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Gafsa, Tunisia
Capital City

Follows Tunisia Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$630
Retiree Score
74.0
Safety Index
62.4
Healthcare
9 facilities

With a population of 111,170, Gafsa is a Tunisian city that revolves around its massive phosphate mines. While the industry powers the local economy, the benefits don't necessarily trickle down to residents - the city is described as "quite poor" despite its mineral wealth. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the city has a long history of political unrest, including riots in 2008 that foreshadowed the broader Arab Spring. The climate is also unforgiving, with a scorching hot desert environment. Gafsa may appeal to those drawn to its ancient history and natural oasis, but its challenges make it a better fit for the hardened expat than the average overseas adventurer.

Can I afford Gafsa?

$

Gafsa

You could save

2,370/mo

Savings Rate79%

Monthly Costs

Rent $250
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$380

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
79/100
Retiree Score
(i)
74/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
50/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Tunisia Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
62
Safety
9
Healthcare
100
Walkability
5
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $0
Bread (loaf) *$1
Eggs (12) $1
Rice (1kg) *$2
Chicken (1kg) *$6

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$4
Meal (Mid-range) $109
Cappuccino $1
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $41
Mobile Plan (mo) $9
Gym (mo) *$15
Cinema Ticket $6

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $150
1BR Outside (mo) *$94
3BR Center (mo) $300
3BR Outside (mo) *$163

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Limited
Expat Community
Very Few
Top Neighborhoods
Gafsa City Centre, Cité Ennasr
Best For
mining industry workers, energy sector expats

Expat Life Notes

Gafsa is a mining city in west-central Tunisia, the centre of Tunisia's phosphate industry. It has a history of social unrest related to mining employment grievances. Very few expats reside here outside of mining sector staff.

Pros

  • ✓ Phosphate industry employment
  • ✓ Affordable
  • ✓ Gateway to Chott el-Jerid

Cons

  • ✗ Social tension history
  • ✗ Very limited English
  • ✗ Hot desert climate

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
—
Annual Rainfall
137 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Jul, Aug

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Gafsa

Click any question to expand the answer.

Gafsa has a population of approximately 111,170 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $625 per month in Gafsa, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $250/month.

The nearest airport to Gafsa is SFA, approximately 178km away.

Gafsa is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 62.4. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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