Where do expats live in Amman?
Mostly in West Amman: Abdoun and Deir Ghbar for upscale, quiet living, Sweifieh for shopping and nightlife, Dabouq for villas and space, and Um Uthaina near the 5th Circle hotels. Some expats prefer the older Jabal Al-Weibdeh and Jabal Al-Hussein. Median two-bedroom rents run JD 730 to JD 1,085 a month.
Sources: Hagzi · Wikipedia: Zahran area · InterNations · US Embassy post report.
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The best areas for expats in Amman
Abdoun
The most affluent neighbourhood in Amman: leafy residential streets, the Abdoun Circle café and restaurant scene, and some of Jordan's most expensive property. · 2-bed JD 1,085/mo · JD 1,200/m²Read more →Deir Ghbar
A quiet, residential neighbourhood next to Abdoun, with spacious homes and a suburban feel, and mostly larger, often furnished apartments. · 2-bed JD 1,000/mo · JD 1,000/m²Read more →Sweifieh
An upscale, busy western district known for shopping, nightlife and cafés, with Wakalat Street, the Galleria Mall and everything within reach. · 2-bed JD 1,000/mo · JD 1,230/m²Read more →Dabouq
A leafy, hilltop residential district in the west of Amman, known for detached villas, oak woodland and a car-dependent, private way of life. · 3-bed JD 1,085/mo · JD 1,200/m²Read more →Um Uthaina
A central-west residential district between the 5th and 7th Circles, close to the hotels at the 5th Circle and the restaurants of Madina Street. · 2-bed JD 1,000/mo · JD 1,060/m²Read more →Jabal Amman
One of the seven original hills of Amman and one of its oldest elite neighbourhoods: historic houses, Rainbow Street cafés and the 1st to 3rd Circles. · 2-bed JD 850/moRead more →Jabal Al-Weibdeh
A fashionable older hill neighbourhood in downtown Amman, with cafés, galleries and Paris Square at its centre, and a long-standing favourite with expats. · 2-bed JD 1,000/moRead more →Abdali
A central district in the heart of Amman, named for King Abdullah I, with government buildings, businesses and the redeveloped Abdali project. · JD 2,400/m²Read more →What expats should budget in Amman
Rent
Two-bedrooms in the main expat areas ask JD 730–1,085 a month; about half of rentals are furnished.Utilities and internet
About JD 91 and JD 22.74 a month.School
About JD 6,890 a year per child at an international primary school (Numbeo).Daily costs
About JD 565 a month for a single person excluding rent.Before you commit
- Visit twice
See each shortlisted area at peak traffic and in the evening. - Test the school run
Drive the route to your school at morning rush hour. - Check furnished terms
Get an inventory in writing. - Ask about winter heating
Request last winter's bills.
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Best areas to live in Amman
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A guide to Amman's neighbourhoods and districts: how the city is organised, the main west, central and outer areas,…Read more →Living in Amman: a complete guide
Living in Amman: climate, costs (about JD 565 a month for one person), transport, safety, schools, where to live and…Read more →Average rent in Amman by area and bedroom
Average rent in Amman: JD 700 (1-bed), JD 1,000 (2-bed), JD 1,290 (3-bed) a month, with ranges and rent by area from…Read more →Furnished vs unfurnished apartments in Amman
Furnished vs unfurnished in Amman: what each costs (JD 1,000 vs JD 915 for a 2-bed), who each suits, an inventory…Read more →Expats in Amman: questions answered
Where do expats live in Amman, Jordan?
Most expats rent in West Amman, in Abdoun, Deir Ghbar, Sweifieh, Dabouq and Um Uthaina, near international schools, cafés and malls, and some prefer the older central hills of Jabal Al-Weibdeh and Jabal Al-Hussein. Median two-bedroom rents in the west run from JD 730 to JD 1,085 a month. This guide →
What is the best area in Amman for expats?
There is no single best area. Abdoun and Deir Ghbar suit people who want upscale, quiet living near embassies, Sweifieh suits those who want shopping and nightlife, Dabouq suits those who want villas and space, and Jabal Amman and Jabal Al-Weibdeh suit those who want a walkable, café-led neighbourhood. Best areas to live →
How much do expats pay in rent in Amman?
Two-bedroom apartments in the main western expat areas ask a median JD 730 to JD 1,085 a month, and three-bedrooms JD 1,085 to JD 1,585. Roughly half of rentals are furnished. Prices by area →
How much does an international school cost in Amman?
Numbeo's contributors report about JD 6,890 a year for one child at an international primary school. Third-party sites list the Amman Baccalaureate School at about JD 7,252 to 16,913 a year and Jordanian International Schools at about JD 2,405 to 5,865 for 2025/26; confirm with each school. Best areas for families →
Is Amman safe for expats?
A 2025 US Embassy post report describes Abdoun, Deir Ghbar and Sweifieh as generally safe and affluent areas that have everything you need. It is a single source, so visit your shortlist at different times of day and ask residents. Safest neighbourhoods →
Do expats need a car in Amman?
Mostly yes. InterNations says Amman is not a city to walk around, although a few districts such as Rainbow Street are walkable, and Dabouq is rated low for walkability by an expat guide. Taxis and ride-hailing exist, and public transport is limited. Cost of living →
Can expats buy property in Amman?
Yes, with the Minister of Interior's approval, and not in border, archaeological or historic areas. Renting needs no approval. Law No. 17 of 2026, published in the Official Gazette in September 2026 and in force from about October 2026, also lets non-Jordanians own or lease a private residence outside urban planning zones, up to 10 dunums, with the Finance Minister's approval. Foreign buyer rules →
How far is the airport from the main expat areas?
Sweifieh is about 20 to 30 minutes by car or bus from Queen Alia International Airport, and Airport Road starts at the 7th Circle. Dabouq and the north-west are further, about 30 minutes to central Amman before the airport run. Sweifieh guide →