Cost of living in Jordan - 2017

In my opinion, it is very expensive to live a good life in Jordan.  It depends on your lifestyle and what you enjoy. 
Rent for a decent place and in a decent area is between 9000 and 12000 Dinars per year.  Many landowners would like the year to be paid in full before moving in.  Some might make other arrangements, but most want it up front.
Food is horribly expensive and restaurants charge a government tax of what's called ++ which is 17% and 10% on top of your bill.
Look up the American dollar or the British pound ratio to the Jordanian dinar.  Imported food items are about 3x what they are in the US.  Clothes are expensive and it's best to bring what you like.  Makeup is double to triple the price.  The answer is to bring as much as possible then do without until you can get home and buy more.
Some cars end up being about 200% depending on the size of engine and type of car.  In other words, commodities are outrageously expensive but people are cheap. Services are affordable but workmanship is another thing.  Don't expect US/UK standards, you won't find it here.
So bottom line, you need to make at the very least 3000 to 7000 dinars a month to live a normal enjoyable life. 
Schools vary, they are private and expensive.  Public transportation is not used by middle class foreign women, just not a good idea. 

Hope this helps!

How much does it cost to rent an apartment/house in Jordan?  Depends on size and area.  Anywhere from 200 JD a month to over 1000JD a month if you want to live in a fancy area.  I personally rented a very, very nice 3 bedroom 3 bath apartment (with a walk in closet!!!!) for 250JD a month, but it wasn't in West Amman.  If you are willing to live outside of the fancy areas that cater to expats you can really find some beautiful apartments for a decent price, but you may be the only expat in the area. 

> How much do you pay for your public transport tickets (bus, subway, train, tram)? I don't use the bus and there aren't any trains here.

> Staple food: what do people eat and how much do they pay for basic food like bread, rice or pasta?   Arabic bread is super inexpensive. .25 for a kilo.  Rice and pasta aren't expensive either.  Many vegetables are very inexpensive at the local stores.  Stay away from Miles and Cosmo, everything there costs way too much. 

>What is your monthly grocery budget? Less than 200 JD

> How much does it cost to see a physician/doctor/specialist in Jordan ?  Without insurance it's 25JD for a consultation.  Also, you can usually bargain a bit for proceedures.

> What is your children's schooling monthly budget? I don't have children

> How much does it cost to fill up your car’s fuel tank? 20 JD for a Prius

> How much do you pay for electricity/gas/water etc.? Electric I pay less than 25JD a month, but I don't have AC or a clothes dryer, etc.  Gas is 7JD a tank.  Water is less than 10.

> How much do you pay for your Internet/phone subscription? Home Internet 23 JD cell phone 9 JD

> How much do you pay for your lunch pack on weekdays? .50 for a falafel sandwhich

> How much do you pay for an espresso coffee?  Just drink the local stuff, .50.  If you want to be fancy and get Starbucks it it something like 4Jd

> How much do you pay for a cinema ticket? I have never been here, we have netflix!

> How much does a gym membership cost in Jordan?  If you're a guy you can join a local gym for a decent price.  If you are a woman forget it,  It's something like 100JD for the big gyms.  Better off buying some used equipment for home.

Jordan is expensive.  It can be very, very expensive of you try to live your life like you did in your home country. Keep in mind a good majority of local people here live on salaries of 500 JD or less a month.  You have to adapt.  You have to shop around.  You may have to do without.  Living here on a very limited budget made me appreciate things I took for granted. Some things, like cars, are ridiculously exepnsive.  If you are willing to eat local food and cook yourself you don't have to spend 3x what you spend back home on groceries.  Oil and thyme is my favorite breakfast now    And the fruits and vegetables are very reasonably priced.  The amount of tomatoes and lettuce I can buy for salads for very little is amazing.  And huge juicy watermelons in the summer for as cheap as 1Jd during peak season OMG!  And the bananas here taste 10 times better than back home.  Clothes if you want western brands are super expensive.  Stay away from the malls.  I like shopping in Tela al Ali. It's like a whole street that reminds me of shopping at TJ Maxx or something.  Yes, it's a lot of Chinese cheap clothing but mixed in I have found things from stores like Ann Taylor, JC Penney, and Silver Jeans etc.  I do have a hard time buying leggings, tank tops, dress clothes, and shoes here.  But honestly I don't shop for clothes here much....that limited budget here thing....

This is what a smart budget plan by all means, its worthless paying off your salary for some cloths and accessories from city mall or taj mall , As you said life here makes you appreciate the small tiny things that you've never thought about before just because they are ridiculously overpriced, but at least it's an opportunity for you to think... I believe that if you are able to make it and live in Jordan you will be able to survive wherever you go!