For Detroit native Nicole Brewer, moving to Oman was never on her radar. She had been teaching English as a second language in South Korea for three years, but by 2012 was ready for a change.
While looking for jobs in the Middle East, her first thought was Dubai.
“Because, you know, obviously everybody knows the [United Arab Emirates],” she told CNBC Make It.
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But then she came across a posting for a teaching job in Nizwa — an ancient city in Oman — and was struck by its beauty. After doing some research, she decided to try it out, and she’s been there ever since.
Now 43, she says she’s “very, very grateful to be in Oman” and doesn’t plan to ever move back to the U.S.
“Being in Oman, I’m very relaxed. I don’t have as much stress when it comes to the everyday expenses of living in this region,” she tells CNBC.
Life in Oman: The pros and cons
Brewer isn’t Muslim, nor does she speak Arabic. The culture is conservative compared to American standards. But Nizwa also has a laid-back vibe and a low crime rate.
“Honestly, it’s not for everybody,” she tells CNBC. But she describes herself as a go-with-the-flow type of person, “and as long as you respect the culture, it’s definitely a nice life.”
Brewer can also live well, on less money, by embracing a simpler lifestyle. She earns $40,000 a year at her job (and another $4,000 from some side gigs), which may not seem like much — at least by American standards.
However, she pays just $650 a month for a furnished two-bedroom apartment, including utilities, and it’s just a short walk to work. And she has enough money to go out for dinner with her circle of expat friends on a regular basis.
Since the cost of living is so low, she’s able to save money, which allows her to travel on summer and winter breaks. So far, she’s travelled to Namibia, Seychelles and Bali. She’s also planning to eventually retire in Portugal. Plus, she no longer worries about overspending, which has reduced her stress levels.
But it’s not just about money. Brewer tells CNBC that she doesn’t face some of the challenges that she did as a Black woman living in America. In Oman, she doesn’t deal with “much or any racism.”
Rather, she says she has “passport privilege” because “people here have respect for Americans,” and she’s treated warmly by locals — especially when they find out she’s a teacher.
Yet, living abroad does come with challenges — like being far away from friends and family. Plus, casual dating isn’t done in Omani culture, so her dating pool is limited to other expats.
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What you need to know before you go
The estimated monthly cost for a family of four in Oman is $2,596, excluding rent, while a single person can expect to pay an average of $747, excluding rent.
A one-bedroom apartment costs on average $532 in the city center or $361 outside the city center, according to data compiled by Numbeo. Compared to Detroit, the average rent in Nizwa is 84.1% less.
Brewer tells CNBC that she spent just $163 on dining out with friends in January. In Nizwa, a meal in an inexpensive restaurant averages just $2.60 while a three-course meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant averages about $26.
While the cost of living can be attractive, it’s also important to understand the social norms, local customs and societal structure of any country you want to move to. In this case, Oman adheres to Islamic traditions, and American women may find gender roles more restrictive (both socially and professionally).
For Americans who want to move to Oman, they’ll need a resident-sponsored visa or unsponsored visa. If you’re a sponsored worker, such as Brewer, you can get an employment visa, but you also have the option of a student visa, spouse visa, family joining visa or investor visa, among others. You can also apply for an unsponsored resident visa if you buy certain types of property.
While you’ll need to understand the tax obligations in your new home country, you’ll also still need to pay taxes to the IRS. You’ll want to avoid double taxation, so you may want to consider working with a tax professional with experience in assisting U.S. citizens abroad.
You’ll also need health insurance, so that’s another cost to factor in (many long-term visas require proof of health insurance). In Oman, for example, citizens receive free or low-cost health care, but expats are typically required to have private health insurance — plus, private hospitals are more likely to provide English-language services.
Working with an immigration lawyer in Oman, or wherever you hope to move, could help you navigate any hurdles.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
