Is Jordan expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Jordan is one of the more expensive countries in the Middle East, pricier than Egypt or Turkey, though cheaper than Europe for food and transport. A mid-range trip averages about JD 120 per person per day; Petra's entrance, hotels with 16% tax plus 10% service and private drivers are where the money goes.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | JD20 | JD50 | JD120 |
| Food & drink | JD12 | JD25 | JD50 |
| Sights & tickets | JD15 | JD25 | JD40 |
| Local transport | JD8 | JD20 | JD45 |
| Per person, per day | JD55 | JD120 | JD255 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Jordan day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Falafel sandwich | about JD 0.50–1 |
| Hummus and falafel meal at Hashem | about JD 2–4 |
| Mint tea or Arabic coffee | about JD 1–2 |
| Mansaf in a restaurant | about JD 8–15 |
| JETT bus Amman–Petra | roughly JD 10–12 |
| Jordan Pass (includes Petra and visa fee waiver) | JD 70–80 |
| Petra one-day ticket without the pass | JD 50 |
| Taxi from Queen Alia Airport to Amman | about JD 25–30 |
| Mid-range double room near the Petra gate | about JD 70–130 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Entrance fees are a big share for a short trip: Petra alone costs JD 50 for one day without a pass, which is why the Jordan Pass (JD 70–80, also waiving the JD 40 visa fee if you stay at least three nights) is usually worth it. Hotels and restaurants add 16% tax plus a 10% service charge to listed prices. Transport is the other large item: a rental car or a car with driver is the easiest way to cover the King's Highway, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea. Street food, local buses and Amman taxis are cheap.
When it is cheaper
Hotel prices are lowest in the summer heat (June to August) and in December–February, when nights are cold, often 20–30% below the spring and autumn peaks. Dead Sea resorts are busiest on weekends (Thursday to Saturday) and during local holidays.
How to spend less
- Buy the Jordan Pass before you arrive; it covers Petra, Jerash, Wadi Rum and around 40 sites and waives the visa fee if you stay three nights or more.
- Eat falafel, hummus and shawarma in downtown Amman for a few dinars.
- Use JETT buses between Amman, Petra and Aqaba instead of private transfers.
- Check whether hotel and restaurant prices include the 16% tax and 10% service.
- Use Careem or Uber in Amman, which is cheaper and clearer than hailing taxis.
- Visit the Dead Sea at public beaches such as Amman Beach rather than resort day passes.
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Common questions
How much does a day in Jordan cost?
About JD 55 per person on a budget, JD 120 mid-range and JD 255 for comfort, sharing a double. Hotels and restaurants add 16% tax and 10% service.
Is the Jordan Pass worth it?
Usually yes. At JD 70–80 it includes Petra (JD 50 for one day otherwise), about 40 sites and waives the JD 40 visa fee if you stay at least three nights.
How much is Petra?
JD 50 for one day without the Jordan Pass, with cheaper multi-day options for those staying overnight.