Oman Expats: Housing and Utilities Devouring Nearly Half of Monthly Budget
A recent deep dive into the financial habits of expatriate households in Oman has revealed a startling trend: nearly half of their monthly spending is swallowed up by the cost of shelter and essential utilities.
According to the latest Household Income and Expenditure Survey from Oman’s National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), released in early September 2026, the weight of housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels is significantly impacting the disposable income of non-Omani residents.
The Breakdown of Expat Spending
The survey highlights that 48 percent of the total monthly expenditure for expatriate households is dedicated to housing and essential utilities. This massive chunk of the budget leaves relatively little for other life necessities. The remaining spending is distributed as follows:
- Food and Beverages: 16.5%
- Transport: 6.6%
- Restaurants and Accommodation: 5.25%
- Education: 5.2%
Income Realities and Growing Disparities
While the cost of living is rising, the growth in income for expatriates has not kept pace with their Omani counterparts. The average monthly income for a non-Omani household stands at RO 717.15 (approximately USD 1,863), with salaries making up the bulk of that total at RO 686.38. Meanwhile, the average monthly expenditure for these households has reached RO 402.48.
Comparing the two groups, Omani households saw their average income reach RO 1,839.3—an impressive 18.5 percent jump since 2018. In contrast, expatriate household income grew by only 7.3 percent, rising from RO 668.6 to the current RO 717.2 over the same period. Expat expenditures also saw an 11 percent increase.
The survey also points to a sharp divide in earnings based on the employment sector:
- Government Sector Expats: Average RO 1,667.97
- Private Sector Expats: Average RO 687.58
Per-capita income for non-Omanis averages RO 1