Cost of Living Comparison Between Ruwi and Duqm Cost of Living Comparison Between Ruwi and Duqm

Monthly Cost of Living

Monthly costs for one person with rent: $493 in Ruwi versus $97.6 in Duqm.

Estimated couple costs with rent: $753 in Ruwi versus $148 in Duqm.

Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $1,013 in Ruwi versus $199 in Duqm.

Living in Ruwi is roughly 406% more expensive than Duqm, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.

Both cities sit below the global median: Ruwi 63% lower, Duqm 93% lower.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$2.00 OMR 0.77

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.51 OMR 0.20

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.50 OMR 0.19

Milk (1 liter)

$1.97 OMR 0.76

White Bread (500g)

$2.01 OMR 0.77

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.02 OMR 0.39

Eggs

$1.22 OMR 0.47

Local Cheese (1kg)

$2.05 OMR 0.79

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$1.96 OMR 0.76

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$4.92 OMR 1.90

Apples (1kg)

$1.01 OMR 0.39

Banana (1kg)

$0.97 OMR 0.37

Oranges (1kg)

$0.98 OMR 0.38

Tomato (1kg)

$1.02 OMR 0.39

Potato (1kg)

$0.99 OMR 0.38

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.98 OMR 0.38

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.02 OMR 0.39

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

$26.00 OMR 10.01

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$77.2 OMR 29.71

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$79.5 OMR 30.60

Cinema Ticket

$9.25 OMR 3.56

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

$316 OMR 122

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$13.2K OMR 5,080

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$391 OMR 151

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$255 OMR 98.2

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$920 OMR 354

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$573 OMR 221

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$2,566 OMR 988

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

Last update for Ruwi: June 2, 2026

Last update for Duqm: May 30, 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 Duqm: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

Duqm is cheaper overall, especially in Groceries & Markets, Monthly Utilities & Internet. The 406% gap adds up to real monthly savings that compound significantly over time.

You'd need roughly $740 in Ruwi and $146 in Duqm 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 Duqm 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 Duqm 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 Duqm gentler on the wallet – expenses run 406% less than in Ruwi. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.