Cost of Living in Turkey

Expats will find the cost of living in Turkey to be far more reasonable than in neighbouring European destinations. The country has yet to be admitted into the EU, and those earning in a foreign currency can make their money last longer and reach further, even if choosing to live in the popular expat areas or the coastal resort towns.

Istanbul, the country's largest expat hub and most costly location, was ranked the 185th most expensive expat destination by the 2023 Mercer Cost of Living Survey out of the 227 cities evaluated. Like most places, the cost of living in Turkey is directly affected by location and lifestyle. Rural villages are cheaper than urban centres.

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Cost of accommodation in Turkey

The property market in Turkey for both buying and renting generally offers good value for money when compared with the likes of the UK or the US. A wide variety of accommodation is available to suit all tastes and budgets, ranging from eye-wateringly expensive villas with sweeping vistas and vast outdoor spaces to sparse apartments that offer only the most basic amenities.

Monthly utilities aren't always included in rent, so expats will need to factor in the cost of water, electricity and gas. Although these bills tend to be relatively inexpensive, the cost of heating during winter dramatically increases utility expenses.

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Cost of groceries and eating out in Turkey

In Turkey, food shopping can still be done at weekly neighbourhood markets, where locally sourced seasonal fruits and vegetables are on sale at low prices. Modern supermarkets do stock the imported goods that many expats yearn for, but these foreign food items can come at a hefty price.

A food cost that may be unexpected for many expats will be bottled water. It's safe to drink tap water in many areas, but many foreigners still prefer to drink bottled water. The good news is that a 19-litre jug of water is relatively cheap. Expats should buy in bulk when they can.

Eating out in Turkey can offer expats a diverse range of dining options with varying costs, but generally less costly compared to dining out in many Western countries. This is particularly true for traditional Turkish cuisine and street food, which are often inexpensive. Many restaurants in tourist areas may offer both traditional Turkish dishes and more familiar international cuisine.

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Cost of entertainment in Turkey

The cost of entertainment in Turkey for expats can vary widely depending on the type of activity and location. Though they largely tend to be economical, some forms of entertainment may be less expensive compared to similar activities in Western countries, while others may be costlier.

Expats can expect to find a diverse range of entertainment options in Turkey, including cultural and historical attractions, outdoor activities and nightlife. Some popular forms of entertainment include visiting historical sites, exploring the bustling markets and bazaars, and experiencing traditional Turkish performances such as belly dancing. Additionally, Turkey's large cities offer a variety of bars, nightclubs, and live music venues for those looking for nightlife.

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Cost of transport in Turkey

Turkey's public transport system is constantly improving and evolving, yet it remains extremely cheap. Buses are the main mode of transit and are generally efficient and economical. Both state-sponsored entities and private buses charge flat and cheap fares for a single journey. Dolmuş, informal, shared taxis that connect commuters going short distances, are also incredibly reasonable. Fares vary according to the length of the journey.

For those expats who would prefer to get around by car in Turkey, the basic cost of buying and maintaining a vehicle may be slightly cheaper than in the UK or the US, but the cost of petrol is steep.

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Cost of education in Turkey

The cost of education in Turkey can vary widely depending on the type of school and location. Education in Turkey is generally less expensive compared to education in many Western countries, though expats are less likely to enrol their children in public or even private schools, both of which teach in Turkish.

There are international schools in Istanbul and Ankara. These may be pricier compared to public or private Turkish schools, but they offer the benefit of a familiar education system and language of instruction.

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Cost of healthcare in Turkey

Healthcare in Turkey is affordable and generally of excellent quality. Expats have access to the public system but may prefer private healthcare. The private system is well priced, particularly when compared to other European countries, but health insurance is recommended for expats going this route as costs can add up over time.

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Cost of living in Istanbul chart

Prices may vary depending on the product and service provider. The list below is based on average prices for Istanbul in July 2023.

Accommodation (monthly rent)
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre	YTL 28,000
Three-bedroom apartment outside the city centre	YTL 18,000
One-bedroom apartment in the city centre	YTL 16,000
One-bedroom apartment outside of city centre	YTL 10,000
Shopping
Dozen eggs	YTL 48
Milk (1 litre)	YTL 25
Rice (1kg)	YTL 43
Loaf of white bread	YTL 13
Chicken breasts (1kg)	YTL 115
Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro)	YTL 40
Eating out
Big Mac Meal	YTL 140
Coca-Cola (330ml)	YTL 23
Cappuccino	YTL 53
Local beer (500ml)	YTL 75
Three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant for two	YTL 750
Utilities/household
Mobile call rate (per minute – mobile to mobile)	YTL 1.43
Internet (uncapped ADSL or cable – average per month)	YTL 220
Utilities (average per month for a standard household)	YTL 1,600
Transportation
Taxi rate/km	YTL 8.50
City-centre public transport fare	YTL 10
Petrol/gasoline (per litre)	YTL 22