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Mahdia, Tunisia
Capital City

Follows Tunisia Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$730
Retiree Score
54.0
Safety Index
78.5
Healthcare
—

With a population of just 79,545, Mahdia is hardly the bustling metropolis many envision when moving abroad. The former Fatimid capital's glory days as a regional trading hub have long since faded, leaving behind a sleepy coastal town more reliant on fishing and oil work than any grand commercial ambitions. And while the city's well-preserved Fatimid mosque and Roman ruins offer glimpses into its storied past, the persistent bureaucracy and decaying infrastructure are a frustrating reality for modern residents.

Mahdia's strategic location on the Tunisian coast may have once made it a prized possession, but today it feels more like an economic backwater - a far cry from the thriving port city described by medieval chroniclers. Unless you're drawn to the city's modest charms and can tolerate the bureaucratic headaches, Mahdia is unlikely to satisfy the expectations of most expats seeking an exotic new home.

Can I afford Mahdia?

$

Mahdia

You could save

2,270/mo

Savings Rate76%

Monthly Costs

Rent $280
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$450

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
76/100
Retiree Score
(i)
54/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
53/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Tunisia Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
79
Safety
0
Healthcare
100
Walkability
20
Nomad

Grocery Basket

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

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$3
Meal (Mid-range) $101
Cappuccino $1
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $68
Mobile Plan (mo) $12
Gym (mo) *$21
Cinema Ticket $7

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $168
1BR Outside (mo) *$94
3BR Center (mo) $330
3BR Outside (mo) *$163

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Limited
Expat Community
Small
Top Neighborhoods
Hiboun
Best For
slow travelers, retirees

Expat Life Notes

A historic fishing port known for its fatimid mosque and beautiful shoreline. Quiet and safe.

Pros

  • ✓ Beautiful coast
  • ✓ Safe and quiet
  • ✓ Low cost of living

Cons

  • ✗ Requires French or Arabic
  • ✗ Quiet nightlife
  • ✗ Limited high-end jobs

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
—
Annual Rainfall
396 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
Mar, Apr, May, Nov, Dec

Also Consider

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Mahdia

Click any question to expand the answer.

Mahdia has a population of approximately 79,545 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $700 per month in Mahdia, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $280/month.

The nearest airport to Mahdia is SFA, approximately 93km away.

Mahdia is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 78.5. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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