Tunisia, with its Mediterranean coastline, rich history, and affordable lifestyle, is becoming an increasingly popular retirement destination for expats. But can you comfortably retire in Tunisia on $1,500 a month?
In this detailed guide, we’ll break down the cost of living in Tunisia, covering housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and entertainment. We’ll also compare different cities, discuss visa requirements, and provide real-life budget examples to help you decide if Tunisia is the right place for your retirement.
Table of Contents
- Why Retire in Tunisia?
- Average Cost of Living Breakdown
- Housing (Rent & Utilities)
- Food & Groceries
- Healthcare & Insurance
- Transportation
- Entertainment & Leisure
- Can You Live on $1,500 a Month?
- Best Cities for Expats in Tunisia
- Tunisia Retirement Visa Requirements
- Pros & Cons of Retiring in Tunisia
- Final Verdict: Is $1,500 Enough?
1. Why Retire in Tunisia?
Tunisia offers a low-cost, high-quality lifestyle with:
✅ Affordable healthcare (both public and private options)
✅ Mediterranean climate (warm summers, mild winters)
✅ Rich culture & history (ancient ruins, vibrant markets)
✅ Low taxes for retirees (foreign income is often tax-free)
✅ Easy residency options (retirement visa available)
For expats from the U.S., Canada, or Europe, Tunisia provides a European-like lifestyle at a fraction of the cost.
2. Average Cost of Living Breakdown
🏠 Housing (Rent & Utilities)
Housing is one of the biggest expenses, but still much cheaper than in Western countries.
| Type of Housing | Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) | $300 – $500 |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside City Center) | $200 – $350 |
| 3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) | $500 – $800 |
| Villa (Suburban Area) | $800 – $1,500 |
Utilities (Electricity, Water, Gas, Internet)
- Basic utilities (for 85m² apartment): $50 – $100
- Internet (50 Mbps): $15 – $25
🛒 Food & Groceries
Tunisia has fresh, affordable food, especially local produce.
| Item | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Loaf of Bread | $0.30 – $0.50 |
| 1L Milk | $0.60 – $1.00 |
| 12 Eggs | $1.20 – $2.00 |
| 1kg Chicken | $3.00 – $5.00 |
| 1kg Beef | $6.00 – $10.00 |
| Dinner at a Mid-Range Restaurant | $8 – $15 per person |
A couple can expect to spend $200 – $400 per month on groceries.
🏥 Healthcare & Insurance
Tunisia has both public and private healthcare, with private being more reliable for expats.
- Doctor’s Visit (Private Clinic): $20 – $50
- Dental Cleaning: $30 – $60
- Health Insurance (Private): $50 – $150/month
🚗 Transportation
Public transport is very cheap, but many expats prefer renting or buying a car.
| Option | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Bus/Tram Ticket (One Way) | $0.20 – $0.50 |
| Taxi (Per km) | $0.30 – $0.60 |
| Car Rental (Monthly) | $200 – $400 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.00 – $1.20 |
🎭 Entertainment & Leisure
Tunisia offers affordable leisure activities:
- Cinema Ticket: $4 – $7
- Gym Membership: $20 – $40/month
- Coffee at a Café: $1 – $2
- Weekend Trip (Hotel + Meals): $100 – $200
3. Can You Live on $1,500 a Month?
✅ Yes, but it depends on your lifestyle.
Sample Monthly Budget for a Couple
| Expense | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1-Bedroom Apartment, City Center) | $400 |
| Utilities (Electricity, Water, Internet) | $100 |
| Groceries | $300 |
| Dining Out (3x per week) | $150 |
| Healthcare (Insurance + Occasional Visits) | $100 |
| Transportation (Public + Occasional Taxis) | $50 |
| Entertainment (Movies, Gym, Trips) | $200 |
| Miscellaneous (Shopping, etc.) | $200 |
| Total | $1,500 |
💡 Verdict:
- Single person? Easily doable on $1,000 – $1,200.
- Couple? $1,500 is comfortable but not luxurious.
- Want a villa, car, and frequent travel? Budget $2,000+.
4. Best Cities for Expats in Tunisia
🏙️ Tunis (Capital City)
- Pros: Best healthcare, international amenities, cultural attractions.
- Cons: More expensive than other cities.
🌊 Sousse (Coastal Living)
- Pros: Beachfront, lower cost of living, expat-friendly.
- Cons: Tourist crowds in summer.
🏖️ Hammamet (Resort Town)
- Pros: Luxury villas, golf courses, relaxed vibe.
- Cons: Higher tourist prices.
🏛️ Sfax (Affordable & Authentic)
- Pros: Cheaper, authentic Tunisian culture.
- Cons: Fewer expat services.
5. Tunisia Retirement Visa Requirements
To retire in Tunisia, you’ll need:
✔ Proof of stable income (e.g., pension, investments)
✔ Minimum $1,500/month (recommended)
✔ Health insurance (local or international)
✔ Clean criminal record
✔ Valid passport
The retirement visa (Residence Permit) is renewable annually.
6. Pros & Cons of Retiring in Tunisia
👍 Pros
✔ Low cost of living (compared to Europe/North America)
✔ Great weather (300+ sunny days per year)
✔ Friendly locals & expat communities
✔ Easy residency process
👎 Cons
❌ Bureaucracy can be slow
❌ Limited English in rural areas
❌ Infrastructure varies (some areas less developed)
7. Final Verdict: Is $1,500 Enough?
Yes, $1,500/month is enough for a comfortable retirement in Tunisia, especially if you:
- Live outside the most expensive areas (like central Tunis).
- Cook at home often (eating out frequently increases costs).
- Use public transport (owning a car adds expenses).
For a more luxurious lifestyle (villa, car, frequent travel), budget $2,000 – $3,000/month.
📌 Conclusion
Tunisia is a fantastic, budget-friendly retirement destination with a Mediterranean lifestyle at a fraction of European costs. If you’re looking for sun, culture, and affordability, Tunisia could be your perfect retirement haven.
Would you retire in Tunisia on $1,500 a month? Let us know in the comments!
