Turkey is a country that attracts not only tourists but also numerous expats. However, before planning a move, it is important to consider possible expenses and plan a monthly budget. Find out what budget an expat needs to have for life in Turkey

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Turkey offers expats almost the same standard of living as most European countries, but this country can also surprise foreigners with quite moderate prices.

The cost of living in Turkey varies depending on the region. It is most expensive to live in large cities and business centers. However, Istanbul, although recognized as the most expensive city in Turkey, is much cheaper than London or New York. Many expats also live in Ankara and Izmir. By nationality, citizens of Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Cuba and Pakistan dominate among foreigners.

Choosing to live in Turkey, you can really save some money, because the country has a warm climate and always fresh products. We will tell you about the cost of living in Turkey in 2024 below.

Is it expensive to live in Turkey?

Large cities are better suited for doing business and an active lifestyle, while smaller ones are ideal for a calm and comfortable life by the sea.

Large cities such as Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir are well developed. Life there may be more expensive, but the quality of life is the same as in large European cities.

Smaller cities such as Bodrum, Fethiye or Gaziantep are cheaper, but have less developed infrastructure and services.

*Please note that the national currency of Turkey is the Turkish lira, but for the convenience of understanding prices and comparison, in this article we will indicate costs in euros.

In large cities in Turkey, such as Istanbul, Antalya or Izmir, for comfortable living, a family of three should expect monthly costs of 1,500 to 2,000 euros. In smaller cities, this amount may be lower - from 1,200 to 1,500 euros per month.

Real estate rental prices in Turkey

The largest item of expenditure in Turkey will be housing rent.

In particular, the cost of renting housing in Turkey depends on the location. For example, in the center of Istanbul, the cost of a 3-room apartment is about 1,300 euros, and in non-central areas - about 800 euros.

To rent an apartment for a family of 4 in the center of Ankara, you will need from 500 to 600 euros. If you plan to rent a similar apartment outside the city center, you will have to pay about 400 euros.

In small Turkish cities, such as Mersin, Trabzon or Samsun, rental prices are relatively moderate. A one-room apartment can be rented for 170-230 euros per month. Renting a two-room apartment in these cities will cost 230-350 euros per month.

Cost of utilities in Turkey

Utility costs for an average-sized apartment (60-80 square meters) are about 60-120 euros per month. This amount includes electricity (23-44 euros), water (6-12 euros), gas (in winter up to 44 euros, in summer much less) and internet (4-9 euros).

In winter, the total amount of utility bills can increase to 150-180 euros due to additional heating costs. It is important to consider that prices may vary depending on the area, the condition of the housing and the specific rental conditions.

Food prices in Turkey

Turks usually buy food in supermarkets. There are also open markets with fresh fruits and vegetables.

The average price of fruits such as apples, bananas or oranges is 1-1.5 euros per kilogram. Vegetables, such as tomatoes, potatoes or onions, cost 1 euro per kilogram. Bread costs about 0.3-0.4 euros per loaf. A liter of milk can be purchased for 1-1.2 euros, a dozen eggs will cost 1.5-1.8 euros. A kilogram of chicken fillet costs 4-5 euros, and beef - 8-10 euros per kilogram. Rice and pasta cost about 1.5-2 euros per kilogram. Olive oil, which is widely used in Turkish cuisine, costs 8-10 euros per liter.

An average grocery basket, which includes milk, eggs, bread, cheese and meat, costs about 25-30 euros. For a family of three, the monthly budget for food when cooking at home varies from 350 to 450 euros.

For safe relocation to any country in the world, obtaining citizenship and employment, use the advice of an international lawyer. We help you solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety anywhere in the world.

Cost of eating out and entertainment in Turkey

A meal at a mid-range restaurant in Turkey costs 12-15 euros per person, including a main course and a drink.

A family dinner for three in the same establishment will cost 35-45 euros. In more upscale restaurants, the cost of a meal per person can reach 25-30 euros.

A kebab, popular in Turkey, costs an average of 3-4 euros, and a cup of traditional Turkish coffee costs about 1 euro.

Turkey has very high taxes on alcohol, a glass of beer will cost you 4 euros, a bottle of wine - 8 euros.

Going to the cinema for an evening session costs 6-8 euros. Daytime screenings are usually cheaper - 4-6 euros. Watching a 3D film will cost more - from 8 to 12 euros.

As for fitness services, prices vary significantly depending on the level of the gym and location. A monthly pass to a standard gym costs between 25 and 35 euros. In mid-range chain fitness centers, the cost of a pass is 35-50 euros per month.

Transport prices in Turkey

The public transport system in Turkey is represented by trams, buses, metro and ferries.

The cost of travel varies depending on the city and type of transport. In Istanbul, one trip within the city costs about 0.7 euros when using the Istanbul Kart transport card. In other large cities, such as Ankara and Izmir, the cost of one trip is about 0.5-0.6 euros.

The cost of a trip on a city bus without a transport card (single ticket) is about 30-40% higher.

A monthly pass for public transport in large cities costs between 25 and 35 euros, making it a good option for daily trips. There are significant discounts for students and pensioners - up to 50% of the usual cost.

Many Turks prefer cars. However, their driving style has certain peculiarities. Drivers drive very restlessly, so it can be difficult for young car owners in Turkey.

Gasoline 95 costs an average of 1.3-1.4 euros per liter. Diesel fuel is somewhat cheaper - about 1.2-1.3 euros per liter. LPG (autogas), which is quite popular in Turkey, costs about 0.7-0.8 euros per liter, which allows you to save significantly.

Costs of medical care in Turkey

Medical care in Turkey is of high quality, doctors work according to European standards.

In state hospitals, a visit to a therapist for foreigners costs about 15-20 euros. A consultation with a specialist will cost 25-35 euros. In private clinics, prices are much higher. A consultation with a general practitioner costs from 40 to 60 euros, and an appointment with a specialist costs from 60 to 100 euros.

Dental services also vary in price in public and private clinics. In a public clinic, a regular filling costs from 20 to 30 euros, while in a private clinic it costs from 40 to 60 euros.

Emergency ambulance calls for foreigners are free, but further treatment in a hospital is paid. The cost of one day in a public hospital is from 50 to 100 euros.

Turkey is a popular destination for expats to move to, as the country offers good career prospects, a developed social sphere, and a high quality of life for fairly reasonable costs.

Let us remind you! Turkey's migration policy is aimed at attracting talents from all over the world to the country and solving the problem of a shortage of personnel. That is why the new rules for obtaining a work permit in the country offer more flexibility for workers. We have already told you what benefits expats received and which category of workers the innovation applies to.