🇯🇴 Jordan — Cost of Living Index Verified Market Data
Head-to-Head Comparison 🇯🇴 Amman vs 🇦🇪 Dubai

Amman vs Dubai Cost of Living Comparison (2026)

How does living in Amman compare to Dubai? You would need around JOD 2,028 in Dubai to maintain the same standard of life that JOD 388 provides in Amman (assuming you rent in both cities).

Verified Official & Market SourcesLast verified: October 2026
Rent: Housing & Rental Benchmarks Transit: Public Transit Tariffs Groceries: Supermarket Price Tracking Health: Healthcare Benchmarks
Cost of Living IndexNYC Base 100.0
51.4
Amman is ~48.6% more affordable than New York City.
Single (Excl. Rent):JOD 224/mo
1-Bed City Centre Rent:JOD 163.55/mo
Family of 4 (Excl. Rent):JOD 614/mo
Single Total (Inc. Rent):JOD 388/mo
Executive Summary & Key Takeaways 2026 Household Budget Models

Summary: What is the Monthly Cost of Living in Amman?

Living expenses in Amman (Jordan) reflect current local price levels across housing, groceries, transit, and amenities. The table below outlines canonical monthly budgets across different household setups.

Single (No Rent)
JOD 224
Groceries, bills, transit, leisure
Single (1-Bed Centre)
JOD 388
Complete solo city living
Family of 4 (No Rent)
JOD 614
2 Adults + 2 Kids baseline
Family (3-Bed Centre)
JOD 908
Family accommodation & living
Data Governance & Methodology: Operating figures are aggregated and verified from official government statistics agencies, regional transport tariffs, utility provider rates, and verified local consumer submissions.
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Compare Amman with Another CityCompare rent, groceries, restaurants, and salaries side-by-side

Amman Cost of Living & Salary Calculator

Estimate your net take-home salary after Jordan progressive income taxes, housing expenses, and monthly savings.

Real-time 2026 Engine
JOD
Presets:

Monthly Calculation

MonthlyWeekly
Estimated Net Income
JOD 735JOD 170
Total Expenses
JOD 388JOD 90.00
Net Disposable Savings
JOD 347JOD 80.00
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Detailed Monthly Budget Breakdown

Comfortable Budget
Calculated for: Amman (October 2026 Verified Data)

Based on your income parameters, your estimated living expenses in Amman total JOD 388 per month:

Category (Click to jump ↓)YearlyMonthlyWeekly
Net Take-Home PayJOD 8,820JOD 735JOD 170
Total Living Expenses (78%)JOD 4,656JOD 388JOD 90.00
➔Housing / RentJOD 1,962.60JOD 163.55JOD 38.00
➔Groceries & FoodJOD 764.88JOD 63.74JOD 15.00
➔Utilities & BroadbandJOD 984JOD 82.00JOD 19.00
➔Public Transit / CommuteJOD 253.92JOD 21.16JOD 5.00
➔Dining, Health & LeisureJOD 492JOD 41.00JOD 9.00
➔Clothing & ShoesJOD 192JOD 16.00JOD 4.00
➔Childcare & EducationJOD 0.00JOD 0.00JOD 0.00
Net Savings / Buffer (22%)JOD 4,164JOD 347JOD 80.00

How Much Salary Do You Need to Live in Amman?

Direct Answer: A single person needs a minimum net salary of JOD 485/month (approx. JOD 8,000 gross/year) to live comfortably in a private 1-bedroom apartment in Amman, covering all utilities, groceries, transit, and modest savings. Flatsharing or living outside the centre lowers the requirement to ~JOD 475/month net.
Household Setup & HousingRecommended Net MonthlyEstimated Total ExpensesApprox. Gross Salary / Year
University Student (Shared / Dorm)Shared room, local student transit pass, self-catered groceriesJOD 220JOD 184JOD 3,000
Single (Shared Flat / Co-living)Private bedroom in shared apartment / flatshareJOD 388JOD 310JOD 6,000
Single (1-Bed Outside Centre)Suburban residential district, standard commuting distanceJOD 475JOD 380JOD 8,000
Single (1-Bed City Centre)Prime downtown district, walk-to-work or rapid transitJOD 485JOD 388JOD 8,000
Couple (2 Adults, 1–2 Bed Flat)Dual income or single earner, shared living costsJOD 752JOD 602JOD 13,000
Family of Four (2 Adults + 2 Children)3-bedroom family home, schooling, family groceriesJOD 1,135JOD 908JOD 21,000

Is a Specific Salary Enough to Live in Amman?

Click on any annual gross salary benchmark below to inspect take-home pay under progressive taxation and lifestyle suitability in Amman:

Is JOD 12.6k a Good Salary in Amman?

High purchasing power in Amman (~JOD 756/mo net). Easily supports prime residential accommodation, comprehensive private health coverage, travel, and substantial savings.

Estimated Monthly Net: JOD 756
Single Essentials Total: JOD 388
Monthly Surplus: JOD 368
Affordability Rating
Upper Professional / High Savings
Provides ample financial buffer for rent, dining out, and regular savings in Amman.
Annual Gross BenchmarkTake-Home / Mo (Net)Lifestyle RatingHousing ModeTarget Household Profile
JOD 5,321JOD 364Tight for Solo / Ideal for SharedShared Flat / SuburbsStudent / Junior Entry
JOD 8,647JOD 519Manageable Entry BudgetSuburban 1-Bed ApartmentEarly Career Solo
JOD 12,600JOD 756Upper Professional / High SavingsPrime 2-Bed ApartmentSenior Specialist / Couple
JOD 18,000JOD 900Upper Professional / High SavingsPrime 2-Bed ApartmentSenior Specialist / Couple
JOD 25,300JOD 1,265Established Family Tier3-Bed Family Home / VillaFamily of 3–4
JOD 36,600JOD 1,830Senior Executive LeadershipLuxury Home / Prime PenthouseExecutive / Director
Head-to-Head Comparison 2026 Verified Cost Benchmarks

Amman vs Dubai Cost of Living Comparison

Executive Comparison Summary:

You would need around JOD 2,028 in Dubai to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with JOD 388 in Amman (assuming you rent in both cities).

Cost of living in Amman is 21.9% cheaper than Dubai Rent in Amman is 88.3% lower Groceries in Amman are 73% cheaper
Cost Index (NYC Base)
51.4 vs 65.8
21.9% Cheaper
1-Bed City Centre Rent
JOD 163.55
Dubai: JOD 1,392.92
88.3% Cheaper
Monthly Groceries
JOD 63.74
Dubai: JOD 236.02
73% Cheaper
Average Net Salary
JOD 1,562
Dubai: JOD 3,520.98
55.6% Lower
Category / Expense ItemAmmanDubaiDifference
Housing & Rent
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Centre)JOD 163.55JOD 1,392.92 -88.3%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside of Centre)JOD 156.20JOD 889.92 -82.4%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Centre)JOD 294JOD 2,805.18 -89.5%
Groceries & Food
Monthly Grocery Basket (Basic Essentials)JOD 63.74JOD 236.02 -73%
Restaurants & Dining Out
Meal at an Inexpensive RestaurantJOD 2.40JOD 6.77 -64.5%
Meal for 2 People (Mid-Range Restaurant, 3 Courses)JOD 12.24JOD 34.82 -64.8%
Transportation & Utilities
Monthly Public Transit PassJOD 21.16JOD 67.71 -68.7%
Basic Utilities (Gas, Water, Electricity, Heating - 85m²)JOD 52.66JOD 150.90 -65.1%
Childcare & Apparel
Preschool / Kindergarten (Monthly Full Day)JOD 140.15JOD 599.73 -76.6%
1 Pair of Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar)JOD 16.35JOD 44.50 -63.3%
Salaries & Purchasing Power
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)JOD 1,562JOD 3,520.98 -55.6%

Itemized Cost of Living in Amman (Verified Prices)

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Accommodation & Rent in Amman

Housing & Rental Benchmark
Average 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: JOD 163.55/month. Suburban 1-bedroom apartments average JOD 156.20/month.

Standard residential leases in Amman typically require a 1 to 2 month refundable security deposit. Rental rates vary significantly between prime central districts and residential suburban areas.

Housing TypeAverage Monthly Rent
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Centre / Prime)JOD 294
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburban / Outside Centre)JOD 250
2-Bedroom ApartmentJOD 221
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Centre)JOD 163.55
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Centre)JOD 156.20
Shared Room / Student Room (Co-housing)JOD 86.00
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Food & Supermarket

Local Supermarkets
Monthly single grocery bill: JOD 63.74
ItemAverage Price
Loaf of Fresh Bread (500g)JOD 0.73
12 Medium/Large EggsJOD 0.75
1 Liter Fresh MilkJOD 0.21
1 kg White RiceJOD 0.86
1 kg Local CheeseJOD 2.42
1 kg Chicken FilletsJOD 2.34
1 kg ApplesJOD 0.91
1.5L Mineral WaterJOD 0.41
Domestic Beer (0.5L / Bottle)JOD 0.44
Bottle of Mid-Range WineJOD 2.88
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Public Transit & Travel

Amman Transit
Monthly transit pass: JOD 21.16
Ticket / OptionPrice
Monthly Public Transit Pass (Unlimited)JOD 21.16
Student / Youth Monthly PassJOD 10.58 / mo
Single Transit Ticket (One-way)JOD 0.64
10-Journey / Multi-Trip CardJOD 5.76
Taxi Starting TariffJOD 0.72
Taxi 1km TariffJOD 0.38
Gasoline (1 Liter Unleaded)JOD 0.26
City Bike Share MembershipJOD 5.29 / mo
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Utilities & Telecoms

Local Utilities
Total utilities & web: JOD 82.00
Utility ServiceMonthly Cost
Basic Utilities (Gas/Heating/Water/Electricity - 85m²)JOD 52.66
Fiber Internet (100+ Mbps Unlimited)JOD 16.45
Mobile Plan (20GB 5G / Unlimited Calls)JOD 12.84
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Dining Out & Leisure

Market Averages
Inexpensive meal / Lunch: JOD 2.40
Activity / ItemAverage Price
Meal at an Inexpensive RestaurantJOD 2.40
Meal for 2 People (Mid-Range Restaurant, 3 Courses)JOD 12.24
McDonald's Combo Meal (or Fast-Food Meal)JOD 1.48
Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter Draught)JOD 1.04
Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle)JOD 2.16
Cappuccino (Regular Size)JOD 0.81
Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33L Bottle)JOD 0.36
Bottled Water (0.33 Liter Restaurant)JOD 0.12
Monthly Fitness Club / Gym (1 Adult)JOD 9.20
Cinema Ticket (International Release, 1 Seat)JOD 2.62
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)JOD 3.88
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Childcare & Education

School Benchmarks
Preschool / Kindergarten: JOD 140.15 / mo
Level / ProgramAverage Cost
Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten (Monthly per Child)JOD 140.15
International Primary School (Annual Tuition per Child)JOD 2,646.15 / yr
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Clothing & Shoes

Retail Benchmarks
Jeans / Running Shoes: JOD 16.35
Apparel ItemAverage Price
1 Pair of Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar)JOD 16.35
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, etc.)JOD 12.04
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)JOD 26.94
1 Pair of Men's Leather Business ShoesJOD 33.19
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Salaries & Financing

Financial Benchmarks
AVERAGE MONTHLY NET SALARY
JOD 1,562
Take-home pay after taxes and social security contributions
20-YEAR MORTGAGE INTEREST RATE
4.50%
Annual fixed interest rate for home loans
Financial Indicator / Property TypeBenchmark Value
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)JOD 1,562 / mo
Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed)4.50%
Price per Sq Metre / Sq Ft to Buy Apartment in City CentreJOD 572.43
Price per Sq Metre / Sq Ft to Buy Apartment Outside of CentreJOD 499.84
Tax & Net Pay Engine 2026 Fiscal Rates

Jordan Take-Home Salary Calculator

Calculate your estimated take-home pay after Jordan progressive income taxes, social security, and deductions:

Estimated City Net Benchmark:JOD 1,562 / mo
Single Person Living Baseline (Inc. Rent):JOD 388 / mo
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Student Cost of Living in Amman

Key living considerations for students and academics residing in Amman (Jordan).

  • Monthly Budget: JOD 184 – JOD 220/month (shared room / student dorm baseline).
  • Student Room / Partition: JOD 86.00/month on average.
  • Public Transit: JOD 10.58/month .
  • Food & Groceries: ~JOD 54.00/month with student cooking.
  • Shared Utilities & Wi-Fi: ~JOD 33.00/month (pro-rated per student).
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Childcare & Education in Amman

Educational institutions and childcare availability across Amman.

  • Preschool / Kindergarten: Full-day private nurseries average JOD 140.15/month.
  • International Primary School: British, American, and IB curriculum schools average JOD 2,646.15/year.
  • School Structure: Public and private institutions subject to local educational standards.
  • Family Apartment (3-Bed): Average rent JOD 294/month in central residential areas.
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Jordan Healthcare & Medical Access

Medical care, statutory health coverage, and private insurance norms in Amman.

  • Doctor (GP) Visit: Standard consultation typically ~JOD 4.00.
  • Health Insurance Mandate: Expat policies range ~JOD 16.00 to JOD 35.00/month.
  • Prescription Medicine: Essential pharmaceuticals covered with 10%–20% copay under standard networks.
  • Hospital Network: World-class medical centers including Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), and Burjeel.
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Relocation Setup & Living Tips in Amman

Upfront relocation costs and essential initial budgeting items:

  • Rental Deposit & Cheques: Typically 1 to 2 months of base rent (approx. JOD 245).
  • Registration & Agency Fees: Fast broadband ~JOD 16.45/month.
  • Utility Connection (ADDC): Unlimited voice + 20GB+ data ~JOD 12.84/month.
  • Initial Household Setup: Budget ~JOD 82.00 for furnishing basics and appliances.
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Expert Money-Saving Tips in Amman

1. Smart Supermarket Tiering Shop at local discount grocery chains and weekly open-air neighborhood produce markets for savings of 20–35% on fresh foods.
2. Monthly Transit Passes Opt for monthly or annual contactless public transportation passes over single pay-as-you-go tickets for maximum daily commuting value.
3. Energy Efficiency Monitor heating and air conditioning usage during seasonal extremes to keep residential utility charges predictable.

Frequently Asked Questions about Living in Amman

The estimated monthly cost of living in Amman for a single individual is approximately JOD 388 including a private 1-bedroom city centre apartment, groceries, utilities, high-speed internet, and local public transit. Excluding rent, baseline monthly living costs are approximately JOD 224.

To live comfortably as a single person in Amman with private accommodation, regular dining out, leisure activities, and savings, a recommended net monthly income of at least JOD 485 to JOD 582 is recommended.

Average rent in Amman varies by location and unit size:
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment (City Centre): JOD 163.55/mo
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Centre): JOD 156.20/mo
  • Shared Room / Flatshare: JOD 86.00/mo
  • 3-Bedroom Family Apartment (City Centre): JOD 294/mo
  • 3-Bedroom Family Apartment (Outside Centre): JOD 250/mo

Public transportation in Amman is accessible and economical. A regular monthly transit pass averages JOD 21.16, while single one-way tickets cost around JOD 0.64.

Monthly grocery costs in Amman average between JOD 63.74 for a single adult and approximately JOD 178 for a family of four. Shopping at local supermarkets and neighborhood markets helps optimize your budget.

The primary monthly expenses are housing and rent (typically 35%–45% of total budget), groceries (18%–25%), basic utilities and broadband (8%–12%), transport (5%–8%), and dining & leisure activities (10%–15%).

Methodology, Sources & Editorial Verification

Cost of living benchmarks for Amman are compiled using official regulatory schedules, statutory municipal fees, public transit tariffs, and verified local expat expenditure surveys.

Data aggregated from municipal utilities, official transit operators, statistical agencies, and verified user submissions.

Reviewed by: Relocation & Expat Economics Editorial Team
Last Recalibrated: October 2026
Update Cycle: Monthly dynamic sampling

2026 Audit Changelog

  • October 2026: Aligned Abu Dhabi municipality housing fee to statutory 3% ADDC rate (Resolution 13/2016). Removed single-person childcare default in calculator. Updated ITC Hafilat AED 80 pass & ADDC Green Slab cooling advice.
  • September 2026: Standardized GCC cost-of-living index baseline (Abu Dhabi 58.2 vs Dubai 65.8). Integrated UAE Labour Law No. 33 of 2021 gratuity (EOSG) formulas.
  • June 2026: Added 9-area neighbourhood rental breakdown (Al Reem, Saadiyat, Yas, Khalifa City, Masdar, MBZ, Al Raha, Corniche, Mussafah).