Is it easy to find housing in Amman as an expat?

Yes — Amman has a well-supplied rental market, particularly in West Amman where most expats live. Online platforms like OpenSooq.com, AqarCircle, and Facebook groups (Amman Expats, Housing in Amman) are the best starting points. Many landlords and agents speak English. Budget 1–2 weeks for apartment hunting, and consider a short-term furnished rental while you search. The best deals come from direct landlord relationships rather than agencies.

Should I rent furnished or unfurnished?

Furnished apartments are widely available and ideal for expats who do not plan to stay more than 1–2 years. The premium is typically 20–40% over unfurnished. For longer stays, unfurnished offers better value — furniture can be purchased affordably from IKEA Amman, local shops, or second-hand through OpenSooq. Most furnished apartments include white goods, furniture, and basic kitchen equipment.

Are utilities expensive in Jordan?

Utilities are affordable. A typical apartment costs JOD 50–100/month ($71–$141) for electricity, water, and internet combined. Electricity is the largest component — Jordan lacks oil/gas subsidies, so rates are higher than Gulf countries but still reasonable. Water is metered and conservation is important due to Jordan's chronic water scarcity. Internet at JOD 20–40/month for fibre broadband is good value.

Can foreigners buy property in Jordan?

Yes, with approval from the Council of Ministers. The process takes 2–4 months and is typically granted for residential property. You cannot buy agricultural land, and there may be a one-property limit without special permission. Property prices in Amman are very affordable by regional standards — a 2-BR apartment in a good area costs JOD 50,000–150,000 ($70,500–$211,600). In Aqaba, ASEZ properties benefit from property tax exemptions.

Is Aqaba cheaper than Amman for housing?

Yes — Aqaba is typically 15–30% cheaper than Amman for equivalent housing. A 1-BR in Aqaba's city centre costs $250–$400/month vs. $350–$550 in Amman's mid-range areas. Even resort developments like Tala Bay and Ayla are affordable at $450–$600/month. The trade-off is a smaller, more limited city with fewer amenities and job opportunities.

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🇯🇴 Jordan

Housing

$600–$900/mo (JOD 425–640)

1-BR (Abdoun / Sweifieh)

Amman premium

$350–$550/mo (JOD 250–390)

1-BR (Jabal Amman)

Amman mid-range

$250–$400/mo (JOD 177–283)

1-BR (Aqaba centre)

Coastal living

$1,400–$2,500/mo (JOD 990–1,770)

3-BR Villa (Dabouq)

Amman luxury

1–2 months rent

Typical Deposit

Security deposit, refundable

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🏙️Amman 🏖️Aqaba

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Overview

Jordan's housing market is tenant-friendly with affordable rents by regional standards. Amman offers everything from luxury villas in Dabouq to budget apartments in downtown — and even the premium areas are a fraction of Gulf prices. Aqaba's growing resort developments provide beachfront living at remarkably low costs. Leases are typically annual, and furnished apartments are widely available for short-term stays.

Key Takeaways

Lease terms: typically 1 year; shorter terms available for furnished apartments at a premium
Abdoun: Amman's most prestigious — embassies, Taj Mall, fine dining, JOD 425–640/mo 1-BR ($600–$900)
Tala Bay: resort community, private beach, JOD 320–425/mo 1-BR ($450–$600) — families and professionals
Foreign ownership: permitted with Council of Ministers approval — typically granted for residential property
Electricity: Jordan Electric Power Company (JEPCO) in Amman — register at local office with contract and ID

How Jordan Renting Works

Jordan's rental market is straightforward and tenant-friendly. Leases are typically annual with quarterly or semi-annual payment. Unlike Gulf countries, employer-provided housing is not standard — so budgeting for rent is essential.

Lease terms: typically 1 year; shorter terms available for furnished apartments at a premium
Payment: usually quarterly or semi-annual in advance; monthly payment sometimes available for higher-end properties
Security deposit: 1–2 months' rent, refundable at end of tenancy minus damages
Agency fee: typically 1 month's rent (split between landlord and tenant) or direct from landlord
Rental law: Jordan's Landlord and Tenant Law protects tenants from arbitrary eviction and unreasonable rent increases
Utilities: typically paid separately by tenant — electricity (EDCO/JEPCO), water (WAJ), internet (Orange/Zain/Umniah)
Furnished apartments: widely available in Abdoun, Sweifieh, and near the university — 20–40% premium over unfurnished

Amman: Key Expat Neighbourhoods

Amman is divided between the wealthy, modern West and the more traditional, affordable East. Most expats live in West Amman, where international schools, restaurants, and embassies are concentrated.

Abdoun: Amman's most prestigious — embassies, Taj Mall, fine dining, JOD 425–640/mo 1-BR ($600–$900)
Jabal Amman: Rainbow Street, art galleries, cafés, historic charm, JOD 250–390/mo 1-BR ($350–$550)
Sweifieh: commercial buzz, malls, nightlife, diverse dining, JOD 350–500/mo 1-BR ($494–$706)
Dabouq: exclusive hilltop villas, quiet, near Royal Court, JOD 990–1,770/mo 3-BR villa ($1,400–$2,500)
Tlaa al-Ali / Khalda: residential, family-friendly, good schools, JOD 250–400/mo 1-BR ($353–$565)
Jabal al-Weibdeh: arts district, bohemian, budget-friendly, JOD 200–350/mo 1-BR ($282–$494)
Deir Ghbar: upmarket residential, quieter than Abdoun, JOD 350–550/mo 1-BR ($494–$776)

Aqaba: Coastal Housing Options

Aqaba's housing market is smaller but growing, with modern resort developments and affordable city-centre apartments. The ASEZ's investment in infrastructure is driving new construction.

Tala Bay: resort community, private beach, JOD 320–425/mo 1-BR ($450–$600) — families and professionals
Ayla Oasis: modern waterfront, golf course, marina, JOD 300–425/mo 1-BR ($423–$600) — young professionals
City Centre: authentic, affordable, JOD 177–283/mo 1-BR ($250–$400) — budget expats
South Beach area: dive centre proximity, quieter, JOD 200–350/mo 1-BR ($282–$494)
New developments: ASEZ investment driving modern apartment construction with competitive pricing
Short-term: Airbnb and hotel apartments widely available; useful for initial exploration

Buying Property in Jordan

Foreigners can buy property in Jordan with approval from the Council of Ministers. The process is bureaucratic but feasible, and property prices are low by regional standards.

Foreign ownership: permitted with Council of Ministers approval — typically granted for residential property
Restrictions: non-Jordanians cannot own agricultural land; maximum 1 property in some cases without special approval
Property transfer fee: 10% of assessed value (shared between buyer and seller typically)
No annual property tax for residential properties under a certain value
Amman apartment prices: JOD 50,000–150,000 ($70,500–$211,600) for a 2-BR in a good area
Aqaba: property tax exemption within the ASEZ
Mortgage available from local banks: up to 70% LTV for qualified expats; rates 7–9%

Setting Up Utilities and Internet

Utility setup in Jordan requires your rental contract and residence permit. Three main telecoms compete for internet service, providing decent speeds at reasonable prices.

Electricity: Jordan Electric Power Company (JEPCO) in Amman — register at local office with contract and ID
Water: Water Authority of Jordan (WAJ) — monthly billing, conservation encouraged due to Jordan's water scarcity
Internet providers: Orange Jordan, Zain Jordan, Umniah — fibre broadband available in most of Amman
Internet plans: JOD 20–40/month ($28–$56) for 50–200 Mbps fibre; average speed ~155 Mbps fixed
Mobile SIMs: prepaid available on arrival at airport; Zain, Orange, and Umniah — data plans from JOD 5/month
Total utilities (electricity + water + internet): JOD 50–100/month ($71–$141) for a typical apartment

FAQs