Tunis vs. Okinawa: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

Okinawa presents a significantly superior overall quality of life compared to Tunis, reflected in its higher indices across multiple key areas. The Okinawan Quality of Life Index stands at 179.33, considerably higher than Tunis's 79.33. This is mirrored in the superior Purchasing Power Index (77.72 vs. 59.33) and notably better Safety Index (78.89 vs. 59.33). Okinawa also excels in Health Care (87.96 vs. 69.33) and Climate (80.64 vs. 70.64). Furthermore, Okinawa boasts a lower Traffic Commute Time Index (22.14 vs. 44.14) and negligible Pollution Index (27.33 vs. 50.33). Economically, Okinawa shows a higher GDP per capita ($46,200 vs. $760) and a slightly higher population growth rate (0.43% vs. 0.58%), though both figures are on a vastly different population base.

Okinawa demonstrates a lower overall Cost of Living Index (56.37) compared to Tunis (109.67), indicating that, relatively speaking, Okinawa is less expensive. This is particularly evident in housing, where Okinawa's average net salary ($1,339.90) is significantly higher than Tunisia's ($400.00), making the lower property prices more impactful. Okinawa's average apartment price per square meter ($6,500.00) is substantially higher than Tunisia's ($1,000.00), but the lower income means the property price-to-income ratio remains lower in Okinawa (18.33) than in Tunisia (10.7). Both cities show very low mortgage interest rates, at 2.23% in Okinawa and 2.00% in Tunisia.

Okinawa generally has lower transportation costs than Tunisia. Okinawa's public transport pass is significantly cheaper ($42.78 vs. $100.00), and while gasoline is more expensive ($1.10 vs. $0.70), the overall impact is less pronounced due to the lower base costs elsewhere. Utilities represent a much larger portion of the budget in Tunisia, with basic services for an 85m² apartment costing $310.00/month compared to $200.00 in Okinawa. Food costs also reflect the overall trend, with Okinawa's mid-range restaurant meal for two being $40.00 (vs. $80.00 in Tunisia) and groceries for two being $76.00/month (vs. $120.00 in Tunisia).

Okinawa significantly outperforms Tunisia in childcare costs. The average monthly private kindergarten fee in Okinawa is $329.05, compared to $100.00 in Tunisia. While the annual international school tuition ($5,636.10) is moderate, it is still substantially higher than the likely public school options available in Tunisia. Leisure activities are more expensive in Okinawa, with a monthly gym membership averaging $72.18 (vs. $40.00 in Tunisia) and a cinema ticket costing $12.10 (vs. $8.00 in Tunisia). The vastly superior safety and lower pollution levels in Okinawa are major quality-of-life differentiators.

Okinawa exhibits stronger economic stability and growth indicators. With a GDP per capita nearly 60 times higher than Tunisia's ($46,200 vs. $760), Okinawa's economy is significantly more developed. The population growth rate, while slightly lower (0.43% vs. 0.58%), occurs on a much larger population base. The lower property price indices in specific Okinawan cities (Ginowan: 7.82, Naha: 19.49) suggest localized variations, but overall, Okinawa's economic fundamentals appear more robust than Tunisia's.