Oman: A Balanced, Enriching Move for UK Expats—Why It Should Be on Your Radar

1. Exceptional Value & Financial Clarity

• Cost of living is significantly lower—Oman is around 38–45% cheaper than the UK, including rent, and nearly 58% cheaper than London specifically, especially in Muscat.wealthconsulting.comNumbeo+2Expatistan, cost of living comparisons+2

• In practical terms, a standard furnished apartment (85 m²) in an average area of Muscat can cost just OMR 288 (~£557/month), compared to £4,379 in London—an 87% savings. Groceries, meals out, and entertainment follow similar trends.Expatistan, cost of living comparisons

• Another source confirms the cost difference: Oman as a whole is 57% cheaper than the UK, with average spending around $1,038 vs £2,390.My Life Elsewhere+8Livingcost+8Expatistan, cost of living comparisons+8

Why it matters: Your British salary or income stretches considerably further—affording a higher standard of living at lower cost.

2. Safe, Authentic, and Expat-Friendly Environment

• InterNations ranked Muscat among the top five safest cities globally for expats, making it a standout among Gulf destinations.expatandoffshore.com+5A Way Abroad+5Expat Arrivals+5

• Oman is widely regarded as the friendliest Gulf nation for newcomers, offering warm, respectful local interactions.Wikipedia+15Expat Arrivals+15A Way Abroad+15

• The cultural landscape is rich and welcoming—whether it’s desert hikes, cultural festivals, or sharing shuwa with neighbours, expats describe Oman as both grounding and exhilarating.omniacapitalgroup.com+1

3. Healthcare: High Standards with Strategic Coverage

• Public healthcare for Omani citizens is robust—but expats typically rely on the private sector, which provides high-quality, English-speaking care, particularly in Muscat.British Expats+4Wikipedia+4A Way Abroad+4

Legacy will help tailor healthcare plans—comparing employer-backed options and private insurance—to ensure your family’s different needs are covered affordably and efficiently.

4. Evolving Economic Landscape & Career Potential

• Oman’s economy is diversifying under Vision 2040, targeting growth in tourism, logistics, energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure.Wikipedia

• Strategic developments like the Duqm Special Economic Zone are attracting significant global investment across multiple sectors.A Way Abroad+15Wikipedia+15Financial Times+15

• While income tax is currently absent—making take-home pay attractive—Oman will introduce a 5% income tax from 2028 on earnings above OMR 42,000 (~$109,000), though it will impact under 1% of residents and includes deductions.Numbeo+6Financial Times+6Expatistan, cost of living comparisons+6

5. Quality of Life: Heritage, Nature & Modern Comfort

• With a high Human Development Index and HDI rank of 50th globally, Oman offers both stability and growth.My Life Elsewhere+5Wikipedia+5A Way Abroad+5

• Muscat’s crowd-sourced cost data shows cheaper housing, meals, and transport, plus lower costs on entertainment and clothing—all making daily life easier.My Life Elsewhere+1

• Urban planning, heritage sites, and festivals like the Salalah and Muscat Festivals provide a lifestyle rooted in tradition, yet forward-looking.Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2

6. Residency Made Simpler

• Oman has recently introduced flexible expat residence cards with varied validity periods and simplified fees, reducing bureaucratic friction for long-stay planning.The Economic Times

7. Potential Considerations

AreaInsightIncome TaxFrom 2028, the new 5% tax may affect higher earners—Legacy helps you plan for this early.Job MarketEconomic roles remain more limited compared to regional giants—but diversifying sectors mean new openings are emerging.Cultural AdaptationNavigating Islamic traditions and local norms requires sensitivity—Legacy ensures you're culturally fluent.

Why Legacy Is Your Premier Guide for Oman

• Budget & Income Modeling: We quantify how far your UK income can go—in housing, lifestyle, schooling, and more.

• Healthcare & Insurance Strategy: We help you evaluate options and choose plans suited to your family’s well-being.

• Career & Sector Insight: We map opportunities in Oman’s emerging growth areas, giving you an edge.

• Residency & Bureaucracy Support: From new flexible residence cards to long-term planning, we guide every legal step.

• Cultural Comfort & Lifestyle Alignment: We bridge tradition and modern living—keeping your integration smooth and enriching.

Bottom Line

Oman offers UK expats an exceptional blend of financial advantage, personal safety, cultural depth, and emerging opportunity. With notably lower costs, high-quality healthcare, and new residence flexibility, it's a region worth serious consideration.

Legacy stands ready to guide you through planning, lifestyle mapping, legal clarity, and strategic job or investment decisions—ensuring your move to Oman is smart, confident, and culturally rewarding.