Unbelievable revelation about the cheapest Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country in the year 2025
In a recent report by Numbeo's 2025 Cost of Living Index, Oman has been crowned as the most affordable country to live in across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. With an overall cost-of-living index of 39.3, Oman outshines its fellow GCC countries in terms of balanced expenses in rent, groceries, and daily services, as well as stable rental prices and subsidies on fuel and electricity that help reduce living costs for residents.
The report highlights that Oman's affordability is a stark contrast to the UAE, particularly Dubai, which remains the most expensive among GCC countries. Monthly costs for a family of four in Dubai reach Dh14,765, while for a single person, it amounts to Dh4,242.5. In comparison, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, offers a more pocket-friendly living with monthly costs for a family at Dh 12,167.9 and for a single person at Dh 3,378.5, making it 19.9% lower than Dubai.
The cost of living in Kuwait City is also lower than both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, UAE, with a family's monthly expenses estimated at around Dh 11,105.1 and individual costs at Dh3,012.5, representing a 27% reduction compared to Dubai. Rent in Kuwait City is even more affordable, being on average 61% less than in Dubai.
In Abu Dhabi, costs are slightly lower, with a family's monthly expenses at Dh12,403.3 and individual costs at Dh3,550.4. However, rent in Abu Dhabi is still significantly higher than in other Gulf capitals, being only 34.3% cheaper than in Dubai.
Doha, Qatar, follows closely behind with estimated family expenses of Dh 11,716.9 and individual costs at Dh 3,276.7, making it 20.7% lower than Dubai in terms of cost of living, and offering a 38.3% difference in rent compared to the emirate.
This index serves as a valuable resource for expatriates and prospective residents, providing insights into the affordability of various GCC countries, helping them make informed decisions about where to settle and build their lives.
- The report on Numbeo's 2025 Cost of Living Index indicates that Oman, with its balanced expenses in entertainment, food, and daily services, offers a more budget-friendly lifestyle compared to most GCC countries.
- Despite Oman's affordability, the UAE, particularly Dubai, remains the priciest GCC country for both families and individuals, with monthly costs reaching Dh14,765 and Dh4,242.5 respectively.
- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, provides a more pocket-friendly living than Dubai, as monthly costs for a family and an individual are 19.9% lower than in Dubai, at Dh 12,167.9 and Dh 3,378.5 respectively.
- Kuwait City's cost of living is lower than both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, UAE, with a family's monthly expenses at around Dh 11,105.1 and individual costs at Dh3,012.5, representing a 27% reduction compared to Dubai.
- The report also reveals that Doha, Qatar, offers a cost of living that is 20.7% lower than Dubai for a family and 38.3% cheaper for rent, making it a relatively affordable alternative for personal-finance conscious individuals.
%20country%20in%20the%20year%202025){kind=link}