Exact cost of living data (CPI) is unavailable. South Sudan is generally considered very expensive for expats due to high reliance on imports and logistical challenges. The Restaurant Price Index is 109.7, indicating restaurant prices are higher than in New York City.

The Property Price to Income Ratio is 2.08 years, indicating a very affordable housing market relative to income.

Purchasing power index data is unavailable. Given South Sudan's low Human Development Index (0.385) and its classification as a low-income country with a per capita income of approximately USD 1,040 in 2024, purchasing power is estimated to be very low.

The tax system includes progressive personal income tax rates up to 20% for monthly incomes above SSP 15,001, with incomes below SSP 2,000 exempt. A 4% advance Business Profit Tax (BPT) is levied on imported goods, and a 30% tax applies to income from rental investments for real estate businesses. The standard corporate tax rate is 30%. South Sudan is preparing to roll out an 18% Value Added Tax (VAT) alongside the existing 1.7% sales tax. Withholding tax on government contract payments for residents is 15% and 20% for non-residents. Property taxation is limited to stamp duties. The system is undergoing changes with the Financial Act 2024/2025, which has introduced tax increments and regulatory burdens.

South Sudan ranked 185 out of 190 economies in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business report in 2019 and 2020, indicating a very challenging environment. The business landscape is hampered by political and economic shocks, an underdeveloped financial sector, and significant policy and regulatory bottlenecks. Bureaucracy and infrastructure gaps are notable challenges. While a nascent startup ecosystem exists, primarily in Juba, with some incubators, access to capital remains limited.

The South Sudan Social Insurance Fund (SSSIF) provides core social insurance schemes including pensions, health cover, work injury, and family support for workers and their families. Employers contribute 17% and employees 8% of gross monthly salary to the National Social Insurance Fund (NSSF) for pensions, disability, and survivor benefits. The NSIF Act 2023 established a pension program for private sector workers, with a minimum monthly pension of 80% of the minimum wage. Unemployment support is planned for the future.

South Sudan does not currently have an established deposit insurance scheme, though plans for its introduction are underway as of March 2023. The banking sector is characterized by instability, a weak financial system, and limited public trust due to currency instability, hyperinflation, and liquidity crises. The Bank of South Sudan (BoSS) is responsible for regulation but faces challenges in effective supervision. South Sudan is on the FATF grey list for strategic deficiencies in its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) regime, limiting international banking relationships.