Right, buckle in folks, Numbeo just dropped some tea, and let’s just say, your wallet might want to relocate! The 2025 Cost of Living Index is out, and guess which Gulf nation is winning the affordability game? Oman, hands down, is the most affordable country to live in 2025.
Oman Is The Most Affordable GCC Country In 2025
That’s right, our friendly neighbour Oman is now officially the most affordable place to live across the GCC. Numbeo’s latest data reveals Oman offers a pocket-friendly lifestyle that’ll make you say “masha’Allah, that’s cheap!” Whether you’re raising a family or living solo, the savings are real.
Let’s talk numbers, a family of four can comfortably get by in Oman with monthly expenses of just AED9,597.6 (that’s about OMR 1,004.7). Single? Your monthly costs come to around AED2,773.2 (OMR 290.3). The best part? Compared to life in the UAE, Oman’s overall cost of living is 26.5% lower, and rent? Brace yourself, it’s a whopping 71.7% cheaper. Imagine paying rent and still having money left for karak, shawarmas, and weekend beach trips!
GCC Cost of Living Rankings: From Cheapest To Ouch!
Here’s how the rest of the Gulf lines up for affordability in 2025:
- Oman– Cheapest living, lowest rent, plenty of savings.
- Bahrain– Manama’s holding it down in second place. Family expenses sit at AED10,496.8 (BHD 1,076.1), while singles need around AED2,968.5 (BHD 304.3). Life here is 25.3% cheaper than Dubai, and rent’s nearly 65% lower.
- Kuwait– Sitting comfy in third. In Kuwait City, family expenses average AED11,105.1 (KWD 923.0), singles manage on AED3,012.5 (KWD 250.4). Living costs are 27% lower than in Dubai, and rent is 61%.
- Qatar– Doha is fourth on the list. Expect family expenses around AED11,716.9 (QAR 11,655.5) and single costs of AED3,276.7 (QAR 3,259.5). Life is 20.7% cheaper than Dubai, rent? About 38.3% lower. Not bad for a city known for its flashy skyline.
- Saudi Arabia– Riyadh lands fifth. Families need around AED12,167.9 (SAR 12,424.0) per month, singles around AED3,378.5 (SAR 3,449.6). Living costs are nearly 20% less than Dubai, and rent sits 55.2% lower.
- UAE– Yep, we’re last when it comes to affordability. Dubai leads with sky-high costs, AED14,765 per month for families, AED4,242.5 for singles. Abu AEDabi gives slight relief, AED12,403.3 for families, AED3,550.4 for singles, but rent still bites hard compared to the rest of the Gulf.
Also Read: Oman Is The Most Affordable GCC Nation; Here’s Where The Other Middle Eastern Countries Stood
So, Should You Pack Your Bags?
If you’ve been daydreaming of saving more riyals, Oman might just be calling your name. Whether it’s the rugged mountains, friendly locals, or those rent prices that actually make sense, it’s no surprise people are eyeing Oman for a softer landing in the Gulf.
Meanwhile, for us in the UAE? Let’s just say living the luxe life comes with a hefty bill.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Chalabala from Getty Images Pro
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