Khartoum vs Kololi: Which City Wins for Expats in 2026?
Kololi costs roughly 3.6x less than Khartoum. Beyond cost, the two cities are closely matched — lifestyle fit and visa options are likely the deciding factors. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
Kololi is approximately 54% less expensive than Khartoum based on cost of living including rent. This makes Kololi a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
Kololi has a FIRE Score of 82/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The city's safety index is 60, which is relatively safe.
Recommended profile: Kololi is ideal for GeoArbitragers and remote workers looking to maximize savings.
About Khartoum
Khartoum is a cheap city on paper, with a cost of living index of 29/100 and a budget tier of $750/mo, but the numbers hide a brutal truth: the average local net salary is $241/mo, so most residents are not living the expat math. The rent spread is absurd, from $537/mo in the center to $172/mo outside it, which tells you the city rewards those who can trade convenience for distance. With an expat score of 55/100, a FIRE score of 80/100, and a safety index of 55/100, Khartoum is a place for the patient and self-sufficient, not the pampered. Come for the low costs if you must, but do not expect an easy social or professional landing.
About Sudan
A US Travel Advisory Level 4 rules this out for retirees, remote workers, or anyone without a compelling reason to be there. No retirement or digital nomad visa exists anyway. This is for aid workers, diplomats, or contractors sent under organizational protection, not self-directed relocation.
$1,700/mo
Cost of Living (Without Rent)
Rent Per Month
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City Details
About Kololi
Kololi is a tiny resort town of 4 thousand people where a one-bedroom in the center runs $350/mo and a three-bedroom outside it drops to $400/mo, so your money stretches further than the overall expat score of 80/100 alone would suggest. The catch is infrastructure: 15 Mbps internet, poor healthcare, and limited English proficiency make it a rough fit for digital nomads and retirees, both scoring 54/100, despite the strong FIRE score of 82/100. Come for the low costs and the tropical climate, not for the services.
About Gambia
Skip Gambia if you need reliable healthcare or fast internet: a 26.1 healthcare index and 1.7 Mbps speeds rule out serious remote work or medical peace of mind. Rent as low as $102.56/mo and English-speaking locals make it viable for budget-focused retirees with low healthcare needs and no digital nomad ambitions.
$1,800/mo
Cost of Living (Without Rent)
Rent Per Month
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Battle of Lifestyles
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| Metric | Khartoum | Kololi |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $537.26 | $350 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $171.67 | $250 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $1249.22 | $550 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $161.33 | $400 |
| Safety Index | 55 | 60 |
| Internet Speed | 12Mbps | 15Mbps |
| Walkability Score | N/A | N/A |
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Khartoum vs Kololi -- Frequently Asked Questions
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