A US expat who moved to Oman 12 years ago has shared the remarkably low cost of living in the Gulf country, including rent of just £480 per month for a fully furnished two-bedroom apartment.
Nicole Brewer, 43, an English teacher and travel advisor, originally considered Dubai but stumbled upon a posting for Oman and decided to give it a go. She now lives in the ancient city of Nizwa and earns $44,000 (about £32,600) per year.
Her monthly rent of 250 Omani rials ($650) includes all utilities—water, electricity, and internet. Her only additional expense is a mobile phone bill. Food costs around $400 (£300) per month, including groceries and eating out once a week.
Brewer told CNBC Make It that she feels “very relaxed” in Oman and wouldn’t have stayed so long if it weren’t a “good life.” However, she noted that Oman is an Islamic country with strict laws, including bans on public drinking, vaping, and same-sex relationships, as well as severe penalties for drug offences.
The Foreign Office advises UK visitors to respect local customs, dress modestly, and avoid unmarried couples sharing hotel rooms. Alcohol is only available in licensed venues, and non-Muslim residents need a licence to drink at home.
