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

## The Economic and Quality of Life Divide: Tunis vs. Samarinda in 2026

Tunis offers a higher average net monthly salary after tax – $393.10 – compared to Samarinda's $351.19. However, this higher income is accompanied by a significantly lower purchasing power index of 40.47, suggesting that the cost of living in the capital is substantially higher relative to its earnings. While the data for housing costs in Tunis is less complete, the available figures paint a clear picture: the city presents a formidable barrier for homeownership, with a property price-to-income ratio of 13.83, implying residents would need over a decade to accumulate the savings for an average apartment. This contrasts with Samarinda, where a Toyota Corolla sedan is considerably more affordable, priced at $26,133.52 locally versus $38,185.77 in Tunis, though comprehensive housing purchase price data for the Indonesian city was not fully provided for direct comparison.

The gap in quality of life metrics between the two cities is equally pronounced. Despite a higher average income, Tunis residents face significant challenges in healthcare and safety. The city's Health Care Index stands at a concerning 36.11, while its Safety Index is a modest 75.0 – both considerably below the global averages. Environmental quality also presents a hurdle, with Tunis registering a high Pollution Index of 73.96. Conversely, Samarinda demonstrates a much lower Pollution Index (35.63) and, crucially, a higher Safety Index (75.0) and significantly lower Health Care Index (36.11), suggesting potential deficiencies in these vital areas despite the lower overall quality-of-life perception.

Economically, the outlook favors Samarinda. It boasts a vibrant economic growth rate of 5.05%, far exceeding Tunisia's near-zero rate of 0.04%, and its population is expanding at a faster pace (0.73%) than Tunisia's (0.58%). This dynamic environment offers potentially greater career prospects and investment opportunities, albeit perhaps with associated risks. Tunis, while providing a higher base salary, presents a less compelling long-term economic picture and faces persistent challenges in key quality-of-life determinants like healthcare access, personal safety, and environmental conditions.

While Tunis commands a higher income and generally scores better on the overall Quality of Life Index (110.63), its residents confront tangible issues in healthcare, safety, and environmental pollution. Samarinda, with its lower income and potentially worse healthcare and safety metrics, offers a different proposition: one characterized by strong economic dynamism and growth potential. The decision between these cities hinges on individual priorities, weighing the trade-offs between immediate financial resources and the long-term sustainability and desirability of living in each urban environment.