Is Muscat expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Muscat is moderately expensive: cheaper than Dubai or Doha for hotels and dining, but not a budget city, because it is spread out and you need taxis or a car. A budget day is about 31 OMR per person, mid-range about 75 OMR and comfort about 190 OMR; hotels, transport and alcohol (only in licensed hotels) are where the money goes.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | OMR15 | OMR35 | OMR100 |
| Food & drink | OMR8 | OMR18 | OMR40 |
| Sights & tickets | OMR3 | OMR10 | OMR25 |
| Local transport | OMR5 | OMR12 | OMR25 |
| Per person, per day | OMR31 | OMR75 | OMR190 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Muscat day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Biryani in a Ruwi Indian or Pakistani restaurant | about 1–2 OMR |
| Omani dinner in a good restaurant | about 10–18 OMR per person |
| Frankincense in Mutrah Souq | from about 1 OMR a bag |
| National Museum ticket for foreigners | about 5 OMR |
| Royal Opera House guided tour | about 3 OMR |
| Sunset dhow cruise | about 10–20 OMR |
| Taxi from the airport to the centre | about 8–12 OMR |
| Rental car | about 15–25 OMR a day |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Hotels are the largest cost, from simple rooms in Ruwi and Mutrah to grand beach resorts. Transport comes next: Muscat stretches for about 50 km, so taxis (about 3–6 OMR across the city) or a rental car are needed, although fuel is cheap. Day trips to the wadis add tour or car costs. Food ranges from very cheap South Asian cafés to expensive hotel restaurants, and alcohol is only served in licensed hotels at high prices. Hotel bills add a tourism levy and service charges.
When it is cheaper
Hotel prices drop sharply in the hot months from May to September; the cool season from November to March is the most expensive.
How to spend less
- Eat in the South Asian restaurants of Ruwi, where biryani costs 1–2 OMR.
- Rent a car for the coast and wadis rather than booking separate tours; fuel is cheap.
- Use the Otaxi or OmanTaxi apps for metered fares instead of negotiating at the kerb.
- Visit the free Bimmah Sinkhole park and the Mutrah Corniche.
- Skip alcohol, which is expensive and only sold in licensed hotels.
- Consider a shoulder month such as October or April for lower hotel rates, accepting more heat.
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Common questions
Is Muscat expensive?
Moderately; it is cheaper than Dubai or Doha, but transport and hotels add up.
How much does a day in Muscat cost?
About 31 OMR per person on a budget, 75 OMR mid-range and 190 OMR in comfort.
Is alcohol expensive in Muscat?
Yes, and it is only served in licensed hotel restaurants and bars.