Cost of Living Comparison Between Al-qabil and Ruwi Cost of Living Comparison Between Al-qabil and Ruwi

Monthly Cost of Living

Monthly costs for one person with rent: $46.66 in Al-qabil versus $492 in Ruwi.

Estimated couple costs with rent: $70.0 in Al-qabil versus $760 in Ruwi.

Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $94.1 in Al-qabil versus $1,029 in Ruwi.

Living in Al-qabil costs roughly 91% less than in Ruwi, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.

Both cities sit below the global median: Al-qabil 97% lower, Ruwi 63% lower.

Milk (1 liter)

$1.96 OMR 0.75

White Bread (500g)

$2.06 OMR 0.79

Rice (white) (1kg)

$0.98 OMR 0.38

Eggs

$1.21 OMR 0.46

Local Cheese (1kg)

$2.02 OMR 0.78

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$1.96 OMR 0.75

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$5.13 OMR 1.97

Apples (1kg)

$0.97 OMR 0.37

Banana (1kg)

$1.02 OMR 0.39

Oranges (1kg)

$0.99 OMR 0.38

Tomato (1kg)

$0.98 OMR 0.38

Potato (1kg)

$0.99 OMR 0.38

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.98 OMR 0.37

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.03 OMR 0.39

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$26.03 OMR 10.00

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$79.5 OMR 30.54

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$26.08 OMR 10.02

Cinema Ticket

$10.33 OMR 3.97

$9.27 OMR 3.56

11.43%

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$13.2K OMR 5,078

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$390 OMR 150

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$257 OMR 98.8

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$894 OMR 343

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$576 OMR 221

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$2,570 OMR 987

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

Last update for Al-qabil: April 27, 2026

Last update for Ruwi: April 25, 2026

City Median Internet Speeds Comparison (Updated April 2026)

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

Al-qabil vs Ruwi: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

Al-qabil is cheaper overall, especially in Groceries & Markets, Monthly Utilities & Internet. The 955% gap adds up to real monthly savings that compound significantly over time.

You'd need roughly $70.0 in Al-qabil and $738 in Ruwi to live well. The gap comes down to housing and overall price levels. Both cities are liveable on less, but these numbers represent actual comfort.

Either city works on $1,000 a month, though Al-qabil gives you more room to save. At this income level, the choice is more about lifestyle than financial pressure.

Both cities offer a good standard of living with different trade-offs. Neither is objectively better – the right pick depends on what matters most: affordability, career, cultural scene, or climate.

Safety-wise, Al-qabil and Ruwi are on par. Petty crime is typical for cities this size, and most residents feel comfortable going about their daily routines in either place.

Expats usually find Al-qabil gentler on the wallet – expenses run 955% less than in Ruwi. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.