Sudan has a very affordable cost of living with a Cost of Living Index of 30.96 (NYC = 100). Groceries (44.56) and restaurant prices (23.57) are particularly low, contributing to its high affordability.

The property price to income ratio in Sudan is very high at 44.85 years, indicating a very expensive housing market relative to local incomes. The rent index is 13.39, suggesting that while purchasing property is costly, renting is comparatively more affordable.

The purchasing power index of 18.54 (NYC = 100) indicates a low average income and weak buying power for residents in Sudan.

Sudan's personal income tax rate is 15% as of 2026, with social security deductions considered deductible expenses. The standard VAT rate is 17%, though some sources mention a 30% rate for telecommunication companies. Property tax rates vary by city and region, with taxable income for leased real estate typically being one month's rent. The corporate tax rate is 35%.

Sudan ranked 171 out of 190 economies in the World Bank's 2020 Ease of Doing Business Report, with a score of 48 in 2019, indicating a challenging commercial environment. The legal framework, based on Islamic, civil, and customary law, presents complexities, and challenges exist in areas like taxation, land ownership, and dispute resolution. Political instability and a regulatory environment subject to change further hinder business operations.

Sudan has a social security system designed to provide financial protection for old age, disability, survivors' benefits, and work-related injuries. The National Social Insurance Fund (NSIF) manages pensions for both public and private sector employees under a contributory model, with reforms initiated in 2016 to unify schemes and improve sustainability. The Ministry of Finance reported fulfilling all financial obligations for the 2025 fiscal year, including pensions.

Sudan has a Deposit Guarantee Fund Act, but a specific coverage limit per depositor in local currency or USD is not publicly specified in available recent information. The banking sector faces significant vulnerability and instability, with major losses, a high percentage of non-performing loans (estimated 50% unrecoverable), and currency devaluation eroding bank capital. While the Central Bank of Sudan is prioritizing banking system reform, digital transformation, and anti-money laundering efforts, implementation of AML/CFT measures remains uneven, and banking supervision is weak.