I Spent a Week in Jordan. Here’s What It Actually Cost Me

Traveling solo through Jordan for seven days was an adventure of ancient wonders, golden deserts, and salty sea-floats.

In March, I packed my bags and journeyed through Amman’s bustling streets, Petra’s rose-red ruins, the otherworldly sands of Wadi Rum, and the healing waters of the Dead Sea.

Along the way, I kept careful track of my spending. Below, I share my personal story, a detailed cost breakdown, and the lessons I learned for fellow solo travelers considering a similar journey.

Flights and First Impressions

My journey began with an international flight into Amman, Jordan’s capital. Booking about two months in advance, I found a round-trip flight for roughly $800 (March is one of the cheaper months, with tickets averaging around $808).

Stepping off the plane at Queen Alia International Airport, I felt a rush of excitement (and a hint of nerves) as I secured my visa on arrival. To save money and time, I had purchased the Jordan Pass online beforehand for $106.

This pass covered my tourist entry visa fee and included admission to major sites like Petra and Wadi Rum – a fantastic investment that spared me from paying the $60 visa at the airport and separate entry fees later. With passport stamped and backpack in hand, I headed into the city.

At 7 PM, the Amman air was cool and filled with the aroma of spices. Instead of navigating multiple bus connections after a long flight, I opted for an airport taxi straight to my hotel.

It was a fixed rate of 22.5 JOD (about $32) – a bit steep for my budget, but the convenience of a direct 40-minute ride was worth it. (There is an Airport Express bus for around $4 if you arrive earlier in the day, a good budget tip for those less impatient than I was.)

As we drove toward the city, my driver cheerfully pointed out distant city lights and taught me my first Arabic word, “Marhaba” (hello). That warm welcome set the tone for Amman’s famous hospitality.

Amman

Walking through Amman felt like straddling two worlds – on one side, ancient history in the form of the Roman Theater and the hilltop Citadel, and on the other, a modern metropolis with malls and chic cafés.

I spent two days here, wandering through the chaotic souks of Al-Balad (downtown), sipping mint tea on Rainbow Street, and gazing at sunset from the Amman Citadel ruins.

The entrance fee to the Citadel was a mere 3 JOD ($4), but it was included at no extra cost with my Jordan Pass. Everywhere I went, locals greeted me with “Welcome to Jordan!” which made this solo traveler feel right at home.

For accommodation in Amman, I kept costs low by staying in a budget-friendly guesthouse in the Jabal al-Weibdeh neighborhood. My cozy private room with a shared bathroom cost $25 per night, and a dorm bed could have been even cheaper.

In general, I found that hostels and simple hotels in Jordan range around $20–$50 USD per night for budget options. This meant I didn’t have to break the bank for a safe and clean place to sleep.

Those looking for more comfort will find mid-range hotels for $50–$120, and truly luxe stays that can soar above $150 a night – but as a backpacker, I was happy with my little room and the friendly hostel cat in the lobby.

To get around Amman, I mostly relied on Uber and walking. Short Uber rides across town cost me only about 1–3 JOD each ($1.50–$4) – incredibly affordable. One evening, I took an Uber (about $3) to Hashem Restaurant, a famous open-air eatery in downtown.

I sat shoulder-to-shoulder with locals, scooping up creamy hummus and freshly fried falafel. The food in Amman was both delicious and cheap: a falafel sandwich from a street vendor was about $1, and a hearty sit-down meal of mansaf (the national lamb and yogurt dish) or maqluba (spiced rice and veggies) rarely cost me more than $10–$15 at a local restaurant.

In fact, Jordan’s street eats like falafel and shawarma are incredibly budget-friendly at $1–3, so I often ate on the go. My daily food expense in Amman averaged around $15 – which included a mix of street food and one splurge dinner of kunafa dessert and coffee in a trendy cafe ($8).

In Amman, try using ride-hailing apps (Uber or Careem) instead of regular taxis for transparency and lower fares. Also, eat where the locals eat – not only will you save money, but you’ll get the most authentic hummus of your life.

One morning I joined a communal table at a tiny falafel shop and spent under 2 JOD ($3) for a filling breakfast of falafel, hummus, and pita – an experience (and price) I wouldn’t find at a hotel buffet.

Lastly, consider staying in neighborhoods like Weibdeh or Al Abdali for cheaper accommodations and an artsy vibe, rather than expensive international chain hotels. Amman showed me that Jordan can indeed be done on a backpacker’s budget without skimping on experiences.

Journey to Petra

After Amman, I set my sights on Petra, the crown jewel of Jordan. I woke up early to catch the 6:30 AM JETT bus from Amman to Wadi Musa (the town adjacent to Petra).

The bus ticket cost only 10 JOD (about $14) – a great deal for the 3.5-hour journey in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach. Watching the urban landscape give way to vast desert highways was mesmerizing; I dozed off and on until the driver announced our approach to Petra. By 10 AM, I was stepping off the bus in Wadi Musa with butterflies of excitement in my stomach.

Petra’s entrance gate was a short walk from my hotel, but first I checked into my guesthouse in Wadi Musa. Here, I spent a bit more for proximity to Petra – about $40 for the night – for a simple room that included a big breakfast.

Accommodation near major tourist sites like Petra and Wadi Rum can be a little pricier (around $15–$20 for a dorm, or $40+ for a private) than big-city Amman, especially in peak season. Still, $40 felt reasonable to have a comfortable base just minutes away from the Petra Visitor Center.

Walking into Petra through the narrow, high-walled canyon known as the Siq is an experience I’ll never forget. The rust-colored cliffs twisted and turned, playing tricks with shadow and light.

As I rounded the final bend, the Siq spat me out into sunlight and there it was: the Treasury of Petra, Al-Khazneh, glowing in shades of pink and orange. I literally gasped and felt tears of awe well up. Despite seeing countless photos, nothing matches the sensory impact of standing before this 2,000-year-old facade carved into sheer rock.

I spent the whole day exploring Petra’s trails – hiking up to the Monastery (my quads were burning but the view was worth it), clambering through ancient tombs, and sipping sweet tea with Bedouin artisans selling souvenirs along the paths.

The entry fee for Petra is normally 50 JOD ($70) for a single day or 55–60 JOD for two days. Because I had the Jordan Pass, my Petra entrance was prepaid – effectively “free” at the point of use. (If you plan to visit Petra for two days and stay at least three nights in Jordan, the Jordan Pass pays for itself by covering your visa and Petra fees.)

I did opt to visit Petra by Night on my first evening, which was not included in the pass. This special event cost 17 JOD ($24) extra and involved walking the Siq after dark, illuminated by thousands of candles, to sit in front of the Treasury as Bedouin music played. Was it touristy? Absolutely.

But sitting under the stars with the Treasury lit by flickering lanterns felt mystical and worth the extra $24 to me.

Note: Petra by Night runs only on certain days and wasn’t crowded when I went, but manage your expectations – it’s a simple show. If you’re on a tight budget, you could skip it to save money for other activities.

For food in Petra, costs were higher than Amman, unsurprisingly. A basic lunch of a sandwich and soda at a café near the site cost me around 8 JOD (~$11). To save money, I packed snacks (nuts, fruit, and plenty of water) in my daypack. My guesthouse dinner was a traditional zarb (Bedouin barbecue of meat and vegetables cooked underground).

It was delicious, all-you-can-eat, and about 10 JOD ($14) – a fair price for a hearty meal after a long day of hiking through history. All told, I spent roughly $25 on food during my two days in Petra (thanks to complimentary breakfast and carrying snacks).

I entered at 7 AM when the gates opened, which helped me beat the tour bus crowds and the midday heat. Also, consider staying overnight in Wadi Musa so you can enter Petra right when it opens and even go back for a second morning.

My two-day visit cost only slightly more than a one-day ticket, and it allowed me to see the main highlights on day one and do off-the-beaten-path hikes on day two. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle (there are refill stations).

Hiring a local guide at the gate costs around $50, but I saved money by reading up beforehand and eavesdropping on a few tidbits from group tours (sneaky, I know). And don’t forget small cash for a treat – like a cold fresh-squeezed orange juice by the Treasury (totally refreshing and about $4).

Petra is massive; pace yourself and your spending – it’s easy to get souvenir-happy here. I set a limit for myself and bought just a small handcrafted silver charm for 15 JOD ($21) as my keepsake from Petra.

Wadi Rum

From Petra, my adventure continued south to the deserts of Wadi Rum. Rather than backtracking to Amman, I caught a local minibus from Wadi Musa to Wadi Rum village early the next morning.

It was a dusty little bus packed with locals (and a few backpackers like me), but it only cost 8 JOD (about $11) for the 2+ hour ride – the cheapest ride of my trip!

We bumped along desert roads, stopping in a couple of villages, and I felt a sense of freedom gazing at the vastness outside the window. By midday, I arrived at the Wadi Rum visitor center, where the otherworldly landscape of red sand and towering sandstone cliffs immediately made me feel like I’d landed on Mars.

Wadi Rum is a protected area, so there is a small entrance fee of 5 JOD ($7) for foreigners. My Jordan Pass covered this fee as well, meaning I just showed my pass and entered without paying extra. I had arranged an overnight Jeep tour with a Bedouin camp in advance via my Petra guesthouse.

This 1-day, 1-night package included a half-day jeep safari, a sunset hike, dinner under the stars, traditional music by the campfire, a tent to sleep in, and breakfast. I paid 65 JOD for it, roughly $92 USD, which was the single largest on-ground expense of my week.

Jeep tour prices in Wadi Rum can vary; generally you’ll spend about $50–$90 for a half or full-day jeep tour per person, and overnight packages with meals tend to be on the higher end of that range for solo travelers. I was lucky to join a small group of four, which kept my cost lower than a one-on-one tour.

Riding in the back of a 4x4 pickup across the dunes was pure joy – wind whipping through my hair as our Bedouin driver, Mahmoud, pointed out landmarks like the “Seven Pillars” rock formation and Lawrence’s Spring. We scrambled up a sand dune (surprisingly exhausting to climb!) and I tried sandboarding down (surprisingly easy with gravity).

By sunset, Mahmoud drove us to a remote rock outcrop. I will never forget the silence of the Wadi Rum desert at that moment – as the sun melted into the horizon, the sand turned golden red, and in the distance a single camel crossed the plains. I felt tiny and totally at peace.

That night at camp, after feasting on a Bedouin zarb meal (tender chicken and veggies cooked in an underground oven), I lay outside my tent for hours marveling at the Milky Way.

The stars in Wadi Rum are unbelievable – with zero light pollution, it’s like a glittering dome overhead. I had a humble tent with a cot bed; nothing luxurious, but it was comfortable enough for one night. (Some camps offer fancy “bubble tents” for $150+ a night, but I was content with the basics.)

By morning, a slight chill lingered in the desert air – I was glad I packed a light jacket, since early spring nights in Wadi Rum can get cold. A simple breakfast of flatbread, cheese, and tea was included, and then we reluctantly left the tranquility of the desert to head back to civilization.

I didn’t spend any additional money in Wadi Rum apart from my tour package; there were opportunities to buy souvenirs (like sand bottles or scarves) from our guides, but I was watching my budget and my backpack was already stuffed.

If you’re traveling solo, try to join a small group for Wadi Rum tours – many camps will group individuals together, which can significantly lower the per-person cost.

The $90 I spent covered lodging, food, and activities, making it pretty good value. Also, carry enough cash to pay your camp and guides (most don’t take cards, and there are no ATMs in Wadi Rum village). I nearly ran short because I forgot the nearest ATM was an hour away in Aqaba!

Lastly, pack layers for the desert; the daytime might be hot, but the temperature drops at night, and you’ll want a sweater when stargazing or during the cool jeep rides in the morning. Wadi Rum was truly a highlight of my trip – and it taught me that some experiences (like watching shooting stars while wrapped in a blanket by a campfire) are priceless, even on a budget.

The Dead Sea

After the red sands of Wadi Rum, I looped back north for one last bucket-list experience: floating in the Dead Sea. From Amman, I joined a day trip bus to the Dead Sea, which cost me $15 each way (about $30 round-trip). The drive took under an hour and dropped us near a cluster of resort hotels along the Dead Sea shoreline – the lowest point on Earth.

With only a day to spare, I didn’t book an expensive resort stay. Instead, I bought a day pass at a Dead Sea hotel (the Dead Sea Spa Resort) for 20 JOD (~$28 USD), which granted me access to their private beach, pools, showers, and a locker.

This turned out to be an excellent decision – the facilities were clean, I got a towel and mud included, and I could use the refreshing pool after the salty swim. Public beaches nearby cost a bit more (around 25 JOD) with far fewer amenities, so the resort pass was both economical and comfortable.

Floating in the Dead Sea was surreal. I waded in gingerly; the water was lukewarm and so dense with salt that it felt almost oily. As soon as I leaned back, my legs bobbed up and I was floating effortlessly, no swimming required! I could lie on my back and literally read a book on the water without sinking.

It was a bizarre, giddy sensation – I laughed out loud in delight, recalling how even slightly buoyant shoes will pop up like balloons in this water. I smeared the famous mineral-rich Dead Sea mud on my skin (the dark mud is said to work wonders for your skin) and let it dry before rinsing off. My skin did feel softer afterwards, though that could have been psychological.

One thing’s for sure: the salt stings every single cut and nick on your body. I had shaved that morning – rookie mistake – and the water made my skin prickle fiercely. I learned my lesson: do not shave or have open wounds before swimming in the Dead Sea (it’s like rubbing salt in a wound, literally).

Also, I wore water shoes, which I highly recommend because the shoreline’s salt-crusted rocks are sharp. After floating and mud-bathing, I took advantage of the resort’s showers to rinse the cake of salt off my body and change into clean clothes.

For lunch, I grabbed a quick bite at the resort café – a typical burger and a soda set me back an overpriced 10 JOD ($14). It was the only option around unless I had packed food, so I bit the bullet. Relaxing by the pool with a cold drink in hand, overlooking the mirror-like Dead Sea with the hills of the West Bank visible beyond, was a perfect last day in Jordan.

By late afternoon, our group returned to Amman. My skin was a bit dry from the salt (moisturizer is a must after the Dead Sea), but I felt rejuvenated and content.

Travel Tip: If you’re on a tight budget, you can visit the Dead Sea via public bus to a public beach, but I found the day pass approach to be great value for around $30. It included essentials like showers (you will need to rinse off!) and a swimming pool to cool down after the salty dip.

Remember to bring water shoes and don’t dunk your head – even a drop of Dead Sea water in your eyes or mouth burns like fire. Float on your back and just relax. Also, stay hydrated; the area is hot and the salt can dehydrate you quickly. I brought two liters of water and drank it all.

The Dead Sea was a splendid finale to my week, giving me one last unique story (and some funny floating photos) to take home.

Budget Breakdown and Lessons Learned

Over seven days in Jordan, I experienced a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty – all without blowing my savings.

Traveling solo does come with some added cost (no one to split hotel rooms or private taxis with), but by mixing budget choices with the occasional splurge, I kept my trip costs reasonable. Here’s a breakdown of what I spent, by category, in US dollars:

A few lessons learned for keeping costs manageable in Jordan:

• Plan ahead for big attractions. Buying the Jordan Pass in advance saved me money and hassle, covering my visa and Petra fees. If your itinerary includes Petra and you’re staying 3+ nights, it’s a no-brainer for cost savings.

• Mix accommodation types. I mostly stayed in budget hotels/hostels and saved a lot. I found clean, safe dorms and simple private rooms in the $20–$40 range easily. For one night (Dead Sea), I didn’t even need a hotel thanks to the day pass. Splurge where it matters to you (maybe one night in a Bedouin bubble tent or a Dead Sea resort) and save elsewhere.

• Eat local. Jordanian street food is not only delicious but extremely cheap. Filling up on $1 falafels and $2 hummus plates balanced out the occasional $15 dinner. Also, many accommodations include breakfast – take advantage of that to fuel up for free.

• Use public transport and share rides. The JETT buses and local minibuses were wallet-friendly and comfortable for intercity travel. In places like the Dead Sea or Jerash, where public transit is sparse, I found other travelers to split a taxi or hired driver. This way I enjoyed convenience at a fraction of the cost per person. Traveling solo can be pricier, so buddy up when you can to share costs on drivers/guides.

• Carry cash and haggle politely. In smaller towns and for tours, cash is king (ATMs aren’t always around – e.g., none in Wadi Rum). Keep small bills for tips or buying bottled water. It’s okay to haggle for souvenirs or taxi fares, but always with respect. I often got a small discount just by kindly asking, “Is that your best price?” and it added up.

• Pack smart (and safe). My packing list (sunscreen, hat, reusable bottle, hiking shoes, modest clothing layers) saved me from buying overpriced gear on the road. Also, I adhered to local customs (for example, wearing a one-piece swimsuit and shorts at the Dead Sea – bikinis are fine at private resort beaches, but I felt more comfortable being a bit covered). I noticed respectful attire earned me friendlier service and possibly even some freebies (like extra tea or bread) from hospitable locals.

Emotionally and experientially, this trip was worth every penny. From that first mouthwatering bite of falafel in Amman to my last buoyant float in the Dead Sea, Jordan dazzled me.

I left not only with a camera full of epic photos, but also with a heart full of gratitude for the kindness of strangers, like the Wadi Rum guide who, after our tour, gifted me a small vial of sand saying, “Now you take part of our desert with you.”

These human connections and stunning moments are what travel is all about. And as this cost breakdown shows, a week in Jordan is possible on under $75 a day (excluding flights) without sacrificing adventure or comfort.

To any solo traveler eyeing Jordan: go for it.