Irbid, Jordan

Capital City

With a population of around 1,911,600, Irbid is Jordan's second-largest metropolitan area, but it's the third-largest city after Amman and Zarqa. This northern hub may offer a more affordable cost of living than the capital, yet bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the region's hot summers and cool, wet winters can be a shock. While Irbid is home to numerous universities and a budding cultural scene, it's primarily a practical, working-class city - one best suited for those seeking an urban center with more breathing room than Amman.