Skyline of Zarqa
Cost of Living: 78 1,000,000

Zarqa, Jordan

Zarqa is a major city in Jordan with a population of 1,000,000.

Updated August 30, 2026

Overview

Zarqa is a city in Zarqa with a population of 1,000,000. Zarqa is a major city in Jordan with a population of 1,000,000. Housing costs are close to the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6a growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with about 280 sunny days a year. Reported crime rates are relatively low. The population skews young, with a median age of 24.0.

Last updated: August 30, 2026

Cost of Living 78

Below Average vs Jordan Avg (100)

Housing Index 85

Affordable

Median Income JD 8,400

Household income

Unemployment 5.0%

Job market health

Zarqa vs Jordan Average

Cost of Living
Zarqa: 78
Jordan Avg: 100
Housing Index
Zarqa: 85
Jordan Avg: 100

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: None
  • Sales Tax: 16.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: JD 8,400
  • Unemployment: 5.0%
  • Population: 1,000,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 280/year
  • Summer High: 90°F
  • Winter Low: 42°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a

Housing

  • Median Home: JD80,000
  • 1BR Rent: JD200/mo

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Cost of Living

Zarqa's cost of living index is 78 (Jordan average = 100).

CategoryZarqaNational AverageDifference
Overall78100-22.0%
Housing85100-15.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home PriceJD80,000
Median Rent (1BR)JD200/mo
Median Rent (2BR)JD250/mo
Price per Sq FtJD53

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

JD
%
$90,000 down
%
%
JD

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Zarqa:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
ElectricityJD20
Heating & CoolingJD25Estimated based on local climate.
Cooling (AC)JD12Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
WaterJD10Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)JD25Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total UtilitiesJD92Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Remote Work Score

Zarqa scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
— 78
Rent
— JD200
Sunny Days
— 280
Tax
— None
Unemployment
— 5.0%
Climate
— 90°F / 42°F
Safety
— 1.5 homicides/100k
Population
— 1,000,000
Internet Speed
— 40 Mbps

Climate

Zarqa has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January62°F42°F2.5"
April75°F57°F2.8"
July90°F65°F1.5"
October70°F60°F2.2"
USDA Zone 6a

Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables

Natural Hazards

Zarqa faces the following natural hazards:

Drought High Risk

Arid country with frequent droughts.

Heat Wave High Risk

Extreme summer heat.

Sandstorm High Risk

Frequent sandstorms.

Earthquake Moderate Risk

Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.

Flood Moderate Risk

Flash floods.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 0% (None)
  • Sales Tax: 16%
  • Property Tax: ~0.2% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.0%.

Schools & Education

Total Schools

Academic Schedule

School Hours 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Academic Year September to June
Term System Semester — Fall (Sep-Dec), Spring (Jan-Jun)
Summer Break June to September (13 weeks)
Winter Break December to January (2 weeks)
Spring Break Easter/Eid break (1-2 weeks)

Friday is the weekly holiday.

Demographics

The population of Zarqa is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.

Ethnicity

Jordanian (Arab)
98.0%
Other
2.0%

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
25.0%
High school graduate
30.0%
Less than high school
30.0%
Some college
15.0%

Religion

Christian
2.0%
Muslim
97.0%
Other
1.0%

City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.

Data source: Department of Statistics (2015)

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Zarqa, Jordan?

The cost of living index in Zarqa is 78, which is Lower the Jordan national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Zarqa?

The median home price in Zarqa is JD80,000. The housing index is 85.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Zarqa is approximately JD200/mo.

Does Zarqa, Zarqa have income tax?

Zarqa is in Zarqa, which has no income tax.

What is the climate like in Zarqa?

Zarqa enjoys approximately 280 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 90°F, while winter lows can drop to around 42°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
  • Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.