Tunisia
Data updated Jul 8, 2026
Overall Score
57.0
Good
Avg. Rent (1BR)
$242
-86% vs US Avg
Safety Index
55.1
COL Index
29.1
Level 2 — Exercise Increased Caution
Please check the latest official travel advisories for Tunisia before planning your trip.
Tunisia is one of the cheapest countries in the world where a Westerner can live with reasonable infrastructure and relative proximity to Europe. The honest case for it is narrow but real: if you are on a tight FIRE budget under $1,500 a month, speak French or are willing to learn Arabic, and do not need a straightforward residency path or English-speaking bureaucracy, Tunisia can work. It suits someone already familiar with North Africa or the Arab world, not someone looking for a soft landing. The State Department has it at Level 2, citing terrorism risk particularly near the Libyan and Algerian borders, and the political environment has been unstable since President Saied consolidated power in 2021. This is not a crisis destination, but it requires more situational awareness than Portugal or Mexico.
The numbers are genuinely low. Numbeo puts single-person monthly costs excluding rent at around $465, and a one-bedroom in a city center runs roughly $242. That means a realistic all-in budget for one person living modestly in Tunis is around $800 to $900 a month, and you could get it under $750 if you move outside the capital to somewhere like Sousse or Sfax. A more comfortable budget with private health insurance, occasional travel, and a nicer apartment lands around $1,200 to $1,400. What the low headline numbers do not advertise: imported goods carry steep tariffs, the Tunisian dinar is a controlled currency that you legally cannot import or export, and currency conversion can be cumbersome. Western food, imported wine, and anything from Amazon is either expensive or unavailable.
The practical friction is real and starts on day one. English gets you almost nowhere outside tourist zones. French is the working language of business and government, but Arabic is what you need on the street and in local offices. There is no dedicated retirement or passive income visa, so most long-term residents cobble together tourist entries or pursue a work permit, neither of which is clean. Fixed broadband is ranked 145th globally with median download speeds around 29 Mbps, which is workable but not reliable enough for anyone whose income depends on consistent video calls or large file transfers. Healthcare scores a 56.6 on Numbeo's index, which reflects a public system that is underfunded and a private sector concentrated in Tunis that is adequate for routine care but not for serious or complex conditions. Budget for medical evacuation insurance if you have any ongoing health issues.
As an American, you file and pay US taxes regardless of where you live. Tunisia and the US do not have a tax treaty, so you get no treaty-based relief. Your primary tools are the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, which covers up to $126,500 in 2024 for earned income, and the Foreign Tax Credit for taxes paid to Tunisia if you have local-source income. If you are living on passive income, dividends, or retirement distributions, the FEIE does not apply to those, and you will owe US tax in full. Tunisia taxes residents on Tunisia-source income at progressive rates up to 35%, but enforcement on foreign passive income is inconsistent in practice. FBAR and FATCA reporting requirements apply if your Tunisian bank accounts exceed the standard thresholds. Given the currency controls and the lack of a treaty, you want a CPA with actual international experience before committing.
Recommended Destinations in Tunisia
Best for Retirees
Best for Geoarbitrage
Best for Remote Workers
- Capital
- Tunis
- Official Language
- Arabic
- Time Zone
- UTC+01:00
- Region
- Africa
- Population
- 11,818,618
- Healthcare Index
- 56.6
- Internet Speed
- 28.99 Mbps
- Climate Zones
- mediterranean, arid
View on Interactive Map
Explore data visually
🏙️ Top Cities in Tunisia
Explore cost of living, walkability scores, and expat ratings for individual cities in Tunisia.
CoL Index: 35
Est. Total: ~$900/mo
CoL Index: 34
Est. Total: ~$730/mo
CoL Index: 29
Est. Total: ~$622/mo
CoL Index: 35
Est. Total: ~$570/mo
CoL Index: 30
Est. Total: ~$498/mo
CoL Index: 32
Est. Total: ~$536/mo
CoL Index: 28
Est. Total: ~$526/mo
CoL Index: 28
Est. Total: ~$453/mo
CoL Index: 36
Est. Total: ~$687/mo
CoL Index: 49
Est. Total: ~$767/mo
CoL Index: 35
Est. Total: ~$638/mo
CoL Index: 34
Est. Total: ~$581/mo
CoL Index: 28
Est. Total: ~$550/mo
CoL Index: 30
Est. Total: ~$466/mo
CoL Index: 29
Est. Total: ~$720/mo
CoL Index: 30
Est. Total: ~$570/mo
CoL Index: 29
Est. Total: ~$526/mo
CoL Index: 35
Est. Total: ~$970/mo
CoL Index: 33
Est. Total: ~$541/mo
CoL Index: 29
Est. Total: ~$539/mo
How far does $1,500 go in Tunisia?
With a monthly budget of $1,500, you can live comfortably in Tunisia. After accounting for an average rent of $$242, you have approximately $1,258remaining for daily expenses.
Calculate your FIRE timeline with these costs →💰 Cost of Living in Tunisia
Relative to New York City (NYC = 100). A lower number means it's cheaper.
Relative to New York City (NYC = 100). A lower number means rent is cheaper.
Relative to New York City (NYC = 100). A lower number means groceries are cheaper.
Relative to New York City (NYC = 100). A lower number means eating out is cheaper.
Cost Comparison Notes:
Summary of cost of living in Tunisia: The estimated monthly costs for a family of four are $1,727.2 (5,056.7DT), excluding rent. The estimated monthly costs for a single person are $470.5 (1,377.4DT), excluding rent.
🛒 Grocery & Family Costs
Family Costs
Can I afford to live in Tunisia?
Comfortable (1.0×): balanced baseline lifestyle. Adjusts day-to-day costs only — rent is unaffected.
Tunisia
You could save
2,288/mo
Monthly Costs
Attractiveness Scores
Based on national averages. City-level costs may vary. Browse cities in Tunisia →
⚕️ Healthcare System
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Flexible, subscription-based health cover for remote workers in Tunisia.
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An estimation of the overall quality of the health care system. Higher is better.
Quality & Affordability:
Tunisia's healthcare system comprises a substantial public sector, accounting for over 80% of hospital beds, and a growing private sector. Public spending decreased from 2.7% to 2.3% of GDP between 1995 and 2011, while private health spending by households increased, indicating a shift towards private services.
Insurance Insights:
The increase in private health spending suggests a need for reforms to balance public and private contributions and enhance affordability.
🛂 Visa & Residency Pathways
🛂 Visa Services
Ready to apply for a Tunisia visa?
Get help with your application — tourist, long-stay, and residency visas processed online.
General Overview
Process & Requirements:
Tunisia has a 'complex' but manageable residency system. The primary route is to apply for a temporary residence card, the Carte de Séjour, after arriving in the country. This can be granted for various reasons, including employment, study, or for 'visitors' who can prove they have sufficient financial means to support themselves without working. This 'visitor' category is the closest option to a retirement or passive income visa, but the requirements are not clearly codified online and can be subject to the discretion of the local police authorities where you apply. A common recommendation is to show a stable income and have a local bank account.
The process is known for its French-style bureaucracy, requiring many documents, photos, and official stamps. The case-by-case assessment for non-workers makes the process 'complex', but it is a well-trodden path for many European retirees.
Residency & Citizenship Notes:
There is no permanent residency status. The pathway to citizenship is 'complex'. A person can apply for naturalization after five years of legal residence. The applicant must be of good character and have a good command of the Arabic language. The granting of citizenship is at the discretion of the President. The law also requires the renunciation of a previous nationality, as dual citizenship is generally not permitted for naturalized citizens. This makes the path to citizenship a difficult one for most.
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Detailed Visa Options
🧳 Tourist & Short-Stay Information
Extension Notes
For stays longer than 90 days, a visitor must apply for a temporary residence permit ('carte de séjour') from the central police station in the district where they are staying. Source: Tunisian Ministry of Interior.
General Visa Notes
US citizens can enter Tunisia for up to 90 days without a visa for tourism. A passport valid for the duration of the stay is required.
Official Source: View Source
🌴 Retirement / Passive Income Visa
Income Notes
Tunisia allows for residency for non-working individuals. Applicants must prove they have sufficient and regular financial resources by opening a local bank account and depositing funds. The required amount is not officially specified but should be adequate for living expenses (e.g., ~1,000 TND/month). Source: General information from Tunisian consulates.
Health Insurance Notes
For the Temporary Residence Permit 'Visiteur' (used by retirees), applicants are required to provide proof of health and accident insurance that covers their stay in Tunisia. Source: General information from Tunisian consulates.
💻 Digital Nomad Visa
Income Notes
Tunisia does not have an official digital nomad visa program. It is, however, a popular destination for remote workers who utilize the 90-day visa-free stay and then sometimes apply for a temporary residence permit ('carte de séjour'). This process is not specifically designed for remote work and operates in a legal grey area. Source: Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
📈 Investor Visa
Investment Details
Investment Options & Notes
Tunisia does not have a formal 'Golden Visa' program. A foreigner can obtain a residence permit by purchasing property or starting a business, but there is no streamlined process or guaranteed right to residency based on a specific investment amount. The decision is discretionary. Source: Tunisian government decrees.
Path to Citizenship
🛡️ Safety & Stability
An estimation of overall safety level. Higher is better.
An estimation of the overall level of crime. Lower is better.
World Bank political stability estimate, rescaled to 0-100. Higher is better.
Safety Notes:
Crime Rate: Moderate. Terrorism remains a concern in border regions.
Types of Crime: Pickpocketing, scams, and petty theft.
Kidnapping Risk: Low; rare incidents near Algerian/Libyan borders.
🏦 Taxation & Finance
🏦 Tax Snapshot
FEIE Interaction
FTC Utility: medium
Tunisia imposes personal income tax at rates up to 35%, which is comparable to or exceeds the US top marginal rate for many filers. Where Tunisian tax exceeds US tax liability on the same income, the FTC can eliminate US tax on that income. However, the lack of a US-Tunisia tax treaty means no special FTC coordination rules apply, and sourcing and basket allocation issues may limit full credit utilization.
Presence Day Count Notes
Standard 330-day physical presence test applies within any consecutive 12-month period. Bona fide residence test is available given Tunisia is not a country with a US tax treaty that restricts the test, though the lack of any treaty means no special complications arise from that angle.
FBAR Trigger Notes
FBAR filing required if aggregate value of foreign financial accounts exceeds $10,000 at any point during the calendar year. Tunisia uses the Tunisian Dinar (TND), a non-convertible currency - capital controls restrict transferring large amounts abroad. Tunisian bank accounts held by US persons must be reported on FBAR and potentially FATCA Form 8938.
401k/IRA Treatment
Pension Income
Foreign pension income received by Tunisian tax residents is taxable at progressive rates up to 35%. A two-thirds deduction may apply to certain pension income under domestic law, which can significantly reduce the effective rate. Local pension contributions to the Tunisian social security system (CNSS/CNRPS) are deductible.
Locally TaxedSocial Security
No totalization agreement or income tax treaty exists between the US and Tunisia. US Social Security benefits received by a Tunisian tax resident would potentially be subject to Tunisian income tax as foreign-source income.
Locally TaxedRoth Distributions
No US-Tunisia tax treaty exists. Roth IRA distributions would be treated as foreign-source income by Tunisian tax authorities. The tax-free treatment under US law is not recognized in Tunisia. Tax treatment depends on characterization by local authorities.
Locally TaxedUS 401k/IRA Distributions
Tunisia does not have a tax treaty with the United States. US 401k and IRA distributions received by a Tunisian tax resident would likely be treated as foreign-source pension or income and taxed at progressive personal income tax rates up to 35%. No treaty relief is available.
Locally TaxedCapital Gains Tax
Capital gains for individuals are generally taxed as ordinary income under the personal income tax at the applicable marginal rate under the LF 2025 8-band schedule (0/15/25/30/33/36/38/40%), with a top rate of 40%. Gains on listed securities are subject to a flat withholding rate of 2.5% (long-held) or 5% (short-held). Real property gains may be subject to specific rates. In addition, a Contribution Sociale de Solidarite (CSS) of 0.5% of taxable income applies on top of IRPP for 2023 through 2026 (reduced from 1%, extended by LF 2026), reverting to 1% from 1 January 2027; salaried individuals with net annual income at or below TND 5,000 are exempt from CSS. Corporate capital gains are included in taxable income at the standard corporate rate.
Tunisia does not have a standalone capital gains tax. Gains realized by individuals are generally included in personal income and taxed at the LF 2025 progressive schedule (0/15/25/30/33/36/38/40%), up to 40%, plus a 0.5% CSS surtax (2023-2026, reverting to 1% in 2027). Gains on listed securities traded on the Tunis Stock Exchange are subject to reduced flat withholding rates. Corporate gains are taxed within the standard corporate income tax framework.
Dividend Tax Rate
Dividends paid to resident individuals are subject to a 10% withholding tax, which is the final tax. Dividends paid to non-resident individuals or companies are generally subject to a 10% withholding tax, which may be reduced under an applicable tax treaty. Dividends distributed from profits already taxed at the corporate level benefit from the reduced rate.
withholding
Rate: 10.0%
Standard withholding rate on dividends paid to residents and non-residents. This is a final tax for resident individuals.
Tax Treaties Notes:
US-Tunisia tax treaty exists. Taxes residents on worldwide income. VAT (19%).
Retiree Tax Benefits:
No formal retirement visa. Temporary residency available via Carte de Séjour for visitors with sufficient income.
Cost Savings vs. U.S.:
Moderate costs (e.g., $1,200/month in Tunis). Political stability improving.
Recommended services for Tunisia
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My Expat Taxes →☀️ Climate & Environment
Climate Zones:
Our proprietary index measuring annual average PM2.5 concentration. Lower is better (0-5 is good).
Our proprietary index for drinking water quality and sanitation. Higher is better.
Seasonal Variations:
Tunisia's climate ranges from Mediterranean in the north to desert in the south. The northern regions have hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, while the southern areas are arid with minimal rainfall.
😊 Quality of Life
Cultural Amenities:
Museums & Cultural Institutions
Tunisia is home to several renowned museums, including the Bardo Museum in Tunis, which showcases the country's history and culture.
The Carthage National Museum offers exhibits on the ancient city of Carthage and its history.
Performing Arts
Tunisia has a rich tradition of music and dance, with genres like traditional Arabic music and folk dances playing significant roles.
The National Theatre in Tunis hosts various performances, including plays and musical shows.
Cultural Festivals
The Carthage Film Festival, held every two years, showcases Arab and African cinema.
The International Festival of the Medina in Tunis features music, dance, and theatrical performances in historic settings.
Culinary Culture
Tunisian cuisine includes dishes like couscous (semolina with stew), brik (fried pastry with egg), and harissa (spicy chili paste).
The country's food reflects its Mediterranean and North African heritage.
🌐 Infrastructure & Connectivity
Our proprietary ranking of public transit accessibility and reliability.
Internet Reliability:
Tunisia has good internet infrastructure with reliable connectivity and strong digital development.
Speed & Quality: Fixed broadband averages around 18.75 Mbps with expanding fiber networks in urban areas.
Availability: Good coverage in Tunis and major cities, improving rural connectivity.
Cost: Affordable pricing, typically $15-30/month for residential broadband.
Reliability for Remote Work: Good for remote work with reliable connections and adequate speeds. Growing tech sector and digital initiatives make it attractive for remote workers.
Transportation Network:
Tunisia has a developing transportation network with French colonial legacy in rail infrastructure, currently undergoing modernization programs.
Roads: Traffic drives on the right side with 31 mph (50 km/h) speed limits in urban areas, with ongoing highway infrastructure development projects.
Rail: Railways are operated by the Société Nationale de Chemins de Fer Tunisiens (SNCFT), inherited from French colonial period with modernization programs underway. Network comprises 1797 km of railways with 1701 km of metre-gauge and 460 km of standard-gauge lines.
Domestic Travel: Tunis has six tramway lines extending 48-km with suburban rail connections and an 18.8-km light railway connecting northern neighborhoods.
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Veepn →Frequently Asked Questions about Tunisia
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