Jordan captivates travelers with its blend of ancient history, dramatic desert landscapes, and warm hospitality. From the rose-red city of Petra to the otherworldly wadis and the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea, this Middle Eastern kingdom offers unforgettable experiences. Whether floating effortlessly in the Dead Sea, camping under stars in Wadi Rum, or exploring Roman ruins at Jerash, Jordan rewards visitors with authentic culture and timeless beauty.
Local currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD) — pegged to USD at approximately 1 JOD = $1.41.
Daily budget by traveller style
Typical per-person daily spend in Jordan.
Cost breakdown
Typical price ranges across major spending categories.
Accommodation
- Hostel
- $12-20/dorm
- Budget
- $25-45/private room
- Midrange
- $70-130/hotel room
- Luxury
- $200-500+/night
Food
- Street
- $2-5 (hummus, falafel, shawarma)
- Local
- $8-15 (sit-down local restaurant)
- Midrange
- $20-40 (international restaurant)
- Fine
- $50-100+ (fine dining)
Transport
- Bus
- $1-3 (Amman public bus or servee)
- Taxi
- $5-15 (typical Amman taxi ride)
- Airport
- $22-35 (taxi to/from Queen Alia airport)
- Daytrip
- $14-20 (JETT bus to Petra or Aqaba)
Activities
- Museum
- $3-7 (Citadel, archaeological sites)
- Sites
- $14 (Jerash)
- Tour
- $35-65 (guided day tour)
- Excursion
- $70-100 (Petra entry or Wadi Rum overnight)
Trip budgets by length
What a typical trip to Jordan costs end-to-end.
Budget traveller
$245-350/week
Midrange traveller
$560-840/week
Luxury traveller
$1,750-3,500+/week
Money-saving tips
Practical ways to stretch your budget further.
Buy the Jordan Pass ($70-80) before arrival if you plan to visit Petra — it includes the visa fee ($40), Petra entry ($70+), and over 40 other attractions, saving $100+ for most visitors
JETT bus from Amman to Petra or Aqaba costs $14 vs $80-100 for a private taxi — very comfortable and reliable for budget travelers
Eat breakfast at Hashem Restaurant in downtown Amman for $3-5 — it's one of the world's great cheap meals and also happens to be a legendary institution
Stay in the Jabal Amman or Downtown area for better value accommodation close to all attractions
Hire a group tour rather than private transport for day trips — joining others at Amman guesthouses reduces per-person costs significantly
Avoid Dead Sea resorts and instead go to Amman Beach public facility ($15 entry) for the same floating experience at a fraction of the cost
Self-cater some meals from Amman's Carrefour or Safeway supermarkets — Jordan has excellent bakery products, olives, cheese, and hummus for picnic food
Free things to do
Memorable experiences that cost nothing.
Rainbow Street Walking and Cafe Culture
Amman's most atmospheric street is free to explore any time, and people-watching from a cafe terrace over a $2 tea costs almost nothing.
Downtown Amman Souq Wandering
The historic downtown markets, Roman Theater area, and old city neighborhoods are free to explore and offer authentic street-level Jordan.
Amman Citadel Exterior Views
The view of Amman from outside the Citadel gates is spectacular and completely free — the famous panorama of the white stone city is visible from the road.
Qasr Amra Desert Castle Exterior
The UNESCO desert castles of eastern Jordan can be viewed from outside at no charge; interior access ($3) is optional.
Jordan Valley and Dead Sea Viewpoints
Numerous free roadside viewpoints along the Dead Sea Highway offer panoramic views of the saltwater lake without paying resort entry fees.
Wadi Rum Village Walk
The Bedouin village at the entrance to Wadi Rum Protected Area can be explored freely with its traditional buildings and desert landscape backdrop.
Madaba Old Town
The mosaics town of Madaba is free to walk and its old Christian quarter contains beautiful historic buildings at no charge; mosaic churches charge small fees.
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
This stunning miniature version of Petra with carved Nabataean facades and cave dining rooms is free to enter and often deserted — one of Jordan's best bargains.