Jordan
Avg. Rent (1BR)
$344.58
-80% vs US Avg
Safety Index
60
COL Index
37.2
There's no formal retirement visa program in Jordan, which means you'll be renewing a short-term residence permit annually through a sponsor—typically a local business, property ownership, or a Jordanian family member—and navigating Arabic-language bureaucracy that changes rules without much notice. The cost of living in Amman runs about $1,500 to $2,500 monthly for a single person in a decent neighborhood, factoring in rent for a two-bedroom apartment ($600-$900), utilities, food, and transportation, though you can shave that down outside the capital. Healthcare is surprisingly competent in private hospitals, with many doctors trained in the U.S. or Europe, but you'll pay out of pocket since Medicare doesn't apply and local insurance for expats can be pricey or difficult to obtain if you're over 65.
The bigger friction isn't money—it's that Jordan doesn't particularly want American retirees in the traditional sense. The visa system is designed for workers, investors, or people with family ties, not someone looking to quietly collect Social Security in a low-cost Middle Eastern city. You'll face restrictions on where you can live (some areas require security clearance for foreigners), banking can be a headache with suspicious-looking foreign deposits, and the summer heat in Amman pushes past 95°F regularly with spotty air conditioning in older buildings. Alcohol is legal and available, but expensive and socially awkward outside expat circles or tourist hotels. This is a country for someone who already has business connections in the region, speaks some Arabic, or has a specific reason to be in the Middle East—not someone just shopping for cheap rent and decent weather.
Recommended Destinations in Jordan
Best for Retirees
Best for Geoarbitrage
Best for Remote Workers
- Capital
- Amman
- Official Language
- Arabic
- Time Zone
- UTC+03:00
- Region
- Asia
- Healthcare Index
- 65.2
- Internet Speed
- 47.93 Mbps
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🏙️ Top Cities in Jordan
Explore cost of living, walkability scores, and expat ratings for individual cities in Jordan.
CoL Index: 48
Est. Total: ~$1,250/mo
CoL Index: 43
Est. Total: ~$1,030/mo
CoL Index: 39
Est. Total: ~$760/mo
CoL Index: 39
Est. Total: ~$780/mo
CoL Index: 37
Est. Total: ~$791/mo
CoL Index: 37
Est. Total: ~$881/mo
CoL Index: 42
Est. Total: ~$870/mo
CoL Index: 37
Est. Total: ~$820/mo
CoL Index: 43
Est. Total: ~$990/mo
CoL Index: 37
Est. Total: ~$783/mo
CoL Index: 37
Est. Total: ~$797/mo
CoL Index: 43
Est. Total: ~$1,030/mo
CoL Index: 39
Est. Total: ~$1,150/mo
CoL Index: 37
Est. Total: ~$1,014/mo
CoL Index: 37
Est. Total: ~$783/mo
CoL Index: 37
Est. Total: ~$1,014/mo
CoL Index: 37
Est. Total: ~$895/mo
CoL Index: 37
Est. Total: ~$952/mo
CoL Index: 37
Est. Total: ~$1,014/mo
CoL Index: 37
Est. Total: ~$1,014/mo
How far does $2,500 go in Jordan?
With a monthly budget of $2,500, you can live comfortably in Jordan. After accounting for an average rent of $344.58, you have approximately $2,155.42 remaining for daily expenses.
Calculate your FIRE timeline with these costs →💰 Cost of Living in Jordan
Relative to New York City (NYC = 100). A lower number means it's cheaper.
Relative to New York City (NYC = 100). A lower number means rent is cheaper.
Relative to New York City (NYC = 100). A lower number means groceries are cheaper.
Relative to New York City (NYC = 100). A lower number means eating out is cheaper.
Cost Comparison Notes:
Summary of cost of living in Jordan: The estimated monthly costs for a family of four are $2,391.3 (1,695.4JOD), excluding rent. The estimated monthly costs for a single person are $669.7 (474.8JOD), excluding rent. Cost of living in Jordan is, on average, 16.4% higher than in Colombia. Rent in Jordan is, on average, 31.5% lower than in Colombia.
Can I afford to live in Jordan?
Jordan
You could save
1,986/mo
Monthly Costs
Attractiveness Scores
Based on national averages. City-level costs may vary. Browse cities in Jordan →
⚕️ Healthcare System
An estimation of the overall quality of the health care system. Higher is better.
Quality & Affordability:
Jordan is a regional leader in medical services, with healthcare accounting for 9% of its GDP. The country has a mix of public and private hospitals, with a significant portion being private.
Insurance Insights:
Both public and private health insurance options are available, with private insurance often used for higher-quality services.
🛂 Visa & Residency Pathways
General Overview
Process & Requirements:
Jordan's long-term residency system is 'complex' and not designed for easy access. Most expats reside in Jordan on a temporary basis linked to employment. Obtaining a work permit requires sponsorship from a Jordanian company, and the process can be bureaucratic. For those not working, it is possible to obtain temporary residency by demonstrating substantial financial means (e.g., through a large bank deposit), but this is not a well-publicized or standard program and is often handled on a case-by-case basis. There is no formal retirement or digital nomad visa.
Many foreigners stay on long-term tourist visas that require exiting and re-entering the country periodically. The lack of clear, accessible pathways for independent residents results in a low score. The process is managed by the Ministry of Interior.
Residency & Citizenship Notes:
There is no standard pathway to permanent residency in Jordan. The five-year residence permit is the closest equivalent. The pathway to citizenship is 'difficult' and extremely rare for foreigners. The law requires a total of 15 years of legal residence for most Arab nationals and longer for others. The applicant must be of good conduct, have a legal source of income, and not be mentally impaired. The granting of citizenship is highly discretionary. Critically, an applicant must renounce their previous citizenship, as dual nationality is generally not permitted for naturalized citizens. This makes the path to citizenship a near impossibility for most.
Detailed Visa Options
🛡️ Safety & Stability
An estimation of overall safety level. Higher is better.
An estimation of the overall level of crime. Lower is better.
Reflects perceptions of political stability. Higher is better.
Safety Notes:
Crime Rate: Low. Jordan is generally safe, with low levels of crime.
Types of Crime: Petty theft and burglary, especially in urban areas.
Kidnapping Risk: Low; incidents are rare and typically not targeted at foreigners.
🏦 Taxation & Finance
Tax Treaties Notes:
No US-Jordan tax treaty. Jordan taxes residents on foreign income remitted.
Retiree Tax Benefits:
Retirees pay 5% tax on foreign pensions. Low property costs in areas like Amman.
Cost Savings vs. U.S.:
Moderate costs (e.g., $1,200/month for a couple). Healthcare quality varies.
☀️ Climate & Environment
Our proprietary index for drinking water quality and sanitation. Higher is better.
Seasonal Variations:
Jordan's climate ranges from Mediterranean in the west with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters, to arid desert conditions in the east and south. Rainfall varies significantly across regions, with the western highlands receiving more precipitation.
😊 Quality of Life
🌐 Infrastructure & Connectivity
Our proprietary ranking of public transit accessibility and reliability.
Internet Reliability:
Jordan offers decent internet infrastructure with improving speeds and reasonable reliability for the Middle East region.
Speed & Quality: Fixed broadband averages 45-50 Mbps with fiber expanding in cities. Orange, Zain, and Umniah provide competitive services.
Availability: Good in Amman and major cities, decent in smaller towns, limited in rural desert areas.
Cost: Moderate pricing at JD 20-40 monthly for decent speeds, competitive for the regional market.
Reliability for Remote Work: Generally reliable with good customer support. Strong mobile networks provide backup. Amman has growing tech and coworking scenes, becoming increasingly attractive for Middle Eastern remote workers.
Transportation Network:
Jordan has a well-developed transportation system with good road infrastructure and modern airports.
Roads: Excellent highway system including the Desert Highway connecting north to south Jordan.
Rail: Limited passenger rail service; the Hedjaz Railway operates one train daily.
Domestic Travel: Three international airports serve the country with good connections; buses and taxis provide domestic transport.
Frequently Asked Questions about Jordan
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