Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Moving to Tunisia is attracting a growing number of retirees, remote workers, and families seeking a more affordable daily life than in Europe or North America. Behind the image of a sunny Mediterranean country, however, the key question remains very pragmatic: what does it really cost to live there as an expat, and what should one expect, line item by line item?
Tunisia’s cost of living index, one of the lowest in the Mediterranean basin, is roughly 2.3 times cheaper than the global average.
A price level significantly lower than Europe and North America
International comparisons are clear. Compared to the United States, day-to-day expenses in Tunisia are about 59.5% lower excluding rent, and 69.1% lower when housing is factored in. Rents alone are 88.4% lower than those across the Atlantic.
The cost of living in Tunisia is roughly 52% lower than in France.
In local numbers, consolidated estimates for 2025 give an average monthly budget of 2,610 Tunisian dinars (TND) for a single person and 5,811 TND for a family of four, all expenses included. Converted by some aggregators, these complete expenses would represent approximately $506 per month for a single person and $1,223 for a household of four, including housing.
As a point of reference, the average net salary after tax is estimated to be around 950 to 960 TND, barely 0.7 months of “standard” expenses. It is this gap between the price level and the local income level that explains why an expat with foreign income or a European or North American pension finds the country particularly advantageous.
Housing: a highly accessible rental market for foreigners
Housing is one of the first major expenses to examine. Good news for expats: Tunisian rents are very attractive, even in the capital.
The most recent data, across all city types, places the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center at around 680 TND per month, with a typical range between 400 and 1,000 TND. Outside the center, the average hovers around 450 to 470 TND.
Tunis, Sousse, Monastir: rents remain moderate
In Tunis, home to a significant part of the expatriate community, prices are a bit higher but remain very reasonable compared to European standards. For a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, amounts recorded most often range between 800 and 1,200 TND, with an average around 836 TND. In the suburbs, for a similar size, prices typically fall in the range of 500 to 700 TND.
For a three-bedroom apartment in downtown Tunis, prices are generally between 1,500 and 2,000 TND per month, with simpler options around 1,200 to 1,400 TND. Outside the city center, the monthly rent for a three-bedroom is about 800 to 900 TND.
In coastal towns popular with retirees, like Sousse or Monastir, rents are another step down. In Sousse, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center typically rents for between 600 and 1,000 TND, and between 400 and 600 TND on the outskirts. In Monastir, for a one-bedroom, prices are more around 500 to 900 TND in the center and 350 to 600 TND in the suburbs. On the island of Djerba or in some beach resorts, even lower rents are frequently mentioned.
These orders of magnitude can be summarized in a comparative table:
| City / Housing Type | Monthly Rent Range (TND) |
|---|---|
| 1 bedroom – Downtown Tunis | 800 – 1,200 |
| 1 bedroom – Tunis outskirts | 500 – 700 |
| 3 bedrooms – Downtown Tunis | 1,500 – 2,000 (up to 2,500) |
| 3 bedrooms – Tunis outskirts | 700 – 1,200 |
| 1 bedroom – Downtown Sousse | 600 – 1,000 |
| 1 bedroom – Sousse outskirts | 400 – 600 |
| 1 bedroom – Downtown Monastir | 500 – 900 |
| 1 bedroom – Monastir outskirts | 350 – 600 |
| Furnished 45 m² studio – “Normal” area (Tunis) | ~527 |
| Furnished 85 m² apartment – “Normal” area (Tunis) | ~1,006 |
An American expat living in Tunis testifies to paying 1,600 TND per month for a new apartment with parking, all utilities included – a rent level that, for equivalent housing in a European capital, would be incomparable.
Buying property: accessible but regulated
For those considering real estate investment, market data shows an average price of about 284.75 TND per square foot for a city-center apartment, and 179.90 TND per square foot outside the center. The median home price in Tunis is around $85,463.
Property purchase by a foreigner is possible in Tunisia, but it is subject to obtaining prior administrative authorizations, notably from the Central Bank. Regarding profitability, projections for 2025 indicate a national average gross rental yield of 5.35%. This yield shows significant regional disparities: it can reach peaks of 7.5% for apartments in Tunis, while it’s around 3.6% in the Nabeul region.
Utilities and internet: a moderate additional cost
Beyond rent, one must include “essential” utilities: electricity, water, possibly heating/air conditioning, and garbage collection. For an 85 m² apartment, the average bill is around 160 TND per month, with observed variations between 100 and 250 TND depending on consumption and season. Some more detailed estimates give 277 TND for utilities in a 45 m² studio and 377 TND for an 85 m² apartment occupied by two people, when including intensive air conditioning.
Access to high-speed internet remains affordable. An unlimited fixed-line subscription around 60 Mbps generally ranges between 40 and 100 TND, with an observed average of about 65 TND. Slower plans (8 Mbps) exist for around 30 to 35 TND.
In practice, many expats renting in newer buildings are offered “all-inclusive” rents, which simplifies management and provides better budget visibility.
Food: cheap markets and affordable restaurants
Food is another strong point for the country budget-wise. Basic products, especially local produce, remain very cheap, particularly if one favors markets and neighborhood shops over international brands.
Estimates for monthly grocery spending for a single person range between 300 and 500 TND, depending on habits (imported products or not, meat consumption, etc.). An expat living in Tunis, for example, indicates spending about 300 TND per month on groceries by combining a supermarket like Monoprix for some items and small fruit and vegetable shops for fresh produce.
Prices of everyday products
In detail, price surveys give a very concrete idea of the average basket:
| Product (market / supermarket) | Indicative Price (TND) |
|---|---|
| White bread (approx. 500g, 1 “lb”) | ~0.45 |
| Whole milk (1 liter) | ~1.67 |
| Eggs (12) | 4.3 – 4.8 |
| Boneless chicken (500g) | ~8 |
| Beef (round, approx. 500g) | ~16.6 per “lb” |
| Local cheese (500g) | ~17 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | ~2.31 |
| Apples (1 kg) | ~4.85 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | ~2.28 |
| Water bottle (1.5 L) | ~0.89 |
| Mid-range wine bottle | ~20 |
| Local beer (0.5 L, supermarket) | 3.6 – 4.8 |
| Pack of Marlboro cigarettes (20) | ~10 |
On the ground, a “stuffed baguette” or street sandwich often costs 8 to 10 TND, a small doughnut like a bambalouni around 1 TND, and a coffee in a classic establishment 2.5 to 3 TND.
Dining out: excellent value for money
Going to restaurants remains very accessible on a European budget. A simple meal at an inexpensive restaurant generally costs around 10 TND. A lunch menu in a business district averages 17 TND. For a meal for two at a mid-range establishment, including appetizer, main course, and dessert, prices most often revolve around 60 TND, with a typical range between 35 and 120 TND depending on the venue and city.
Major fast-food chains, like McDonald’s, offer prices significantly lower than in Europe, with a full meal combo costing around 15 TND. In areas popular with expats, a dinner for two at an Italian restaurant is estimated around 90 TND, while an evening out at a bar or club in downtown Tunis can easily cost between 250 and 300 TND for two, including alcoholic drinks.
Regarding drinks, a pint of local draught beer in a bar sells for between 5 and 8 TND, a cocktail around 24 TND, and a cappuccino in an expat neighborhood about 3.7 TND. Knowing that in France or Switzerland prices are often two to four times higher for equivalent services, it’s easy to understand the country’s appeal for those who enjoy going out.
Getting around: cheap public transport, more expensive car
The “transportation” item depends heavily on the daily mode of travel chosen. Urban public transport (bus, light metro, suburban trains) is very affordable, while intensive use of a car (ownership, insurance, fuel) can weigh more heavily on the budget.
Public transport and taxis
A city bus or tram ticket generally costs less than 1 TND, with common ranges between 0.5 and 1.5 TND per trip. A monthly public transport pass ranges from 30 to 50 TND depending on the city and formula. For an expat living and working in the same urban area, getting around primarily by public transport thus amounts to about thirty dinars per month.
The average fare per kilometer for a taxi in Tunisia is about 0.8 TND.
An expat who favors public transport and the occasional taxi can therefore manage with a budget of 50 to 100 TND per month for local travel.
Private car: a comfort choice more than an economical one
Conversely, owning a car in Tunisia represents a significant expense relative to the local standard of living. Fuel (gasoline) costs about 1.93 to 2.5 TND per liter depending on sources and periods, which equates to 9.5 TND per gallon in recent surveys. An expat mentions a budget of about 300 TND for fuel per month for regular use.
The price of a new Volkswagen Golf-type vehicle in Tunisia can reach 120,000 TND.
In summary, daily car use is a real plus in terms of comfort, but mechanically drives up the monthly transport budget, which can then reach 200 to 300 TND for a motorized household. For expats living in central or well-served neighborhoods, the combination of bus/tram/taxi remains financially much more attractive.
Healthcare: affordable care, insurance to consider
Tunisia has significantly modernized its healthcare system over the past two decades. The country has positioned itself in medical tourism, particularly for private surgery and dentistry, with well-equipped clinics, especially in Tunis and Sfax. In terms of costs, an expat again enjoys a clear advantage compared to Western Europe.
A consultation with a general practitioner in a private practice is generally billed between 40 and 60 TND. A short 15-minute appointment with a specialist is often around 70 TND, some practitioners charging between 50 and 90 TND depending on the specialty. For comparison, an interviewed expat indicates commonly paying 50 to 70 TND for a consultation, without insurance, paying “out of pocket.”
An uninsured expat
Medications remain generally cheaper than in Europe: a box of antibiotics (12 tablets) costs about 24 TND, treatment for a bad cold over a few days around 7 TND.
Hospital rates remain reasonable by international standards, but coverage through insurance is highly recommended for extended stays or surgery. For expats, private insurance typically costs between 100 and 300 TND per month, depending on age and coverage. International “first-euro” policies can cost between €400 and €1,000 per year, equivalent to several hundred dinars per month.
For a realistic overall budget, it is advisable to plan at least 150 to 300 TND per month for health (insurance premium + occasional consultations + pharmacy), depending on one’s profile and needs.
Education and childcare: international = significant cost
For expat families, the “education” chapter can significantly alter the overall budget. Local public schools are almost free but operate in Arabic and French, with national curricula. For reasons of academic continuity and language, many expats opt for international schools, at a much higher cost.
Annual tuition fees for an international primary school in Tunisia can reach up to 8,500 TND per child.
A summary table helps provide an overview:
| Level / Type of institution | Average Cost (TND) |
|---|---|
| Private nursery/preschool (month) | ~274 – 300 |
| International primary school (year) | ~8,000 – 8,500 |
| International middle/high school (year, base) | 8,000 – 10,000 (depending on school) |
Some schools charge fees in foreign currency (dollars or euros), with one-time registration fees that can reach several thousand dinars, security deposits, and supplements for international exams (IGCSE, A-Levels). For a family with two or three children enrolled in this type of institution, education becomes one of the major expense items, sometimes exceeding the housing budget.
The “leisure” item often conditions the quality of life experienced on the ground. In this area, Tunisia proves very competitive for an expat, with significantly lower prices than in most European capitals.
A cinema ticket for an international film generally costs between 10 and 20 TND, with an average around 16 TND. Renting a tennis court for an hour on the weekend costs about thirty dinars (approximately 32.6 TND). Gym memberships vary widely based on location and standard, but the most common ranges are from 50 to 120 TND per month. An American expat living in Tunis mentions a club membership costing 180 TND monthly at a high-end facility.
The maximum cost for an evening out for two including a meal and drinks at a bar or club in Tunis.
Beyond these paid activities, many remain free or very inexpensive: beaches, strolls in the medinas, market visits, exploring historical sites. Entry to major archaeological sites or monuments is often limited to a few dinars (between 5 and 15 TND), making regular excursions entirely feasible on a modest budget.
Clothing, equipment, and durable goods: watch out for brands
For clothing, Tunisia isn’t necessarily a “bargain,” especially when it comes to international brands. Observed prices for clothing from major chains are often close to those in Europe, or even a bit higher due to duties and import costs.
Overview of average prices for various clothing items in Tunisian commerce, expressed in Tunisian dinars (TND).
Average price of 120 to 125 TND, with a typical range from 60 to 200 TND.
Common cost around 150 to 160 TND. Prices can exceed 250 TND for some models.
Costs nearly 290 to 300 TND.
Average price around 220 TND.
Regarding household appliances, a 40-inch flat-screen TV is typically found around 900 TND, a microwave oven around 600 to 650 TND, a 128 GB iPad-type tablet around 1,200 to 1,250 TND. These are therefore one-off expenses to plan for, but which remain, as a rule, more affordable than in high-purchasing-power Northern European countries.
Domestic services: affordable household help
One of the advantages often highlighted by expats is the financial accessibility of domestic services. Housekeepers, nannies, gardeners, or drivers are significantly more affordable than in most Western countries.
Standard rate in TND for a half-day’s work by a housekeeper in Tunisia.
A live-in nanny or full-time employee can cost between 200 and 500 TND per month, with higher rates if she speaks English or another foreign language. Again, these are orders of magnitude to be viewed in perspective with the much lower local average income, but for an expat with foreign income, these services suddenly become much more accessible.
Typical budget: from “simple” living to expanded comfort
Aggregated data and testimonials allow us to outline several monthly budget scenarios for an expat, in Tunisian dinars, excluding international schooling (which varies greatly depending on the number of children).
For a single person with a reasonable lifestyle (Tunis or a major city):
– Rent: 700 TND (studio/1 bedroom outside ultra-prime neighborhood)
– Utilities & internet: 250 TND
– Groceries: 350 TND
– Transportation (public + occasional taxis): 80 TND
– Healthcare (basic insurance + some care): 150 TND
– Leisure, restaurants, cafés: 400 TND
– Mobile phone, miscellaneous: 120 TND
Total: approximately 2,050 TND per month, at the lower end of the commonly cited range of 2,000 to 3,000 TND for a comfortable life.
For a couple with a broader comfort level (frequent restaurants, outings, car):
Detail of main expenses for a couple or small family, for one month, in Tunisian dinars (TND).
Rent for a well-located 2-3 room apartment: 1,200 TND. Regular utilities & internet: 300 TND.
Grocery budget: 700 TND. Car expenses (fuel, insurance, maintenance): 300 TND. Complementary transport (taxis…): 80 TND.
Healthcare (2 insurance policies + routine care): 300 TND. Leisure, restaurants & domestic travel: 1,000 TND.
Miscellaneous expenses (clothing, small appliances, etc.): 300 TND.
Total: approximately 4,180 TND, within the range of 4,000 to 6,000 TND monthly mentioned by several sources for a couple living “very comfortably.”
For a family of four, without international schooling but with an enjoyable lifestyle, estimates around 5,800 to 6,500 TND are easily verified. However, as soon as one or more children are enrolled in an international school, one often needs to add 700 to over 1,000 TND per month per child, which can drive the overall budget toward 8,000 to 10,000 TND monthly.
Local income versus foreign income: a decisive differential
A structuring aspect in analyzing the cost of living in Tunisia for expats lies in the differential between the price level and the local income level. While the average net salary is around 950 TND, the median income for many professions remains much lower. Factory workers, for example, are paid only between €170 and €300 per month.
For an expat paid in strong currencies (euro, dollar, pound sterling) or benefiting from a foreign pension, the monetary gap is advantageous. A French pension, for example, allows renting a spacious apartment in Sousse and funding trips without deprivation. Conversely, an expat without external income, working for a local salary, would have no financial leeway and might even struggle to cover expenses.
This reality explains why Tunisia appears as a very attractive destination for retirees, remote workers, and digital nomads, whose income is generated abroad and then spent locally, in an economy where the average purchasing power remains relatively low.
Banks, transfers, and exchange: practical points to note
Living abroad also means managing financial flows between countries. In Tunisia, several elements must be integrated into building a financial “life plan.”
Locally, banks (BIAT, Attijari, UBCI, STB, BH Bank, Arab Tunisian Bank, etc.) offer different types of accounts, including foreign currency accounts (euros, dollars, etc.) and convertible dinar accounts. For an expat, these products allow receiving international transfers, keeping savings in foreign currency, and managing expenses in dinars.
Transfers via the traditional banking network involve fixed fees (often €10 to €30) and exchange commissions (typically 1 to 3% of the amount). Processing times are 2 to 5 business days, faster within the eurozone (SEPA). To reduce costs and benefit from better rates, online services like Wise are often recommended.
The Tunisian dinar tends to depreciate gradually against the euro and dollar, particularly during periods of political instability or local inflation. This phenomenon has a dual effect: it increases the cost of imports for Tunisians, but increases, for expats receiving foreign currency, the amount of dinars obtained for the same sum in euros or dollars. Many expats therefore choose to open a local foreign currency account to smooth out their conversions and take advantage of favorable exchange periods.
Practical expat tips for managing your budget
Feedback converges on several best practices that help optimize the cost of living on a daily basis.
First, negotiation is a social norm in many areas: in souks for products, but also sometimes for rents when dealing directly with a landlord. An American expat based in Tunis emphasizes the benefit of renting without an agent to avoid commissions and be able to discuss price and conditions (utilities, parking, furniture).
For transportation, favoring public transport and taxis over a personal car is often more economical, especially in the city. The annual cost of a car (fuel, insurance, maintenance, purchase) far exceeds that of regular use of public transport and taxis.
Another important lever: learning a minimum of Arabic and consolidating one’s French. Beyond cultural integration, mastering the local languages facilitates price negotiation, access to certain offers for residents, and understanding bills or contracts. Several expats point out that speaking the language elicits more respect and limits the risk of “foreigner prices.”
Finally, informing oneself about administrative subtleties (resident status, taxation, currency regulations) is crucial to avoid bad surprises: penalties for non-declaration of foreign assets, restrictions on taking currency out of the country, inability to open certain types of accounts without the proper status, etc.
Living in Tunisia: a very favorable cost/quality of life trade-off
At the end of this detailed line-by-line review, the conclusion is clear: for an expat benefiting from income from outside the country, Tunisia offers a cost/quality of life ratio that is hard to match around the Mediterranean.
With rents two to four times lower than in Western Europe, very affordable food, cheap public transport, and accessible domestic services, it is possible to live comfortably in Tunis, Sousse, Monastir, or Djerba on a budget that, in a country like France or Switzerland, would only afford a much more constrained lifestyle.
The average level of local salaries remains low, which implies an ethical responsibility in employing staff and negotiating, as well as vigilance regarding purchasing power inequalities. One must also anticipate the effects of a potential dinar depreciation on savings held in local currency.
For those who take the time to understand these issues, familiarize themselves with banking and administrative rules, and integrate into the local fabric, Tunisia nonetheless brings together many assets: pleasant climate, reduced cost of living, rich cultural offerings, adequate health infrastructure, and a network of cities with varied profiles, from the lively capital to calmer coastal resorts. These are all arguments that explain why, despite a sometimes fragile economic context, the country is increasingly establishing itself as a long-term host land for expats seeking a new, human-scale daily life.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
