For one person, living costs in Ben Arous are estimated at $698 a month, including rent and utilities, which take about a third of the total. Other living expenses average about $16 a day.
Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Ben Arous actually costs, broken down by who's living it.
A single person spends around $698 per month with rent, or $488 for everyday expenses alone.
$698 /mo
A couple spends around $1,098 per month with rent, or $832 for everyday expenses alone.
$1,098 /mo
A family of three spends around $1,497 per month with rent, or $1,177 without housing.
$1,497 /mo
📊
Overall, Ben Arous is about 48% below the global median. Within Africa, costs are 23% below average – relatively affordable for the region.
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l(Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$39.9KTND 119.6K
$39.9KTND 119.6K
$40.6KTND 121.7K
Compact Sedan 1.6l(Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$23.0KTND 69.0K
$23.0KTND 69.0K
$38.0KTND 113.7K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$53.9TND 162
$29.58TND 88.6
$150TND 449
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$9.87TND 29.56
$4.39TND 13.16
$16.46TND 49.30
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$20.83TND 62.4
$16.94TND 50.7
$27.09TND 81.1
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$32.08TND 96.1
$26.55TND 79.5
$36.51TND 109
Tennis Court(1 Hour on Weekend)
$16.52TND 49.46
-
Cinema Ticket
$5.11TND 15.29
$4.09TND 12.24
$7.15TND 21.43
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$61.0TND 183
$49.90TND 149
$200TND 598
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
$1,947TND 5,830
$1,611TND 4,825
$6,712TND 20.1K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$43.31TND 130
$23.32TND 69.9
$66.6TND 200
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$60.2TND 180
$33.57TND 101
$83.9TND 251
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$85.8TND 257
$59.4TND 178
$132TND 395
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$46.95TND 141
$33.53TND 100
$268TND 804
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$209TND 626
$165TND 494
$264TND 791
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$156TND 467
$100TND 300
$201TND 601
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$386TND 1,155
$340TND 1,019
$408TND 1,223
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$267TND 799
$233TND 699
$300TND 898
Buy Apartment in City Center(m2)
$933TND 2,795
$679TND 2,033
$1,188TND 3,558
Buy Apartment Outside City Center(m2)
$415TND 1,243
$166TND 497
$664TND 1,989
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$247TND 739
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate(Annual %)
10.5
7
15
CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update: October 13, 2026
Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Share of the monthly basket for a family of three, rent included.
Ben Arous$698
Ben Arous$1,497
🛒Groceries & Markets
$204 29.3%
🏠Accommodation & Living
$156 22.4%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$106 15.2%
🍽Eating Out
$88 12.6%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$85 12.1%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$42 6.1%
🚌Getting Around
$17 2.4%
🛒Groceries & Markets
$489 32.7%
🏠Accommodation & Living
$267 17.8%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$236 15.8%
🍽Eating Out
$275 18.3%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$95 6.3%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$101 6.8%
🚌Getting Around
$35 2.3%
Cost Breakdown
🏠A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $209, dropping to $156 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 85% of the average salary ($247) – close to the 30% international benchmark.
💰The average net salary is $247 – below monthly costs of $698. Most locals rely on shared housing or dual incomes. Remote workers earning abroad will find stronger purchasing power.
🛒Groceries cost around $204 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $20.00 – well below the African average of $41.00.
🚌A monthly public transport pass costs about $13.56 – among the cheapest in Africa (average $30.00).
Cost Highlights
⭐Ben Arous has the 8th cheapest white bread worldwide
Popular online taxi apps offering convenient, cashless rides in many countries, including Uber, Bolt, Grab, inDrive, DiDi, Careem, Gojek, Maxim, and Yango
French is commonly spoken or the national language
Cost of Living in Ben Arous - Frequently Asked Questions
How affordable is Ben Arous for travelers, expats, and digital nomads compared with central Tunis?
Ben Arous offers a calmer suburban rhythm with easy access to Tunis via bus or highway, often at lower rents and more living space than the city center. You’ll find a mix of apartments and houses in quieter neighborhoods, plus markets and cafes that feel distinctly local rather than touristy. Daily costs for groceries and casual meals tend to be reasonable, and utilities are straightforward in standard apartments. Cost of Living in Ben Arous is generally more budget-friendly than central Tunis, especially for housing if you’re staying a while. Tip: Test a few neighborhoods for commute times and local vibe before you decide.
What are practical tips for daily life in Ben Arous: housing search, food, transport, and errands?
Start your housing search by checking popular local listings and walking the options at different times of day. For meals, you’ll find affordable street-food stalls and neighborhood bakeries; groceries span larger supermarkets to small markets, where bargaining is common. Transport options include regional buses, shared taxis, and a car if you value flexibility. Co-working spaces exist in nearby towns or Tunis itself if you need reliable internet and meeting rooms. Ben Arous living cost is a useful backdrop for budgeting, but individual neighborhoods vary by proximity to services. Tip: allocate a weekly plan for errands to minimize back-and-forth.
How can you assess quality of life, budgeting, and neighborhood fit in Ben Arous, considering seasons and daily rhythms?
To gauge quality of life, combine a flexible budgeting framework with neighborhood exploration. Expect hot summers and mild winters; many residents lean on shaded streets, courtyards, and evening gatherings at local cafes. Allocate a simple monthly template: housing, utilities, groceries, transport, and occasional leisure. Look for neighborhoods with reliable internet, easy market access, and walkable centers. Seasonal rhythms shift with market calendars and school terms, so you may notice busier weekends near holidays. Tip: prioritize areas with good public transit links to Tunis to keep options open for work or weekend trips.
Is housing affordable on a local salary in Ben Arous?
In Ben Arous, housing takes around 85% of a typical salary – close to the global norm of 30%. Most full-time workers can afford a decent apartment and still cover their other bills without too much stress.
What are typical monthly expenses for a single person in Ben Arous?
All in, Ben Arous runs about $698 monthly with rent, or $488 without it. These numbers assume a moderate lifestyle – comfortable but not lavish. Choosing a cheaper neighborhood and cooking at home are the easiest ways to spend less.
Does the average salary in Ben Arous cover rent and expenses?
At $247 per month, the average salary in Ben Arous falls short of the $1,047 needed for truly comfortable living. Most people bridge the gap by sharing housing, relying on a second income, or cutting back on extras. Basic needs are covered, but consistent saving takes real discipline.
Is Ben Arous a good place to find cheap rent?
Rent is one of the biggest advantages of living in Ben Arous – 1-bedroom apartments range from $156 to $209 per month, and even central neighborhoods stay accessible on modest incomes. Cheap housing frees up cash for everything else.
How expensive is preschool in Ben Arous per month?
Private kindergarten in Ben Arous costs about $61.0 per month – a big number for families. Prices vary by curriculum and whether you go local or international. Public options are cheaper where they exist, but waitlists can be long.
How much is a monthly gym pass in Ben Arous?
A gym membership in Ben Arous runs about $32.08 per month – affordable by regional standards. Most gyms include basic equipment, group classes, and locker rooms. Boutique studios and personal training cost more, but the baseline is budget-friendly.
Does $1,200 cover living expenses in Ben Arous?
$1,200 a month in Ben Arous? Very doable. Average costs with rent come to just $698, which leaves real room to save, eat out, and enjoy the city without watching every dollar.
What are the pros and cons of living in Ben Arous?
Quality of life in Ben Arous is solid. Standout factors include low crime rates, clean air, coastal lifestyle, backed by good public transport, varied dining and leisure, and well-maintained infrastructure. At about $698 monthly all-in, it suits mid-range budgets for a comfortable – if not luxurious – lifestyle.
Is Ben Arous budget-friendly for long-term stays?
Ben Arous is affordable by most measures, which is why it appeals to long-term travelers, remote workers, and budget-conscious residents. At $698 per month with rent, it sits well below the global average for cities of similar size.