Khartoum vs. Johannesburg: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

Economic Profiles and Overall Comparison

Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, and Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa, present vastly different economic landscapes. Khartoum's GDP per capita is significantly lower at $2,000 USD, compared to Johannesburg's $13,700 USD. This disparity reflects broader economic conditions, with Khartoum showing a higher population growth rate (3.05%) versus Johannesburg's (1.07%). While Khartoum generally offers a lower cost of living, particularly for goods and services outside major categories like utilities and transportation, Johannesburg provides higher income levels and potentially better access to international services and amenities, though at a substantially higher price point.

Cost of Living Comparison - Food, Drinks, and Transportation

When examining day-to-day expenses, Khartoum is considerably more affordable. A mid-range restaurant meal for two costs approximately $8.56 USD in Khartoum, less than half the $21.40 USD price in Johannesburg. Groceries are also cheaper in Khartoum, with local cheese costing $4.50 USD compared to $9.19 USD in Johannesburg. Transportation costs vary; while a one-way public transport ticket is cheaper in Johannesburg ($0.92 USD vs. not provided for Khartoum), filling a gas tank is slightly more expensive in Johannesburg ($20.00 USD vs. $15.00 USD). Overall, Khartoum presents a significantly lower cost for food and basic transportation needs.

Utilities, Childcare, and Clothing Costs

Khartoum remains the more budget-friendly option for utilities, childcare, and clothing. Monthly basic utilities for an 85m² apartment cost $100 USD in Khartoum versus $154 USD in Johannesburg. Childcare for one child is much cheaper in Khartoum ($100 USD/month vs. $224 USD/month). Basic clothing items, such as jeans or a summer dress, are also substantially less expensive in Khartoum ($20 USD vs. $50-100 USD).

Housing Costs and Economic Indicators

Housing costs are lower in Khartoum, but the economic indicators paint a different picture. Khartoum's average monthly net salary is $400 USD, while Johannesburg's is $1,620 USD. Although Khartoum's property prices are lower, the property-to-income ratio is significantly higher (17.4x vs. 2.82x), suggesting potentially higher volatility or risk in the Khartoum property market relative to its income levels. Johannesburg's lower mortgage interest rate (11.01% vs. not provided for Khartoum) might be a factor for borrowers there.

Conclusion

Johannesburg offers a higher standard of living with higher salaries, better access to international services, and more developed infrastructure, albeit at a much higher cost across most categories. Khartoum provides significantly lower costs for living expenses, making it more affordable, particularly for basic needs. However, the economic disparity between the two cities is stark, with Johannesburg benefiting from higher GDP per capita, lower mortgage rates, and more stable population growth, despite its higher cost of living. The choice between the two depends heavily on individual priorities regarding cost savings versus economic stability and access to resources.

Climate Index

33 / 91.4

Cost of Living Index

29.7 / 41.6

Khartoum   Johannesburg

Health Care Index

52.5 / 60.5

Pollution Index

76 / 62

Khartoum   Johannesburg

Property Price to Income Ratio

43.3 / 2.8

Purchasing Power Index

19.5 / 116.5

Khartoum   Johannesburg

Quality of Life Index

53.6 / 142.2

Safety Index

59.7 / 19.2

Khartoum   Johannesburg

Traffic Commute Time Index

38.3 / 40.7

Khartoum   Johannesburg