Dubai vs Muscat

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Muscat is roughly 6% more affordable than Dubai (index 32 vs 35, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Muscat
More affordable overall
6% cheaper than Dubai · Cost index: 32 vs 35

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

35Cost Index32
3,675Median Income /mo1,722
84Safety Index85
0Income Tax %0
127Internet (Mbps)50
350Coworking /mo130

Price Breakdown

DubaiCategoryMuscat
$2,443/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
62% ← cheaper
$920/month
$1.56/liter
Meal for One
33% ← cheaper
$1.05/liter
$22/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
45% ← cheaper
$12/meal
$28/month
Monthly Transit Pass
49% cheaper →
$55/month
$165/month
Utilities (Monthly)
32% ← cheaper
$112/month
$110/visit
Doctor Visit
32% ← cheaper
$75/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Dubai

Internet127 Mbps
Coworking$350/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability68/100

Muscat

Internet50 Mbps
Coworking$130/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability58/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dubai cheaper than Muscat?

Muscat is cheaper than Dubai. Muscat has a cost of living index of 32/100 compared to 35/100 for Dubai (New York = 100), making it roughly 6% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Muscat than Dubai?

Muscat is approximately 6% cheaper than Dubai based on cost index scores (32 vs 35, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Dubai could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,806/month in Muscat.

What is the rent comparison between Dubai and Muscat?

In Dubai, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $2,443/month. In Muscat, the equivalent is around $920/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Dubai or Muscat?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Dubai offers 127 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$350/month. Muscat offers 50 Mbps and coworking at ~$130/month. Muscat has a cost advantage of 6%.

What is the average income in Dubai vs Muscat?

The median net monthly salary in Dubai is approximately $3,675 USD, compared to $1,722 USD in Muscat.

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