Muscat vs Houston

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Muscat is roughly 5% more affordable than Houston (index 31 vs 32, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Muscat
More affordable overall
5% cheaper than Houston · Cost index: 31 vs 32

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

31Cost Index32
3,896Median Income /mo3,850
85Safety Index42
0Income Tax %0
45Internet (Mbps)315
250Coworking /mo274

Price Breakdown

MuscatCategoryHouston
$1,655/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
26% ← cheaper
$1,225/month
$2.6/liter
Meal for One
56% ← cheaper
$1.15/liter
$13/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
7% cheaper →
$14/meal
$78/month
Monthly Transit Pass
10% ← cheaper
$70/month
$122/month
Utilities (Monthly)
32% cheaper →
$180/month
$52/visit
Doctor Visit
57% cheaper →
$120/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Muscat

Internet45 Mbps
Coworking$250/mo
Café WiFifair
Englishmoderate
Communitysmall
Walkability60/100

Houston

Internet315 Mbps
Coworking$274/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitysmall
Walkability42/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Muscat cheaper than Houston?

Muscat is cheaper than Houston. Muscat has a cost of living index of 31/100 compared to 32/100 for Houston (New York = 100), making it roughly 5% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Muscat than Houston?

Muscat is approximately 5% cheaper than Houston based on cost index scores (31 vs 32, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Houston could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,845/month in Muscat.

What is the rent comparison between Muscat and Houston?

In Muscat, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,655/month. In Houston, the equivalent is around $1,225/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Muscat offers 45 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$250/month. Houston offers 315 Mbps and coworking at ~$274/month. Muscat has a cost advantage of 5%.

What is the average income in Muscat vs Houston?

The median net monthly salary in Muscat is approximately $3,896 USD, compared to $3,850 USD in Houston.

Compare Muscat with…

Popular head-to-heads — see exactly where Muscat wins or loses.

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