What Is The Cost of Living in Turkey’s Cities?
Studying and living in Turkey is an exciting adventure. From the historic streets of Istanbul to the orderly avenues of Ankara, and from the relaxed beaches of Izmir to the sunshine of Antalya, you can have a great time while keeping your budget in check. This guide is here to help you learn how to use your money wisely. Ready? Let’s get started!
Most Expensive City in Turkey
The cost of living and affordability in Turkey can vary according to reports and analyses published by different institutions. However, according to the vast majority of studies conducted, Istanbul is the most expensive city in Turkey.
Other expensive cities following Istanbul are usually İzmir and Ankara. However, in some studies, cities such as Muğla and Antalya can also be seen in high rankings, especially due to factors like housing prices and the impact of tourism.
Cheapest City in Turkey
TÜİK data released, Amasya takes the lead!
While Ağrı tops the list, Amasya draws attention with its second place ranking.
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The Cost of Living Race Between Cities: Which City is Best for You?
Every city has its own vibe and, of course, its own price tag. Here is a brief summary of the most popular cities:
- Istanbul: This is the economic and cultural heart of Turkey. It’s a city of dreams but also the most expensive. Rent, in particular, can be a major expense, potentially 61% higher than in other cities. But don’t worry, if you find the right neighborhoods, more affordable options are available.
- Ankara: The capital city of Ankara offers a more balanced and calm lifestyle. It is much more affordable and student-friendly than Istanbul. Rent and daily expenses are more reasonable, which means you can manage your money more easily.
- Izmir & Antalya: This duo is famous for its vacation atmosphere. While prices increase a bit during the summer due to tourism, they generally won’t strain your budget. If you’re looking for beaches, sunshine, and a lively social life, this is the place for you!
- Bursa & Mersin: If you’re looking for cities close to Istanbul but with much more affordable prices, Bursa and Mersin are great options. We can say that rent, food, and transportation costs in these cities are “almost dirt cheap” compared to their metropolitan counterparts.
A Closer Look at Expenses: Where Will Your Money Go?
Home Sweet Home: Rent and Accommodation
Rent will be the biggest item on your budget. Prices vary greatly from city to city and even from neighborhood to neighborhood.
- Istanbul: A one-bedroom apartment in central areas can range from $875 to over $1,750 per month. But if you move a bit farther from the city center, you can find apartments starting from $375 to $625 in places like Bahcesehir or Esenyurt.
- Ankara: For a one-bedroom apartment in central districts like Kızılay or Çankaya, you’ll typically pay between $375 and $875 per month.
- Izmir & Antalya: The average rent for a similar apartment in these cities is approximately $505 and $556, respectively.
Food Festival: Food and Drinks
Food will be one of the most enjoyable expenses you’ll have in Turkey. While high inflation can be challenging for locals earning in Turkish Lira, the situation is very different for you.
- Groceries: If you shop at local markets, your weekly grocery cost can be as low as around $30 per person.
- Dining Out: A meal at an “inexpensive restaurant” ranges from $12.50 to $30. A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is around $62.50 to $125.
Comparative Food and Grocery Costs by City (TRY and USD)
| Category | Item | Istanbul | Ankara | Izmir | Antalya |
| Monthly Budget | Basic groceries | $175 – $375 | $125 – $250 | ~$45-50 | ~$40-50 |
| Per Item | 1 liter of milk | $1.05 | $1 | ~$1 | ~$1 |
| 1 kg of rice | $2.45 | $2.38 | |||
| 1 kg of chicken breast | $4.23 | $4 | $6-18/kg | $6-18/kg | |
| Loaf of fresh bread | $0.53 | $0.50 | ~$0.8 | ||
| Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12.50-30 | $10-22.50 | ~$8-10 | ~$8 | |
| Three-course meal for two | $62.50-125 | $50-100 | ~$50 |
Note: USD prices were converted from Turkish Lira at the time of data collection and are subject to change.
Exploring the City: Transportation
Public transportation in Turkey is both extensive and economical.
- Istanbul: The city has a vast network of metros, trams, buses, and ferries. A monthly public transport card, Istanbulkart, costs approximately $34.73. A single ride is about $0.68.
- Ankara: Public transportation is notably more affordable. A monthly pass costs around $7.50 , and a single ride with an Ankarakart is $0.38.
- Izmir & Antalya: These cities offer a middle ground in terms of cost. A monthly pass in Izmir costs $15, and in Antalya, it’s $10.63.
University Expenses
University costs are also a significant part of your budget. Annual tuition fees at public universities range from $200 to $1,500, while private universities can cost between $5,000 and $20,000 per year. The average annual cost for an international private school is around $8,600.
Welcome to Your Turkish Adventure!
Turkey is a wonderful country for international students, offering an affordable and enjoyable lifestyle. With the right budget planning, you can complete your education and create unforgettable memories. By keeping in mind factors like inflation and currency fluctuations, you can enjoy the “affordable luxury” that Turkey offers, especially if you have foreign currency!
Frequently Asked Questions about the cost of living
Which city in Turkey is the cheapest?
The cheapest city in Turkey is generally considered to be Ağrı, located in the Eastern Anatolia region, due to its low cost of living, especially for housing and groceries.
What is the most expensive city to live in Turkey?
The most expensive city to live in Turkey is Istanbul, primarily due to its high housing costs and generally higher prices for goods and services.
Which city in Turkey is best for living?
While this is subjective, cities like Izmir, Eskişehir, and Antalya are often ranked as the best places to live in Turkey, offering a balance of high quality of life, good social opportunities, and a pleasant climate.
Is Istanbul cheaper or Antalya?
Istanbul is generally more expensive than Antalya. Although tourist areas in Antalya can be costly, the overall cost of living, particularly for rent, is significantly higher in Istanbul.
minimum wage Turkey 2025
According to a statement made by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, the minimum wage for 2025 has been set as follows, effective January 1, 2025: Daily Gross Wage: 866.85 TL. Gross Monthly Wage: 26,005.50 TL. Net Monthly Wage: 22,104.67 TL.
Cheapest Cities to Live in Turkey Cost of Living
Ağrı, Amasya, Mersin, Iğdır, Bitlis, Kars, Ardahan, Siirt, Bayburt, Gümüşhane