Cost of Living: Oman vs Japan

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Oman and Japan.

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Oman is 20.4% cheaper than Japan. The biggest difference is in Mobile and Internet, where costs are 79.5% higher. This means that for every $100 you spend in Japan, you would spend about $80 in Oman for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Property Prices 74.7%

Oman is 74.7% cheaper

Household Utilities 44.8%

Oman is 44.8% cheaper

Childcare 36.8%

Oman is 36.8% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 20.4%

Oman is 20.4% cheaper than Japan

Most Expensive Categories

  • Mobile and Internet +79.5%
  • Other Expenses +42.1%
  • Transportation +7.0%

Is Oman cheaper than Japan?

Yes, Oman is cheaper than Japan

Overall, living costs in Oman are 20.4% lower than in Japan.

Where Oman is cheaper:

  • Property Prices 74.7% cheaper
  • Household Utilities 44.8% cheaper
  • Childcare 36.8% cheaper

Where Oman is more expensive:

  • Mobile and Internet 79.5% more expensive
  • Other Expenses 42.1% more expensive
  • Transportation 7.0% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Oman: 5.19 $ Japan: 7.01 $
26.0% cheaper in Oman

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Oman: 536.56 $ Japan: 624.64 $
14.1% cheaper in Oman

1 liter of milk

Oman: 2.03 $ Japan: 1.56 $
30.1% more expensive in Oman

1 liter of gasoline

Oman: 0.62 $ Japan: 1.22 $
49.2% cheaper in Oman

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Oman is indeed cheaper than Japan. You would save approximately 20.4% on living expenses by choosing Oman over Japan. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

20.4%

Oman is 20.4% cheaper than Japan

Restaurants

21.3%

Oman is 21.3% cheaper than Japan in this category

Markets

29.8%

Oman is 29.8% cheaper than Japan in this category

Other Expenses

42.1%

Oman is 42.1% more expensive than Japan in this category

Transportation

7.0%

Oman is 7.0% more expensive than Japan in this category

Household Utilities

44.8%

Oman is 44.8% cheaper than Japan in this category

Mobile and Internet

79.5%

Oman is 79.5% more expensive than Japan in this category

Sports And Leisure

8.8%

Oman is 8.8% cheaper than Japan in this category

Childcare

36.8%

Oman is 36.8% cheaper than Japan in this category

Clothing And Shoes

3.4%

Oman is 3.4% more expensive than Japan in this category

Rent Per Month

22.8%

Oman is 22.8% cheaper than Japan in this category

Property Prices

74.7%

Oman is 74.7% cheaper than Japan in this category

Salaries And Financing

3.6%

Oman is 3.6% more expensive than Japan in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Oman Japan Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 5.19 $ 7.01 $ 26.0%
Oman is 26.0% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 25.97 $ 35.03 $ 25.9%
Oman is 25.9% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 7.79 $ 5.61 $ 38.9%
Oman is 38.9% more expensive
Regular Cappuccino 4.89 $ 3.36 $ 45.5%
Oman is 45.5% more expensive
Soft Drink (330ml) 0.83 $ 1.12 $ 25.9%
Oman is 25.9% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.31 $ 0.82 $ 62.2%
Oman is 62.2% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 0.56 $ 0.94 $ 40.4%
Oman is 40.4% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml) 3.76 $ 2.32 $ 62.1%
Oman is 62.1% more expensive
Imported Beer (330ml) 4.08 $ 8.42 $ 51.5%
Oman is 51.5% cheaper
Mid-Range Wine 6.71 $ 11.20 $ 40.1%
Oman is 40.1% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 1.17 $ 2.04 $ 42.6%
Oman is 42.6% cheaper
Milk (1L) 2.03 $ 1.56 $ 30.1%
Oman is 30.1% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 1.19 $ 1.59 $ 25.2%
Oman is 25.2% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 1.88 $ 4.51 $ 58.3%
Oman is 58.3% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 2.43 $ 2.24 $ 8.5%
Oman is 8.5% more expensive
Local Cheese (1kg) 5.06 $ 12.14 $ 58.3%
Oman is 58.3% cheaper
Chicken Breast (1kg) 5.51 $ 6.92 $ 20.4%
Oman is 20.4% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 4.14 $ 17.18 $ 75.9%
Oman is 75.9% cheaper
Apples (1kg) 2.46 $ 5.37 $ 54.2%
Oman is 54.2% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 1.72 $ 2.62 $ 34.4%
Oman is 34.4% cheaper
Oranges (1kg) 1.82 $ 4.78 $ 61.9%
Oman is 61.9% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 1.15 $ 4.84 $ 76.2%
Oman is 76.2% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 1.04 $ 2.85 $ 63.5%
Oman is 63.5% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 0.99 $ 2.65 $ 62.6%
Oman is 62.6% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 1.09 $ 1.39 $ 21.6%
Oman is 21.6% cheaper
Monthly Transit Pass 58.44 $ 58.97 $ 0.9%
Oman is 0.9% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 5.97 $ 4.20 $ 42.1%
Oman is 42.1% more expensive
Single Bus/Train Ticket 1.30 $ 1.54 $ 15.6%
Oman is 15.6% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 2.99 $ 4.20 $ 28.8%
Oman is 28.8% cheaper
Taxi per Kilometer 0.78 $ 3.15 $ 75.2%
Oman is 75.2% cheaper
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 10.39 $ 23.82 $ 56.4%
Oman is 56.4% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 0.62 $ 1.22 $ 49.2%
Oman is 49.2% cheaper
New Economy Car 22,572.01 $ 23,415.29 $ 3.6%
Oman is 3.6% cheaper
New Mid-Range Car 21,727.07 $ 17,953.06 $ 21.0%
Oman is 21.0% more expensive
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 98.68 $ 178.92 $ 44.8%
Oman is 44.8% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 39.91 $ 27.25 $ 46.5%
Oman is 46.5% more expensive
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 72.99 $ 35.66 $ 104.7%
Oman is 104.7% more expensive
Gym Membership 49.69 $ 60.05 $ 17.3%
Oman is 17.3% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 21.82 $ 15.69 $ 39.1%
Oman is 39.1% more expensive
Movie Ticket 9.68 $ 13.31 $ 27.3%
Oman is 27.3% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 197.17 $ 348.57 $ 43.4%
Oman is 43.4% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 8,574.01 $ 13,519.03 $ 36.6%
Oman is 36.6% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 48.26 $ 49.02 $ 1.6%
Oman is 1.6% cheaper
1 Summer Dress 40.63 $ 32.77 $ 24.0%
Oman is 24.0% more expensive
1 Pair of Running Shoes 78.48 $ 63.16 $ 24.3%
Oman is 24.3% more expensive
1 Pair of Business Shoes 73.30 $ 87.75 $ 16.5%
Oman is 16.5% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 536.56 $ 624.64 $ 14.1%
Oman is 14.1% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 363.30 $ 424.63 $ 14.4%
Oman is 14.4% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 970.72 $ 1,366.33 $ 29.0%
Oman is 29.0% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 632.81 $ 825.90 $ 23.4%
Oman is 23.4% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 1,502.34 $ 6,447.80 $ 76.7%
Oman is 76.7% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 1,026.11 $ 3,555.73 $ 71.1%
Oman is 71.1% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 2,252.09 $ 2,177.14 $ 3.4%
Oman is 3.4% more expensive
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 5.06 1.82 178.0%
Oman is 178.0% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Japan. Enter your monthly expenses in Oman to see the equivalent costs.

Housing

Food & Dining

Transportation

Other Expenses

Our Methodology

Our cost of living comparisons are based on a robust methodology that combines multiple data sources and regular updates to ensure accuracy:

Data Collection

  • Regular price surveys conducted in major cities
  • Official government statistics and economic indicators
  • User-contributed data from expatriates and local residents
  • Real estate market reports and rental price indices
  • Consumer price indices and inflation data

Calculation Methods

  • Prices are normalized to USD for consistent comparison
  • Exchange rates are updated monthly
  • Regional price variations are weighted by population
  • Seasonal fluctuations are accounted for in the averages
  • Quality of life factors are considered in the overall assessment

Quality Assurance

  • Data is verified by local experts
  • Regular cross-checking with multiple sources
  • User feedback is incorporated into updates
  • Statistical outliers are identified and reviewed
  • Methodology is reviewed quarterly

Note: While we strive for accuracy, cost of living data can vary significantly within countries and cities. These comparisons should be used as a general guide, and we recommend conducting additional research for specific locations.

Lifestyle Impact

Understanding the cost of living differences between Oman and Japan goes beyond just numbers. Here's how these differences might affect your daily life:

Daily Living

  • Grocery shopping habits and meal planning
  • Public transportation usage vs. car ownership
  • Frequency of dining out and entertainment
  • Healthcare access and insurance coverage
  • Housing choices and neighborhood selection

Long-term Planning

  • Savings and investment strategies
  • Retirement planning considerations
  • Education costs for children
  • Property ownership opportunities
  • Business and career development

Quality of Life Considerations

While cost of living is important, it's just one aspect of quality of life. Consider also:

  • Healthcare system quality and accessibility
  • Education system standards
  • Public safety and security
  • Environmental quality
  • Cultural and recreational opportunities
  • Work-life balance norms

Making the Most of Your Budget

Tips for adapting to cost of living differences:

  • Research local shopping habits and markets
  • Learn about public transportation options
  • Understand local tax systems and benefits
  • Explore community resources and discounts
  • Network with locals for insider tips

Local Insights for Oman vs Japan

While both countries have similar overall costs, there are nuanced differences in how money is spent on daily necessities.

Cultural Cost Differences

Oman

  • Basic groceries tend to be more expensive, suggesting different shopping patterns.

Japan

  • Lower fuel costs indicate different transportation infrastructure.

Seasonal Cost Variations

Both countries experience moderate seasonal variations in living costs, with prices typically higher during peak tourist seasons and major holidays.