Looking for the best Muslim country to live in? Whether you’re seeking better career opportunities, a family-friendly environment, affordable living, or simply want to live in a country where Islamic values are respected, this comprehensive guide compares the top Muslim countries for expats, families, and retirees.
Quick Comparison: Top Muslim Countries to Live In
| Country | Overall Score | Cost of Living | Safety | Halal Access | English | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malaysia | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$ | High | Excellent | Good | Families, retirees |
| UAE | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$$$ | Very High | Excellent | Excellent | Professionals, luxury |
| Turkey | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$ | Medium-High | Excellent | Limited | Culture, history |
| Indonesia | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $ | Medium | Excellent | Limited | Budget, tropical |
| Qatar | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$$$ | Very High | Excellent | Good | High earners |
| Jordan | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$ | High | Excellent | Good | History, stability |
| Oman | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$$ | Very High | Excellent | Good | Peace, nature |
| Bahrain | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$$ | High | Excellent | Good | Finance, lifestyle |
Cost Key: $ = Under $1,000/month | $$ = $1,000-2,000 | $$$ = $2,000-4,000 | $$$$ = $4,000+
1. Malaysia - Best Overall Muslim Country to Live In
Why Malaysia tops the list: Malaysia consistently ranks as the best Muslim country for expats due to its unique combination of modern infrastructure, affordability, safety, and Muslim-friendly environment.
Pros
- 100% halal accessible - Halal food everywhere, JAKIM certification widely trusted
- Affordable cost of living - Quality life on $1,500-2,500/month
- English widely spoken - Easy communication for expats
- Modern infrastructure - Excellent healthcare, transport, internet
- MM2H visa program - Long-term residency pathway
- Multicultural society - Diverse, tolerant, welcoming
- Low crime rate - Safe for families
- Tropical climate - Year-round warm weather
- Strategic location - Easy travel across Asia
Cons
- Humid climate not for everyone
- Limited career opportunities in some sectors
- Bureaucracy can be slow
Cost of Living in Malaysia
| Expense | Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Rent (2-bed apartment, city) | $500-900 |
| Rent (2-bed apartment, suburbs) | $300-500 |
| Utilities | $50-100 |
| Groceries | $200-300 |
| Transportation | $50-150 |
| Healthcare | $50-100 |
| Total (comfortable living) | $1,200-2,000 |
Best Cities in Malaysia
- Kuala Lumpur - Capital, most job opportunities, diverse
- Penang - Island living, food paradise, expat favorite
- Johor Bahru - Near Singapore, affordable, growing
- Kota Kinabalu - Nature, beaches, relaxed lifestyle
Ideal For
- Families with children
- Retirees seeking affordable quality life
- Remote workers and digital nomads
- Muslims seeking halal lifestyle with modern amenities
2. United Arab Emirates (Dubai/Abu Dhabi) - Best for Careers & Luxury
Why UAE ranks high: The UAE offers unmatched career opportunities, tax-free income, world-class infrastructure, and an extremely safe environment. It’s the top choice for professionals seeking high earning potential.
Pros
- Tax-free income - Keep 100% of your salary
- World-class infrastructure - Best in the region
- Extremely safe - Among lowest crime rates globally
- Excellent healthcare - Top hospitals and specialists
- 100% halal - All food meets Islamic standards
- International schools - British, American, IB curricula
- Diverse expat community - 200+ nationalities
- Travel hub - Easy access worldwide
Cons
- Very high cost of living
- Extreme summer heat (40°C+)
- Limited citizenship pathway
- Conservative social norms
Cost of Living in UAE
| Expense | Dubai (USD) | Abu Dhabi (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (2-bed apartment) | $2,000-3,500 | $1,500-2,500 |
| Utilities | $150-300 | $150-250 |
| Groceries | $400-600 | $350-500 |
| Transportation | $200-400 | $150-300 |
| School fees (annual) | $10,000-25,000 | $8,000-20,000 |
| Total (comfortable) | $4,000-6,000 | $3,000-5,000 |
Ideal For
- Professionals in finance, tech, healthcare
- Families seeking premium education
- High earners wanting tax-free savings
- Those prioritizing safety and infrastructure
3. Turkey - Best for Culture & History
Why Turkey appeals: Turkey offers a unique blend of East and West, rich history, beautiful landscapes, affordable living, and a straightforward residency process. Istanbul is one of the world’s most fascinating cities.
Pros
- Rich culture and history - Byzantine, Ottoman heritage
- Affordable quality life - Especially outside Istanbul
- Beautiful landscapes - Beaches, mountains, ancient sites
- Halal food widespread - Muslim-majority country
- Easy residency - Straightforward visa process
- Growing economy - Opportunities in various sectors
- Healthcare tourism - Quality, affordable medical care
- Four seasons - Diverse climate options
Cons
- Currency volatility (Turkish lira)
- Limited English outside tourist areas
- Political uncertainties
- Istanbul traffic and congestion
Cost of Living in Turkey
| Expense | Istanbul (USD) | Antalya (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (2-bed apartment) | $500-1,000 | $300-600 |
| Utilities | $100-150 | $80-120 |
| Groceries | $250-400 | $200-300 |
| Transportation | $50-100 | $30-60 |
| Total (comfortable) | $1,200-2,000 | $800-1,400 |
Best Cities in Turkey
- Istanbul - Megacity, culture, business hub
- Antalya - Mediterranean coast, resort living
- Ankara - Capital, government jobs, affordable
- Izmir - Coastal, European feel, growing
Ideal For
- History and culture enthusiasts
- Entrepreneurs and small business owners
- Retirees seeking European-adjacent living
- Families wanting affordable Muslim environment
4. Indonesia - Best Budget Muslim Country
Why Indonesia appeals: The world’s largest Muslim country offers incredibly affordable tropical living, friendly people, and stunning natural beauty. Bali and Jakarta attract different types of expats.
Pros
- Very affordable - Quality life under $1,000/month possible
- Tropical paradise - Beaches, islands, nature
- Friendly people - Welcoming culture
- Huge halal market - MUI certification
- Growing economy - Emerging market opportunities
- Digital nomad friendly - New visa programs
- Diverse landscapes - From beaches to volcanoes
Cons
- Infrastructure varies widely
- Limited English outside cities
- Bureaucracy challenges
- Jakarta traffic notorious
Cost of Living in Indonesia
| Expense | Jakarta (USD) | Bali (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (2-bed apartment) | $400-800 | $500-1,200 |
| Utilities | $50-100 | $50-80 |
| Groceries | $150-250 | $200-350 |
| Transportation | $50-100 | $100-200 |
| Total (comfortable) | $800-1,500 | $1,000-2,000 |
Ideal For
- Budget-conscious expats
- Digital nomads and remote workers
- Retirees seeking tropical lifestyle
- Adventure seekers
5. Qatar - Best for High Earners
Why Qatar ranks high: Qatar offers some of the highest salaries in the world, excellent infrastructure, and a rapidly modernizing society. Post-World Cup, the country has improved significantly.
Pros
- Highest salaries - Often with housing allowance
- Tax-free income - Like UAE
- World-class infrastructure - New metro, stadiums
- Very safe - Extremely low crime
- 100% halal - All food Islamic-compliant
- Modern healthcare - Excellent facilities
- Small country - Everything accessible
Cons
- Very high cost of living
- Small country, limited variety
- Extreme summer heat
- Conservative social environment
Cost of Living in Qatar
| Expense | Doha (USD) |
|---|---|
| Rent (2-bed apartment) | $1,500-3,000 |
| Utilities | $150-250 |
| Groceries | $400-600 |
| Transportation | $100-200 |
| Total (comfortable) | $3,000-5,000 |
Ideal For
- Professionals in energy, finance, sports
- High earners wanting maximum savings
- Those seeking ultra-safe environment
6. Jordan - Best for Stability & History
Why Jordan appeals: Jordan offers remarkable stability in a turbulent region, rich biblical and Islamic history, welcoming people, and reasonable costs. Amman is surprisingly cosmopolitan.
Pros
- Regional stability - Safe haven in Middle East
- Rich history - Petra, Dead Sea, biblical sites
- Welcoming people - Known for hospitality
- Good English - Widely spoken
- Reasonable costs - Moderate living expenses
- Quality healthcare - Medical tourism destination
- Royal family respected - Stable governance
Cons
- Limited water resources
- Hot summers
- Limited public transport
- Smaller job market
Cost of Living in Jordan
| Expense | Amman (USD) |
|---|---|
| Rent (2-bed apartment) | $500-900 |
| Utilities | $100-150 |
| Groceries | $250-350 |
| Transportation | $100-150 |
| Total (comfortable) | $1,200-1,800 |
Ideal For
- NGO and humanitarian workers
- History enthusiasts
- Those seeking regional stability
- Families wanting moderate Muslim environment
7. Oman - Best for Peace & Nature
Why Oman appeals: Oman is the most peaceful Gulf state with stunning natural beauty, genuine hospitality, and a more relaxed atmosphere than neighboring UAE or Saudi Arabia.
Pros
- Very peaceful - Calm, low-key atmosphere
- Stunning nature - Mountains, wadis, beaches, deserts
- Genuine hospitality - Omani friendliness renowned
- Safe - Very low crime
- Less crowded - Not over-developed
- 100% halal - Islamic country
- Moderate costs - Cheaper than UAE/Qatar
Cons
- Limited job market
- Summer heat intense
- Less international than UAE
- Slower pace may not suit everyone
Cost of Living in Oman
| Expense | Muscat (USD) |
|---|---|
| Rent (2-bed apartment) | $800-1,500 |
| Utilities | $100-200 |
| Groceries | $300-450 |
| Transportation | $150-250 |
| Total (comfortable) | $1,800-3,000 |
Ideal For
- Nature lovers
- Those seeking quieter Gulf life
- Families wanting traditional values
- Outdoor enthusiasts
8. Other Notable Muslim Countries
Saudi Arabia
- Pros: High salaries, Mecca/Medina access, tax-free, improving entertainment options
- Cons: Conservative society, extreme heat, limited activities (though improving)
- Best for: Religious Muslims, high earners, professionals in oil/gas
Egypt
- Pros: Very affordable, rich history, warm people, halal food widespread
- Cons: Infrastructure challenges, traffic, bureaucracy
- Best for: Budget living, history lovers, Arabic learners
Morocco
- Pros: European proximity, diverse landscapes, affordable, fascinating culture
- Cons: Language barrier (French/Arabic), limited English
- Best for: Retirees, culture enthusiasts, those seeking European access
Pakistan
- Pros: Extremely affordable, stunning northern areas, hospitable people
- Cons: Infrastructure issues, security concerns in some areas, power outages
- Best for: Budget travelers, adventure seekers, those with family connections
Bangladesh
- Pros: Very affordable, growing economy, friendly people
- Cons: Overcrowding, infrastructure, climate challenges
- Best for: Those with business interests, NGO workers
Comparison by Category
Best for Families
- Malaysia - Safe, affordable, good schools, family culture
- UAE - Excellent schools, ultra-safe, family entertainment
- Turkey - Affordable, good healthcare, family values
Best for Retirees
- Malaysia - MM2H visa, affordable healthcare, English-speaking
- Turkey - Affordable, beautiful, residency options
- Indonesia - Very affordable tropical living
Best for Career Growth
- UAE - Highest salaries, tax-free, multinational companies
- Qatar - Top salaries, especially energy sector
- Saudi Arabia - High pay, improving lifestyle options
Most Affordable
- Indonesia - Under $1,000/month possible
- Egypt - Very low costs
- Pakistan - Extremely affordable
Safest
- UAE - Near-zero crime
- Qatar - Extremely safe
- Oman - Very peaceful
Best Infrastructure
- UAE - World-class everything
- Qatar - Rapidly modernized
- Malaysia - Excellent for the cost
How to Choose the Right Muslim Country
Consider These Factors
- Budget - What can you afford monthly?
- Career - Where are jobs in your field?
- Family - Schools, safety, activities for children?
- Language - Can you manage without local language?
- Climate - Hot, tropical, or moderate?
- Culture - Conservative or liberal Islamic environment?
- Visa - Can you get residency easily?
- Healthcare - Quality and affordability?
Decision Framework
| If You Want… | Consider… |
|---|---|
| Best balance overall | Malaysia |
| Maximum earnings | UAE, Qatar |
| Lowest costs | Indonesia, Egypt |
| European proximity | Turkey, Morocco |
| Historical/cultural richness | Turkey, Jordan, Egypt |
| Ultimate safety | UAE, Qatar, Oman |
| Tropical lifestyle | Malaysia, Indonesia |
| Traditional Islamic environment | Saudi Arabia, Pakistan |
Practical Tips for Moving
- Visit first - Spend 2-4 weeks before committing
- Research visas - Understand residency requirements
- Connect with expats - Join Facebook groups, forums
- Consider healthcare - Check insurance options
- Learn basics - Even minimal local language helps
- Start with rental - Don’t buy property immediately
- Keep home connections - Bank accounts, documents
- Be patient - Adjustment takes 6-12 months
Summary
The best Muslim country to live in depends on your priorities:
- Overall best: Malaysia - unbeatable value with modern amenities
- Best for earning: UAE - tax-free high salaries
- Best for culture: Turkey - East meets West
- Best for budget: Indonesia - tropical living under $1,000
- Best for safety: UAE/Qatar - near-zero crime
- Best for families: Malaysia or UAE - schools, safety, activities
Each country offers unique advantages. Visit your top choices, connect with expats, and make an informed decision based on your specific circumstances.
For more information on individual countries, explore our guides: