How Much Does Muscat Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Muscat offers a more grounded and traditional experience compared to its flashy neighbors in the Gulf, but costs can vary significantly depending on the level of luxury desired. Daily budgets for a solo traveler range from a modest $45 / OMR 17 to upwards of $415 / OMR 160 for those seeking high-end resort living. While the city lacks a comprehensive metro system, making transport a primary expense, its historic centers offer affordable lodging and dining. Expect to pay more for specialized activities like diving or desert excursions, while cultural exploration at the souqs and mosques remains accessible. Overall, Muscat is more affordable than Dubai or Doha but requires careful planning regarding transportation and resort fees to stay within a mid-range budget.
Is Muscat expensive to visit?
Muscat is a moderately expensive destination where travelers should expect to spend between $45 / OMR 17 and $415 / OMR 160 per day depending on their choice of transport and accommodation.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Muscat
$45
per person /day
$96
per person /day
$415
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $137 | $288 | $1,244 |
| 5-Day Trip | $227 | $480 | $2,074 |
| 7-Day Trip | $318 | $672 | $2,904 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
A 15% buffer is recommended to account for the combined 22% in hotel taxes and service charges that are often excluded from online booking prices. This also covers occasional cash-only requirements like the $2.59 / OMR 1 boat crossing at Wadi Shab or tipping for tour guides.
How Does It Compare?
See how Muscat stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Muscat
Food & Drink (2)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Inexpensive Restaurant Meal Common price for shawarma plates or biryani for ~$5.19 / OMR 2. | $5.19 OMR 2 |
| Cafe Latte / Cappuccino Prices in modern cafes like Starbucks or Costa are around ~$5.45 / OMR 2.1. | $5.45 OMR 2.1 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Mwasalat Urban Bus Ticket (Single) Cheapest way to move between Muttrah and Ruwi for ~$1.29 / OMR 0.5. | $1.29 OMR 0.5 |
| Airport Taxi Flag Fall Standard airport surcharge. A typical ride to Al Khuwair costs ~$23 / OMR 8.98 total. | $7.78 OMR 2.99 |
| Otaxi / Careem Typical Ride Cheaper than street taxis. A 7km ride is roughly ~$9.07 / OMR 3.49. | $9.07 OMR 3.49 |
| Intercity Bus (Muscat to Nizwa Return) Best value for a day trip; ~$8.56 / OMR 3.29 round-trip. | $8.56 OMR 3.29 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Budget Hotel (Mutrah Hotel) Classic budget choice near the souq. Saves on taxis if you want to stay in the historic center for ~$31 / OMR 12. | $31 OMR 12 |
| Mid-range Hotel (Studio M Muscat) Modern hotel in Al Khuwair; ~$48 / OMR 18 per night. Convenient for business and shopping. | $48 OMR 18 |
| Luxury Beach Resort (Kempinski Hotel) Ultra-luxury resort in Al Mouj; ~$259 / OMR 100 per night. | $259 OMR 100 |
Activities (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| National Museum Ticket (International) Standard adult entry for non-residents is ~$13 / OMR 4.99. Residents pay only ~$5.19 / OMR 2. | $13 OMR 4.99 |
| Oman Aquarium Ticket (Gold Tier) The most comprehensive standard ticket for international tourists; ~$31 / OMR 12. | $31 OMR 12 |
| Royal Opera House Guided Tour Includes access to the main auditorium and museum for ~$8.17 / OMR 3.14. | $8.17 OMR 3.14 |
| Nizwa Fort Entry (International) Must-visit fort 1.5 hours from Muscat; ~$13 / OMR 4.99. | $13 OMR 4.99 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Omantel Tourist SIM Pack Includes 10GB data and minutes for ~$13 / OMR 4.99. | $13 OMR 4.99 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
Dining in Muscat offers a stark contrast between local eateries and high-end hotel restaurants, with inexpensive meals like shawarma or biryani plates costing around $5.19 / OMR 2. In modern districts like Al Khuwair, a cappuccino in a trendy cafe typically costs $5.45 / OMR 2.1, while alcohol is a major expense due to heavy taxation, with a single beer at a hotel often reaching $13–$18 / OMR 4.98–OMR 6.8.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Baba Salem
$6.49–$13 / OMR 2.5–OMR 4.99Al Qurum · Local chain
Famous for huge Turkish grills and fresh juice; dinner costs ~$10 / OMR 3.99.
Al Haikal Restaurant
$3.11–$7.78 / OMR 1.2–OMR 2.99Ruwi · Local chain
Authentic Pakistani food in the heart of Ruwi; very budget-friendly for ~$3.88 / OMR 1.49.
Turkish House Restaurant
$10–$21 / OMR 3.99–OMR 7.98Al Khuwair · Local chain
Legendary for grilled fish and bread; slightly more expensive but worth ~$16 / OMR 5.99.
Bin Ateeq
$7.78–$16 / OMR 2.99–OMR 5.99Al Khuwair · Street food area
Best place to try authentic Omani Shuwa while sitting on floor cushions for ~$12 / OMR 4.49.
Hilal Al Bahr
$3.88–$10 / OMR 1.49–OMR 3.99Muttrah · Street food area
Perfect spot on the corniche for cheap seafood after exploring the souq.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Navigating the sprawling capital is best done via the Otaxi or Careem apps, where a typical 7km ride costs roughly $9.07 / OMR 3.49, significantly cheaper than unmetered street taxis. For those on a strict budget, the Mwasalat urban bus system provides a vital link between Muttrah and Ruwi for just $1.29 / OMR 0.5, though the network is limited compared to private car hire.
Accommodation Overview
The city's lodging landscape is divided between budget-friendly city hotels and sprawling beachfront retreats. A basic stay at the Mutrah Hotel costs around $31 / OMR 12, while luxury seekers can expect to pay approximately $259 / OMR 100 for a night at the Kempinski Hotel in Al Mouj.
Accommodation Budget in Muscat
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Download the Otaxi or Careem app to avoid the high 'tourist rates' of white-and-orange street taxis, typically paying around $9.07 / OMR 3.49 for short trips.
- 2 Use the Mwasalat urban bus for routes between Muttrah and Ruwi to keep transport costs at $1.29 / OMR 0.5 per ticket.
- 3 Eat at local Pakistani or Omani establishments in the Ruwi or Al Khuwair districts, like Al Haikal Restaurant, where meals cost roughly $5.19 / OMR 2.
- 4 Buy a tourist SIM card from Omantel for $13 / OMR 4.99 at the airport to avoid expensive international roaming charges while navigating with GPS.
- 5 Visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque between 08:30–11:00 to enjoy one of the city's most impressive sites for $0.
- 6 Avoid the high municipality taxes on alcohol by opting for fresh fruit juices or 'lemon mint' drinks, saving $13–$18 / OMR 4.98–OMR 6.8 per beverage.
- 7 Take the intercity bus for day trips to Nizwa for only $8.56 / OMR 3.29 round-trip instead of hiring a private driver for the day.
- 8 Shop for groceries and snacks at hypermarkets like Lulu or Carrefour rather than hotel convenience stores to save on daily essentials.
- 9 Stick to public beaches like Qurum Beach or Qantab Beach to avoid the $24–$59 / OMR 9.06–OMR 23 day-pass fees charged by luxury beach clubs.
- 10 Carry small change in cash for the Wadi Shab boat crossing, which costs roughly $2.59 / OMR 1 and is not payable by card.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
+30-50%
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
-40-60%
Oct, Mar
Avoid June to August when temps exceed 45°C (113°F). November to February offers perfect 25°C (77°F) weather but hotel prices double.
Events to Watch
- ● Eid Al-Fitr (dates vary): +30% hotels
- ● Muscat Festival (Jan/Feb): High demand
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque: Entry is free for non-Muslims from Saturday to Thursday, 08:30–11:00.
- 2 Muttrah Corniche: A scenic waterfront promenade perfect for an evening walk at sunset.
- 3 Muttrah Souq: While shopping costs money, wandering through the labyrinthine alleys of this historic market is free.
- 4 Al Alam Palace: While you cannot enter the palace, the exterior courtyard and surrounding gardens are open for photography for free.
- 5 Qurum Beach: A vast public beach ideal for swimming, walking, or watching the local sunset football matches.
- 6 Riyam Park Hike: The trail starting behind Riyam Park offers a free trek with panoramic views over the Muttrah harbor.
- 7 Old Muscat Gates and Walls: Explore the historic fortifications and the exterior of the Muscat Gate Museum.
- 8 Ghalya's Museum of Modern Art: While the interior has a fee, the surrounding 'Old Muttrah' streets are filled with free street art and traditional architecture.
- 9 Bawshar Sands: Visit the massive sand dunes within the city limits for a free desert-like experience and sunset views.
- 10 Watchtowers of Muttrah: Hike up to the various restored watchtowers for elevated views of the coastline at no cost.
- 11 Mohammed Al Ameen Mosque: A stunning white marble mosque that is beautifully illuminated at night and free to view from the exterior.
- 12 Wadi Al Khoud: A natural valley located on the outskirts of the city that is free to enter for hiking and nature viewing.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Daymaniyat Islands Snorkeling Trip
Oman's best marine life, including sea turtles and whale sharks; costs ~$78 / OMR 30.
Sunset Dhow Cruise
Stunning views of the rugged coastline and Al Alam Palace from a wooden boat for ~$39 / OMR 15.
Kempinski Beach Club Day Pass
Access to the luxury infinity pool and private beach if you aren't staying there; ~$65 / OMR 25.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Muscat
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Muscat and what they cost
Nizwa Fort & Souq
$8.56 / OMR 3.29 by bus
$13 / OMR 4.99
$32 / OMR 12
Wadi Shab Adventure
$91 / OMR 35 by tour / car rental
$2.59 / OMR 1
$117 / OMR 45
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Omani Rial (OMR)
1 OMR ≈ 2.6 $
Yes
Widely accepted in malls, hotels, and main restaurants; cash required for souqs, small cafes, and wadi transport.
Service charge of 8-10% is often included in hotels. Elsewhere, rounding up or a ~$2.35–$4.71 / OMR 0.91–OMR 1.81 tip for good service is appreciated but not mandatory.
Bank Muscat ATMs are the most reliable. Avoid standalone 'white label' ATMs which may charge ~$5.89 / OMR 2.27 fees.
Expected in Muttrah Souq. Aim for 20-30% off the first price for textiles and frankincense.
Connectivity
eSIM: $14–$21 for 5GB (10 days) (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $13 / OMR 4.99 (5 OMR) for the starter tourist pack at the airport.
WiFi: Excellent in malls and hotels; limited in public parks and souqs.
The Omantel Tourist SIM for 5 OMR (~$13) is the best value for local coverage and data.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Muscat.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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Where to Stay
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Complete Cost Guide
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