Best Muslim Countries to Live In: 10 Top Options Ranked

Best Muslim Countries to Live In

For Muslim expats weighing a move abroad in 2026, Malaysia ranks first overall on cost of living, halal infrastructure, and safety. It combines affordable daily expenses, universal halal food access, quality healthcare, political stability, and a large English-speaking population. The UAE, Turkey, and Qatar follow closely depending on whether your priority is career growth, European access, or high salaries. This ranked list covers 10 Muslim-majority countries evaluated across six factors: safety, cost of living, halal infrastructure, healthcare, expat friendliness, and Islamic culture. Each country section includes specific costs, visa pathways, and practical relocation advice.

The concept of hijrah, relocating to a place where Muslims can observe Islamic obligations without restriction, has deep roots in Islamic tradition. This guide evaluates modern destinations through that lens.

Here are the top 10 at a glance:

1. Malaysia: Best overall. Monthly costs from $800. English widely spoken.
2. Turkey: Best for European access. Monthly costs from $600. Citizenship-by-investment available.
3. UAE: Best for careers. Zero income tax. Average expat salary $4,000+/month.
4. Qatar: Best for high salaries. Tax-free income. Family-friendly infrastructure.
5. Oman: Best for peaceful living. Lowest Gulf costs. Safety index rank #5 globally.
6. Jordan: Best for Arabic immersion. Affordable outside Amman. Strong expat community.
7. Indonesia: Best for affordable living. Costs from $500/month. World’s largest Muslim population.
8. Bahrain: Best for small island life. Top-ranked for expat work-life balance.
9. Saudi Arabia: Best for religious significance. Home to Makkah and Madinah. Vision 2030 reforms.
10. Morocco: Best as an African gateway. Costs from $600/month. Proximity to Europe.

How We Ranked These Countries

Six factors determined the ranking. Each country received a score from 1 to 10 in each category, and we weighted them based on what matters most to Muslim expats relocating long-term.

Safety (20% weight): We used the Numbeo Safety Index 2025, which measures crime rates, perceived safety, and law enforcement effectiveness. The UAE ranked 2nd globally, Qatar 3rd, and Oman 5th.

Cost of living (20% weight): Monthly expenses for a single person excluding rent, sourced from Numbeo and Expatistan. We compared housing, groceries, transportation, and utilities in each country’s primary expat city.

Halal food access (15% weight): Availability of halal-certified restaurants, grocery stores, and food supply chain integrity. Countries where halal is the legal default scored highest.

Healthcare quality (15% weight): WHO health system rankings, availability of private hospitals, health insurance costs, and medical tourism reputation.

Expat friendliness (15% weight): Visa accessibility, English proficiency, existing expat community size, ease of opening bank accounts, and property ownership rules for foreigners.

Islamic culture and infrastructure (15% weight): Number of mosques per capita, Islamic education options, presence of Islamic banking, availability of Friday prayer accommodations in workplaces, and adherence to Islamic holidays.

Malaysia: Best Overall for Muslim Expats

Muslim population: 63.5% of 34 million (Pew Research Center, 2024) Official language: Malay (English widely spoken) Cost of living: $800 to $1,500/month for a single person in Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia tops this list because it balances affordability with modern infrastructure better than any other Muslim-majority country. A single person can live comfortably in Kuala Lumpur on RM3,000 to RM6,000 per month ($640 to $1,280). Healthcare costs are low. A general practitioner visit starts at RM60 ($13). Annual health insurance runs RM1,000 to RM3,000 ($215 to $640).

Halal food is everywhere. Malaysia’s halal certification system, managed by JAKIM (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia), is one of the most rigorous in the world. The JAKIM halal logo appears on everything from street food stalls to multinational restaurant chains. You will never struggle to find halal meals here.

Malaysia is the global leader in Islamic finance. Bank Islam Malaysia and Maybank Islamic offer full sharia-compliant services. The country’s Islamic banking sector holds over $250 billion in assets.

Kuala Lumpur has over 200 mosques. Penang has more than 100. International Islamic University Malaysia enrolls over 20,000 students across its Gombak and Kuantan campuses.

Safety is solid. Violent crime is rare in major cities. Kuala Lumpur is safer than most large American or European cities, according to Numbeo’s 2025 data. CCTV coverage is extensive across urban areas.

For visa options, the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program allows long-term residency, though recent changes raised the financial requirements. The DE Rantau digital nomad visa targets remote workers with a minimum monthly income of $24,000/year. Standard employment passes require employer sponsorship.

Humidity is intense year-round. Bureaucracy can be slow. And while English is common in cities, rural areas are predominantly Malay-speaking.

Best for: Families, retirees, remote workers, and anyone who wants affordable halal living with modern conveniences.

Turkey: Best for European Access

Muslim population: 98% of 85 million Official language: Turkish Cost of living: $600 to $1,200/month for a single person in Istanbul

Turkey offers something no other Muslim-majority country can: a foot in both Europe and Asia. Istanbul straddles two continents, and Turkey’s geographic position means you can reach most European capitals in under four hours by air. This matters for Muslim professionals who need regular European business access.

The cost of living is 85% lower than the United States excluding rent, according to Numbeo. Monthly groceries for one person run $150 to $250. Healthcare costs about 70% less than in the UK or US. A basic private health insurance plan starts at $20/month.

Istanbul has over 3,000 mosques, more than any other city in the world.

Turkey’s citizenship-by-investment program requires a $400,000 real estate purchase. The Turkish residence permit (ikamet) is available to property owners, retirees, and those with sufficient income. Digital nomad visas are also available.

Halal food is the default across the country. Turkey is 98% Muslim, so nearly all restaurants, grocery stores, and food producers follow Islamic dietary standards. Pork products are extremely rare outside tourist-heavy areas.

Turkey’s lira has been volatile. Inflation hit 65% in 2024 before cooling, which erodes savings held in local currency. The Global Peace Index ranks Turkey lower than most European countries. Earthquake risk is real, particularly in Istanbul and eastern provinces.

Best for: Digital nomads and professionals who want proximity to European markets while living in a Muslim-majority country. Entrepreneurs with European clients also benefit from the time zone overlap.

UAE: Best for Career Opportunities

Muslim population: 76% of 10 million Official language: Arabic (English is the business language) Cost of living: $2,500 to $4,000/month for a single person in Dubai

The UAE charges zero personal income tax. The average expat salary in Dubai is $4,064/month after tax, and in Abu Dhabi, expat salaries range from $4,084 to $12,255/month depending on industry and seniority. With no personal income tax, your gross salary is your take-home pay.

Abu Dhabi has topped the Numbeo Safety Index for nine consecutive years as of 2025. The crime index sits below 15, making it one of the safest cities on earth. Dubai’s safety record is similarly strong.

The cost of entry is high. Dubai apartment rents increased 29% year-over-year in 2025. A single person’s monthly expenses average $2,514 excluding rent. Abu Dhabi is roughly 15% cheaper than Dubai for housing.

Visa pathways have expanded since 2019. The Golden Visa offers 10-year residency for investors, specialized professionals, and skilled workers. The Green Visa covers freelancers and entrepreneurs. Standard work visas require employer sponsorship and include a residency permit, Emirates ID, and health insurance.

Halal food infrastructure is well-established. The UAE’s food import regulations require halal certification for all meat products. Mosques are within walking distance in most neighborhoods.

Islamic banking is mature in the UAE. Dubai Islamic Bank holds approximately $70 billion in assets. Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank manages roughly $45 billion. Both offer sharia-compliant mortgages, savings accounts, and investment products.

Dubai has over 700 mosques. Abu Dhabi has more than 500, including the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque with a 40,000-person capacity.

Expect punishing heat from May through September, with temperatures regularly exceeding 45°C (113°F). Rents are expensive and rising. Social life can feel transactional in a city where 90% of the population are expats.

Best for: High earners who want tax-free income in a safe, modern city. Career-driven professionals and entrepreneurs benefit most from the UAE’s business infrastructure.

Qatar: Best for High Salaries

Muslim population: 78% of 2.9 million Official language: Arabic (English widely used in business) Cost of living: $880 to $1,800/month for a single person in Doha (excluding rent)

Qatar offers some of the highest expat salaries in the world with zero income tax. Monthly costs for a single person average around 3,200 QAR ($880) excluding rent, making it 10 to 15% cheaper than Dubai overall. Rents run about 30% less than Dubai equivalents.

Qatar ranked 3rd on the Numbeo Safety Index in 2025. The country invested over $200 billion in infrastructure for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, leaving behind a metro system, new highways, stadiums repurposed as community facilities, and upgraded hospitals.

The healthcare system is strong. Hamad Medical Corporation operates the public hospital network, and private options like Sidra Medicine offer specialized care. Health insurance is mandatory for all residents.

Qatar Islamic Bank manages approximately $50 billion in assets and offers full sharia-compliant financial services.

Doha has over 300 mosques, including the Education City Mosque designed by a woman architect.

Doha is compact and family-oriented. International schools follow British, American, IB, and French curricula. Education City hosts branch campuses of Georgetown, Northwestern, Carnegie Mellon, and other universities. These institutions enroll over 2,500 students combined.

Visa options include employer-sponsored work permits, a permanent residency card for long-term residents, and investor visas. Qatar’s kafala (sponsorship) system has undergone reforms, including the removal of exit permits and introduction of a minimum wage of 1,000 QAR ($275/month).

Qatar is small. The social scene is limited compared to Dubai. Summer heat matches the UAE’s extremes. And the population is heavily skewed toward male migrant workers, which affects community demographics.

Best for: Professionals seeking top salaries, families who want excellent schools, and those who prefer a smaller, quieter Gulf city over Dubai.

Oman: Best for Peaceful Living

Muslim population: 88% of 4.6 million Official language: Arabic (English common in business) Cost of living: $779 to $1,400/month for a single person in Muscat (excluding rent)

Oman is the most affordable country in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council). Monthly living expenses for a single person start at around 300 OMR ($779) excluding rent. That figure is 40 to 60% lower than the UAE, Qatar, or Saudi Arabia.

Oman ranked 5th on the Numbeo Safety Index in 2025. The Sultanate has maintained political stability for decades under a system that emphasizes gradual modernization. Crime rates are among the lowest in the world.

The culture is distinct from its Gulf neighbors. Oman feels less commercial than Dubai, less conservative than Saudi Arabia, and more authentically Arabian than any other Gulf state. Omani hospitality (known locally as “karam”) is a genuine cultural value, not a tourism slogan. Expats frequently cite the warmth of local interactions as a primary reason for staying.

Muscat’s healthcare system includes the Royal Hospital, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, and a growing private sector. Healthcare costs are moderate by Gulf standards.

For residency, Oman offers investor visas (minimum 500,000 OMR investment), employment visas through sponsorship, and a retirement visa for those over 55 with proof of income. The country introduced a long-term residency program in 2021 for investors and professionals.

Halal food is the default throughout Oman. Pork and alcohol are available only in licensed hotels. Mosques are present in every neighborhood, and the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat is one of the largest in the region.

Job opportunities are fewer than in the UAE or Qatar. Oman’s economy is smaller, and “Omanization” policies prioritize local hires in certain sectors. Entertainment and nightlife are limited compared to Dubai.

Best for: Families, retirees, and anyone who values tranquility, natural beauty (Oman has 3,165 km of coastline and the Al Hajar mountain range), and authentic Gulf culture over urban glitz.

Jordan: Best for Arabic Immersion

Muslim population: 95% of 11.5 million Official language: Arabic (English taught in schools) Cost of living: $700 to $1,200/month for a single person in Amman

Jordan is the top choice for Muslims who want full Arabic language immersion at a reasonable cost. Amman is home to multiple Arabic language institutes that attract students from around the world. The Jordanian dialect is widely understood across the Arab world, making it a practical base for language learning.

A comfortable monthly budget in Amman runs 500 to 900 JOD ($700 to $1,270). Outside the capital, costs drop sharply. Irbid and Zarqa offer living expenses 30 to 40% below Amman levels.

Jordan’s cost of living is 43% lower than Qatar’s according to Expatistan. Healthcare is strong by regional standards. The Jordan University Hospital and King Hussein Cancer Center both attract medical tourists from across the Middle East.

The country is politically stable relative to its neighbors. Jordan has maintained peace treaties with both Israel and its other neighbors. The Hashemite Kingdom has a long tradition of welcoming refugees and expats, giving it a cosmopolitan feel despite its conservative social norms.

Residency options include investor visas, employment permits, and a straightforward annual residency renewal process. Property ownership is available to foreigners in most areas.

Islamic infrastructure is deeply integrated. Mosques are on nearly every block in Amman. The adhan (call to prayer) structures daily life. Islamic schools and universities, including the University of Jordan’s Islamic studies programs, are well-regarded.

Salaries are lower than Gulf countries. Water scarcity is a persistent issue. Public transportation is limited, so most expats need a car. Summer temperatures in Amman reach 35°C (95°F), though the climate is drier and more comfortable than the Gulf.

Best for: Arabic language students, academics, NGO workers, and Muslims who want deep cultural integration in a Levantine Arab society.

Indonesia: Best for Affordable Living

Muslim population: 87% of 278 million (world’s largest Muslim population) Official language: Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia) Cost of living: $500 to $1,000/month for a single person in Jakarta

Indonesia has the largest Muslim population of any country on earth, with over 242 million Muslims. Monthly living costs for a single person can be as low as $500 in cities outside Jakarta, making it the most affordable option on this list.

Jakarta, the capital, offers the most job opportunities in technology, finance, education, and manufacturing. Bali, while not Muslim-majority, attracts remote workers and digital nomads. Yogyakarta provides a low-cost, culturally rich alternative. Bandung combines cooler highland climate with a growing tech scene.

Halal food is the norm across the archipelago. Indonesia’s MUI (Majelis Ulama Indonesia) halal certification is mandatory for all food products sold in the country as of the 2024 Halal Product Assurance Law. Street food, restaurants, and grocery stores are overwhelmingly halal.

Healthcare quality varies significantly by city. Jakarta has modern private hospitals like Siloam and Mayapada. Health insurance through BPJS (the national program) costs as little as $3/month for basic coverage. Private insurance for comprehensive care runs $50 to $150/month.

Indonesia’s visa options include the KITAS (temporary stay permit) for workers, the KITAP (permanent stay permit) for long-term residents, and the new Second Home Visa requiring a bank deposit of 2 billion IDR ($125,000). The B211A social/cultural visa allows stays of up to 180 days.

Traffic congestion in Jakarta is among the worst in the world. Bureaucracy is complex and often requires local help. Air quality in major cities is poor. Infrastructure outside Java and Bali lags behind. English proficiency is limited compared to Malaysia.

Best for: Budget-conscious expats, digital nomads, retirees, and anyone who wants to live in the world’s largest Muslim community at minimal cost.

Bahrain: Best for Small Island Life

Muslim population: 81% of 1.5 million Official language: Arabic (English widely spoken) Cost of living: $777 to $1,400/month for a single person in Manama (excluding rent)

Bahrain punches above its weight for expat satisfaction. The InterNations Expat Insider survey consistently ranks Bahrain among the top countries globally for wage growth, work-life balance, and childcare quality. It is the most affordable Gulf country after Oman, with monthly living costs around 293 BHD ($777) excluding rent.

The island kingdom is small. You can drive from one end to the other in under an hour. This creates a tight-knit expat community where making connections is easier than in sprawling Dubai or Riyadh. The 25-kilometer King Fahd Causeway connects Bahrain to Saudi Arabia, providing weekend access to a larger market.

Bahrain’s regulatory environment is business-friendly. The Bahrain Economic Development Board actively recruits international companies. The FinTech sector is growing, and Bahrain was the first Gulf country to regulate cryptocurrency exchanges.

Healthcare is adequate, with Salmaniya Medical Complex as the main public hospital and several private options. The quality is good but less extensive than the UAE or Qatar.

Visa options include work permits through employer sponsorship, the Bahrain Golden Residency Visa for investors and professionals, and a self-sponsorship visa for freelancers. The country introduced flexible work permits allowing employees to change jobs without employer consent.

Bahrain’s economy is smaller and less diversified than the UAE’s. Entertainment options are limited. Political tensions have flared periodically, though the situation has been stable in recent years. Summer humidity is oppressive.

Best for: Professionals who want Gulf-level tax-free income at lower living costs, families who prefer a smaller community, and entrepreneurs looking at the FinTech sector.

Saudi Arabia: Best for Religious Significance

Muslim population: 97% of 36 million Official language: Arabic Cost of living: $866 to $1,600/month for a single person in Riyadh (excluding rent)

Saudi Arabia is home to Islam’s two holiest cities: Makkah and Madinah. For Muslims who want to live near the Haramain (the two holy mosques), no other country compares. Performing Umrah regularly or praying in the Prophet’s Mosque becomes part of daily life rather than a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s economic reform plan, has transformed daily life since its launch in 2016. Entertainment venues, cinemas, concerts, and mixed-gender events are now common. Women drive, work in most sectors, and participate in public life. The General Entertainment Authority has hosted international acts and sporting events. These changes were unthinkable a decade ago.

Al Rajhi Bank, the world’s largest Islamic bank by market capitalization, holds approximately $60 billion in assets and operates over 500 branches across the Kingdom.

Makkah is home to Masjid al-Haram, the largest mosque in the world with a capacity of 2 million worshippers. King Saud University in Riyadh enrolls over 60,000 students.

The cost of living in Riyadh averages 3,248 SAR ($866) per month for a single person excluding rent. Inflation sits around 1.7% (2025 forecast), keeping prices stable. Saudi Arabia ranked 14th on the Numbeo Safety Index in 2025.

New visa categories include the Premium Residency (Saudi Green Card) for long-term residents, work visas through employer sponsorship, and special visas for remote workers and freelancers. The Saudi labor market has opened to more foreign workers as Saudization policies adjust to Vision 2030 goals.

Social freedoms, while expanding, remain more restricted than in the UAE, Turkey, or Malaysia. The legal system is based on Sharia law with strict enforcement. Summer temperatures in Riyadh exceed 50°C (122°F). Outside Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Eastern Province, amenities for expats are limited.

Best for: Devout Muslims who want proximity to Makkah and Madinah, professionals attracted by Vision 2030 opportunities, and families who value a deeply Islamic social environment.

Morocco: Best for African Gateway

Muslim population: 99% of 38 million Official language: Arabic, Amazigh (French widely spoken) Cost of living: $600 to $1,100/month for a single person in Casablanca

Morocco is the only Muslim-majority country on this list with direct access to both Africa and Europe. The Strait of Gibraltar separates Morocco from Spain by just 14 kilometers. Tangier is a two-hour ferry ride from the Spanish coast. This geographic position makes Morocco a base for anyone doing business across both continents.

Living costs are among the lowest on this list. A single person in Casablanca can live comfortably on $600 to $800/month excluding rent. Marrakech is slightly cheaper. Street food meals cost $1 to $3. A three-course restaurant meal runs $8 to $15.

Morocco’s healthcare system includes both public and private options. Private clinics in Casablanca and Rabat offer quality care at prices far below European equivalents. Many Moroccan doctors trained in France, and French-language medical care is standard.

The country’s Islamic character is deep. The King of Morocco holds the title “Commander of the Faithful” (Amir al-Mu’minin). Mosques are central to community life. Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque is the largest in Africa and the 7th largest in the world, with space for 105,000 worshippers. The University of al-Qarawiyyin in Fez, founded in 859 CE, is recognized by UNESCO and the Guinness World Records as the oldest continuously operating degree-granting university in the world.

Residency options include a one-year renewable residence permit, investor visas, and retirement visas. The process requires proof of income or employment. Morocco does not offer citizenship by investment, but long-term residents can apply for naturalization after five years.

Bureaucracy is heavy and French-language dependent. English proficiency is lower than in Malaysia or the UAE. Wages are low by international standards, so Morocco works best for remote workers earning foreign income, retirees, or entrepreneurs. Internet speeds outside major cities can be slow.

Best for: Remote workers, retirees, Francophone Muslims, and anyone who wants a low-cost base with easy access to Europe and Africa.

Brunei: Best for Islamic Welfare State

Muslim population: 78% of 450,000 Official language: Malay (English widely spoken) Cost of living: $700 to $1,200/month for a single person in Bandar Seri Begawan

Brunei is the only Muslim country that offers free education, free healthcare, and subsidized housing to its residents. The Sultan of Brunei funds these programs through oil and gas revenues. Citizens pay zero income tax and zero sales tax.

The country ranks among the safest in Southeast Asia. Crime rates are extremely low. Sharia law governs personal and criminal matters under the Syariah Penal Code Order introduced in 2014.

Bandar Seri Begawan is small and quiet. The Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, built in 1958, is one of the most recognizable Islamic landmarks in Southeast Asia. The Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque can hold 5,000 worshippers.

Brunei’s economy is almost entirely dependent on oil and gas, which limits job opportunities for expats outside the energy sector. The country is small, with a population under 500,000. Entertainment options are limited. Alcohol is banned. The social environment is conservative by Southeast Asian standards.

Best for: Muslims who prioritize a strict Islamic governance model with full welfare benefits and zero taxation.

Country Comparison Table

Notes: Monthly costs exclude rent. Safety ranks from Numbeo Safety Index 2025. “0% tax” means no personal income tax. Visa ease reflects accessibility for most nationalities.

Factors to Consider Before Moving

Visa and residency requirements: Every country on this list has different visa categories, processing times, and financial requirements. Research your specific nationality’s visa options before committing. Some countries (Turkey, Jordan, Morocco) offer easy tourist-to-resident conversions. Others (UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia) typically require employer sponsorship or significant investment.

Healthcare coverage: Gulf countries generally require employer-provided health insurance. Malaysia and Indonesia offer affordable private insurance. Turkey’s public system covers residents after a waiting period. Carry international health insurance during your transition period regardless of destination.

Education for children: If you have school-age children, check international school availability and costs. Qatar’s Education City and the UAE’s international school networks are the strongest. Malaysia offers excellent international schools at lower prices. Indonesia and Morocco have fewer English-language options outside major cities.

Work permits and employment law: Gulf countries typically tie your residency to your employer through some form of sponsorship. Losing your job can mean losing your right to stay. Turkey, Malaysia, and Indonesia offer more flexible arrangements. Research labor protections, notice periods, and end-of-service benefits before accepting a position.

Climate: Every country on this list except Turkey, Jordan, and Morocco has extreme summer heat. If you are moving from a temperate climate, factor in the adjustment period. Air conditioning costs can double utility bills in Gulf countries from May through September.

Cultural adjustment: Moving to a Muslim-majority country does not eliminate culture shock. Malaysian culture differs from Saudi culture, which differs from Moroccan culture. Visit your target country for at least two weeks before making a relocation decision. Connect with existing expat communities through Facebook groups, Reddit communities, and forums like ExpatForum and InterNations.

Banking and finance: Gulf countries offer zero-tax income but may have restrictions on remittances. Islamic banking is available in all 10 countries but most developed in Malaysia, the UAE, and Bahrain. Check whether you can open a bank account before receiving your residence permit, as policies vary.

Cost of return visits: If you have family in the US, UK, or Europe, factor in annual flight costs. Southeast Asian destinations (Malaysia, Indonesia) are farther and more expensive to fly from than Turkey or Morocco. Gulf countries are roughly equidistant from both Western and Asian origins.

Frequently Asked Questions