Port Sudan vs Khartoum: Which City Wins for Expats in 2026?
Khartoum costs roughly 35% less than Port Sudan. The cost gap makes Khartoum the stronger pick for financial independence. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
Khartoum is approximately 40% less expensive than Port Sudan based on cost of living including rent. This makes Khartoum a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
Khartoum has a FIRE Score of 80/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The city's safety index is 55, suggesting moderate safety levels.
Recommended profile: Khartoum is ideal for GeoArbitragers and remote workers looking to maximize savings.
About Port Sudan
Port Sudan is a hard sell for most expats: an overall expat score of 44/100, a safety index of 38/100, and a crime index of 62/100 tell you the comfort and security are not there. The economics are brutal for locals, with an average monthly net salary of $210/mo against $750/mo for a one-bedroom in the center, though a budget tier of $900/mo and a cost of living index of 39/100 make it cheap by Western standards. Healthcare is poor, English proficiency is limited, and the expat community is very few, so come only with a specific reason and a tolerance for an arid, 0 m elevation port city.
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.
$1,400/mo
Cost of Living (Without Rent)
Rent Per Month
Attractiveness
City Details
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
Attractiveness
City Details
Battle of Lifestyles
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| Metric | Port Sudan | Khartoum |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $750 | $537.26 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $370 | $171.67 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $1500 | $1249.22 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $1000 | $161.33 |
| Safety Index | 38 | 55 |
| Internet Speed | 12Mbps | 12Mbps |
| Walkability Score | N/A | N/A |
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Port Sudan vs Khartoum -- Frequently Asked Questions
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