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.
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.
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.
Published in Jordan News on feb 20, 2023
https://www.jordannews.jo/Section-36/Opinion/Psst-let-us-talk-inflation-27111
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