Why Move to Muscat, Oman?
Muscat, the capital of Oman, is a beautiful city with a rich history, pristine beaches, breathtaking landscapes, architectural wonders, and excellent infrastructure. Located along the Gulf of Oman, it is a city where tradition and modernity blend on a perfect note. If are dreaming of living in a city where you can have a taste of authentic Arabian charm—Muscat is one of the top destinations. As a thriving hub of culture and business, the vibrant city boasts a high quality of life with a reasonable cost of living.
Relocating to Muscat from India can be a thoughtful and smart decision for several compelling reasons. If you are not sure about your move to this beautiful city, check out these top reasons.
Safety and Security
Muscat is one of the safest cities in the world with a friendly culture, welcoming people, and low crime rates. It offers a safe environment for families and even single women. According to Numbeo, it has a safety index of 80.83 and a crime index of 19.17. Due to this specific reason, the city has been a favorite destination for many Indians dreaming of living in a foreign land. Al Mouj, Al Qurum, Shatti Al Qurum, Madinat As Sultan Qaboos (MSQ), and Al Azaiba are the safe areas to live and work in Muscat.
Low Cost of Living
Another top reason for relocating to Muscat is that the city offers a low cost of living. The cost of living in this Omani city is cheaper than living in other cities in the Middle East. Also, it is affordable as compared to other global cities.
Tax-free Salaries
Oman is a tax-free country. It does not impose a personal income tax (PIT). So, you can benefit from high income without any tax. You can save a lot and improve your living standards because of this key reason.
Job Opportunities
Oman is worldwide known for its oil and gas industries. There is a huge demand for skilled workers and professionals in these sectors. Also, Muscat offers lucrative job opportunities in other sectors like healthcare, education, and tourism.
High Quality of Life
Muscat offers a high quality of life to its residents with its stunning natural landscapes, beaches, mountains, and deserts. Here you will have superb outdoor adventure opportunities and enjoy a warm, sunny climate throughout the year. Language is not a major issue in this city as English is widely spoken here. Top-notch international schools, strategic locations, a growing economy, and a fantastic job market are other special traits that make Muscat a dream city for many expats including Indians.
Healthcare System
Oman has a commendable healthcare system that is a mix of both public healthcare and private healthcare. Hospitals here offer high-quality healthcare. The good news is that most of the largest and most advanced healthcare facilities are located in Muscat.
The top hospitals in Muscat include:
- Royal Hospital of Oman
- Sultan Qaboos University Hospital
- Aster Royal Al Raffah Hospital
- Apollo Hospital Muscat
- NMC Healthcare Specialty Hospital
- Gulf Specialized Hospital
Muscat City Facts
- City Type: Capital city, metropolitan city
- Country: Oman
- Nickname: The Pearl of Arabia
- Government Type: Absolute monarchy
- Metropolitan Area: 3,500 km² (1,400 sq mi)
- Population: 1.72 million (Urban area)
- Time Zone: UTC+4 (Gulf Standard Time)
- Currency: OMR (Omani Riyal)
Cost of Living in Muscat, Oman
If you are dreaming of relocating to the Middle East, Muscat can be a perfect destination. Here you will find a cheaper cost of living as compared to other Middle Eastern cities. For example, it is 29% cheaper than Dubai, the UAE. Also, it is an affordable city to live in as compared to many global cities. However, it is more expensive than in Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai.
If you are looking for an estimated cost of living in Muscat, you need to understand that it depends on many factors such as lifestyle and family size. Let’s see the breakdown of the cost of living in Muscat, Oman.
Monthly Expenses
- Single person: 684 OMR – 750 OMR (without rent)
- Family of four: 1367 OMR – 2605 OMR (without rent)
Accommodation Costs
- 1-bedroom apartment (city center): 240 OMR
- 1-bedroom apartment (outside center): 160 OMR
- 3-bedroom apartment (city center): 457 OMR
- 3-bedroom apartment (outside center): 314 OMR
Typical Monthly Expenses
| Category |
Bachelors |
Couples |
Families |
| Rent |
186-600 OMR |
210-800 OMR |
280-1,500 OMR |
| Food |
8-15 OMR/meal |
40-80 OMR/meal |
150-300 OMR/meal |
| Transportation |
20-30 OMR |
100 OMR |
200-600 OMR |
| Utilities |
150 OMR |
300 OMR |
500 OMR |
Cost of Living in Muscat vs Delhi
| Category |
Muscat vs. Delhi |
| Cost of Living (without rent) |
82% higher |
| Cost of Living (with rent) |
83.6% higher |
| Rent Prices |
89.9% higher |
| Restaurant Prices |
96.5% higher |
| Grocery Prices |
60.7% higher |
| Local Purchasing Power |
16.5% higher |
Cost of Living in Muscat vs Mumbai
| Category |
Muscat vs. Mumbai |
| Cost of Living (without rent) |
57.7% higher |
| Cost of Living (including rent) |
28.1% higher |
| Rent Prices |
23.9% lower |
| Restaurant Prices |
76.0% higher |
| Grocery Prices |
46.2% higher |
| Local Purchasing Power |
49.1% higher |
Top Neighborhoods to Live in Muscat for Expats
- Al Mouj (The Wave): Gated community with beach access, playgrounds, marina, and high expat population
- Madinat Al Sultan Qaboos (MSQ): Central location with modern apartments, villas, and proximity to British School Muscat
- Al Qurum: Large area with diverse housing options, beach proximity, shopping centers, and Al Qurum Natural Park
- Shatti Al Qurum: Upscale beachside area with restaurants, cafes, and luxury shopping nearby
- Al Azaiba: Rapidly growing area with villas, near the beach and American International School
- Al Khuwair: Convenient location with shopping malls and good amenities
Family Friendly Areas
- Al Qurum
- Marah Park (Fun Park)
- Al Qurum National Park
- International schools
- Diverse housing options from villas to apartments
- Easy access to services
- Madinat Al Sultan Qaboos (MSQ)
- International schools
- Proximity to embassies
- Pedestrian-friendly roads
- Close to beach (1 km away)
- Variety of restaurants and supermarkets
- Al Khuwair
- Multiple restaurants
- Cafes
- Medical centers
- Close proximity to beach
Safest areas
- Al Mouj (The Wave): Gated community with enhanced security
- Madinat Al Sultan Qaboos (MSQ): Low crime area near embassies
- Al Qurum: Family-friendly neighborhood with minimal criminal activity
- Shatti Al Qurum: Upscale area with strong security presence
Customs Rules and Formalities for Moving to Muscat, Oman
If you are moving to Muscat (Oman), you must follow several customs rules and regulations.
Visa and Documentation Requirements
For smooth customs clearance, you must have a valid Oman visa/residence permit. Other documents that you will need to have include:
- Original passport copies
- Visa/residence permit copies
- Detailed English inventory
- Authorization letter for destination agent
- Original Bill of Lading/Airway Bill
- Residence card copy
Household Goods Regulation
If you are shipping used household goods (owned for a minimum of 6 months), they will be duty-free. Your new items will be subject to a 5% customs duty. Remember that 100% inspection will be conducted on all shipments.
Customs Clearance Timeframes
- Sea shipments (Full Container Load): 5-7 business days
- Sea shipments (Less than Container Load): 7-9 business days
- Air shipments: 2-3 business days
Customs Clearance Requirements
- Commercial invoice
- Air waybill
- Bill of Lading
- Packing lists
- Certificate of origin
- Import/export licenses
Prohibited Items
- Alcohol (strictly prohibited)
- Tobacco products (strict import limitations)
- Drugs and Controlled Substances
- Firearms and Weapons
- Flammable Materials
- Certain Electronics
- Live Animals and Insects
- Perishable Food Items
- Counterfeit Goods
- Sensitive Materials
India to Muscat (Oman) Relocation Services
Moving to Oman is much easier if you hire international movers. They have the required expertise to offer you the best moving services from their end. Some of the relocation services they offer to you are as under: -
Transportation Services
The reputed international movers offer the best transportation services to you as per your relocation requirements. They transport your goods safely through airways and seaways. They have expert moving officials who handle your belongings with utmost care. This ensures the safe delivery of these items.
Local Logistics Services
Professional international movers offer the best local transportation services to you while moving to Muscat from India. They choose the best quality packaging materials that conform to international standards. They offer safe door-to-port and port-to-home moving services while moving to Oman that ensure a safe move to you.
Packing Services
International movers always choose high-quality packing items while packing your goods during your international move. These materials offer an additional security layer to your items and protect them from any wear or tear during the move. They use the right-sized crates to move your goods to your desired destination without any damage.
Container Shipping Services
Professional international moving companies offer the best container shipping services to you after identifying your needs. They use the right-sized containers for your goods and take utmost care while loading and unloading them during your India to Oman relocation. You can get less than container load (LCL) or full container load (FCL) shipping services from them.
Customs Clearance Services
The reliable international movers and packers assist you with the customs clearance process. They help you prepare the right documentation and ensure that your goods are cleared through customs quickly. They have a complete know-how of the latest customs duties and taxes that offer an effortless relocation to your desired international destination.
Additional Services
Movers and packers from India to Oman also offer several additional services that include:
- Pre-move home survey
- Settling-in assistance
- Immigration support
- Utility disconnection
- Orientation programs
Shipping Options for Moving to Muscat from India
Reliable international moving companies offer two types of transport modes while moving your goods to Muscat. These transport modes are sea freight and air freight. However, there is much difference between the two. Let’s know about them one by one: -
Sea Cargo Shipping
This type of transport mode means shipping your goods by a ship. This is a popular means of transport to move your bulky goods to your international destination. The international movers pack your goods in different containers and transport them by sea.
Key points:
- This mode of transport takes a long time to deliver your goods.
- Moving heavier items is easy through this mode.
- There is a potential risk of your containers being fallen into the sea.
Air Cargo Shipping
If you choose air freight or air cargo shipping option, your movers will load your goods in the aircraft and carry them to any of your foreign destinations. This is fasted but expensive mode of shipping goods from one country to another. So, it is better to opt for ocean shipping if you have a large volume of goods to move to Muscat.
Key points:
- This transport mode delivers your goods to your destination within 1 or 2 days.
- Air freight is much more expensive than the sea freight.
- It is a safe option to transport your goods.
- You can only opt for this mode if you want to relocate lightweight articles to your international destination.
Shipping Cost from India to Muscat
| Move Size |
Shipping by Sea |
Shipping by Air |
| 1 BHK |
80,100 - 88,500 INR (3,100 - 3,400 OMR) |
320,300 - 354,100 INR (12,400 - 13,700 OMR) |
| 3 BHK |
123,200 - 136,200 INR (4,800 - 5,300 OMR) |
Not Applicable |
| 5 BHK |
184,800 - 204,300 INR (7,100 - 7,800 OMR) |
Not Applicable |
Factors That Influence Shipping Costs
The charges of India to Muscat may vary according to various factors. Reliable international movers estimate your costs while moving to Oman after going through these factors. Some of the factors that they consider while calculating your moving prices are as follows: -
Distance of the Destination
One of the biggest factors that impact your moving prices to a great extent is the distance between your origin and destination. The movers measure the distance between them to estimate your international shifting costs. Thus, the more the distance is, the more your moving expenses are. So, if you are moving to a faraway destination, be ready to pay more to your moving company.
Volume of Items
The quantity of belongings you are shipping to Muscat from India also determines your relocation prices to a large extent. For example, if you are shifting fewer belongings to your destination, you need to pay less to your moving company. However, if you are relocating a large volume of items to your destination, you will end up paying hefty prices to your international moving company. Hence, it is advisable to reduce the size of your consignment before moving to your international destination. One of the best ways to do it is by de-cluttering your home. This would help you move only the required items while shipping to Muscat from India.
Manpower Required
During the move, your international movers may recruit more moving officials to accomplish your move properly. However, this increases your moving prices and makes your relocation much more expensive. So, it is advisable to get information about the required manpower for your move before starting it. This will help you minimize your moving costs.
Complexities of Your Move
Many problems may arise during an international relocation. Sometimes, your move gets delayed or you may face any other problem that thwarts the progress of your move. However, all these complexities increase the expenses of your move.
Time of the Relocation
The time and season that you finalize for your international relocation also play a pivotal role in determining your shifting prices. For example, if you are moving to Oman in the off-season, your move will be affordable for you. On the other hand, shifting in the peak season will make your relocation much more expensive for you.
Additional Services
If you get additional services from your international moving companies, your moving prices will be high. There are many additional services that you can get from them such as unpacking, disassembling, reassembling, etc.
Hidden Costs
The reputed international movers also add a few hidden costs to the total costs of your move. This will increase your moving costs automatically. Some of the hidden prices that the movers add to your total relocation costs include customs duties and taxes, toll taxes, etc. It is quite surprising to note that you will come to know about these prices while paying your final moving bill. Thus, you must inquire your movers about these costs beforehand.
Mode of Transportation
Reliable international movers also consider your chosen transport mode while estimating your shifting costs. Thus, if you choose sea freight, your international moving costs will be within your budget. However, if you opt for air freight, you will end up paying more money to your moving company.
Moving Insurance
Professional relocation companies offer you the best moving insurance as per your requirements. However, this impacts your relocation costs to a certain extent. The movers offer transit and all-inclusive insurance to you during your move. However, getting the all-inclusive insurance will increase your moving prices as you will need to spend more to get it.
Advantages of Hiring Movers for Relocating to Muscat
You must hire professional international moving companies to move your goods securely to your destination. They manage all types of your move right from its beginning to the end. Hiring them would be extremely beneficial for you. A few benefits of shipping to Muscat from India with them are as follows: -
Packaging
One of the benefits of hiring leading international movers is that they offer supreme quality packing services to you. Their packing services are of international standards which offer complete protection to your goods during the international move. These professionals devise the best packing techniques while packing your goods while moving to Oman.
Complete Protection of Your Goods
The reliable international relocation companies are committed to offering safe transportation of your goods to your destination. They pack, load, unload, and move your belongings securely during the international relocation. So, you can easily rely on them and get an undamaged delivery of your goods to your foreign destination.
Storage Services
You can get the right storage services from an international shifting company while moving to Muscat from India. They choose the right storage units for you according to your relocation requirements. You can get either short-term or long-term storage services after contacting them.
Moving Insurance
You can get the best moving insurance from experienced movers in an international location. They suggest the best moving insurance and help you get suitable compensation for your damaged goods.
Proper Documentation
Professional movers and packers are aware of the documents that are required for an international move. They help you prepare these documents and submit them within the stipulated period. This makes your international relocation a stress-free affair.
Do’s and Don’ts of Shipping to Muscat from India
A few do’s and don’ts of your international move are: -
Do’s
- Check custom regulations and be prepared with the required documents.
- Use a trusted shipping service provider or use a trusted portal to hire services.
- Create a proper checklist before embarking on your move.
- Choose the moving date wisely.
- Decide the best transport mode for your international relocation.
- Choose professional packing to ensure smooth and fast customs clearance.
Don’ts
- Do not accept the lowest quotes.
- Don’t start packing your goods without a strategy.
- Don’t book the movers without researching.
- Avoid sending prohibited items.
- Do not neglect documentation.
- Do not overlook the weight limit to avoid extra charges.
- Do not ship restricted items like homemade food or certain medicines.
Hiring Movers for Relocating to Muscat (Oman) from India
To hire reliable packers and movers for relocating to Muscat from India, take the following steps.
- Share your requirements: Fill out a simple inquiry form on this website and send it online.
- Receive free quotes: Get free quotes from the top 3 pre-screened movers within a minute.
- Compare rates and hire: Compare rates and select the mover that matches your needs and budget.
Why Choose Moving Solutions?
Choosing Moving Solutions to hire India to Oman relocation services can be beneficial in many terms. The top reasons are:
Easy Booking Procedure: We have simplified the booking process. You can book the service within a minute by sharing a few details about your move.
Verified Moving Companies: We only work with moving companies that offer high-quality services. Additionally, we make sure that our partners are licensed, registered, and experienced. To ensure their credibility and authenticity, we thoroughly verify them beforehand.
Customer Support: We are committed to offering unparalleled customer support services. Whether you want help in booking the service or want post-move support, we can help or guide you.
