manageable expenses. The estimated monthly cost of living for a family of four in Oman is Dh9,597.6 (OMR 1,004.7), excluding rent, while a single person’s monthly costs average Dh2,773.2 (OMR 290.3).

When compared to the UAE, Oman’s cost of living is 26.5 percent lower, and rent is a staggering 71.7 percent cheaper on average. This affordability has made Oman an attractive destination for those seeking financial relief without compromising living standards.

Ranking the GCC: From Cheapest to Most Expensive
Numbeo’s index also ranks other GCC countries by affordability, showing a clear cost gradient:

• Oman: Lowest overall living costs and rent, making it ideal for families and individuals.
• Bahrain: Manama comes second with monthly family expenses at Dh10,496.8 (BHD 1,076.1) and Dh2,968.5 (BHD 304.3) for singles. Living here is 25.3% cheaper than Dubai, with rent nearly 65% lower.
• Kuwait: Kuwait City sees family costs around Dh11,105.1 (KWD 923.0) and Dh3,012.5 (KWD 250.4) for individuals. The city offers a 27% lower cost of living compared to Dubai, with rents averaging 61% less.
• Qatar: Doha’s family expenses stand at Dh11,716.9 (QAR 11,655.5) and individual costs at Dh3,276.7 (QAR 3,259.5), 20.7% cheaper than Dubai, with rent 38.3% lower.
• Saudi Arabia: Riyadh has monthly family costs of Dh12,167.9 (SAR 12,424.0) and Dh3,378.5 (SAR 3,449.6) for singles. It offers a 19.9% lower cost of living than Dubai and rents 55.2% lower.
• United Arab Emirates: The UAE remains the most expensive GCC country. Dubai tops with Dh14,765 for a family and Dh4,242.5 for singles monthly. Abu Dhabi is somewhat cheaper, with family costs at Dh12,403.3 and Dh3,550.4 for individuals. Rent in Abu Dhabi is about 34.3% less than in Dubai but still significantly higher than other GCC capitals.

Why This Matters
The report’s findings offer vital insights for expatriates, investors, and policymakers. Families and workers seeking affordable living options now see Oman as the most budget-friendly Gulf destination, potentially influencing migration and job market dynamics.

The data also reflects the widening gap between the UAE’s booming economy and its Gulf neighbors, where cost pressures remain lower but the quality of life can be equally satisfying.

What is the Cost of Living Index and Numbeo?
The Cost of Living Index is a tool used to compare the average expenses required to maintain a certain standard of living across different locations. It includes factors such as housing, food, transportation, utilities, and other daily costs. Numbeo, the data platform behind this index, collects information from users worldwide to provide up-to-date and comprehensive cost of living data. This helps individuals, businesses, and governments understand how expenses vary from place to place.

The figures and rankings presented in this article are based on Numbeo’s 2025 Cost of Living Index report for GCC countries, offering valuable insights into the region’s affordability landscape.