Have you ever asked yourself what the cheapest governorate to live
in is? If not, have you asked what is the most expensive? Since I was recently
reviewing the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for January 2023 (which is hardly considered
scientific or even semi-rigorous research), let me tell you.
اضافة اعلان
The most expensive governorate in Jordan is Aqaba. Yes, Aqaba, with
its Special Economic Zone and all the tax holidays and exemptions (which are
being peeled away year after year). The cheapest governorate to live in is
Mafraq, which may be understandable because, at 29.2 percent, it has the
highest unemployment rate in the country. It is also a border governorate where
the so-called sailors traverse the borders with zero customs and tax items.
If you are looking for an expensive meal, Maan offers the lowest
prices. In contrast, Amman offers the highest — which is understandable in the
case of Amman but not immediately apparent as far as Maan. If you wish to eat
cereals, cereal products, meat, and poultry, your destination should be Maan
for the cheapest prices. However, for fish and sea products, Aqaba beats all.
But be careful; restaurants and hotels in Aqaba are second only to Maan —there
goes your saving.
If you are a smoker, stay in Aqaba as it offers the lowest prices, and move away from Madaba, where prices of tobacco products are highest in the Kingdom. If you are not a smoker and decide to reward yourself with a piece of clothing, buy it in Mafraq (lowest prices) and buy the shoes on your way there from Ajloun.
For non-alcoholic beverages, Amman is the most inexpensive
governorate, and the most expensive is Karak. Please do not ask why! But for
alcoholic beverages, Madaba and Zarqa (not Aqaba, which is second highest to
Amman) offer the lowest prices — yes, I am as surprised as you!
If you are a smoker, stay in Aqaba as it offers the lowest prices,
and move away from Madaba, where prices of tobacco products are highest in the
Kingdom. If you are not a smoker and decide to reward yourself with a piece of
clothing, buy it in Mafraq (lowest prices) and buy the shoes on your way there
from Ajloun.
The cost of housing is, of course, highest in Amman (understandable
since it has the capital, after all), followed closely by Aqaba, where one can
see the sea. If you want to rent, go to Mafraq; but please understand that you
would have to do household maintenance in Aqaba. Meanwhile, while doing the
maintenance in Aqaba, remember to economize on fuel, lighting, and
transportation; it has the highest prices in Jordan.
Do not use the phone in Mafraq! If not urgent, simply wait until
you go to Maan, where the cost is the lowest. As to schooling the kids, Aqaba
is the most expensive, and if you are one to shop, take them to Zarqa and save
about 22 percent.
There you go! If you wish to spend less in Jordan, move about and
pick the least costly from each governorate.
Read more Opinion and Analysis
Jordan News
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