Cost of Living in Oman 2026 Monthly Budget for Students

The cost of living in Oman is one of those things students underestimate until the expenses start stacking up. Rent eats your budget faster than expected, imported groceries are not cheap, and lifestyle choices quietly decide whether you live comfortably or struggle monthly. Oman is not a cheap destination but it is far from unaffordable if you plan smart.

For international students in 2026, the cost of living in Oman sits in a sweet spot between quality life and controlled spending. This blog breaks down real costs, not vibes. Housing, food, transport, tuition, and everyday survival, all laid out clearly so you budget like a grown adult, not a hopeful guesser.

Cost of Living in Oman for International Students in 2026

The cost of living in Oman for international students in 2026 is considered moderate when compared to popular study abroad destinations like the USA, UK, or Australia. Oman offers a safe lifestyle, decent infrastructure, and lower daily expenses, especially for students who choose shared housing and local food options. Here is an overview that answers the most common student queries about monthly expenses, affordability, and budgeting in Oman.

Expense Type	Estimated Monthly Cost
Accommodation (shared or hostel)	OMR 120 to OMR 250
Food and groceries	OMR 70 to OMR 120
Utilities (electricity, water, internet)	OMR 20 to OMR 40
Transportation	OMR 10 to OMR 25
Healthcare and insurance	OMR 10 to OMR 20
Study-related expenses	OMR 15 to OMR 30
Miscellaneous expenses	OMR 20 to OMR 40
Total Monthly Cost of Living	OMR 265 to OMR 525

Average Monthly Cost of Living in Oman for Students

Before breaking down individual expenses, it is important to understand the overall monthly cost of living in Oman for students. In 2026, Oman continues to offer a balanced lifestyle for international students, especially when compared to other Gulf countries. 

While costs vary based on city, accommodation type, and personal spending habits, students can generally manage their expenses with proper planning and budgeting. On average, international students in Oman spend between OMR 350 to OMR 550 per month, covering accommodation, food, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and basic personal expenses.

Cost of Accommodation in Oman for International Students

Accommodation forms the largest portion of a student’s monthly expenses in Oman. Housing costs depend on factors such as location, apartment size, and whether the accommodation is shared or private. Cities like Muscat have higher rental prices, while smaller cities offer more affordable options. International students commonly choose university dormitories or shared apartments to reduce costs and stay closer to campus.

Type of Accommodation	Average Monthly Cost
University dormitories	OMR 50 to OMR 150
Shared apartments	OMR 150 to OMR 300
Studio apartments	OMR 250 to OMR 400
Apartment (1 bedroom) in city centre	OMR 210 to OMR 230
Apartment (1 bedroom) outside city centre	OMR 140 to OMR 160
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in city centre	OMR 350 to OMR 380
Apartment (3 bedrooms) outside city centre	OMR 240 to OMR 270

Cost of Food and Dining in Oman

Moving on to daily food expenses, dining in Oman offers flexibility for students with different budgets. From local eateries and campus cafeterias to mid range restaurants, students have access to affordable meal options. However, frequent dining out can increase monthly costs. Most students balance eating out with home cooked meals to manage their food budget effectively.

Food Item	Average Cost
Meal at inexpensive restaurant	OMR 2 to OMR 3
Meal at mid range restaurant	OMR 5 to OMR 8
Meal for two at mid range restaurant	OMR 8 to OMR 12
Fast food meal	OMR 3 to OMR 4
Coffee or cappuccino	OMR 1.5 to OMR 2

Grocery Prices in Oman: Monthly Food Budget Breakdown

In addition to dining out, grocery expenses play a significant role in a student’s monthly budget. Cooking at home is a cost effective option, especially for students staying long term. Local markets usually offer fresh produce at lower prices compared to supermarkets. By planning grocery purchases carefully, students can keep their food expenses under control.

Grocery Item	Average Cost
Rice (1 kg)	OMR 0.6 to OMR 0.9
Milk (1 litre)	OMR 0.6 to OMR 0.8
Bread (500 g)	OMR 0.4 to OMR 0.6
Eggs (12)	OMR 0.8 to OMR 1
Chicken or meat (1 kg)	OMR 3 to OMR 4
Vegetables and fruits	OMR 10 to OMR 15
Drinking water	OMR 0.2 to OMR 0.3

Cost of Utilities in Oman for Students

Utilities are a fixed monthly expense that students must factor into their budget. These costs usually include electricity, water, cooling, internet, and mobile services. Utility expenses may increase during summer due to higher electricity usage. Students sharing accommodation can reduce individual utility costs by splitting bills.

Utility Type	Average Monthly Cost
Electricity and water	OMR 35 to OMR 45
Internet and WiFi	OMR 25 to OMR 30
Mobile phone plan	OMR 12 to OMR 18
Gas and maintenance	OMR 5 to OMR 10

Transportation Cost in Oman: Public Transport and Travel Expenses

Transportation costs are another essential part of student living expenses in Oman. Public transport options include buses and taxis, with buses being the most economical choice. Many students also prefer walking if accommodation is close to campus. Overall transportation expenses remain affordable and predictable for students.

Mode of Transport	Average Cost
One way local transport ticket	OMR 0.4 to OMR 0.6
Monthly transport pass	OMR 20 to OMR 25
Taxi starting fare	OMR 1.5 to OMR 2
Short distance taxi ride	OMR 2 to OMR 4
Gasoline (1 litre)	OMR 0.2 to OMR 0.3

Healthcare and Insurance Costs in Oman for International Students

Healthcare is an important consideration for international students, and health insurance is mandatory in Oman. With insurance coverage, students can access quality healthcare services at affordable rates. Medical expenses remain relatively low, especially for basic consultations and medications.

Healthcare Expense	Average Cost
Annual student health insurance	OMR 80 to OMR 150
Doctor consultation	OMR 10 to OMR 15
Basic medicines	OMR 3 to OMR 10
Emergency services	Mostly covered

Study-Related Expenses in Oman

Beyond tuition fees, students should plan for study related expenses such as textbooks, printing, and academic supplies. Many institutions provide digital resources, which helps reduce additional costs. These expenses are usually moderate but should be included in monthly budgeting.

Study Expense	Average Cost
Textbooks and study material	OMR 20 to OMR 40
Printing and photocopying	OMR 5 to OMR 10
Stationery	OMR 3 to OMR 6
Online academic tools	OMR 5 to OMR 10

Miscellaneous Living Expenses in Oman

Finally, miscellaneous expenses cover lifestyle and personal spending such as entertainment, fitness, clothing, and subscriptions. These costs vary depending on individual preferences and social habits. Planning for these expenses ensures a more realistic estimate of the total cost of living in Oman.

Expense Type	Average Monthly Cost
Entertainment and outings	OMR 10 to OMR 25
Gym membership	OMR 15 to OMR 20
Clothing and personal care	OMR 10 to OMR 20
Subscriptions and extras	OMR 5 to OMR 10

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Cost of Living in Oman vs Other Study Destinations

When comparing Oman with other popular study abroad destinations, it is important to look beyond tuition fees and focus on everyday living expenses. These include accommodation, food, transportation, utilities, and personal spending. In 2026, Oman continues to position itself as a mid-range study destination in terms of cost, offering a more affordable lifestyle than most Western countries and several Gulf nations, while being more expensive than South Asian countries.

For international students who want a safe environment, decent infrastructure, and controlled expenses without the high pressure costs of countries like the USA or UK, Oman offers a balanced alternative.

Country	Estimated Monthly Cost of Living
Oman	OMR 350 to OMR 550
United States	USD 1,200 to USD 2,000
United Kingdom	GBP 900 to GBP 1,500
Canada	CAD 900 to CAD 1,400
Australia	AUD 1,800 to AUD 2,500
Germany	EUR 850 to EUR 1,200
France	EUR 800 to EUR 1,200
United Arab Emirates	AED 3,500 to AED 6,000
Saudi Arabia	SAR 2,500 to SAR 4,000
India	INR 15,000 to INR 30,000

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Tuition Fees in Oman for International Students in 2026

Tuition fees in Oman vary depending on the type of institution, program level, and whether the university is public or private. In 2026, Oman remains relatively affordable for international students compared with Western countries and many other study destinations, although living costs and tuition together should still be budgeted carefully.

Public universities in Oman offer lower tuition fees, especially for undergraduate programs. Private institutions, especially those with international affiliations or specialized programs, tend to charge higher fees. Additionally, professional programs like engineering, business, and health sciences may cost more than arts or humanities programs.

Level of Study	Typical Annual Tuition Fees
Undergraduate (Public Universities)	OMR 1,200 to OMR 2,500
Undergraduate (Private Universities)	OMR 2,500 to OMR 4,000
Postgraduate (Public Universities)	OMR 1,800 to OMR 3,000
Postgraduate (Private Universities)	OMR 3,000 to OMR 5,000
MBA and Specialized Master’s	OMR 3,500 to OMR 6,000
Professional or Executive Programs	OMR 4,000 to OMR 7,000

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Is Oman Affordable for International Students?

Yes, Oman is affordable for international students, but only if you know what you are signing up for. It works best for students who want moderate living costs, a calm lifestyle, safety, and a focused study environment without the extreme expenses of the USA, UK, or Australia. Living costs are lower than most Gulf countries, and tuition fees are manageable, especially at public universities or with shared accommodation.

However, Oman may not be the right choice for everyone. If you want strong part time work options, fast paced city life, or high post study job opportunities, Oman might feel limiting. Career exposure, internships, and student jobs are fewer compared to Western countries. Summers are harsh, and lifestyle options are quieter.

Final advice. Choose Oman if you want affordable stability and low financial stress. Avoid Oman if you are chasing aggressive career growth, work visas, or vibrant student life. Oman is not cheap for careless spenders, but for students who value simplicity and control over expenses, it is a smart and realistic choice.

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This was everything you needed to clearly understand the cost of living in Oman as an international student. Now you know how much accommodation, food, utilities, transport, healthcare, and daily expenses actually cost, who Oman is best suited for, and whether it fits your budget and lifestyle goals. Keep learning and stay connected with Study Abroad page on Leverage Edu for more helpful and student-friendly study abroad blogs. And if this helped you, don’t forget to share, rate, and drop a comment. Your support helps more students find the good stuff.