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: $624 in Ruwi versus $305 in Duqm.

Estimated couple costs with rent: $824 in Ruwi versus $510 in Duqm.

Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $1,023 in Ruwi versus $716 in Duqm.

Living in Ruwi is roughly 105% more expensive than in Duqm, driven mainly by Eating Out.

Both cities sit below the global median: Ruwi 55% lower, Duqm 78% lower.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$5.00 OMR 1.93

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$12.74 OMR 4.91

Cappuccino

$2.39 OMR 0.92

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

$0.50 OMR 0.19

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.37 OMR 0.14

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$7.79 OMR 3.00

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$12.90 OMR 4.97

Milk (1 liter)

$1.98 OMR 0.76

White Bread (500g)

$1.97 OMR 0.76

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.01 OMR 0.39

$2.54 OMR 0.98

-60.24%

Eggs

$1.22 OMR 0.47

$2.83 OMR 1.09

-56.89%

Local Cheese (1kg)

$2.02 OMR 0.78

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$1.99 OMR 0.77

$5.08 OMR 1.96

-60.83%

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$4.87 OMR 1.87

Apples (1kg)

$0.97 OMR 0.37

$3.28 OMR 1.26

-70.43%

Banana (1kg)

$1.03 OMR 0.40

Oranges (1kg)

$1.03 OMR 0.40

Tomato (1kg)

$1.02 OMR 0.39

Potato (1kg)

$0.98 OMR 0.38

Onion (1kg)

$0.80 OMR 0.31

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.99 OMR 0.38

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.03 OMR 0.40

$0.17 OMR 0.07

505.88%

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$12.95 OMR 4.99

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

$25.65 OMR 9.88

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$77.9 OMR 30.00

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$77.4 OMR 29.80

Cinema Ticket

$8.93 OMR 3.44

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$396 OMR 153

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$385 OMR 148

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$912 OMR 351

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$582 OMR 224

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,419 OMR 1,701

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

Last update for Ruwi: August 31, 2026

Last update for Duqm: August 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 105% gap adds up to real monthly savings that compound significantly over time.

You'd need roughly $936 in Ruwi and $457 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.

Supermarket bills run roughly 28% higher in Ruwi. For households that cook at home regularly, that difference adds up over a month.

All in, you'll spend $624 per month in Ruwi versus $305 in Duqm – a 105% gap that adds up to real savings over time for anyone picking the cheaper option.

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 105% less than in Ruwi. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.