Cost of Living Comparison Between Ruwi and Al Ghubra Cost of Living Comparison Between Ruwi and Al Ghubra

Monthly Cost of Living

Monthly costs for one person with rent: $632 in Ruwi versus $89.5 in Al Ghubra.

Estimated couple costs with rent: $828 in Ruwi versus $159 in Al Ghubra.

Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $1,025 in Ruwi versus $229 in Al Ghubra.

Living in Ruwi is roughly 605% more expensive than in Al Ghubra, driven mainly by Monthly Utilities & Internet.

Both cities sit below the global median: Ruwi 54% lower, Al Ghubra 93% lower.

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.25 OMR 0.10

Milk (1 liter)

$2.05 OMR 0.79

$2.68 OMR 1.03

-23.51%

White Bread (500g)

$2.01 OMR 0.77

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.03 OMR 0.40

Eggs

$1.22 OMR 0.47

Local Cheese (1kg)

$1.98 OMR 0.76

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$2.02 OMR 0.78

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$5.03 OMR 1.94

Apples (1kg)

$0.97 OMR 0.37

Banana (1kg)

$0.97 OMR 0.37

Oranges (1kg)

$0.98 OMR 0.38

Tomato (1kg)

$0.98 OMR 0.38

Potato (1kg)

$1.01 OMR 0.39

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.03 OMR 0.40

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.01 OMR 0.39

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

$25.82 OMR 9.94

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$79.0 OMR 30.41

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$44.21 OMR 17.02

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$36.32 OMR 13.98

Cinema Ticket

$9.16 OMR 3.53

$8.88 OMR 3.42

3.15%

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$179 OMR 68.8

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$393 OMR 151

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$388 OMR 149

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$909 OMR 350

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$563 OMR 217

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,409 OMR 1,697

$3,168 OMR 1,220

39.19%

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

Last update for Ruwi: September 15, 2026

Last update for Al Ghubra: September 15, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Ruwi pays 39% more on average. The extra income cushions the higher costs, though housing choices and lifestyle decide how much of the gap is truly closed.

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

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

Ruwi and Al Ghubra differ by about 605% in total monthly costs ($632 vs $89.5 including rent). Al Ghubra is meaningfully more affordable – a gap that matters a lot on a fixed or modest income.

Average pay runs 39% higher in Ruwi, which matters when comparing affordability. Whether that higher income actually nets you more depends on your spending habits and housing choices.

Supermarket bills run roughly 347% higher in Ruwi. For households that cook at home regularly, that difference adds up over a month.

All in, you'll spend $632 per month in Ruwi versus $89.5 in Al Ghubra – a 605% gap that adds up to real savings over time for anyone picking the cheaper option.

Either city works on $1,200 a month, though Al Ghubra 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, Ruwi and Al Ghubra 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 Ghubra gentler on the wallet – expenses run 605% less than in Ruwi. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.