Living in Sudan can be very different depending on the city, region, personal circumstances and the current security and economic situation. Sudan is a large country in northeastern Africa with a diverse population, long history, distinctive cultural traditions and major cities including Khartoum, Omdurman, Port Sudan, Kassala and Wad Madani.
For anyone considering moving to Sudan, living in Khartoum, working in Sudan, visiting family, studying, or spending an extended period in the country, it is important to understand housing, food, transportation, healthcare, utilities, communications, employment and security conditions before making plans.
Sudan remains affected by the armed conflict that began in April 2023. Conditions can change quickly between cities and regions. Current international travel advice continues to warn against travel to Sudan, while healthcare, infrastructure, transportation and other essential services remain severely disrupted in many areas. Always check the latest official travel and security information before travelling or relocating.
Sudan has a rich cultural heritage influenced by African, Arab and Nubian traditions. Daily life varies substantially between urban and rural areas and between different states.
The cost of living in Sudan varies considerably depending on where you live, the type of accommodation you choose, whether you rely on locally available goods or imported products, and current market and exchange-rate conditions.
Recent cost-of-living datasets for Khartoum illustrate the variation. One 2026 estimate puts basic living costs for one person at roughly $554 per month excluding rent, while a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is estimated at around $530 per month. Other datasets produce lower overall estimates, demonstrating why online averages should be treated only as rough planning figures rather than fixed prices.
Prices can change quickly, particularly for imported goods, fuel, transportation, housing and other products affected by supply conditions and currency movements.
For more detailed budgeting, see our monthly expenses in Sudan guide.
There is no single monthly budget that applies to everyone in Sudan. A local resident living with family can have very different expenses from an international professional renting private accommodation and purchasing imported goods.
Because Sudan's economic conditions remain unstable, it is better to build a flexible emergency budget rather than relying on a fixed monthly figure.
Sudan has several important cities, but they are not equally suitable for relocation. Conditions can change rapidly because of the ongoing conflict. Research the current situation before choosing a city or neighbourhood.
Khartoum is Sudan's traditional political, administrative and economic centre. Together with Omdurman and Khartoum North, it forms the country's largest metropolitan area.
However, the conflict has caused extensive damage and disruption in the Khartoum area. Anyone considering living there should carefully verify the current security situation, housing availability, electricity, water, communications, healthcare and transportation before making plans.
Omdurman is one of Sudan's largest urban areas and is historically important for Sudanese culture and commerce. It forms part of the wider Khartoum metropolitan area.
Living conditions and availability of services can vary significantly by neighbourhood and current security conditions.
Khartoum North, also known as Bahri, is another major part of the capital's metropolitan area. It contains residential, commercial and industrial areas.
As with the rest of the capital region, current security and infrastructure conditions should be checked before making relocation decisions.
Port Sudan is Sudan's principal Red Sea port and has become particularly important during the conflict. It is an important centre for transportation, commerce, administration and international humanitarian activity.
Its coastal location also gives it a very different climate and lifestyle from Khartoum and inland Sudan.
Kassala is an important city in eastern Sudan near the border with Eritrea. It is known for its distinctive landscape, agricultural surroundings and cultural importance.
Housing options range from traditional homes and privately rented apartments to larger houses and accommodation arranged by employers or organizations. Availability and prices differ greatly between cities and neighbourhoods.
Housing conditions can change rapidly in areas affected by conflict or displacement, so online property advertisements may not always reflect current availability.
Transportation in Sudan varies considerably by city and region. Depending on the location, residents may use buses, minibuses, taxis, private vehicles and other local transportation services.
Do not assume that a normal transportation timetable is available during periods of conflict or disruption. Check current local information before travelling.
Basic infrastructure is an important consideration when living in Sudan. Electricity, water supply and telecommunications services can be disrupted, particularly in conflict-affected areas.
People working remotely should have a backup plan for electricity and internet connectivity rather than depending on a single connection.
Healthcare is one of the most important issues to consider when planning to live in Sudan in 2026.
The World Health Organization reports that Sudan's health system has been severely affected by the conflict. In April 2026, WHO reported that approximately 37% of health facilities across Sudan were non-functional, while millions of people required health assistance. Conditions are particularly difficult in areas affected by active fighting and displacement.
WHO continues to support health services and humanitarian operations in Sudan, but access remains heavily affected by security, funding, infrastructure and supply-chain problems.
Sudan has public and private schools, universities and other educational institutions. However, the conflict has significantly disrupted education in many parts of the country.
Sudan's economy has been severely affected by the conflict, but important economic activities continue in areas that are more stable. Agriculture, trade, services, logistics, telecommunications and humanitarian operations remain important parts of the economy.
The World Bank reports that Sudan's real GDP contracted sharply in 2023 and 2024 before an estimated modest recovery in 2025. Economic recovery remains closely linked to improvements in security and restoration of infrastructure.
Safety is currently the most important issue for anyone considering living in Sudan.
The security situation varies significantly between regions, but Sudan remains affected by armed conflict, displacement, crime and infrastructure disruption. Current UK government travel advice advises against travel to Sudan because of the ongoing military conflict.
This means that older descriptions of Sudan as simply a low-cost destination for expats are no longer sufficient. Anyone considering travel or relocation should evaluate the situation using current official information immediately before travelling.
Read our detailed Sudan safety guide for additional information.
Sudanese society places strong importance on family, hospitality, community relationships and social traditions. Visitors and foreign residents should take time to understand local customs and expectations.
Sudan has a predominantly hot climate, although conditions vary considerably between regions.
People moving to Sudan should prepare for high temperatures and, depending on the region and season, dust, heat, rainfall and mosquito exposure.
Internet access and telecommunications are increasingly important for businesses, students, journalists, professionals and people working remotely.
However, connectivity can be affected by infrastructure damage, power outages, network disruptions and security conditions. Anyone depending on online work should consider multiple communication methods and backup power.
| Potential Advantages | Potential Challenges |
|---|---|
| Rich culture and history | Ongoing armed conflict |
| Strong community and family traditions | Infrastructure disruption |
| Potentially lower local living costs for some goods | Rapid price and exchange-rate changes |
| Important agricultural and commercial opportunities | Limited access to some services |
| Strategic Red Sea location | Healthcare disruption in many areas |
| Growing need for reconstruction and essential services | Travel and transportation uncertainty |
Sudan has a rich culture, strong community traditions and significant economic potential. However, in 2026, the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis make living conditions highly dependent on location and current security conditions. Anyone considering relocation should conduct careful, current risk assessment.
Costs vary considerably by city and lifestyle. Current online estimates for Khartoum suggest that a single person may spend several hundred US dollars per month excluding rent, but prices can change rapidly because of inflation, currency movements, supply shortages and local market conditions.
Khartoum has been heavily affected by the conflict. Security conditions and availability of essential services can change rapidly. Current international travel advice should be checked before considering travel or relocation.
There is no single answer. Khartoum is the country's traditional economic and administrative centre, Port Sudan is an important Red Sea and administrative centre, and other cities offer different lifestyles and economic activities. The current security and service situation should be considered before choosing a location.
Healthcare remains available in some locations, but the health system has been severely disrupted by the conflict. WHO reported in April 2026 that around 37% of health facilities across Sudan were non-functional.
Arabic is the main language used in everyday life. English is also used in education, business, professional environments and international organizations.
Some locally produced goods and services can be inexpensive when compared with international standards, but imported products, housing in certain areas, private services and rapidly changing market conditions can make expenses much higher. Cost comparisons should therefore be made using current local prices.
Conditions in Sudan can change rapidly. Information about security, transport, healthcare, prices, border crossings, airports, electricity, communications and local services can become outdated quickly. Always verify important information with current official sources and trusted local contacts before making travel, relocation or financial decisions.