Kairouan vs Annaba: Which City Wins for Expats in 2026?
Annaba costs roughly 6% less than Kairouan. Kairouan leads on digital nomad infrastructure, with faster average internet speeds. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
Kairouan is approximately 43% less expensive than Annaba based on cost of living including rent. This makes Kairouan a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
Kairouan has a FIRE Score of 74/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The city's safety index is 45, suggesting moderate safety levels.
Recommended profile: Kairouan is ideal for GeoArbitragers and remote workers looking to maximize savings.
About Kairouan
Kairouan is a bargain hunter's dream, with a 1-bedroom in the city center at $117/mo and a budget tier total of just $271/mo for a single adult. But the numbers hide real trade-offs: the average monthly net salary is only $326/mo, healthcare quality is poor, and the nearest airport is 160 km away in Tunis. The overall expat score of 72/100 and FIRE score of 74/100 make it tempting for remote workers, yet the retiree score of 41/100 and safety index of 45/100 should give anyone pause. Come for the rock-bottom costs, stay only if you can handle limited English, a small expat community, and scorching summers.
About Tunisia
Best for retirees on a tight budget, as Tunisia offers a retirement visa (Carte de séjour). A one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages just $241.52/month, making it a very affordable option in Africa. However, limited English proficiency and a low English-speaking doctor availability create significant daily hurdles for non-Arabic speakers.
$2,612/mo
Cost of Living (Without Rent)
Rent Per Month
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About Annaba
Annaba is a bargain hunter's dream: a one-bedroom in the center runs $167/mo and a three-bedroom outside the center just $199/mo, with a monthly public transport pass at $5 and a cappuccino for $1. The catch is income, since the average monthly net salary is only $309/mo, so remote workers and retirees on foreign pensions get the most out of this Mediterranean port city. English proficiency is limited and the expat community is very few, so come for the low costs and the 84/100 overall expat score, not for a ready-made social scene.
About Algeria
Ultra-low rent, $150/mo for a 1BR city center unit, only makes sense for someone with no digital nomad visa path and no interest in navigating a 35% income tax on local earnings. This fits a remote worker paid entirely from US sources who values cheap living over legal residency clarity. Bad fit: anyone needing English-speaking healthcare, a real expat community, or an easy visa route to stay long-term.
$2,645/mo
Cost of Living (Without Rent)
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Battle of Lifestyles
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| Metric | Kairouan | Annaba |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $116.61 | $166.6 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $160 | $118.66 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $217.02 | $290.34 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $150.24 | $198.96 |
| Safety Index | 45 | 60 |
| Internet Speed | 40Mbps | 20Mbps |
| Walkability Score | N/A | N/A |
Monthly cost by categoryOne person, computed from each city's own average prices
| Category | Kairouan | Annaba |
|---|---|---|
| Total (rent included) | N/A | $374/mo |
| Excluding rent | N/A | $255/mo |
| Rent | N/A | $119/mo |
| Groceries | N/A | $93.00/mo |
| Dining out | N/A | $29.00/mo |
| Entertainment & lifestyle | N/A | $50.00/mo |
| Utilities & connectivity | N/A | $78.00/mo |
| Transport | N/A | $5.00/mo |
Usage-based estimates from this city's own average prices. A row marked N/A means that city is missing data, so no figure is shown instead of a stale one.
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Kairouan vs Annaba -- Frequently Asked Questions
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