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🇹🇳 Tunisia

Cost of Living

Tunisia offers one of the most affordable Mediterranean lifestyles — a single expat can live comfortably in Tunis for $800–$1,200/month. The Tunisian dinar (TND) is a soft currency not freely convertible, which keeps local prices low but requires some financial planning for international transfers.

Data verified May 13, 2026

$800–$1,200/mo

Single Budget

Comfortable lifestyle in Tunis including rent

$1,500–$2,500/mo

Family Budget

Family of four in a good Tunis neighborhood

1 USD ≈ 2.875 TND

Exchange Rate

May 2026; TND strengthened ~3% YoY; still not freely convertible

40%

Top Income Tax

8-band IRPP since Jan 2025 (was 35%); 20% flat for short-term non-residents

Overview

Tunisia offers one of the most affordable Mediterranean lifestyles — a single expat can live comfortably in Tunis for $800–$1,200/month. The Tunisian dinar (TND) is a soft currency not freely convertible, which keeps local prices low but requires some financial planning for international transfers. The Finance Law 2025 introduced 8-band progressive PIT (0–40%, top rate raised from 35%) effective Jan 1, 2025; the 0.5% Social Solidarity Contribution was extended to 2026.

Key Takeaways

  • A one-bedroom apartment in central Tunis rents for TND 800–1,500/month ($250–$480)
  • Major banks include BIAT, Amen Bank, Banque de Tunisie, and Attijari Bank
  • 2026 PIT brackets (effective since Jan 2025): 0% up to TND 5,000 / 15% TND 5,001–10,000 / 25% TND 10,001–20,000 / 30% TND 20,001–30,000 / 33% TND 30,001–40,000 / 36% TND 40,001–50,000 / 38% TND 50,001–70,000 / 40% above TND 70,000
1

Cost of Living Breakdown

Tunisia's cost of living is approximately 69% lower than the United States and 52% lower than France. Rent, food, and transport are particularly cheap by Western standards.

  • A one-bedroom apartment in central Tunis rents for TND 800–1,500/month ($250–$480)
  • A full restaurant meal costs TND 10–25 ($3–$8); coffee in a café is TND 2–4 ($0.60–$1.30)
  • Monthly groceries for one person average TND 300–500 ($100–$160)
  • Public transport is extremely cheap — a metro ride costs TND 0.5–1 ($0.15–$0.30)
  • Utilities for an 85 m² apartment average TND 160/month ($50) including electricity, water, and gas
2

Banking & Currency

The Tunisian dinar (TND) is not freely convertible — exchange controls exist and you cannot take more than TND 5,000 out of the country. Opening a local bank account requires a residence permit.

  • Major banks include BIAT, Amen Bank, Banque de Tunisie, and Attijari Bank
  • Opening an account requires a residence permit, passport, and proof of income
  • The TND is a soft currency — exchange is controlled by the Central Bank of Tunisia
  • International transfers via Wise, Western Union, or bank wire work but may have delays
  • ATMs are widely available in cities; Visa and Mastercard accepted at larger establishments
3

Taxation for Expats

Tunisia uses an 8-band progressive income tax system with rates from 0% to 40% (top rate raised from 35% in the 2025 Finance Law, effective Jan 1, 2025). Non-residents working in Tunisia for less than 6 months pay a flat 20% rate. Tax residents are taxed on worldwide income. A 0.5% Social Solidarity Contribution (SSC) was extended through fiscal year 2026.

  • 2026 PIT brackets (effective since Jan 2025): 0% up to TND 5,000 / 15% TND 5,001–10,000 / 25% TND 10,001–20,000 / 30% TND 20,001–30,000 / 33% TND 30,001–40,000 / 36% TND 40,001–50,000 / 38% TND 50,001–70,000 / 40% above TND 70,000
  • Top marginal rate: 40% (raised from 35% in the 2025 Finance Law)
  • Additional 0.5% Social Solidarity Contribution (SSC) — extended through FY2026
  • Non-residents (stay under 6 months) pay a flat 20% on Tunisian-sourced income
  • Social security contributions: 9.18% employee, 16.57% employer
  • Corporate tax rate increased to 20% (general rate) in the 2025 Finance Law
  • No wealth tax; capital gains on property are taxed at reduced rates
  • Double tax treaties exist with France, Germany, Italy, UK, and 50+ countries

Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, legal, or investment advice. Tax rates, regulations, and investment rules change frequently. Always verify data with official sources and consult qualified professionals before making decisions. Read full disclaimer

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