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Tunisia

6.3/ 10 average score
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About Tunisia

Tunisia offers Mediterranean beauty, ancient ruins, and diverse culture. From Tunis's medina to the Sahara's edge, it's perfect for history and beach lovers.

Quality of Life Ratings (Hover to see details)

EconomyEconomy 5.2
HealthHealth 6.8
SafetySafety 7.0
EntertainmentEntertainment 6.5
Cost of LivingCost of Living 7.8
FreedomFreedom 6.2
InfrastructureInfrastructure 6.2
ClimateClimate 8.0
Internet SpeedInternet Speed 6.0
English SpeakingEnglish Speaking 4.2
Housing AffordabilityHousing Affordability 7.8
Job MarketJob Market 5.6
Residency PathwayResidency Pathway 6.3
Tax FriendlinessTax Friendliness 5.7
Expat CommunityExpat Community 5.3
Public TransportPublic Transport 6.3

Sources: Numbeo, World Bank, OECD, Country To Live editors

Last updated: July 10, 2026

Is Tunisia Right for You?

A good fit if you...

  • Earn remote EUR income and want affordable Mediterranean rent in Tunis or Sousse
  • Value Roman ruins, medina culture, and short flights to southern Europe
  • Can speak French or Arabic for leases and police registration
  • Prefer smaller capital scale over Cairo or Casablanca intensity
  • Want film-and-tourism heritage with EU-ish café culture in coastal towns

Think twice if you...

  • Need top political stability assumptions without reading election news
  • Want English-only bureaucracy at every government counter
  • Expect EU-level job market depth without French or Arabic
  • Are unprepared for summer heat and inland desert travel logistics
  • Need straightforward golden-style residency without documented income

Use our Cost of Living Calculator and compare Tunisia with Morocco before you commit.

Quick answers

  • Is Tunisia expensive to live in?

    Tunisia sits in the middle: not the cheapest, not the worst. Rent in the biggest cities is usually what makes a budget feel tight or fine. Tunisia is mid-range overall; Tunis and Sfax sets whether your budget feels tight or comfortable.

  • Can you live in Tunisia with only English?

    English is thin outside tourism and some offices. Learn basic phrases or pay for help, especially for rent, bills, and official visits. Plan local-language help for rent and government visits outside tourist zones in Tunisia.

  • Is Tunisia good for expats?

    Tunisia has smaller or split expat circles. People who stay often learn the language fast and join local life, not only expat bars. Expat circles in Tunisia are smaller; many long-term movers lean into local networks.

  • What income do you need to live well in Tunisia?

    Aim near local median in Tunisia, or a bit above, for cushion after rent and bills. Partner income, bonuses, and school fees move the number more than food does. Use our Cost of Living Calculator to tie the figures to your neighborhood and visa situation. Match salary to Tunis and Sfax rent and tax; our calculator helps model net monthly pay.

  • Is housing difficult in Tunisia?

    You can find a flat in Tunisia, but trendy areas are competitive. Start early, prepare a dossier, and expect a few misses before one sticks. Housing in Tunis and Sfax needs early searching; references and deposits are standard.

  • Is Tunisia safe to live in?

    Tunisia is mostly fine in common expat areas. Serious violence is rare for most newcomers. Watch for pickpockets and noise where crowds and alcohol mix. Safety in Tunisia varies by district; research Tunis and Sfax blocks before signing a lease.

Local signals for planning a move

Built for Tunisia using our country score model and route coverage. Use this as a planning brief before checking neighborhoods, visas, and monthly budget details.

Budget reality

Generally affordable if you avoid premium neighborhoods. Tunisia scores 7.8/10 on cost; model Tunis rent first.

Climate profile

Mostly warm conditions with heat management in peak months. Climate rating: 8/10.

Language fit

English access is limited (4.2/10). Local language still helps with contracts and admin.

Safety baseline

Generally stable; neighborhood selection still matters. Safety score: 7/10.

Tax pressure

Tax impact is moderate and depends on residency setup. Tax friendliness: 5.7/10.

Visa and residency

Public pathway entries are limited; verify official portals directly.

Focus cities: Tunis, Sfax, Sousse. Local reality: In Tunis, car dependency can be higher, while housing tends to be manageable outside premium districts.

Quick Stats

Economy5.2
Health6.8
Safety7
Cost of Living7.8
Climate8

Should You Move Here?

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Top 5 Cities

1

Tunis

693K

Capital with medina and modern city

2

Sfax

277K

Port city and economic center

3

Sousse

221K

Coastal resort with historic medina

4

Kairouan

139K

Holy city with Great Mosque

5

Gabes

116K

Gulf city with industrial port

Highlights

✓Great Climate

What people say about Tunisia

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