Cost of Living for OFWs in Oman: A Practical Guide

Working abroad is a big step, and one of the most important things to know before leaving the Philippines is how much it will cost to live in your host country.

For Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Oman, the cost of living is generally moderate compared to other Gulf countries. Muscat, the capital, is the most expensive city, while places like Sohar, Nizwa, and Salalah are cheaper.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the real cost of living for OFWs in Oman.

Housing – Your Biggest Expense

Rent will usually take up the largest portion of your monthly budget. Prices depend on the city, location, and whether your company provides housing.

• Shared room: 60–120 OMR (₱9,000–₱18,000)
• 1-bedroom flat: 200–300 OMR (₱30,000–₱45,000)
• Family apartment (2–3 BR): 400–600+ OMR (₱60,000–₱90,000)

If your employer covers housing, you can save a significant amount every month.

Utilities & Internet

Expect to spend:

• Electricity, water, and gas: 20–40 OMR (₱3,000–₱6,000)
• Home internet: starts at 24 OMR (₱3,600)

Shared accommodations often split utility bills, which makes it more affordable.

Food & Groceries

Cooking at home is the best way to save. A typical monthly grocery budget for one person is 40–70 OMR (₱6,000–₱10,500).

Sample supermarket prices in Oman:

• Milk (1L): 0.74 OMR
• Eggs (12): 0.99 OMR
• Chicken breast (500g): 1.24 OMR
• Bread (loaf): 0.35 OMR
• Apples (1kg): 1.24 OMR
• Potatoes (1kg): 0.44 OMR

Eating out at a simple restaurant costs 1–3 OMR per meal, while mid-range restaurants are higher.

Transportation

Public buses are limited, so many OFWs rely on company shuttles, taxis, or carpooling.

• Public transport pass: ~24 OMR/month
• Fuel: ~0.239 OMR per liter (₱35)
• Short taxi ride: 1–3 OMR

If your company provides transportation, that’s another big saving.

Mobile, Remittance & Other Costs

• Mobile data/plan: 5–10 OMR per month
• Remittance fees: vary by provider (apps are often cheaper)
• Cinema ticket: ~8 OMR

These “small” expenses add up, so include them in your budget.

Example Monthly Budgets

1. Single OFW in shared housing

• Rent (shared room): 60–120 OMR
• Utilities & internet share: 20–30 OMR
• Groceries & food: 50–80 OMR
• Transport: 20–35 OMR
• Mobile + extras: 10–20 OMR
  Estimated Total: 158–287 OMR/month

2. Single OFW renting a 1-bedroom

• Rent: 200–300 OMR
• Utilities & internet: 40–60 OMR
• Groceries & food: 60–100 OMR
• Transport: 25–50 OMR
• Mobile + extras: 15–25 OMR
  Estimated Total: 344–539 OMR/month

3. Couple or small family

• Rent: 300–600 OMR
• Utilities & internet: 60–100 OMR
• Groceries & household: 120–250 OMR
• Transport (car + fuel): 40–80 OMR
  Estimated Total: 524–1,034 OMR/month

Taxes & VAT in Oman

• No personal income tax for OFWs (as of 2025).
• 5% VAT applies on most goods and services.
• Starting 2028, Oman will introduce a 5% income tax but only for very high annual salaries (42,000 OMR+).

Saving Tips for OFWs in Oman

• Negotiate housing and transport in your job offer.
• Cook at home and shop during weekly sales.
• Use employer shuttles or carpool when possible.
• Plan remittances to avoid high fees.
• Always budget with VAT-inclusive prices.

Final Thoughts

Living in Oman as an OFW can be comfortable if you plan your budget wisely. Housing is the biggest factor — if your company provides it, your monthly expenses will drop significantly.

With smart money management, you can cover your needs, enjoy life abroad, and still send a good portion of your salary back home to your family.