Planning a family trip to Oman can be exciting, but many parents wonder – is Oman expensive for families? From stunning deserts and wadis to beautiful beaches and historic forts, Oman is an incredible destination, but knowing the real costs ahead of time can make all the difference.
In this post, we’re sharing our real 2-week Oman travel costs for a family of four, including flights, accommodations, transportation, food, and activities. Plus, we’ll give you practical budget tips to help you save money without missing out on the best experiences. Whether you’re curious about Oman family travel costs, how much to budget per day, or ways to make the trip more affordable, this guide has you covered.
By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect when planning your family trip to Oman and how to stretch your budget while still enjoying everything this amazing country has to offer.
Table of contents
- Explore Our Complete Oman Travel Guide
- Is Oman Expensive for Families? The Short Answer
- Our Real 2-Week Family Travel Costs in Oman (Quick Summary)
- Flights to Oman: What We Paid as a Family of 4
- Accommodation Costs in Oman (Hotels, Apartments & Camps)
- Transportation Costs: Car Rental, Fuel & Getting Around
- Food Costs in Oman (Eating Out vs Groceries)
- Activities & Tours: What Costs Extra (and What’s Free)
- How to Save Money in Oman: Our Best Budget Tips for Families
- Is Oman Cheaper Than Dubai or the UAE?
- Is Oman Worth the Cost for Families?
- FAQ: Oman Travel Costs for Families
- Final Thoughts: Is Oman Expensive for Families?
Bookmark these reads for later:
- 7-Day Oman Family Itinerary: Explore the Best of Oman!
- Why Visit Oman With Kids: The Ultimate Family Adventure
- Oman Travel Tips: Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Trip
- Self-Drive Tips in Oman: Travel the Stunning Roads | Complete Guide
- Oman Packing List for Families: What to Pack for Every Season
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Oman: The 5 Must-See Sites!
- Oman’s Most Fascinating Forts and Castles You Need to Visit!
- Best Things to Do in Muscat, Oman: Complete Travel Guide
- Best Places to Visit in Northern Oman: 10 Breathtaking Highlights
- Things to Do in Oman with Kids: Ultimate Family Travel Experiences
- Jebel Shams Balcony Walk Hike: Oman’s Best Trail (Full Guide)
- The Most Stunning Wadis in Oman – Go Beyond Wadi Shab
- Family-Friendly Desert Camp in Oman: Thousand Nights Camp Review
- Top Foods To Try in Oman: 10 Dishes You Can’t Miss!
Explore Our Complete Oman Travel Guide
Whether you’re mapping out your itinerary, packing your bags, planning family adventures, or hitting the road on your own schedule, you’ll find everything you need here to create a truly magical trip.
This blog may contain affiliate links, including credit card referral links. Please review the terms and conditions of any credit card before applying. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Any opinions shared are my own. Your support helps sustain our blog. Thank you!
Is Oman Expensive for Families? The Short Answer
Oman can be affordable for families, but costs vary widely depending on your choices. Accommodation tends to be the biggest expense, especially if you want a mix of comfort and family-friendly options. Meals can be cheap if you cook or eat local, but tourist restaurants are pricier. Activities range from free hikes to more expensive guided tours (and our trip had a mix of both!)
Overall, Oman is not as expensive as Dubai or Abu Dhabi, but it is more expensive than countries in Southeast Asia or Eastern Europe. With planning, families can enjoy a comfortable 2-week trip without overspending.
Our Real 2-Week Family Travel Costs in Oman (Quick Summary)
Here’s a brief overview of what our family of four spent on our trip to Oman in January 2025 (read on to see specific details).
We spent 14 days / 13 nights in Oman.
We are a family of 4 with kids ages 2 and 4.
| Expense Category | Cost |
| Flights | $0 |
| Accommodation | $1,784 (686 OMR) |
| Transportation | ~$620 (238 OMR) |
| Food | ~$700 (269 OMR) |
| Activities | $250 (96 OMR) |
| Other | $58 (22 OMR) |
| Total Cost | ~ $3,412 (1,311 OMR) |
Conversion: 1 OMR ~ 2.60 USD
Flights to Oman: What We Paid as a Family of 4
Our flights were completely free because we used credit card points from our Capital One Venture X credit card (our favorite travel card!) This is a major cost saver for families.
Tips for families:
- Flying midweek or off-season can lower prices.
- Look for deals on Gulf carriers like Oman Air, Emirates, or Qatar Airways.
- Use airline miles or points if possible—it can save thousands for a family of four.
- Travel light and avoid checked baggage if you can – this allows you to take advantage of budget airlines that have baggage limits.
- Remain flexible on your travel dates – sometimes flying out a day earlier or later can save hundreds.
- Check multiple departure airports near you – sometimes one has better flight deals or routes than another.
Accommodation Costs in Oman (Hotels, Apartments & Camps)
Oman doesn’t have the extensive budget hotel options you might find in Europe or Southeast Asia. Family-friendly accommodations are often moderate to expensive, but there are ways to save.
Our 12-night breakdown:
- Muscat (3 nights): 103 OMR (~$268 USD) – breakfast included
- Sur (2 nights): 64 OMR (~$166 USD) – breakfast included + a kitchen.
- Desert camp (2 nights): 239 OMR (~$623 USD) – big splurge, included half board
- Nizwa (3 nights): 153 OMR (~$399 USD) – no meals but inside city center
- Jebel Shams (3 nights): 126 OMR (~$327 USD) – private villa with views
Notes:
- Most “budget” hotels start around $100/night.
- Many hotels include breakfast, which saves money.
- We stayed in one apartment-style hotel with a kitchen, allowing us to cook a few meals.
- The desert camp was the priciest but included meals and an unforgettable experience.
Tips:
Consider apartment rentals or Airbnbs for families, especially with kids. Although in Oman, we found hotels to be cheaper than Airbnb in most cases.
Booking in advance can save money as it gives you the most options, making it easier to find an affordable stay.
Transportation Costs: Car Rental, Fuel & Getting Around
Oman is best explored by car. Public transportation is limited outside Muscat, and visiting multiple sites will likely include guided tours or hiring a local driver, which can add up in cost quickly.
Our transportation costs:
- Car rental: 400 USD (~154 OMR). -$200 per week was a fantastic deal!
- Gas: ~120 USD (~46 OMR) – surprisingly affordable
- Car cleaning: 10 USD (~4 OMR) – required by our rental agency
- Desert shuttle to camp: 40 OMR (~104 USD) – round-trip transfer to the desert camp
Tips:
Check insurance coverages before booking to ensure you have the coverage you need and there are no surprises on arrival at the pick-up desk.
Renting a 4×4 is ideal if you plan to explore desert areas or mountains, although we were able to complete our entire itinerary with a regular sedan, including a visit to Jebel Shams on unpaved roads. Keep in mind that a 4×4 is about twice as expensive.
Gas is cheap compared to Western countries, which is great for long road trips.
Average Fuel Prices in January 2025:
| Unit | Fuel Price (regular gas) |
| OMR per liter | ~ 0.24 OMR |
| EUR per liter | ~ € 0.59 |
| USD per liter | ~ $ 0.62 |
| USD per gallon | ~ $ 2.35 |
Food Costs in Oman (Eating Out vs Groceries)
Food costs depend on whether you cook, eat local, or dine in restaurants.
Our breakdown (total of 13 nights):
- 7 nights breakfast included at hotels
- 2 nights dinner included (desert camp)
- 3 days cooking all meals in our accommodation
- Other days: snacks from markets, fast food, casual dining, delivery
Total spent: ~700–800 USD (~270–308 OMR) for 14 days
Tips:
- Tap water is safe in some areas, but bottled water is widely used.
- Eating at local cafés or small restaurants is cheaper than at tourist spots.
- Grocery shopping for a few meals can reduce costs, even if it’s only 1 meal per day.
- Try to choose hotels with breakfast included. Something we noticed was that breakfast restaurants didn’t open until 10 or 11, so having an earlier breakfast at the hotel let us get an earlier start on the day.
Activities & Tours: What Costs Extra (and What’s Free)
Oman is naturally full of free or inexpensive activities, so it’s easy to save in this category.
Our main costs:
- Wadi Shab boat ride: 1 OMR/person. Total- 4 OMR (~$10 USD)
- Nizwa Fort: 5 OMR/person. Total- 10 OMR (~$26 USD) – kids under 6 free
- Bahla Fort: 0.5 OMR/person. Total 1 OMR (~$2.60 USD) – kids under 6 free
- Muscat guided city tour: 80 OMR/group of 4 (~$200 USD)
Hiking trails and wadis are free. We splurged on the guided tour for cultural insight.
How to Save Money in Oman: Our Best Budget Tips for Families
- Visit during shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) for better prices and pleasant weather.
- Stay in apartments or guesthouses with kitchen access to prepare meals.
- Eat at local restaurants or buy groceries from markets.
- Rent a car and explore independently instead of booking expensive tours.
- Choose free or low-cost activities like hiking wadis or visiting forts.
- Book flights early and be flexible with dates. Or use credit card points for free or discounted flights!
Is Oman Cheaper Than Dubai or the UAE?
Oman is generally cheaper than Dubai and the UAE for families. Accommodation and food costs tend to be lower, and car rental is more affordable. Dubai’s luxury and entertainment options come with higher price tags. Oman offers a more relaxed pace and natural experiences at a better value.
You won’t find any skyscrapers in Oman, making it a stark contrast to its neighbor.
Is Oman Worth the Cost for Families?
Absolutely! The country offers:
- Stunning landscapes (deserts, mountains, wadis)
- Safe, family-friendly environment
- Unique cultural experiences
Even with some splurges, the cost felt justified for the experiences. And costs can remain reasonable when planned carefully. The chance to explore deserts, mountains, and historic sites together makes Oman a worthwhile destination. Families seeking a mix of comfort and discovery will find Oman rewarding.
FAQ: Oman Travel Costs for Families
Do children get discounted entry to attractions in Oman?
Yes! While wadis and hiking trails are free to enter, entrances to forts and other attractions are often free or discounted for children, typically under 6 years old.
What’s the cost of family-friendly meals in Oman?
Local restaurants and cafés are very affordable, with meals often ranging from 1–3 OMR per child and 2–5 OMR per adult for traditional dishes. Western-style restaurants are more expensive, but still often cheaper than in Europe.
Is public transport suitable for families?
Public transport is limited outside Muscat, so renting a car or using taxis is the most convenient way to travel with children. Make sure you bring car seats for little ones, as they are required by law. Self-driving also allows you to explore remote natural sites without high costs.
How much should I budget for accommodations with kids?
Budget hotels or guesthouses typically cost 30–60 OMR per night for a family room. Airbnb options or serviced apartments can sometimes be cheaper, especially if you cook some meals. We found that budget to mid-range accommodation cost about $100- $150 USD per night but but we’d say budgeting about $150 per night for a family of 4 should be sufficient (that’s not including a stay at a desert camp or other luxury accommodation).
Are activities like desert trips and snorkeling expensive?
They can range from 10–25 OMR per person for standard group tours. Booking directly with operators or combining tours can help save money, and many outdoor adventures, like hiking or beach days, are free. Sometimes operators offer discounts for larger groups as well.
Is Oman safe for kids?
Yes, Oman is considered very safe for families, one of the safest countries in the world, in fact. Roads are well-maintained, crime is low, and locals are extremely welcoming to children.
Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is a must, especially if you plan to hike, explore deserts, go off-road, or visit remote areas. Medical evacuation and emergency care can be extremely expensive, particularly outside major cities. While Oman does not generally require travel insurance for entry, it’s strongly recommended.
Keep in mind:
- Most domestic health insurance plans do not cover you overseas
- Some medical facilities may require payment upfront
- Outdoor and adventure activities often require specific coverage
A comprehensive travel insurance policy gives peace of mind in case of illness, injury, delays, or unexpected changes. We usually use Squaremouth to search and compare travel insurance plans before every trip. It allows us to easily compare coverage options, limits, and prices from multiple providers in one place, making it simple to find the exact level of coverage we need—without going over budget.
Final Thoughts: Is Oman Expensive for Families?
Oman is moderately priced for families. By mixing budget-friendly choices with a few splurges, it’s possible to enjoy a family trip without breaking the bank. If you plan ahead, choose wisely, and take advantage of free natural attractions, Oman can be a magical yet manageable family destination.
While some aspects, like flights, accommodation, and certain tours, can be pricey, our real 2-week costs for a family of four show that with a little planning, Oman can be an affordable and unforgettable destination. By following our budget tips—from choosing the right accommodations and self-driving to enjoying local food and free activities—you can experience the best of Oman without overspending.
Ultimately, is Oman expensive for families? It depends on your travel style, but with careful planning, Oman offers incredible value, stunning scenery, and unique experiences that your whole family will remember. We hope this guide helps you confidently plan your own family trip to Oman and make the most of every moment, all while keeping your budget in check.
Happy travels!
CHECK OUT OUR VIDEO FROM OMAN:
Leave a Reply