You won’t believe which GCC country is the most affordable in 2025

Dubai: Oman has emerged as the most affordable country to live in across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), according to the 2025 Cost of Living Index released by data platform Numbeo.

The Sultanate ranked first among Gulf nations for its low overall cost of living and rental expenses, offering a significantly more budget-friendly lifestyle compared to its neighbors.

According to the data, the estimated monthly expenses for a family of four in Oman amount to Dh9,597.6 (OMR 1,004.7), excluding rent. For a single person, monthly costs are estimated at Dh 2,773.2 (OMR 290.3). Overall, the cost of living in Oman is 26.5 per cent lower than in the UAE, while rental prices are, on average, 71.7 per cent lower.

Ranking the GCC: From Cheapest to most expensive

1. Oman
Oman tops the list with the lowest overall living costs and significantly reduced rent. Its affordability makes it a leading choice for families and individuals seeking a balanced quality of life at a manageable expense.

2. Bahrain
Manama ranks second, with monthly costs for a family estimated at Dh10,496.8 (BHD 1,076.1) and for a single person at Dh2,968.5 (BHD 304.3). Living in Bahrain is 25.3 per cent cheaper than in Dubai, and rent is nearly 65 per cent lower.

3. Kuwait
Kuwait City follows closely, with family costs around Dh 11,105.1 (KWD 923.0) and individual costs at Dh3,012.5 (KWD 250.4). The city offers a 27 per cent lower cost of living compared to Dubai, with rent averaging 61 per cent less.

4. Qatar
Doha stands fourth, with estimated family expenses of Dh 11,716.9 (QAR 11,655.5) and individual costs at Dh 3,276.7 (QAR 3,259.5). The cost of living is 20.7 per cent lower than Dubai, with a 38.3 per cent difference in rent.

5. Saudi Arabia
Riyadh ranks fifth, with monthly costs for a family at Dh 12,167.9 (SAR 12,424.0) and for a single person at Dh 3,378.5 (SAR 3,449.6). While Riyadh offers a 19.9 per cent lower cost of living than Dubai, rent is still 55.2 per cent lower.

6. United Arab Emirates
The UAE remains the most expensive among GCC countries, with Abu Dhabi and Dubai leading in cost. In Dubai, monthly costs reach Dh14,765 for a family of four and Dh4,242.5 for a single person.

In Abu Dhabi, costs are slightly lower at Dh12,403.3 for a family and Dh3,550.4 for a single resident. Rent in Abu Dhabi is on average 34.3 per cent cheaper than in Dubai, but still significantly higher than in other Gulf capitals.