🇪🇷 Cost of Living: Eritrea vs Sudan — Price Comparison
Last updated: February 2026
Verified Facts
Official NameState of Eritrea
CapitalAsmara
Population3.6 million
Area117,600 km² (45,406 sq mi)
LanguagesArabic, English, Tigrinya
CurrencyEritrean nakfa (Nfk)
TimezoneUTC+03:00
RegionAfrica / Eastern Africa
Drives onRight
Source: REST Countries API
Economic Indicators
Health Spend per Capita$28 (2023)
Out-of-Pocket Health Spend48.5% (2023)
Source: World Bank Open Data
Eritrea is generally cheaper than Sudan, with an overall cost of living that is approximately 15-20% lower.
Quick Facts
Eritrea GDP per Capita (PPP)1,400
Sudan GDP per Capita (PPP)4,300
Eritrea Inflation Rate10%
Sudan Inflation Rate50%
Overall Winner (Cheaper)Eritrea
Overview: Eritrea vs Sudan
Eritrea and Sudan are two neighboring countries in the Horn of Africa, with distinct economic and cultural profiles. Eritrea has a relatively small economy, with a strong focus on agriculture and services, while Sudan has a larger and more diversified economy, with significant oil reserves and a growing manufacturing sector. In terms of cost of living, Eritrea tends to be cheaper than Sudan, particularly when it comes to housing, food, and transportation. However, Sudan has a more developed economy and a wider range of amenities and services, which can make it a more attractive option for some expats and travelers.
The cost of living difference between Eritrea and Sudan is significant, with Eritrea offering a more affordable lifestyle for those who are willing to adapt to a more basic standard of living. However, Sudan's stronger economy and more developed infrastructure make it a more attractive option for those who value convenience, amenities, and a wider range of services. Overall, Eritrea is a better option for budget-conscious travelers and expats, while Sudan may be more suitable for those who are willing to pay a premium for a more comfortable and convenient lifestyle.
Rent & Housing Comparison
Item
Eritrea (USD)
Sudan (USD)
Difference
1BR Apartment (City Center)
200
350
43% cheaper
1BR Apartment (Outside)
150
250
40% cheaper
3BR Apartment (City Center)
400
600
33% cheaper
Food & Dining Comparison
Item
Eritrea (USD)
Sudan (USD)
Difference
Meal at Restaurant
5
10
50% cheaper
Groceries (monthly)
100
150
33% cheaper
Beer (500ml)
2
3
33% cheaper
Coffee
1
2
50% cheaper
Transport Comparison
Item
Eritrea (USD)
Sudan (USD)
Difference
Monthly Transit Pass
10
20
50% cheaper
Taxi (per km)
0.5
1
50% cheaper
Fuel (per liter)
0.8
1.2
33% cheaper
Utilities & Internet Comparison
Item
Eritrea (USD)
Sudan (USD)
Difference
Utilities (85 sqm apt)
50
80
37% cheaper
Internet (60 Mbps)
20
30
33% cheaper
Mobile Plan
10
15
33% cheaper
Monthly Budget Comparison
Budget Tier
Eritrea (USD)
Sudan (USD)
Savings
Budget
500
700
29%
Mid-Range
800
1,200
33%
Comfortable
1,200
1,800
33%
Where Each Country Wins
Eritrea is cheaper for:
Rent and housing, with prices that are 30-40% lower than in Sudan
Food and dining, with meal prices that are 30-50% lower than in Sudan
Transportation, with taxi and fuel prices that are 30-50% lower than in Sudan
Utilities and internet, with prices that are 30-40% lower than in Sudan
Sudan is cheaper for:
Certain imported goods, which may be more widely available and affordable in Sudan
Luxury items and high-end services, which may be more readily available in Sudan's larger cities
Travel and tourism, with a wider range of options and amenities available in Sudan
Business and investment, with a more developed economy and a wider range of opportunities available in Sudan
Bottom Line
Eritrea and Sudan offer distinct advantages and disadvantages for different types of travelers and expats. For budget-conscious travelers and expats, Eritrea's lower cost of living and more affordable lifestyle make it an attractive option. However, for those who value convenience, amenities, and a wider range of services, Sudan may be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision between Eritrea and Sudan will depend on individual priorities and preferences. Expats and travelers who are willing to adapt to a more basic standard of living may find that Eritrea offers better value, while those who are looking for a more comfortable and convenient lifestyle may prefer Sudan. Students and retirees may also find that Eritrea's lower cost of living makes it a more attractive option, while families may prefer Sudan's more developed economy and wider range of amenities.