Living in Sudan is very cheap by global standards: expect around $907 monthly for basic living, while average take‑home pay is only about $156, covering roughly 0.2 months of expenses. Rent for a city‑center one‑bed is typically $624 (cheaper units near $298), lunch runs about $5.70 and utilities about $28.60. Public transit and local food are inexpensive, but wages are low, so budgeting is essential — keep going to see housing, food and saving tips.
Overview of Living Costs and Key Figures in Sudan

Although living in Sudan is noticeably cheaper than in many countries, you should plan carefully: the average monthly cost of living is about $907, roughly 1.26 times below the global average, placing Sudan 108th out of 197 countries for affordability. You’ll see that Cost of Living metrics reveal stark gaps between earnings and expenses: the average monthly salary after taxes is only $156, covering about 0.2 months of living costs. In a specific city context, housing choices shift the balance — city-center one-bed options average $624 versus $298 for cheaper units — but don’t assume rent alone solves the disparity. Daily consumption remains accessible: a lunch menu runs about $5.69 and a dinner for two averages $30.6, useful data points when budgeting for mobility and autonomy. You’ll want to compare these figures to your income and priorities, so you can make pragmatic, liberation-focused decisions about where and how you live.
Housing and Rental Prices Across Cities

Housing costs in Sudan vary sharply by location: a one-bedroom in a city center averages about $624 while cheaper units run near $298, and three-bedroom city-center flats reach roughly $1,184 compared with suburban three-bedrooms that can drop to $100–$400 per month. You’ll notice sharp urban–suburban splits: city centers command premiums; suburbs offer breathing room and savings. This data-driven comparison helps you plan relocation or advocacy strategies — help us map options for those seeking affordable shelter and autonomy.
| Location | 1‑Bedroom (avg) | 3‑Bedroom (avg) |
|---|---|---|
| City center | $624 | $1,184 |
| Cheaper options | $298 | $— |
| Suburban range | — | $100–$400 |
You’ll find basic apartments and houses inexpensive relative to many countries, so you can prioritize freedom over cost. Use these figures to negotiate, move strategically, and support community housing efforts.
Food, Groceries, and Eating Out

Moving from rent calculations to everyday expenses, you’ll find food and dining in Sudan generally inexpensive by global standards: a typical lunch runs about $5.69, a McDonald’s-style combo about $6.22, and a dinner for two roughly $30.60. You’ll notice cappuccinos at $2.73 and a 0.5L beer near $1.98, so casual dining experiences stay affordable. Basic groceries—milk at $1.48 per liter and half a kilo of bread for $1.12—keep home cooking cost-effective. Compared with the United States, where restaurant prices are roughly 3.3 times higher, your wallet gains freedom here. Visit food markets to buy fresh produce and support local vendors; you’ll find ingredients for local cuisine at lower prices than many Western cities. If you want variety, restaurants offer diverse dining experiences without large bills, letting you eat out more often while preserving savings. Overall, you can craft a diet that balances taste, community, and economic autonomy without sacrificing quality or choice.
Transportation, Utilities, and Internet

If you rely on public transit, expect low costs—single tickets run about $0.65 while an 8 km taxi ride averages $11.70—making daily commuting cheaper than in many capitals; gasoline at $1.33 per liter further lowers private-vehicle expenses. You’ll find public transport options inexpensive and practical for urban movement, while ride sharing services and taxis remain affordable compared with global norms. Utilities are cheap: expect around $28.60 monthly for one person, keeping basic living costs low. Internet is pricier relative to utilities; a reliable 50+ Mbps plan costs about $52.60, reasonable if you need steady connectivity for work or activism.
Public transit keeps costs low—cheap single fares, affordable taxis, very reasonable utilities; pay more for reliable 50+ Mbps internet.
- Choose public transport options for routine travel to maximize savings.
- Use ride sharing services selectively for last-mile or off-hour trips.
- Apply fuel efficiency tips if you drive: maintain tires, reduce idling.
- Balance internet speed and cost based on your digital needs.
This mix gives you mobility and connectivity without undermining financial freedom.
Salaries, Poverty Indicators, and Affordability

Although prices for goods and services are relatively low, you’ll find that average take‑home pay in Sudan—about $156 per month—barely covers basic needs, covering roughly 0.2 months of the reported $907 cost of living; with GDP per capita at $989 and a human freedom index of 4.05, these figures collectively point to constrained purchasing power and limited economic opportunity compared with global norms. You confront stark salary disparities: a low average masks wide variation between sectors and regions, leaving many unable to meet food, shelter, and healthcare expenses. Economic challenges include suppressed wages, limited formal employment, and restricted freedoms that hinder entrepreneurship and mobility. For those seeking liberation, data suggest targeted financial solutions: income support, microcredit, skills training, and policy reforms to expand labor rights and markets. You should weigh affordability not just by prices but by real incomes; until wages and freedoms improve, resilience strategies and community-led economic initiatives will be essential to bridge the gap between costs and livelihoods.
Comparing Sudan to the United States

When you compare prices side‑by‑side, Sudan is markedly cheaper than the United States: the overall cost of living is about $907 (4.1 times lower than the U.S.), a standard inexpensive restaurant meal with a drink runs $7.50 versus $19.45, downtown one‑bed rent averages $613.36 against $1,664.59, bread costs $1.35 versus $3.56, and private preschool for one child is $90.25 compared with $1,387.27 in the U.S. You’ll see these cost comparisons reflect broader economic factors: lower wages, different tax burdens, and purchasing power shape daily prices. Cultural influences — local food habits, family childcare norms, and market structures — also push costs down. The numbers free you to evaluate tradeoffs: affordability versus service levels, infrastructure, and access.
- Housing is substantially cheaper in Sudan.
- Food and groceries show major savings.
- Childcare costs diverge sharply.
- Daily living reflects local cultural influences.
Use the data to compare realities, understand systemic economic factors, and decide where value and freedom align with your priorities.
Tips for Expats and How to Save Money in Sudan

Because everyday prices in Sudan run well below many Western countries, you can cut living costs quickly by dialing into local options: expect lunches around $5.69 and dinners for two near $30.60, one‑bed city apartments from $50–$200/month, public transit at $0.65 per ride, and basic groceries like milk at $1.48/L and 0.5 kg bread for $1.12—figures that make suburban three‑bed units ($100–$400/month) and routine dining practical levers for savings. Use local shopping for staples and markets for produce to halve grocery bills versus supermarkets. Choose public transit and occasional shared taxis rather than private cars to shrink transport costs. Seek community events for free socializing, networking, and shared meals that deepen ties while lowering entertainment expenses. Prioritize financial planning: build a simple monthly budget, track rent and food vs discretionary spend, and keep an emergency cash buffer in hard currency. Combine these tactics to increase autonomy, reduce dependency on expensive imports, and stretch income while you settle into Sudan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Americans Live in Sudan?
Yes — you can live in Sudan, but you’ll need appropriate visa requirements, prepare for cultural adjustments, and weigh safety concerns; compare low living costs to limited local wages, seek expat networks, and plan contingencies for freedom.
How Much Does a Dollar Cost in Sudan?
One dollar trades around 1,000 Sudanese pounds; you’ll track currency exchange rates closely. Using a Sudanese economy overview, you’ll compare cost of living, weigh purchasing power, and push for fair, liberated financial choices.
How Much Is a Meal in South Sudan?
A meal in South Sudan typically costs about $5.69 for local cuisine lunch; meal prices vary—fast food’s ~$6.22, mid-range dinner ~$30.60—so your dining options let you compare affordability and choose liberated, practical sustenance.
Is Sudan a Good Country to Live In?
Like a rugged coastline, Sudan can offer you rich Cultural experiences and low-cost living, but Quality of life varies widely; you’ll face Safety concerns, limited services, and low wages, so weigh risks against liberation-seeking opportunities.
Conclusion
Living in Sudan is like maneuvering a shifting mosaic: costs vary widely by city, with Khartoum rents and imported food driving expenses while local markets and public transport stay cheap. You’ll find lower nominal prices but also much lower average wages and higher inflation than in the U.S., so affordability depends on income and lifestyle. Prioritize local sourcing, shared housing, and budgeting to stretch your money and adapt to volatile economic conditions.