Jordan Forum - Cost of Living in Amman & Schools
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KatiaUSA
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11/1/2009 00:24
We are planning to move to Jordan in February 2010. We have two daughters ( 2 yrs and 3 months old). Would like to know how much would it cost to live very comfotably in Jordan. We already have a very nice Apartment in west Amman. My husband is retiring from his Job here in California. We would like to do travelling in the middle east at least twice a year. How much are good preliminary schools cost. Any idea on groceriers, entertainment, daily livining expences. Thanks
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henny2010
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11/2/2009 12:20
Hi Katia,
Here is some general information that might help:
For Schools:
There are so many private schools with different rates. The best is probably Amman Baccalaureate School. This page links you directly to the fees: http://www.abs.edu.jo/index.php?q=node/41
Other schools can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_schools_in_Jordan
For the schools on that list that don't have a link, just Google the school name - most do have websites.
Prices range wildly on accommodations, even within the same neighborhoods. Usually, contracts are made on the basis of 6 months or a year, with full payment for the term expected in advance. There are many excellent areas in Greater Amman, but without knowing exactly where your husband is working, I recommend starting your search in Abdoun (the most upscale area in Amman): http://www.abdoun.com.jo/ (the site specializes in rentals). If you want to search further, another area that is extremely popular with expats is Jabal Amman - a truly beautiful place to live.
On utilities: for electricity (AC inclusive) you can probably expect that it will range, seasonally, between 75 -
120 JD per month.
For gas: The whole country is basically run on diesel fuel. Heating the home is done with water-based radiators. The water is heated with the diesel fuel. I would guess that, depending on your use, you could expect to spend 500-700 for an entire year of diesel use. (This is including using the diesel system to heat your bathing water - in some cases that is gas based, other cases electrical based - it depends on what will be in your apartment).
For water: 20-30 JD per month
For telephone: really negligible compared to many other places. Even making international calls to the States (1 hour per week), my bill has never been more than 50 JD in a month.
Groceries: I personally spend about 300-500 per month on groceries (family of 3) from "Westernized" grocery stores like Safeway, Carrefour and Cozmo. The alternative is to shop in little local shops, but I don't think many expats do that... plus I've found that there are a lot of import items that I want anyway that can only be found in certain places.
Restaurants never look expensive on the surface, but then they add 26% to the bill - 16% GST and 10% gratuity (automatic gratuity, whether you were satisifed with the service or not). If you eat at upscale restaurants with international cuisine (as opposed to local shawarma or falafel, for example), expect the bill for each meal to be at least 50 JD for 2, more if you include the kids.
I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. If you want to email me: yasos.mom@gmail.com
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KatiaUSA
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11/2/2009 13:03
Thanks Henny,
Wonderful information. I just want to be clear we already have a very nice furnished apartment in Amman ( paid off), we have two cars (parked in Amman , also paid off). We would like to have at least two vacations per year around the Middle East & Euorpe. Do you think we could manage that on my husband's retirement check (around $7000 per month). Please advise.
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henny2010
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11/2/2009 23:05
Hi Katia,
If the house and cars are paid off, I think you're in great shape! You'll certainly be able to travel. Your biggest expense is going to be school and if you pick ABS, the best - and most expensive - you'll still be doing good.
Anne
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KatiaUSA
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11/2/2009 23:35
Thanks Anne. You have been very helpfull. Hope to meet you in Amman.
Katia Alsarabi
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MohHas
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11/3/2009 01:50
hello katia,
i like ann post... and i agree her... 7000$ meaning about 5000 JD and u have paid off appt. and cars.
let say you need 2000 JD as monthly budget to live very good ( 2000 includes your cars gas bill), so you almost you just need 600/months for your children Eductation cover every thing so u still have 2400 JD... that sounds good
best wishes.
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