Oman Tops Asia in Quality of Life Index 2026: What This Means for Investors and Entrepreneurs
MUSCAT, FEB 22 – The Sultanate of Oman has distinguished itself as a premier global destination for quality of life, ranking first in Asia and fourth worldwide in the Numbeo Quality of Life Index 2026. This achievement underscores Oman’s expanding reputation as a competitive, safe, and affordable location for living and conducting business.
Oman attained a Quality of Life Index score of 207.6, placing it just behind the Netherlands, Denmark, and Luxembourg. It notably ranked above several advanced economies, including Switzerland, Finland, Germany, Austria, Iceland, and Norway, securing a spot in the global top ten.
From a business and investment standpoint, Oman’s robust performance is supported by a high Purchasing Power Index of 156.3, which reflects strong household incomes relative to moderate expenses. This is further enhanced by a low Cost of Living Index of 43.6, one of the most attractive among leading countries worldwide. Housing affordability stands out, with Oman recording a Property Price to Income Ratio of only 3.8, indicating accessible property costs compared to many developed nations where this ratio often exceeds 7 or even 10.
Safety continues to be a major advantage for Oman. With a Safety Index score of 81.6, the country ranks among the safest globally. This stability is a crucial non-financial factor for investors, professionals, and expatriates when considering relocation, talent acquisition, and long-term residency.
Healthcare indicators, while moderate, remain competitive. Oman’s Health Care Index is at 63.5, comparable to several advanced and high-income nations. Additionally, the Traffic Commute Time Index of 24.9 reflects relatively smooth urban mobility, especially when compared to major financial hubs across Asia.
Oman leads decisively in the Asia-specific ranking, surpassing countries such as Japan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Singapore, Taiwan, and Cyprus. Though Singapore and Japan perform well in healthcare and purchasing power, their high living costs and property prices negatively impacted their overall rankings.
These results are closely aligned with Oman’s national economic goals under Vision 2040, focusing on improving livability, economic diversification, and establishing the country as a regional hub for investment, tourism, and skilled workforce. The blend of affordability, safety, and increasing purchasing power enhances Oman’s appeal amid a global trend where businesses prioritize cost efficiency and quality of life for regional operations.
As global competition for capital and talent intensifies, Oman’s strong performance in the 2026 Numbeo index reflects not only social advancement but also a growing strategic edge in the international business arena.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
Oman’s top global ranking in quality of life, driven by affordable living costs, strong purchasing power, and exceptional safety, positions it as a highly attractive destination for businesses and expatriates alike. This creates significant opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs to tap into a stable, cost-efficient market with growing talent appeal, aligning with Oman Vision 2040’s goals of economic diversification and regional hub development. Smart investors should now consider leveraging Oman’s competitive property affordability and strategic geographic positioning to establish or expand operations, capitalizing on the country’s rising global stature.
