Live Frugally, Thrive Financially: Surviving Jordan’s Rising Cost of Living

 The Cost of Living in Jordan

After having lived in Jordan for a year, I’ve come to realize that making ends meet and thriving financially might not be the easiest of goals to achieve. Many individuals, who are both locals and expatriates, express their concern with the rising cost of living in Amman and greater Jordan. However, with the right mindset, dedication, and the proper knowledge you can beat the downside of Jordan’s developing economy.

My personal Tips on Living Frugally in Amman

For those of us who live on a budget and/or want to save and cut back on expenses as much as possible, here are some simple yet powerful tips for being fabulously frugal in Amman and Jordan:

1.      Walk! Depending on the location, it can be quite difficult to walk around in Amman or in other parts of Jordan. There might not always be a sidewalk or defined place for pedestrians or cyclers, but if you’re brave enough, you can make it work. Amman is a relatively small city so you will find that many of your destinations will be walking distance from you. Also, there is a plus! Locals are almost always willing to give directions or help you out with getting to where you need to go. I have never (I repeat, never) been denied help when I was lost. Some Jordanians are so hospitable that they will personally walk you to your destination.

2.      Cook/Eat at Home: Eating out at restaurants all of the time in any country or city will take a toll on your wallet. So why not cook at home? Invite your new acquaintances and friends over to a home cooked meal. To get even closer with new friends try preparing a meal together; it’s a great way to bond. Don’t forget to take the leftovers with you to work or school the following day!

3.      Visit Your Local Fruit/Vegetable Stand: Instead of frequenting the larger grocery stores like Safeway and Carrefour on a regular basis, try out the neighborhood shops. I’ve been able to find some great deals from smaller local food shops and markets that aren’t available in the larger chains.

4.      Barter and Negotiate!: Unlike many western countries where most items are sold at a set and nonnegotiable price, you’ll find that most goods sold in Jordanian markets can be bought at a negotiated price. Bartering is a great skill to develop; you’ll have many opportunities to practice in the multitude of souqs and markets in the streets of Jordan.

Hopefully you’ve enjoyed reading through these tips. Now that you’re equipped with this information, you’re ready to go off and thrive and make a smoother financial transition to Jordan.