Aqaba (Aquaba, Al-'aqabah), Jordan🌊 Coastal
📊 Scores
Aqaba's economy centers on maritime trade, tourism, and port logistics. As Jordan's primary seaport, the city hosts significant shipping and trade operations, with major employers including the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority and international maritime companies. The tourism sector drives substantial economic activity, particularly marine-based industries like diving, resort management, and water sports tourism.
Living in Aqaba requires financial preparation, with relatively high costs due to its desert location. Monthly rent averages around $150, but imported goods and specialized services can be expensive. Public transportation is limited, so most expats rely on personal vehicles. Healthcare facilities are adequate but may require travel to larger cities for specialized treatments. Arabic is the primary language, though tourism-related businesses often have English-speaking staff.
The lifestyle in Aqaba revolves around marine activities and desert experiences. Expats enjoy world-class diving, Red Sea water sports, and proximity to stunning desert landscapes. The climate is extremely hot, with summer temperatures frequently exceeding 40°C, making air conditioning essential. The international expat community is small but tight-knit, centered around tourism, diving professionals, and economic zone workers.
🏚️ Cost of Living
💰 Budgets and Costs
Grocery Basket
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Utilities & Lifestyle
Housing
💰 Real Spend Reports
🛡️ Safety & Crime
(Higher is safer)
(Lower is safer)
Aqaba is genuinely one of the safer cities in the Middle East for expats, with a strong police presence and low violent crime rates. Petty theft and pickpocketing occur occasionally in crowded markets and tourist areas, but organized crime and street violence are rare. The main concerns are standard expat issues: avoid displaying wealth, use registered taxis, and stay aware in the port district after dark. As a resort town with significant tourism and foreign investment, Aqaba maintains good security. The broader Jordan-Israel border proximity is stable but worth monitoring; however, this rarely affects daily life. Overall, a solid choice for remote workers and retirees seeking a safe, affordable Mediterranean lifestyle.
🏥 Healthcare
🌤️ Climate
Best Months
Climate Notes
Aqaba offers a hot desert climate with scorching summers (May–September) exceeding 35°C and mild winters (December–February) around 15–20°C, with minimal rainfall year-round and low humidity due to its Red Sea location.
💻 Digital Nomad
Community Notes
| Name | Price/mo | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Work Space Aqaba | $150 | A popular local option in downtown Aqaba, Work Space Aqaba offers a friendly atmosphere and essential amenities like fast Wi-Fi and printing. It's a good choice for those seeking a community vibe and proximity to local shops and restaurants. |
| Regus Aqaba Gate Business Centre | $220 | Located in the Aqaba Gate area, this Regus provides a professional and reliable workspace with various office solutions. It's suitable for those who prefer a more corporate environment and need access to meeting rooms and administrative support. |
🧳 Expat Life
Could living/working in Aqaba (Aquaba, Al-'aqabah) cut years off your work life?
With a 1-bedroom in the center at $120/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.