Muscat vs Riyadh

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Muscat is roughly 7% more affordable than Riyadh (index 31 vs 33, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Muscat
More affordable overall
7% cheaper than Riyadh · Cost index: 31 vs 33

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 Index33
3,896Median Income /mo2,285
85Safety Index75
0Income Tax %0
45Internet (Mbps)129
250Coworking /mo320

Price Breakdown

MuscatCategoryRiyadh
$1,655/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
42% ← cheaper
$960/month
$2.6/liter
Meal for One
38% ← cheaper
$1.6/liter
$13/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
8% ← cheaper
$12/meal
$78/month
Monthly Transit Pass
46% ← cheaper
$42/month
$122/month
Utilities (Monthly)
18% ← cheaper
$100/month
$52/visit
Doctor Visit
39% cheaper →
$85/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Muscat

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

Riyadh

Internet129 Mbps
Coworking$320/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability45/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Muscat cheaper than Riyadh?

Muscat is cheaper than Riyadh. Muscat has a cost of living index of 31/100 compared to 33/100 for Riyadh (New York = 100), making it roughly 7% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Muscat than Riyadh?

Muscat is approximately 7% cheaper than Riyadh based on cost index scores (31 vs 33, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Riyadh could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,797/month in Muscat.

What is the rent comparison between Muscat and Riyadh?

In Muscat, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,655/month. In Riyadh, the equivalent is around $960/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Muscat offers 45 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$250/month. Riyadh offers 129 Mbps and coworking at ~$320/month. Muscat has a cost advantage of 7%.

What is the average income in Muscat vs Riyadh?

The median net monthly salary in Muscat is approximately $3,896 USD, compared to $2,285 USD in Riyadh.

Compare Muscat with…

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