Skyline of Kairouan
Cost of Living: 72 600,000

Kairouan, Tunisia

Kairouan is a major city in Tunisia with a population of 600,000.

Updated August 30, 2026

Overview

Kairouan is a city in Kairouan with a population of 600,000. Kairouan is a major city in Tunisia with a population of 600,000. Housing is more affordable than the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6b growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with about 290 sunny days a year. The population skews young, with a median age of 33.0.

Last updated: August 30, 2026

Cost of Living 72

Below Average vs Tunisia Avg (100)

Housing Index 78

Affordable

Median Income DT 10,800

Household income

Unemployment 5.0%

Job market health

Kairouan vs Tunisia Average

Cost of Living
Kairouan: 72
Tunisia Avg: 100
Housing Index
Kairouan: 78
Tunisia Avg: 100

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: None
  • Sales Tax: 19.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: DT 10,800
  • Unemployment: 5.0%
  • Population: 600,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 290/year
  • Summer High: 92°F
  • Winter Low: 48°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6b

Housing

  • Median Home: DT140,000
  • 1BR Rent: DT350/mo

Not sure this is the right city?

Take our 2-minute quiz to discover the best cities for your lifestyle and budget.

Take the Quiz

Cost of Living

Kairouan's cost of living index is 72 (Tunisia average = 100).

CategoryKairouanNational AverageDifference
Overall72100-28.0%
Housing78100-22.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home PriceDT140,000
Median Rent (1BR)DT350/mo
Median Rent (2BR)DT438/mo
Price per Sq FtDT93

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

DT
%
$90,000 down
%
%
DT

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Kairouan:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
ElectricityDT40
Heating & CoolingDT10Estimated based on local climate.
Cooling (AC)DT21Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
WaterDT15Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)DT35Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total UtilitiesDT121Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Remote Work Score

Kairouan scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
— 72
Rent
— DT350
Sunny Days
— 290
Tax
— None
Unemployment
— 5.0%
Climate
— 92°F / 48°F
Safety
— 2.5 homicides/100k
Population
— 600,000
Internet Speed
— 30 Mbps

Climate

Kairouan has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January68°F48°F2.5"
April77°F63°F2.8"
July92°F67°F1.5"
October72°F66°F2.2"
USDA Zone 6b

Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables

Natural Hazards

Kairouan faces the following natural hazards:

Drought High Risk

Frequent drought conditions.

Heat Wave High Risk

Extreme summer heat.

Earthquake Moderate Risk

Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.

Tsunami Moderate Risk

Mediterranean coast with tsunami risk.

Wildfire Moderate Risk

Mediterranean region with wildfire risk.

Sandstorm Moderate Risk

Sandstorms in southern regions.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 0% (None)
  • Sales Tax: 19%
  • Property Tax: ~0.2% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.0%.

Schools & Education

Total Schools

Academic Schedule

School Hours 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Academic Year September to June
Term System Trimester — 1st (Sep-Dec), 2nd (Jan-Mar), 3rd (Apr-Jun)
Summer Break June to September (13 weeks)
Winter Break December to January (2 weeks)
Spring Break Eid al-Fitr break (1-2 weeks)

French-influenced education system.

Universities & Higher Education

1
Universities
#1938
Top University Rank

Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database

Demographics

The population of Kairouan is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.

Ethnicity

Arab
98.0%
Berber
1.0%
Other
1.0%

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
25.0%
High school graduate
25.0%
Less than high school
35.0%
Some college
15.0%

Religion

Muslim
99.0%
Other
1.0%

City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.

Data source: National Institute of Statistics (2014)

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Kairouan, Tunisia?

The cost of living index in Kairouan is 72, which is Lower the Tunisia national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Kairouan?

The median home price in Kairouan is DT140,000. The housing index is 78.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Kairouan is approximately DT350/mo.

Does Kairouan, Kairouan have income tax?

Kairouan is in Kairouan, which has no income tax.

What is the climate like in Kairouan?

Kairouan enjoys approximately 290 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 92°F, while winter lows can drop to around 48°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
  • Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.