Tips and Tricks for Finding Housing in Tunisia

Published on November 10, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Navigating the Tunisian real estate market can be quite challenging, both for locals and foreigners looking to settle in this country rich in culture and diversity. Given the variety of neighborhoods, diverse offerings, and price fluctuations, it’s essential to arm yourself with the right tools and information to optimize your housing search.

In this article, discover essential tips and practical advice to turn this potentially stressful step into a positive experience, whether you’re renting an apartment in the charming neighborhoods of Tunis or looking for a house in a peaceful coastal town.

Finding Housing in Tunisia: Foolproof Tips

Finding Housing in Tunisia: Foolproof Tips

Main local online platforms where listings are regularly updated:

Platform	Type of Listings	Specific Features
Tayara.tn	Sale & Rental	Precise filtering, large number of listings
Mubawab.tn	Sale & Rental	Verified listings, multi-criteria search
TunisieAnnonces.com	Sale & Rental	Simple interface, large user base
ImmoExpert.tn	Residential, Commercial	Targeting professionals and individuals, detailed listings
Lyanimmo.com	Sale & Rental	High-quality photos, advanced search criteria
Menzili.tn	Sale & Rental	Free listings throughout Tunisia
Seloger.tn	Sale & Rental	Detailed information, inspired by the French model
BnB.tn	Sale, Rental, Vacation	Targeted search, multi-platform distribution
Facebook Marketplace	Sale & Rental	Direct access to the local community

Staying Vigilant Against Real Estate Scams:

• Always prioritize well-known and reputable platforms.
• Be wary of offers that seem too good to be true, unusually low prices, requests for advance payment or money transfer before viewing.
• Verify the identity of the owner or agency.
• Check online reviews and ask for references.

Importance of On-Site Visits:

• Never sign or pay without having visited the property.
• During the visit, check:
  • The actual condition of the property (electrical system, plumbing, insulation).
  • The match between the listing and reality (size, location, amenities).
  • The environment (noise levels, proximity to services, neighborhood safety).
• Visits often reveal flaws or elements omitted from the listing.

Usefulness of Social Media and Facebook Groups:

• Join groups dedicated to real estate or expat life in Tunisia.
• Benefit from feedback, advice, and recommendations from locals or expats.
• Ask questions about neighborhoods, reliable agencies, administrative procedures.
• Take advantage of exclusive offers or properties not listed on traditional websites.

Practical Tips for Rent Negotiation:

• Compare prices across multiple platforms and during visits.
• Prepare a list of points to discuss (included utilities, lease duration, property condition).
• Negotiate calmly, highlighting any flaws noticed during the visit.
• Request a discount or additional benefits (renovations, extra amenities) if the property needs improvements.

Advantages of Working with Local Real Estate Agents:

• Access to exclusive listings and in-depth knowledge of sought-after neighborhoods.
• Advice on property values and assistance with negotiation.
• Support in preparing documentation and verifying documents (property title, tax status, lease contract compliant with local regulations).
• Secured transactions, reduced risk of fraud.
• Facilitation of administrative and legal procedures for foreigners.

Essential Tips for a Successful Search:

• Use multiple information sources (websites, social media, agencies).
• Prepare for your visits and take notes.
• Stay cautious and always request documentary proof.
• Use Facebook groups to gather opinions and avoid common pitfalls.
• Don’t hesitate to consult a real estate agent for significant transactions or if you’re unfamiliar with local procedures.

Finding the right housing in Tunisia requires vigilance, organization, and reliance on reliable tools, while paying attention to advice from the local and professional community.

The Ideal Budget for Living in Tunisia: Anticipating Expenses

Ideal Budget for Living in Tunisia in 2025

Expense Category	Average Price in Tunis (€/month)	Average Price in France (€/month)	% Cheaper Than France
Downtown Apartment	346	1416	75%
Suburban Apartment	238	1106	78%
Water, Electricity, Gas, Internet	55-70	150-200	~60%
Internet Subscription	18	31	42%
Transportation (Bus, Metro, Taxi)	25-35	65	~50%
Gym Membership	25	34	29%
Lunch at a Restaurant	2.9	15	80%
Groceries (Monthly)	120-160	350-400	~60%
Average Salary	281	2402	88%

Average Costs by Category:

• Rent
  • Downtown (Tunis, Sousse, Hammamet): 340 to 360 €/month
  • Suburbs or Secondary Cities: 230 to 250 €/month
• Utilities
  • Water, Electricity, Gas for an Average Apartment: 35 to 45 €/month
  • Fiber or ADSL Internet: 16 to 20 €/month
• Transportation
  • Monthly Bus/Tram Pass: 14 to 18 €/month
  • Taxi: Average Urban Trip 0.9 to 1.5 €
  • Gasoline: 0.7 €/L
• Groceries
  • Shopping for One Person: 120 to 160 €/month
  • Meal at an Economical Restaurant: 2.9 €
  • Bread (500g): 0.2 €
  • Milk (1L): 0.4 €
  • Rice (1kg): 1.3 €
• Unforeseen Expenses to Budget For
  • Occasional Medical Care
  • Repairs (Appliances, Plumbing)
  • Seasonal Price Variations (Fruits, Vegetables)
  • Average Annual Inflation: 5 to 7% (watch for price increases on meat, fresh fruit, fuel)

Tips to Optimize Your Budget:

• Prioritize renting in suburbs or secondary cities for lower rent.
• Buy local and seasonal food products, avoid more expensive imported goods.
• Use public transportation instead of taxis.
• Compare internet plans and choose operators with the best promotions.
• Set aside an “unforeseen expenses” budget (about 10% of monthly budget) to cover sudden increases (inflation, health, repairs).
• Take advantage of markets and small grocery stores for everyday purchases: prices are often lower than in supermarkets.

International Comparison (2025)

Country	Cost of Living Index	Average Salary (€)	Downtown Rent (€)	Monthly Groceries (€)
Tunisia	25.5	281	346	120-160
France	54	2402	1416	350-400
Morocco	30	380	420	170-220
Egypt	19.6	210	200	100-130
Algeria	26.8	290	300	110-150

Key Takeaways:

• Tunisia remains a country where living costs are 52 to 64% cheaper than in France.
• Local purchasing power remains limited, but the cost of living allows for comfortable living with a managed budget.
• Inflation in 2025 is relatively contained (around 5%), but some products see significant increases (meat, fresh fruit).
• For a “comfortable” lifestyle in Tunis, a monthly budget of 500 to 650 € covers essential needs (excluding exceptional expenses and high-end leisure).

Tip:
Frame your monthly budget with a safety margin for unforeseen events and regularly monitor price trends, especially for food and rent.

Minimum Monthly Budget for Comfortable Living in Tunisia in 2025:

Main Category	Range (€)
Rent	230 – 360
Utilities & Internet	55 – 70
Groceries	120 – 160
Transportation	25 – 35
Unforeseen & Leisure	70 – 100
Total	500 – 650

This amount covers the essential needs of an adult in major Tunisian cities while maintaining a margin for unforeseen events and small pleasures.

Dream Neighborhoods for Expats in Tunisia

La Marsa, Sidi Bou Saïd, and Gammarth are among the most sought-after neighborhoods by expats in Tunisia, due to their exceptional living environment, enhanced security, and quality infrastructure.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Main Assets	Types of Housing	Services & Infrastructure
La Marsa	Seaside, Mediterranean ambiance, nightlife, trendy restaurants and cafes, beach proximity	Modern apartments, villas, renovated traditional houses	International schools, supermarkets, medical centers, quick access to downtown Tunis
Sidi Bou Saïd	Picturesque village, white and blue architecture, typical alleys, artistic and cultural atmosphere	Traditional houses, small residences, some apartments	Art galleries, historic cafes, private schools, cultural activities
Gammarth	Chic seaside resort, quiet, private beaches, luxury hotels, green environment	Prestige villas, gated communities, high-end apartments	Fitness centers, private clinics, proximity to international schools

Attractive Features for Expats

• Proximity to Amenities: Easy access to shopping malls, supermarkets, local markets, restaurants, and leisure spaces.
• Security: Presence of monitored neighborhoods, secured residences, guard services, and neighbors often composed of other expats or affluent families.
• Available Housing Types: Wide choice, ranging from modern apartments to villas with gardens or sea views, including renovated traditional houses.

Accessible Services and Infrastructure

• International Schools: Several recognized institutions (French lycée, American or British schools) are located in or near these neighborhoods, facilitating schooling for expat children.
• Healthcare Centers: Private clinics, multilingual medical practices, and well-equipped pharmacies.
• Cultural and Sports Activities: Numerous art galleries, sports clubs (tennis, golf, fitness), festivals, concerts, and local events.

Tips to Facilitate Housing Search

• Use the services of local contractors, often more effective and flexible than traditional real estate agencies for finding properties that meet expat expectations.
• Prioritize word-of-mouth within the expat community or on specialized social media to access listings before they hit the market.
• Plan for a commission (generally 5% of the annual rent) for intermediaries, and visit several properties to compare features and neighborhoods.
• Pay attention to proximity to schools and transportation, especially for families, as well as the quality of insulation and amenities (heating, air conditioning).
• Inquire about lease and payment conditions, which can vary: some landlords prefer payment several months in advance.

Summary of Advantages of Dream Neighborhoods for Expats in Tunisia

• High-end and secure living environment
• Diverse real estate offerings (villas, apartments, traditional houses)
• Services and infrastructure tailored to the needs of international families
• Strong presence of an expat community, facilitating integration and exchange

These neighborhoods thus guarantee an ideal balance between modern comfort, cultural immersion, and quality of life.