🇹🇳 Tunisia · A realistic 2026 budget for newcomers — rent, food, transport, and what a month actually costs.
Wondering how far your salary goes in Tunis? Here’s what everyday life costs, in local prices — the numbers that matter when you’re deciding to move or negotiating a package.
What things cost
One-bed flat, La Marsa or CarthageTND 900–1,800 / month
One-bed flat, Lac 1/Lac 2 or MenzahTND 700–1,400 / month
One-bed flat, central Tunis or ArianaTND 400–800 / month
Utilities and internet, one personTND 150–300 / month
Groceries, one personTND 500–900 / month
Good to know
Population
≈650,000 in the commune of Tunis; roughly 2.7 million across Greater Tunis including Ariana, Ben Arous and Manouba
Languages
Tunisian Arabic (derja) and French in daily use; French near-universal in business and administration; English increasingly common among younger professionals
Currency
Tunisian dinar (TND) — non-convertible, and it is illegal to take banknotes out of the country
Time zone
CET (GMT+1) year-round — Tunisia does not observe daylight saving, so the offset from Europe shifts twice a year
Power plug
Type C and E, 230 V, 50 Hz — same as continental Europe
Climate
Mediterranean — hot dry summers, mild wet winters, and a sea breeze in the northern suburbs that the inland districts do not get
Public transport
The TGM light rail from Tunis Marine to La Marsa, a métro léger tram network, suburban rail, and the RFR lines opened from 2023 onward
Driving side
Right
Some of this may be out of date. Spotted something inaccurate? Help us keep it right for the next newcomer.
A note on budgeting
Rent is usually the swing factor — location and whether bills are included move the number most. Build your estimate from the rent band above, add a monthly living figure, and keep a buffer for one-off setup costs (deposits, a residence permit, a local SIM, first-month transport). Globe Quest turns this into a personalized Tunis checklist so nothing setup-related catches you off guard.
Plan your move to Tunis
A free, AI-personalized plan — the language, culture, and setup steps timed to your move date.