Muscat – A research conducted by William Russell found Oman the most budget-friendly tax-free country in 2024, the second year in a row.  

The team of international health insurance experts at William Russell ranked the most popular tax-free destinations based on relocation cost factors such as flights, rent and utility bills to reveal the world’s most affordable tax-free countries to relocate to in 2025. 

William Russell is an international health insurance provider headquartered in the UK. The company has a network that covers expatriates in over 194 countries around the globe.

Oman was followed by Kuwait, Bahrain, the UAE and Brunei in the ranking. Maldives, Qatar, Bahamas, Monaco and Cayman Islands completed the top-ten budget-friendly tax-free countries list of 2024.       

The research found Oman the most affordable tax-free country for expats to relocate to, earning a relocation score of 7.92/10. Factors considered in the score included the cost of a one-way economy ticket to Muscat – around US$227 from London and US$492 from New York.

On average, Oman is the cheapest country to purchase or rent an apartment in, as well as being the most affordable country in terms of monthly costs (excluding rent). It is also the third cheapest country for monthly utility bills, costing around US$103. The average monthly net salary in the sultanate is around US$2,205.

The research ranked Kuwait as the second most affordable tax-free country to move to, with a relocation score of 6.49. Single economy flights to the country range from US$166 to US$690 and Kuwait is also the second most affordable country for both monthly costs and utility bills. 

Bahrain ranked third most affordable tax-free country to relocate to, earning a relocation score of 6.36. Bahrain is the second cheapest country to purchase an apartment in, costing US$173/ sqm, on average. It is also the fifth most affordable country for both monthly costs and utility bills.

At the other end of the spectrum, Vanuatu is the least affordable tax-free country for expats to live, with a relocation score of 2.08. Monthly costs per person are around US$1,113 and utility bills are approximately US$198/ month. The average monthly net salary in Vanuatu is US$616.