Cost of Living in Jordan: Rent, Housing & Income

Jordan is a mid-sized country in the Levant with a population concentrated in Amman and the northwest. Amman, the capital, is built across hills, and neighborhoods on the western side have a different price level from those in the east. Aqaba on the Red Sea, Irbid in the north and smaller towns offer quieter, cheaper alternatives. The figures here are national, from Livingcost only, which compiles crowd-sourced reports in US dollars.

Because there is one source, treat the numbers as a single estimate and check them against local listings. The Jordanian dinar has been tied to the US dollar for many years, so the converted amounts are less likely to swing with exchange rates than those for most countries in this series.

The World Bank's price level ratio for Jordan was 42.3 in 2025, with the U.S. at 100. At market exchange rates, the same basket of goods and services cost about 42% of its U.S. price.

GDP per capita, adjusted for purchasing power, was 12,632 international dollars in 2025 (U.S.: 90,027 international dollars in 2025). Consumer prices rose 1.8% in 2025 (U.S.: 2.9% in 2024).

Livingcost lists $933/mo for one person including rent and $588/mo excluding it. For a family of four, it lists $2,298/mo including rent.

A one bedroom apartment in a city centre is listed at $322/mo, and a cheaper one bedroom at $216/mo. A three bedroom apartment in the centre is listed at $606/mo, and a cheaper three bedroom at $394/mo.

In both sizes the cheaper listing costs roughly a third less than the central one. That is a useful rule of thumb for what moving to a less central or older building can save.

Amman neighborhoods

West Amman has newer buildings, embassies, malls and international schools, and it carries the highest rents. East Amman is older, denser and cheaper, with more local shops and markets. Many foreign residents choose neighborhoods such as Abdoun, Sweifieh or Jabal Amman, depending on their budget and whether they want walking access to cafes. Hills matter: a steep street changes how easy it is to walk and how cold the building feels in winter.

Rentals are advertised through property sites, agents and word of mouth. Ask for a written contract, and ask whether rent is paid monthly, quarterly or yearly, since arrangements vary. A local lawyer can review the lease.

Utilities for one person are listed at $78.70/mo. Winter heating is a likely reason, since Amman is high in elevation and can be cold, and many buildings use gas or diesel heaters. The monthly local transport ticket is listed at $39.40/mo, and internet is listed at $31.20/mo.

Public transport is limited compared with some cities, with buses and shared service taxis as the main options. Taxis and ride apps are widely used, and many residents with families own a car.

A lunch menu is listed at $6.42 each. A liter of milk shows $1.48 each and a dozen eggs show $2.40 each. Local bakeries, produce stalls and neighborhood shops cover daily needs, and falafel and hummus shops provide very cheap meals.

The non-rent estimate stays moderate. Housing in west Amman is the largest cost, and cars and imported goods raise it further. Tying your budget to the neighborhood you choose gives a more reliable plan than any country-wide average.

Jordan is one of the driest countries in the world, and water is managed carefully. Many buildings have rooftop tanks that fill on a schedule, so a flat can run low if the tank is small and the household large. Ask the landlord about water deliveries and the size of the tank, and whether there is a charge when the supply is topped up by truck.

Winters in Amman are cold, and snow arrives in some years. Poorly insulated apartments can be uncomfortable, and heating bills rise accordingly. Summers are hot and dry, with cooler evenings. Check a building's insulation, windows and heating type before choosing, and ask a previous tenant what the winter bills were.

Conditions in the region can change. Review current travel advisories and entry requirements published by your own government and by Jordanian authorities before planning a stay, and speak with a licensed advisor about residence and work rules.

• Health insurance and private hospital costs
• Visa and residence fees
• Car purchase, fuel and insurance
• International school tuition
• Taxes