Dear Tunisianbelle, I need your help?

Dear Tunisianblle, I am planning moving to Tunisia no later than January, 2008. I've read some of your general suggestions about renting a place in Tunisia. Would you kindly tell me, how much does it cost in terms of rent, food, transportation, electricity and Internet living in Tunis, Hammam-Lif, Sousse, Sfax, and Nabeul? I want a clean,safe, bright flat with 1 bathroom and 2 bedrooms. I will share the flat with my friend. I don't really need any fancy furnishing, but I do need air conditioning, stable internet, washing machine, one bed and one desk for each room. My friend and I want to save our money to study French there. Do you think it's possible for each of us to spend no more than US400 a month including everything I mention above (the school fee is excluded here)? Thank you very much.

Qing

If you are spending $400 each, you might be okay, but $400 combined would not be enough.

The five cities you mentioned are not exactly cheap. Sfax would probably be the cheapest (not by far), and Tunis is definately the most expensive (by far).

Prices will vary depending on amenities you want and the exact area in the city you rent, but a ballpark figure for a 2 bedroom 1 bathroom unfurnished apartment in any of those cities will be around 350-500TDN ($268.90-$384.14).

Food prices will vary depending on if you buy food and cook it yourself or if you choose to eat out for every meal, and if you eat out, where you eat. Expect to spend about 300-400TDN a month for two people ($230.49-$307.31).

Electricity and water are due every three months and depends on how much you use. On average, expect to pay about 100TDN ($76.83) every three months (that figure includes both payments).

Transportation will depend on the mode you take and how far you travel. I can't really give a definite answer on this one because of the different variables involved.

Internet prices will vary depending on what company you go with, the type of plan, and the speed. The average cost for a 256k 6 month plan is around 80TDN ($61.46) and you will also be paying around that same amount for the telephone line. If you go to a publinet, you will pay 1.500TDN ($1.15) an hour.

If you have a cell phone, most people pay as they go. You can buy the refill cards for as cheap as 5TDN ($3.84).

In summer an air conditioning is preferable, but depending on how your house/apartment is situated, it may not be necessary. Air conditioners cost about 2000TDN ($1,536.57) plus installation, and you will have to get approval from your landlord first. If you do have one, it will make your electricity bill go up significantly.

Washing machines are more of a luxurary here - not everyone has one. The one I have cost around 1000TDN ($768.28) but I have seen some for as low as 500TDN ($384.14). They too will make your electricity and water bills go up.

I don't know the exact cost of beds and desks, but you can get some for a pretty reasonable cost at Meublatex, or from a personal dealer.

Health care is pretty affordable. A doctors appointment costs between 15-30TDN ($11.52 - $23.05) and that is without insurance. Medication costs depends on what you are prescribed.

Don't forget that you still haven't alloted for any entertainment, such as going to discos, movies, amusement parks, shopping, cafes, etc. For that be prepared to spend between 150-300TDN a month ($115.24-$230.49).


I hope these figure helped. If you need any more help, feel free to contact me.