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

Monthly Cost of Living

Monthly costs for one person with rent: $494 in Ruwi versus $46.33 in Al-qabil.

Estimated couple costs with rent: $746 in Ruwi versus $70.0 in Al-qabil.

Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $999 in Ruwi versus $94.5 in Al-qabil.

Living in Ruwi is roughly 965% more expensive than Al-qabil, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.

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

Milk (1 liter)

$2.02 OMR 0.78

White Bread (500g)

$2.04 OMR 0.78

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.03 OMR 0.40

Eggs

$1.18 OMR 0.45

Local Cheese (1kg)

$1.99 OMR 0.77

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$1.96 OMR 0.75

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$4.89 OMR 1.88

Apples (1kg)

$1.03 OMR 0.40

Banana (1kg)

$1.02 OMR 0.39

Oranges (1kg)

$1.01 OMR 0.39

Tomato (1kg)

$1.03 OMR 0.40

Potato (1kg)

$1.02 OMR 0.39

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.98 OMR 0.38

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.01 OMR 0.39

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

$25.61 OMR 9.86

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$79.3 OMR 30.53

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$26.31 OMR 10.13

Cinema Ticket

$8.98 OMR 3.45

$10.51 OMR 4.05

-14.56%

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$12.9K OMR 4,983

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$390 OMR 150

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$262 OMR 101

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$926 OMR 356

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$566 OMR 218

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$2,602 OMR 1,002

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

Last update for Ruwi: June 6, 2026

Last update for Al-qabil: June 8, 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

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

Al-qabil is cheaper overall, especially in Groceries & Markets, Monthly Utilities & Internet. The 965% gap adds up to real monthly savings that compound significantly over time.

You'd need roughly $740 in Ruwi and $69.5 in Al-qabil 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, Ruwi and Al-qabil 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 965% less than in Ruwi. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.