Jordan

Jordan on a budget: daily costs and money-saving tips

A backpacker in Jordan spends about JOD 30–45 per day (roughly USD 42–63) on a dorm bed, falafel and hummus, minibuses and JETT buses. Budget JOD 70–80 once for the Jordan Pass, which covers the visa fee and most entry tickets, and skip Petra as a day trip: sleeping in Jordan drops the one-day ticket from JOD 90 to JOD 50.

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Updated Sep 20263 min read

GuideJordan

Key facts

Backpacker daily spend: JOD 30–45 per person (2026 estimate)
Mid-range daily spend: JOD 70–130 per person (2026 estimate)
Jordan Pass: JOD 70–80 once; covers the visa fee and most entry tickets
Petra 1-day ticket: JOD 50 if you sleep in Jordan, JOD 90 if you do not
Cheapest food: Falafel sandwich JOD 0.5–1; mansaf in a restaurant JOD 8–15
Cheapest transport: Minibuses and JETT buses; Careem across central Amman JOD 2–4
Cheapest months: Summer (June–August) and winter (December–February) are low season; Petra hotels and Dead Sea resorts cost most in spring and autumn
Tax on restaurant bills: 10% service plus 16% sales tax at mid-range and up

Details

Jordan is not a cheap country by regional standards. Alcohol, Petra and hotels are the expensive parts; food and minibuses are cheap. The single biggest saving is structural, not daily: buy the Jordan Pass once (JOD 70–80) instead of paying the visa fee and each entry ticket separately, and sleep in Jordan the night before Petra so the one-day ticket costs JOD 50 rather than JOD 90.

On a backpacker budget, the day breaks down roughly like this: JOD 10–18 for a hostel dorm, JOD 8–15 for falafel, hummus and a cheap dinner, JOD 3–10 for minibuses or a JETT bus leg, and JOD 0–5 for sights once the Jordan Pass is paid for. That lands at JOD 24–56 per day depending on how much you move. Mid-range travellers who take Careem, eat in restaurants and hire a driver for a day or two should plan JOD 75–170.

Transport is where budgets quietly leak. Minibuses and JETT buses are the cheap option; a private driver for a day costs far more. Careem shows the fare upfront, and yellow taxis must run the meter, so agree or check before you get in. If you are moving between Amman, Petra and Aqaba, compare the bus against a shared car before committing.

Food is the easiest place to save. Falafel sandwiches at JOD 0.5–1 and hummus plates keep costs low; a restaurant mansaf at JOD 8–15 is a treat, not a daily habit. Beer in an Amman bar runs JOD 5–8, so alcohol is a real line item if you drink. At mid-range restaurants and up, expect 10% service plus 16% sales tax added to the bill.

Cash still matters. The Jordanian dinar (JOD) is divided into 1,000 fils, and one dinar is a high-value note. Cards work in hotels, malls and many restaurants, but carry small notes for the souq, falafel counters and taxis. ATMs are common in Amman; withdraw at bank branches or malls.

Summary table

Summary table
Tier	Bed	Food	Transport	Sights	Extras	Total per day
Backpacker	JOD 10–18	JOD 8–15	JOD 3–10	JOD 0–5	JOD 3–8	JOD 24–56
Mid-range	JOD 30–60	JOD 20–35	JOD 15–40	JOD 5–20	JOD 5–15	JOD 75–170
Comfort	JOD 90–200	JOD 50–90	JOD 50–100	JOD 20–40	JOD 20–50	JOD 230–480

Per person per day, sharing a room at mid and comfort. Flights, the Jordan Pass and diving are not included. 2026 estimate; Petra hotels and Dead Sea resorts cost most in spring and autumn.

Tips

Buy the Jordan Pass once (JOD 70–80) rather than paying the visa fee and each ticket separately.
Sleep in Jordan the night before Petra: the one-day ticket drops from JOD 90 to JOD 50.
Eat falafel and hummus on ordinary days; save restaurant mansaf for one or two meals.
Use minibuses and JETT for long legs, Careem for short city hops, and check the meter in yellow taxis.
Carry small JOD notes for the souq, falafel counters and taxis; cards work in hotels and malls.
Travel in summer or winter low season if you can; spring and autumn are when Petra hotels and Dead Sea resorts cost most.
Budget separately for alcohol: a beer in an Amman bar is JOD 5–8.
Remember the 10% service plus 16% sales tax on mid-range and up restaurant bills.

FAQ

Questions people ask

How much does a budget trip to Jordan cost per day?

A backpacker spends about JOD 30–45 per day (roughly USD 42–63) on a dorm bed, falafel and hummus, minibuses and JETT buses. Add the Jordan Pass once at JOD 70–80. Mid-range travellers should plan JOD 70–130 per day. These are 2026 estimates.

What is the cheapest month to visit Jordan?

Summer (June–August) and winter (December–February) are generally low season, so beds cost less. Spring and autumn are peak, when Petra hotels and Dead Sea resorts cost most. Check current prices before booking, since dates shift with holidays and school breaks.

How can I save money in Jordan?

Buy the Jordan Pass once instead of paying the visa fee and each ticket separately. Sleep in Jordan the night before Petra so the ticket is JOD 50, not JOD 90. Eat falafel and hummus, use minibuses and JETT, and keep alcohol for occasional nights.

Deep dive

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