Single · Comfortable · $3,000/mo

SurOverall winner

Sur is approximately 111% less expensive than Al-Buraimi based on cost of living including rent. This makes Sur a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.

Sur has a FIRE Score of 65/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The city's safety index is 75, which is relatively safe.

Recommended profile: Sur is well-suited for retirees seeking a balanced lifestyle.

Side by side

Best in row

Oman

Al-Buraimi

Reconsider Travel
FIRE69

Oman

Sur

Reconsider Travel
FIRE65
Cost
Cost of living index
48.2
Best in row. 46.5
One person, excluding rent
$747/mo
Best in row. $721/mo
Family of four, excluding rent
$2,699/mo
Best in row. $2,604/mo
Total monthly, rent included
$957/mo
Best in row. $703/mo
Monthly savings
$2,043/mo
Best in row. $2,297/mo
Housing
1BR, city centre
$550
Best in row. $260
1BR, outside centre
$400
Best in row. $208
3BR, city centre
$1,100
Best in row. $475
3BR, outside centre
$800
Best in row. $390
Scores
FIRE score
70/100
Best in row. 75/100
Nomad score
Best in row. 22/100
17/100
Retiree score
Best in row. 39/100
31/100
Overall score
Best in row. 69/100
65/100
Safety & infrastructure
Safety index
Best in row. 83
75
Internet speed
Best in row. 48 Mbps
25 Mbps
Walkability score
-
-

Estimates from published local prices. N/A means no figure is published for that city.

About these cities

About Sur

Sur is a cheap place to live, with 1-bedroom rent at $260/mo in the city center and a single person's monthly cost excluding rent at $620/mo, all against an average net salary of $2,688/mo. The catch is that you get what you pay for: English proficiency is limited, the expat community is small, and healthcare quality is only fair. It suits a frugal saver chasing a 75/100 FIRE score, not a retiree or digital nomad who needs company and fast internet at 25 Mbps.

About Oman

Digital nomads are shut out entirely, no visa exists. Retirement demands a steep OMR 4000/mo income, filtering out most FIRE budgets despite zero income tax and cheap rent ($560/mo center). This fits high-net-worth retirees seeking tax-free stability with US Travel Advisory Level 3 (reconsider travel) and Arabic-only bureaucracy, not budget expats.

🛂

Planning a move to Sur? Make sure you have the right visa.

Answer 11 questions and get a personalized visa match in under 2 minutes.

Find my visa →

Compare any two visa routes.

Income thresholds, fees, processing time and residency paths, side by side. Search by country, including Oman and Oman.

Compare visas →

Al-Buraimi vs Sur -- Frequently Asked Questions

Click any question to expand the answer.