Oman: cost of living

How fast are food prices rising in Oman?

Food prices in Oman were 8.4% higher in September 2026 than a year earlier, according to the consumer price inflation release for September 2026 from the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). Overall consumer prices rose 3.2% over the same period, so food rose much faster than the average basket.

Food is one of the largest groups in the household budget used to weight the index, so changes in food prices have a large effect on the cost of living. NCSI publishes monthly changes for each expenditure group and each governorate.

Official sources: NCSI: Consumer price inflation, September 2026 (PDF)

How do prices in Muscat compare with the rest of Oman?

Consumer prices in Muscat Governorate were 3.3% higher in September 2026 than a year earlier, compared with 3.2% for Oman as a whole and 2.1% in Dhofar, according to the consumer price inflation release for September 2026 from the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).

These are rates of change, not price levels: NCSI's index shows how fast prices rise in each governorate, not whether Muscat is more expensive than elsewhere. Rents and school fees are covered within the housing and education groups of the index. NCSI publishes the release monthly, in English and Arabic.

Official sources: NCSI: Consumer price inflation, September 2026 (PDF)

What is the inflation rate in Oman?

In 2025, consumer price inflation in Oman was 1.0%, according to the IMF. Since 2005 it has ranged from -0.4% (2020) to 12.4% (2008). It is 14th highest of 18 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 1.9%. World rank, highest first: 133rd of 165.

What is household spending per person in Oman?

The World Bank puts household consumption per person in Oman at $7,834 in 2024. Its high point since 2005 was 2022, at $7,983; its low point was 2005, at $5,544. Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was $3,237, and Oman placed 6th highest of 16. Worldwide: 52nd of 153.