Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Oman expensive to visit?
Oman is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.
Within the Middle East, Oman is very expensive compared to the other countries. It is in the top 10% of countries in the Middle East for its travel costs. There are only a few countries as expensive or more expensive than Oman in the region.
From budget-friendly stays to high-end hotels, Oman has something to offer every traveler with different spending habits and travel preferences. For travelers on a budget, there are affordable hotels, while those seeking luxury can enjoy high-end stays, with mid-range hotels also available for couples and families.
Oman has a reputation for being expensive, but there are simple ways to make it affordable, like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities.
On average, budget travelers spend $141 (﷼54) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $301 (﷼116) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $563 (﷼216) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Oman.
For more details, see Is Oman Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Oman?
The average Oman trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Oman travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Oman cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations when it comes to your budget is crucial. A lot of people claim to be "budget" travelers. Many plan their trip thinking they can manage on just $141 a day like a shoestring backpacker. But the truth is, most aren't comfortable with roughing it on a trip. Reflect on what you truly enjoy and how you've traveled in the past. Are you a fan of resorts and comfortable hotels, or do you prefer the price range offered by hostels but with limited amenities? How important is dining in nice restaurants to you? And how do you like to get around? Your answers will greatly influence your overall travel budget.
What Defines a Budget Traveler?
Many people hear that you can visit Oman for $141 per day, but unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a significant amount more.
Backpackers can often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
So, are you average?
If you're a couple or a family traveling for fun, you'll likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the major museums and attractions which have entry fees. Most visitors to Oman will want to visit the major attractions, sights, and landmarks. Most activities cost money, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be closer to $301 per person, per day.
With so many hotels and vacation rentals in Oman, you'll have no trouble finding a place that suits your needs. If you're splitting the cost with a partner, friend, or kids, you'll be able to reduce the daily per-person costs, too. You'll find plenty of family-friendly areas like Sohar, Khasab, and Muscat where hotels and restaurants cater to little ones. Consider staying at Sohar Beach Hotel in Sohar or Atana Musandam Resort in Khasab for a kid-friendly experience. Find more hotel options for families and couples in our hotel costs guide for Oman here.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If your dream trip includes all the bells and whistles, be ready for a cost of about $563 per day. Opting for upscale hotels, fine dining at renowned eateries, splurging on unique experiences, and having private drivers will place you in the luxury travel range. You can rub shoulders with other luxury travelers in places like the major cities and resort areas. Or you could plan an multi-day adventure by booking a higher end tour such as Luxury Oman - offered by GidOman.
Accommodation Budget in Oman
You'll find a surprising range of accommodation prices in Oman, from budget to high-end options. During peak season, prices increase, but visiting during the low or shoulder seasons can help. Booking early is another great way to save some cash.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Oman for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $130 (﷼50). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $65 (﷼25) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Oman? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Food Budget in Oman
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Oman can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Oman is $139 (﷼53) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$139
﷼53
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Oman is around $139 (﷼53) per person, with previous travelers spending from $61 to $265. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Oman are as follows:
- Breakfast: $25 to $42
- Lunch: $21 to $69
- Dinner: $49 to $111
- Coffee: $13
- Fast Food or Street Food: $22
When you have children in tow, look for places that provide a kids menu. This can be a great way to cut costs, as those meals are often much cheaper. Since some restaurants don't list the kids' options, make sure to ask the waiter before you decide.
While many hotels include breakfast in the overall price, some may charge you extra for it. The range of prices and quality can vary by hotel. Knowing what to expect can help you determine if the hotel buffet is worth it or if you should just grab something from a nearby bakery or café at a lower cost.
Bringing a water bottle with you instead of buying drinks can save money and is also better for the earth.
If you're gearing up for a tour, make sure to verify in advance which meals are part of the deal. You might need to pay for some food yourself, which can impact your budget.
If you want to experience the culture in Oman, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Private Mountain Food Tour in Oman for $228 details
- Muscat by Night with Local Dinner for $118 details
- Private Salalah Night Tour with Dinner and Pick Up for $125 details
- 4 Hour Tour in Muscat by night With Dinner for $145 details
Muscat Harbor, Oman
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.