Cost of Living in Ar-rustaq - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $970 per month with rent, or $645 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $1,309 per month with rent, or $1,000 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $1,647 per month with rent, or $1,354 without housing.

Overall, Ar-rustaq is 28–42% below the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are close to average – just 7% lower.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$5.28 OMR 2.03
$3.96 OMR 1.52
$10.56 OMR 4.07
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$26.10 OMR 10.05
$18.27 OMR 7.03
$91.3 OMR 35.17
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$8.00 OMR 3.08
$6.66 OMR 2.57
$10.66 OMR 4.11
Cappuccino
$5.01 OMR 1.93
$3.20 OMR 1.23
$8.00 OMR 3.08
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.50 OMR 0.19
$0.50 OMR 0.19
$2.49 OMR 0.96
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.27 OMR 0.10
$0.27 OMR 0.10
$1.35 OMR 0.52
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$12.54 OMR 4.83
$6.60 OMR 2.54
$20.65 OMR 7.95
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$11.82 OMR 4.55
$7.88 OMR 3.03
$15.76 OMR 6.07
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.97 OMR 0.76
$1.32 OMR 0.51
$3.95 OMR 1.52
White Bread (500g)
$1.24 OMR 0.48
$0.80 OMR 0.31
$3.06 OMR 1.18
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.67 OMR 0.64
$0.77 OMR 0.30
$2.57 OMR 0.99
Eggs
$1.88 OMR 0.72
$1.57 OMR 0.60
$3.14 OMR 1.21
Local Cheese (1kg)
$3.86 OMR 1.48
$2.12 OMR 0.82
$13.26 OMR 5.11
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$4.20 OMR 1.62
$2.36 OMR 0.91
$8.40 OMR 3.23
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$7.87 OMR 3.03
$4.98 OMR 1.92
$15.73 OMR 6.06
Apples (1kg)
$2.30 OMR 0.89
$1.28 OMR 0.49
$3.83 OMR 1.47
Banana (1kg)
$1.66 OMR 0.64
$1.02 OMR 0.39
$2.54 OMR 0.98
Oranges (1kg)
$1.83 OMR 0.71
$1.05 OMR 0.41
$3.95 OMR 1.52
Tomato (1kg)
$1.12 OMR 0.43
$0.63 OMR 0.24
$1.52 OMR 0.58
Potato (1kg)
$1.03 OMR 0.40
$0.68 OMR 0.26
$1.36 OMR 0.52
Onion (1kg)
$1.03 OMR 0.40
$0.75 OMR 0.29
$1.60 OMR 0.62
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.09 OMR 0.42
$0.54 OMR 0.21
$4.01 OMR 1.55
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.51 OMR 0.20
$0.38 OMR 0.15
$0.76 OMR 0.29
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$6.47 OMR 2.49
$5.28 OMR 2.03
$7.92 OMR 3.05
Wine (Bottle)
$15.89 OMR 6.12
$10.59 OMR 4.08
$31.78 OMR 12.24
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$4.20 OMR 1.62
$2.55 OMR 0.98
$5.09 OMR 1.96
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$7.71 OMR 2.97
$5.14 OMR 1.98
$10.27 OMR 3.96
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.32 OMR 0.51
-
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.58 OMR 0.61
$1.58 OMR 0.61
$3.95 OMR 1.52
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.75 OMR 0.29
$0.50 OMR 0.19
$1.50 OMR 0.58
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$10.25 OMR 3.94
$7.68 OMR 2.96
$12.81 OMR 4.93
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.61 OMR 0.23
$0.58 OMR 0.22
$0.64 OMR 0.25
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$22.5K OMR 8,645
$20.4K OMR 7,859
$30.6K OMR 11.8K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$21.9K OMR 8,417
$20.0K OMR 7,718
$23.6K OMR 9,080
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$106 OMR 40.86
$77.2 OMR 29.72
$154 OMR 59.5
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$40.96 OMR 15.77
$20.70 OMR 7.97
$69.9 OMR 26.89
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$70.0 OMR 26.96
$65.2 OMR 25.10
$91.3 OMR 35.14
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$2.58 OMR 0.99
-
Cinema Ticket
$10.32 OMR 3.97
$7.74 OMR 2.98
$12.90 OMR 4.97
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$132 OMR 51.0
$106 OMR 40.78
$530 OMR 204
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$3,748 OMR 1,443
$3,748 OMR 1,443
$18.2K OMR 7,014
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$20.63 OMR 7.94
$18.05 OMR 6.95
$103 OMR 39.71
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$25.54 OMR 9.83
$15.32 OMR 5.90
$76.6 OMR 29.50
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$39.59 OMR 15.24
$39.59 OMR 15.24
$132 OMR 50.8
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$51.5 OMR 19.82
$46.32 OMR 17.83
$129 OMR 49.54
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$159 OMR 61.2
-
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$211 OMR 81.1
-
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$385 OMR 148
-
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$211 OMR 81.1
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$4,394 OMR 1,692
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
5.15
4
6.3

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: June 2, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $159, dropping to $211 outside central areas. At just 4% of the average salary ($4,394), housing is genuinely affordable – well below the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $4,394 – comfortably above monthly costs of $970. Most workers can save and live well. A comfortable lifestyle typically starts at $1,455.

Groceries cost around $221 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $26.00 – well below the Asian average of $35.00.

Cost Highlights

Local beer is among the 20 most expensive worldwide (out of 7,332 cities)

Imported beer is among the 20 most expensive worldwide (out of 7,257 cities)

Local beer is more expensive than 98% of cities in Asia

Ar-rustaq Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Ar-rustaq - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Ar-rustaq compare in terms of overall affordability for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Ar-rustaq offers a practical balance for travelers, expats, and digital nomads. You will find comfortable living at lower costs compared with larger coastal hubs, with approachable housing options and accessible daily needs. The town has a welcoming pace, local markets, and steady services like groceries, healthcare, and friendly cafes. Seasonality affects energy use and activity choices, but overall you can stretch a budget by choosing modest accommodations and local transport. The lifestyle supports longer stays if you are selective about neighborhoods and amenities. Cost of Living in Ar-rustaq can be a good value for careful budgeting and planning around peak heat. Tip: Start with a short stay to calibrate your monthly spend and adjust as you settle in.
What does daily life look like for housing search, food options, transport, and errands in Ar-rustaq?
Your day-to-day life can flow smoothly if you pick a neighborhood that fits your pace – center towns for walkability, hillside areas for views, or quieter outskirts for longer stays. Housing options range from simple apartments to guesthouses, often with flexible terms. Food is rich and affordable at markets and casual eateries; you can cook at home to stretch your budget. For transport, local buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services cover most routes, while bike-friendly streets help in cooler months. Ar-rustaq living cost is typically manageable if you plan errands in a single trip and shop local. Tip: Map your basic needs first, then test a few shops and routes to save time and money.
How can you approach quality of life, budgeting, and neighborhood fit to stay long-term in Ar-rustaq?
Quality of life in Ar-rustaq hinges on neighborhood fit, budgeting discipline, and seasonal rhythms. Start with a simple framework: categorize essentials (housing, food, transport) and flexible extras (gym, coworking, dining out). In hot months you will value shade, water access, and air conditioning in rentals; cooler periods invite outdoor markets and hikes. Practical savings come from choosing month-to-month leases when possible, buying local produce, and using public transport or shared rides for longer trips. Consider a trial period in a few areas – old town, new developments, or hillside zones – to gauge noise, walkability, and access to services. Tip: Build a monthly plan, then adjust as you learn the rhythms of the town.
How much does it cost to live in Ar-rustaq per month?
Plan for roughly $970 a month in Ar-rustaq if you're renting, or around $645 for non-housing expenses. That covers one person's basics: food, bills, getting around, and a modest social life. Couples and families will need more, especially for housing and childcare.
How much does it cost to live in Ar-rustaq in 2026?
For 2026, a single person in Ar-rustaq should plan on about $970 per month with rent, or $645 without housing. That covers a moderate lifestyle – food, utilities, transport, and some leisure – at current local prices.
What salary is needed for a comfortable life in Ar-rustaq?
You'll want at least $1,455 per month after taxes to live comfortably in Ar-rustaq. That covers a decent apartment, groceries, utilities, transport, and enough left over for dining out occasionally. Families or people wanting a central location should budget higher.
What is the average rent for an apartment in Ar-rustaq?
In Ar-rustaq's center, a one-bedroom apartment runs about $159 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $211. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
What are kindergarten prices in Ar-rustaq?
Private kindergarten in Ar-rustaq costs about $132 per month – a big number for families. Prices vary by curriculum and whether you go local or international. Public options are cheaper where they exist, but waitlists can be long.
Is grocery shopping affordable in Ar-rustaq?
Groceries in Ar-rustaq are cheap – a single person spends about $221 per month. Local markets and budget supermarkets push costs even lower. Food is one of the city's strongest affordability points.
Is $1,000 enough to live comfortably in Ar-rustaq?
$1,000 a month in Ar-rustaq? Very doable. Average costs with rent come to just $970, which leaves real room to save, eat out, and enjoy the city without watching every dollar.
What makes Ar-rustaq attractive for remote workers?
Ar-rustaq has become a go-to for digital nomads thanks to low crime rates, family-friendly facilities, café culture. At around $970 monthly all-in, the value is strong for the infrastructure and lifestyle you get. Coworking spaces, solid internet, and a growing international crowd make remote work here both productive and social.
Is Ar-rustaq a cheap city to live in?
Ar-rustaq is affordable by most measures, which is why it appeals to long-term travelers, remote workers, and budget-conscious residents. At $970 per month with rent, it sits well below the global average for cities of similar size.

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