The Most Sought-After Neighborhoods for Expatriates in Tunisia

Published on April 23, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Tunisia increasingly rhymes with expatriation. In ten years, the foreign population settled in the country has jumped by more than 20%. Between Mediterranean charm, moderate cost of living, and proximity to Europe, the country attracts diplomats, retirees, families, and digital nomads. But not everyone settles randomly: a handful of neighborhoods concentrate most of the demand, especially around the capital and major coastal cities.

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Tunis and its northern suburbs: the beating heart of expat life

The capital remains the main attraction pole for foreigners in Tunisia. It hosts communities from France, Italy, Germany, as well as Canada, the United States, Lebanon, Sweden, sub-Saharan Africa, and Asia. Tunis concentrates international company headquarters, embassies, NGOs, foreign schools, and most major private clinics.

Around Tunis, several neighborhoods clearly stand out as expat favorites, each with its own atmosphere, level of prestige, and relationship to “real” Tunisian daily life.

La Marsa: the chic seaside village

La Marsa is probably the name that comes up most often when asking expats about their preferred neighborhoods. A former aristocratic seaside resort, it is now a vast coastal area where wealthy Tunisian families and foreigners mingle.

The atmosphere is decidedly Mediterranean: cafés on the corniche, sandy beach, seaside promenade, relaxed weekend vibe. It’s far from the hustle of the hyper-center, yet only a half-hour drive from downtown Tunis and minutes from Carthage and Sidi Bou Said.

La Marsa combines several assets highly valued by expats: proximity to the sea, sense of security, international schools within reasonable distance, cafés with Wi-Fi suitable for remote workers, and a varied housing supply from small modern apartments to triplexes with gardens.

From a real estate perspective, the neighborhood is among the most expensive in the country, but also among the most dynamic. Available data show that La Marsa alone represents about 20% of real estate demands in upscale areas, with an annual rental yield estimated between 6 and 7% for investors. The average price per square meter is around 4,560 dinars for newer properties, slightly below Les Berges du Lac but well above the national average.

Here is a summary of price levels in a few highly sought-after neighborhoods, including La Marsa:

Settling in La Marsa means accepting significantly higher rents than in other parts of the capital. For a well-located one-bedroom apartment, typical rents range from 700 to 1,000 dinars, and for a spacious three-room apartment, rents can easily exceed 2,000 dinars depending on the view and proximity to the sea. In return, the neighborhood benefits from a very lively environment, many cafés, trendy restaurants, and quick access to the tourist road leading to Gammarth.

Les Berges du Lac: the modern “downtown” of expats

If La Marsa is the “chic village” of the northern suburbs, Les Berges du Lac represent the most modern and international face of Tunis. Developed on the shores of the Lake of Tunis, this ultra-planned district is divided into two parts, Lac 1 and Lac 2, and concentrates embassies, multinational headquarters, banks, startups, upscale shopping centers, and a residential offering aimed at an affluent clientele.

Tip:

The neighborhood offers a very familiar setting for expats coming from Europe or the Gulf, with its wide boulevards, glass buildings, air-conditioned malls, international chain cafés (fast Wi-Fi included), trendy restaurants, and modern gyms. Security is very visible. The presence of the American Cooperative School of Tunis just minutes away significantly boosts the area’s appeal for foreign families.

The downside, often pointed out, is an atmosphere sometimes deemed “sterile”, very unrepresentative of the traditional Tunisian soul. You live in an ultramodern bubble, with little daily contact with the medina or souks, unless you make a specific trip.

In real estate, Les Berges du Lac boasts the highest prices in Greater Tunis, at around 5,700 dinars per square meter for new construction. The neighborhood also benefits from constant rental demand, driven by diplomats, international executives, and companies housing their expats. The quality of the buildings, presence of underground parking, generators, modern elevators, and 24/7 security largely justify this premium.

Les Jardins de Carthage: the upscale compromise between sea and history

Between Les Berges du Lac, Carthage, and La Marsa, Les Jardins de Carthage has established itself as one of the new playgrounds for developers and expats. This recent neighborhood was designed as an upscale residential complex, with wide avenues, modern buildings, secure residences, and abundant greenery.

Example:

The Jardins de Carthage neighborhood illustrates the residential appeal for foreigners in Tunisia. It combines proximity to historic sites like the ruins of Carthage and popular beaches (Gammarth, La Marsa), while offering a modern living environment. It particularly targets young couples and families thanks to new homes with contemporary amenities: parking, elevators, terraces, and sometimes a distant sea view.

Rental yields are considered attractive, with estimates around 7 to 8% per year, which also draws expat-investors. Proximity to major roadways and private schools further strengthens the neighborhood’s residential positioning.

Carthage and Sidi Bou Said: historic prestige and breathtaking views

For those who dream of living amidst ancient ruins and blue-and-white postcards, two names come up repeatedly: Carthage and Sidi Bou Said.

Carthage first combines contemporary villas, embassies, and Roman ruins. The neighborhood is sought after by an international clientele wanting a quiet, green, and extremely safe residential setting, while literally living among world-famous archaeological sites. Homes are often large, with gardens and sometimes direct sea access. The rental supply is more limited than in other areas, resulting in high rents.

Sidi Bou Said, next, is arguably the most photographed village in the country, with its cobblestone alleys, white houses with blue doors, and sweeping views of the Gulf of Tunis. Many expats fantasize about living there long-term, but daily reality is not so simple: steep alleys, massive tourist influx in high season, and a housing stock often consisting of old houses sometimes ill-suited for modern family life.

In practice, Sidi Bou Said is more of a stroll and weekend destination for many expats based in La Marsa, Carthage, or Lac, rather than a permanent base. On the other hand, the village has a very dense supply of short- and medium-term rentals, ideal for a scouting phase or a few months of “trial” relocation.

2000

The average monthly cost of a stay in Sidi Bou Said, in dollars, according to rental platforms.

Gammarth: beachfront luxury and villas with sea views

Further north, Gammarth extends the coastline in a very upscale version. Here, the backdrop is luxury resorts, contemporary villas with infinity pools, five-star hotels, beach clubs, and a renowned golf course. It is one of the favorite territories for the wealthiest expats, whether diplomats, business leaders, or retirees with significant capital.

The very extensive neighborhood alternates between pine forests, sandy coves, and cliffs. The feeling of disconnect from the city is very strong, while still being 20 to 30 minutes from Tunis by car. For families seeking privacy, gardens, pools, and maximum security, Gammarth naturally stands out, provided you accept a housing budget well above the Tunisian average.

The “inner” residential neighborhoods: El Menzah, Ennasr, La Soukra, Ariana…

While the coastal strip monopolizes the imagination, a significant portion of expats opt for more “inland” neighborhoods, often for budget reasons, proximity to work, or schools.

El Menzah and Ennasr are two typical examples of these upper-middle-class neighborhoods, very popular with Tunisian families and some expats. They feature recent apartment buildings or villas converted into multi-family homes, private schools, clinics, local shops, and a few large shopping centers. Ennasr, in particular, has seen a strong price surge, with new square meter around 3,200 dinars.

La Soukra and Ariana, more outlying but well-connected, also attract part of the foreign community. They host several international or bilingual schools, houses with gardens at more affordable prices than La Marsa, as well as more generous spaces. For a given budget, you often get a larger house or more spacious apartment than by the sea, at the cost of a somewhat more urban and less beachy environment.

Here is a comparative overview of the profiles of the main sought-after neighborhoods in Greater Tunis:

Cost of living and rents: Tunis vs. Sousse and the rest of the country

One of Tunisia’s great strengths for expats remains its cost of living, significantly lower than Western Europe. Estimates converge: the general price level is about 40 to 50% of a country like France, with rents up to 70% cheaper on average.

For a single expat, a typical monthly budget ranges from 1,800 to 3,350 dinars (about 590 to 1,100 euros), all included. For a couple, some estimates mention $1,200 per month excluding extras, and around $2,000 including more outings, leisure, and incidentals.

At the same time, local salaries remain low: around 281 euros on average, which explains why the country is perceived as economical for an expat arriving with foreign income (corporate salary, pension, remote work for abroad).

Attention:

To better situate Tunis, it is enlightening to compare it to other major cities. For example, Sousse is on average 28 to 37% cheaper than the capital, according to available data.

In practice, this means an expat settling in Sousse can maintain a comfortable lifestyle with a lower budget, both for rent and outings. For a digital nomad, some comparisons put the monthly budget at about $2,020 in Tunis versus $1,770 in Sousse, a difference of just over 14%.

Rent ranges: Tunis, Sousse, Monastir, and La Marsa

Rents vary greatly by city and neighborhood, but some broad lines emerge.

Rents in Tunis

Overview of monthly rent ranges for a one-bedroom apartment in the Tunisian capital.

City center

Average rent between 800 and 1,200 Tunisian dinars per month (about 250 to 400 euros).

Outskirts

Average rent between 500 and 700 Tunisian dinars per month.

Sought-after interior neighborhoods

Small modern units available around $300 to $400 per month.

In Sousse, rents are noticeably softer. A one-room in the city center often rents between 600 and 1,000 dinars (200 to 330 euros), and between 400 and 600 dinars on the outskirts. For a family house, average figures give 1,200 to 2,000 dinars in Sousse, compared to 1,500 to 2,500 dinars in Tunis.

Monastir and Djerba show even lower rents: a one-bedroom apartment in Monastir city center ranges between 500 and 900 dinars, with studio apartments in the suburbs possibly dropping below 200 euros per month.

In a highly demanded neighborhood like La Marsa or Les Berges du Lac, these ranges are often exceeded for high-end properties or those with sea or lake views. In La Marsa, a 3-bedroom with garden or large terrace in a well-rated area can easily surpass the 2,500 dinar mark, especially if the property is recent and furnished.

Coastal cities outside the capital: Sousse, Hammamet, Djerba, Mahdia…

Tunisia is not just about the northern suburbs of Tunis. Many expats choose a quieter coastal city, such as Sousse, Hammamet, or the island of Djerba. These destinations particularly appeal to retirees, remote workers seeking peace, and families attracted to a slower pace of life.

Sousse: the “Pearl of the Sahel” between UNESCO medina and Port El Kantaoui marina

Sousse is one of the big winners of the new expat mapping. Its medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site, the city has hospitals, international schools, modern shopping centers, all along a coastline dotted with long sandy beaches.

Two areas stand out particularly for foreigners: Hammam Sousse, a quiet residential neighborhood near the sea, and especially Port El Kantaoui, a vast tourist complex around a marina. The latter is famous for its upscale residences, golf courses, restaurants, and lively nightlife. Many expats, especially Europeans, invest in an apartment there to rent it out part of the year and stay there the rest of the time.

Advice for expats in Tunisia

The value for money clearly works in Sousse’s favor: you find a level of comfort and infrastructure similar to Tunis, for a cost of living about a third lower. Rents, outings, and even some services are more affordable, which explains the city’s growing appeal, especially for those who don’t need to be in the capital daily.

Hammamet and Yasmine Hammamet: the laid-back beach choice

Hammamet, long considered a purely tourist destination, has gradually developed a small expat community, attracted by its reputedly clean beaches, clear waters, and very mild climate.

The Yasmine Hammamet area concentrates modern resorts, large hotels, a marina, a developed waterfront, and two major golf courses (Yasmine Golf and Citrus Golf). For a European retiree or digital nomad, the prospect of living minutes from the beach with rents significantly lower than the Western Mediterranean is appealing.

The downside is life sometimes heavily dependent on the tourist season, with slow periods when activity drops. For those seeking above all peace, this is rather an advantage; for younger expats looking for a dense cultural life, Tunis or Sousse remain more suitable.

Djerba: the island of three cultures turned retiree haven

Further south, Djerba, the largest island in North Africa, has its die-hard fans. Between beaches, palm groves, white villages, and a heritage that is Berber, Arab, and Jewish, the island offers total escape, even for Tunisians from the mainland.

6

Some scenarios anticipate a doubling of real estate value in the most sought-after areas of Djerba, like Shbabia, within six years.

The island mainly attracts retirees seeking a simple, cheap life punctuated by fish markets, seaside cafés, and long beach walks. The pace is noticeably slower than in the north of the country, which doesn’t suit everyone but strongly appeals to those wanting to escape the stress of big European cities.

Mahdia: the discreet compromise between authenticity and comfort

Less known, Mahdia, a small city between Sousse and Sfax, appears on the radar of expats seeking authenticity. Its medina, fishing port, beaches, and textile crafts give it a very special charm.

With about 45,000 inhabitants, Mahdia remains a human-scale city, with essential services (hospital, schools, supermarkets) but without the real estate pressure of the Tunis–Sousse strip. For those who prioritize peace, deeper cultural immersion, and very moderate housing costs, it’s an option to seriously consider.

Sfax, an industrial city that attracts a niche of expats

Sfax doesn’t have the tourist aura of Tunis or Sousse, but it plays a key role in the country’s economy. A major industrial port and capital of an important agricultural and industrial region, it attracts a different category of expat: engineers, industrial executives, specialists in oil, maritime transport, or agri-food processing.

Good to know:

For foreigners, the neighborhoods of Sakiet Ezzit (family-friendly and quiet) and the Corniche (lively, with cafés and restaurants) are the most suitable. The cultural offering is less international than in the capital, but the cost of living is lower.

For companies, Sfax represents an interesting compromise between proximity to skilled labor, reduced costs, and direct port access. For an expat, it is above all a professional destination, less a beach lifestyle choice.

Everyday costs: what expats really spend

Whatever neighborhood is chosen, the same questions come up: how much does a grocery basket, a full tank of gas, a dinner out, or a medical consultation cost?

110

This is the average monthly grocery budget for a single person in Tunisia.

Transport is also cheap: a city bus ticket costs about 0.20 euros, a monthly pass between 30 and 60 dinars. A taxi ride in town rarely exceeds 2 or 3 euros for short distances. Gasoline is around 0.7 to 0.8 euros per liter.

4.6

The average price of a movie ticket in Tunisia, illustrating the affordability of leisure activities.

Here is a summary table of a few common expense items:

For an expat coming from France, the comparisons are telling: the cost of living is on average 52% lower, rents 70% cheaper, food 56% cheaper, and leisure nearly 50% less expensive. Compared to Spain, Tunisia remains significantly cheaper, especially for housing and dining out.

Infrastructure, international schools, and healthcare: a key criterion in neighborhood choice

One point consistently comes up when analyzing expat residential choices: the proximity of quality services, particularly international schools for families and private clinics for everyone.

International schools: a dense network around Tunis and Sousse

The international school offering has expanded significantly since the revolution, with a multiplication of English-speaking, French-speaking, or bilingual institutions.

In the Tunis region, notably:

International schools in Tunisia

Presentation of international educational institutions offering varied curricula (British, American, IB) in Tunis, recognized for their diversity and academic excellence.

British International School of Tunis

Based in La Soukra, follows the British curriculum. Welcomes over 2,500 students from more than 19 nationalities. Recognized by the Tunisian Ministry of Education and accredited BSO and COBIS.

American Cooperative School of Tunis

Located in Les Berges du Lac, offers an American curriculum enriched by the International Baccalaureate (IB) at the high school level.

Carthage Classical Academy

Institution in Mutuelleville providing comprehensive education from kindergarten to 12th grade.

CIS International School of Tunis

Located in the capital’s center, the school is organized into cycles from early childhood to high school.

Oxford International School of Tunis

School that combines British educational standards with the American program for a unique pedagogical offering.

Outside Tunis, Sousse also hosts an international school, Sousse International School, located in Sahloul 4, which reinforces the city’s attractiveness for expat families.

Tuition fees remain substantial by Tunisian standards, but competitive compared to other capitals: for an international primary school, an annual budget around 7,000 dinars (about $2,300 to $4,600 depending on the institution and level) is frequently cited.

Healthcare and private clinics: a satisfactory network in major cities

The Tunisian healthcare system is based on a public–private mix. While public hospitals suffer from underfunding and overcrowding, the private sector has a very good level, especially in Tunis and major cities.

Example:

The Clinique de la Soukra, located north of Tunis, illustrates the appeal of private clinics for foreign patients. It has a dedicated international patient service, highlights high hygiene standards, and manages the entire care pathway, including logistics like airport transfers, accommodation, and translation services.

In neighborhoods highly popular with expats (La Marsa, Les Berges du Lac, Sousse, Hammamet), access to a doctor who speaks French, or even English, is generally easy. The main recommendation remains to take out solid private insurance to cover hospitalizations and procedures.

Advantages and challenges of expat life in Tunisia, by neighborhood

Choosing a neighborhood isn’t just about the sea view or the price per square meter. Behind each destination lie concrete advantages, but also limitations that must be accepted.

Overall, the strengths noted by expats living in Tunisia include:

Good to know:

The cost of living is very affordable, especially for income received from abroad. The climate is pleasant, with mild winters on the coast and a long sunny summer. The lifestyle is Mediterranean, paced by markets, cafés, terrace meals, and a slower rhythm. The landscapes are varied, from the coastline to the southern oases. The population is known to be warm, with a strong sense of family and hospitality.

But challenges exist, and they manifest differently depending on the neighborhood chosen:

Attention:

Life in Morocco can present administrative difficulties (slowness and complexity for residence permits), a bureaucracy that can be confusing for newcomers, and a language barrier for non-French/Arabic speakers. Added to this are cleanliness and waste management issues in some areas, uneven infrastructure quality depending on the zone, and occasional security concerns like pickpocketing, despite a general sense of safety reported by most expats.

The most upscale neighborhoods like Les Berges du Lac, La Marsa, or Gammarth largely shield from these drawbacks, but at the cost of a certain social bubble and higher expense. Conversely, choosing a more “local” neighborhood like Ariana, La Soukra, or a coastal city center like Mahdia allows for deeper immersion in Tunisian society, sometimes at the cost of less comfort.

How to choose your neighborhood when moving to Tunisia?

In the end, the most popular neighborhoods for expats in Tunisia correspond to distinct profiles. Before settling down, it is useful to clarify your priorities: proximity to the sea, budget, access to schools, cultural life, degree of authenticity desired, perceived level of security, remote work or local employment, etc.

Example:

A remote worker without children, prioritizing beach life and cafés with Wi-Fi, could opt for La Marsa, La Goulette, or a neighborhood in Sousse near Port El Kantaoui. A family with children in international schools would target the northern crown of Tunis, such as La Soukra, Les Jardins de Carthage, La Marsa, or Ennasr, to be close to schools. A retiree seeking peace and limited expenses could turn to Mahdia, Djerba, or the peripheral neighborhoods of Sousse.

One of the most common strategies is actually to start your expatriation in a very international neighborhood – La Marsa, Les Berges du Lac, Jardins de Carthage – via a furnished rental or an Airbnb for several months, then gradually explore more local and affordable options once the adjustment phase is over.

Good to know:

Tunisia offers a wide range of housing for foreigners, from luxury villas in Gammarth to simple apartments near the medinas, including new residences in the northern suburbs of Tunis. It is essential to know the specifics of each neighborhood and accept the country’s contrasts to design your expatriation project.

Cyril Jarnias

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.

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