When determining the best city to live in Oman, expatriates and locals frequently weigh options between the capital city of Muscat and emerging regional hubs like Salalah or Sohar. Muscat is widely considered the best overall place to live for professionals and families due to its modern infrastructure, extensive international schools, world-class healthcare facilities, vibrant shopping malls, and beautiful coastal neighborhoods. It offers a balanced cosmopolitan lifestyle while maintaining traditional Omani heritage. However, individuals seeking a quieter lifestyle, cooler microclimates during the monsoon season, and close proximity to dramatic mountain and coastal landscapes often prefer residing in the southern governorate hub of Salalah.