Tunisia is a country at the northernmost edge of Africa, and it is rich with history dating back thousands of years. It is partly surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, making it a beautiful coastal country that has appealed to Europeans and Africans throughout time.
It is still appealing to many in this present day as a tourist destination, but also as a place for business operations.
You can choose to do anything from enjoying a drink near the ocean to exploring ancient ruins or even getting busy in the bustling city. It is your choice! So, these are the best places you can live in Tunisia to do just that.
Best Places to Live in Tunisia for…
- Expats: La Marsa
- English Speakers: Nabeul
- Digital Nomads: Bizerte
- Solo Travelers: Djerba
- Groups: Hammamet
- Couples: Sfax
Top 10 Places to Live in Tunisia
1. La Marsa
Best Place to Live for Expats
Cost of living: $
La Marsa is a coastal town located in the far northeast of Tunisia. It is known for being an affluent area with beautiful houses and fantastic beaches.
Tip: Travel just 1,8 miles to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Carthage, where you can explore the archeological site.
Who would like to live there: Expats
Pros:
- There are already many expats living there
- You won’t struggle if you don’t know the local language
- It is affluent but an affordable area to stay
Cons:
- It is expensive to rent a place to stay
- People are not punctual
- It does not have as many attractions as other cities
2. Nabeul
Best Place to Live for English Speakers
Cost of living: $
Nabeul is a coastal town in the northeast of Tunisia, which is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea. It is known for its unique pottery and spices.
You’ll get to marvel at the beautiful Cycladic architecture, similar to what you’ll find in many famous places to live in Greece.
Tip: Attend “The Celebration of Harissa and Pepper of Nabeul” festival if you’re visiting in October.
Who would like to live there: English Speakers
Pros:
- It is 40 miles to the capital city
- The weather is mild
- It is easily accessible by different means of transportation
Cons:
- Crime has increased
- There is water pollution
- It is not a very clean area
3. Bizerte
Best Place to Live for Digital Nomads
Cost of living: $
Bizerte is a coastal city, and it is the northernmost one in Africa. It is also Tunisia’s oldest city. (https://www.greenbot.com/)
Tip: Try the Bizertian dish called Lablabi, which is a kind of chickpea soup.
Who would like to live there: Digital Nomads
Pros:
- You can go pleasure sailing and scuba diving
- The locals are very friendly
- It is close to an international airport
Cons:
- Some places do not serve alcohol
- There is maritime pollution
- It rains a lot in the area
4. Djerba
Best Place to Live for Solo Travelers
Cost of living: $
Djerba is a Tunisian island known as the lotus-eaters because it is believed that it is the place that Odysseus docked when he was fleeing from the siren’s song. It has a diverse mix of religions and cultures as well as amazing beaches.
Tip: Take the time to walk the streets of Erriadh to admire the street art by artists of more than 30 nationalities who took part in the Djerbahood street art collaboration.
Who would like to live there: Solo Travelers
Pros:
- Mild weather
- It has an international airport
- It is not completely developed for tourists, so you can enjoy a more authentic local experience
Cons:
- It gets very hot in summer
- Public transport is limited
- It’s better to only drink bottled water
5. Hammamet
Best Place to Live for Groups
Cost of living: $
Hammamet is a coastal town in the northeastern part of Tunisia. Its beautiful beaches have made it a popular resort town. It is known for its jasmine, which you can find all over the area in crafted souvenirs.
Tip: Be prepared to bargain a lot to pay local prices, and not inflated ones that most tourists unknowingly pay.
Who would like to live there: Groups
Pros:
- The climate is pleasant
- Has an affordable cost of living
- You can enjoy water sports
Cons:
- Alcohol is restricted in some establishments
- It has a hot climate
- It gets full during tourist season between June and September
6. Sfax
Best Place to Live for Couples
Cost of living: $
Sfax is a coastal city in the east of Tunisia. It is the second-largest city in the country and is a place steeped in fascinating history dating back to its foundation in 849 AD.
There are so many facets of the city to enjoy, from the lively marketplaces, where you can haggle and find some gems, to the museums, where you can learn so much about the rich history of the city.
Then you can enjoy a peaceful afternoon soaking up the sun on the beautiful Sfax beach.
Tip: Take a ferry to the Kerkennah islands.
Who would like to live there: Couples
Pros:
- Public transport is cheaper
- You can visit the Star Wars film set
- French and English are commonly spoken
Cons:
- There is a lot of garbage
- There is pollution
- The ‘Sfax Waste to Methane Gas Project’ has been proposed for the area
7. Tunis
Best Place to Live for Business Owners
Cost of living: $
Tunis is the capital city of Tunisia and a vibrant city which is more modern than the other cities in the country. It is a coastal city so it is easy to go from being hard at work to relaxing on the beach.
Tip: Go to the Medina of Tunis and travel down Rue Sidi Ben Arous to experience the best part of the UNESCO site’s palaces, mosques, mausoleums, and madrasas.
Who would like to live there: Business People
Pros:
- English is a common language
- The weather is pleasant
- There are many job opportunities
Cons:
- It is overcrowded
- Public transport is bad
- Being in the streets can be uncomfortable for women
8. Kairouan
Best Place to Live for History Enthusiasts
Cost of living: $
Kairouan is an inland city that is considered by many to be the fourth holiest city in Islam, alongside Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem.
Many Muslims make a pilgrimage there as it is believed that seven pilgrimages to the Great Mosque of Kairouan are equivalent to one pilgrimage to Mecca.
Tip: Take time to visit the Great Mosque of Kairouan. You won’t, however, be allowed into the prayer hall.
Who would like to live there: History Enthusiasts
Pros:
- The city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which would be a great place to be immersed in history
- It is not far from the capital city
- The people are friendly
Cons:
- It is not located on a train line
- Some of the buildings are in disrepair
- Locals will try to lure you into their shops to tout goods
9. Sousse
Best Place to Live for Students
Cost of living: $
Sousse is a coastal, central-eastern city that, like many Tunisian towns and cities, combines being a modern city with being a site of historical heritage. It is also home to the University of Sousse, where students from all over the world study.
Tip: Take a ride on a pleasure cruise boat. You can have much fun by setting sail on a pirate ship and spending the day at sea.
Who would like to live there: Students
Pros:
- The weather is pleasant
- The people are friendly
- It has a fun nightlife
Cons:
- Shops and excursions are closed on Muslim holidays
- Transport is inconvenient when traveling from Enfidha airport
- Alcohol is hard to find and expensive
10. Gabès
Best Place to Live for Scholars
Cost of living: $
Gafsa is a coastal city in the east-central part of the country. The University of Gabès offers one of the best degrees in chemistry one can get while living in Africa. The area is unique in that it is the only coastal oasis found in the Mediterranean.
Tip: Visit the Military Museum of Mareth Line to learn about Tunisia and the Second World War.
Who would like to live there: Scholars
Pros:
- The area is suited for hiking as it has many valleys
- It has a university
- It has an international airport
Cons:
- There is water pollution
- It is not yet linked with the national motorway
- It gets very hot in summer