Riyadh vs Muscat

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Muscat is roughly 10% more affordable than Riyadh (index 31 vs 35, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Muscat
More affordable overall
10% cheaper than Riyadh · Cost index: 31 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 Index31✓
3,400✓Median Income /mo1,623
75Safety Index81✓
0Income Tax %0
100✓Internet (Mbps)85
320Coworking /mo220✓

Price Breakdown

RiyadhCategoryMuscat
$1,085/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
33% ← cheaper
$725/month
$1.3/liter
Meal for One
15% ← cheaper
$1.1/liter
$14/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
63% ← cheaper
$5.2/meal
$22/month
Monthly Transit Pass
72% cheaper →
$78/month
$108/month
Utilities (Monthly)
11% cheaper →
$122/month
$76/visit
Doctor Visit
14% ← cheaper
$65/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Riyadh

Internet100 Mbps
Coworking$320/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability45/100

Muscat

Internet85 Mbps
Coworking$220/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability35/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Riyadh cheaper than Muscat?

Muscat is cheaper than Riyadh. Muscat has a cost of living index of 31/100 compared to 35/100 for Riyadh (New York = 100), making it roughly 10% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Muscat than Riyadh?

Muscat is approximately 10% cheaper than Riyadh based on cost index scores (31 vs 35, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Riyadh could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,710/month in Muscat.

What is the rent comparison between Riyadh and Muscat?

In Riyadh, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,085/month. In Muscat, the equivalent is around $725/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Riyadh offers 100 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$320/month. Muscat offers 85 Mbps and coworking at ~$220/month. Muscat has a cost advantage of 10%.

What is the average income in Riyadh vs Muscat?

The median net monthly salary in Riyadh is approximately $3,400 USD, compared to $1,623 USD in Muscat.

Compare Riyadh with…

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