Cost of Living in Turkey: A Practical Guide for 2025

In this article, we’re exploring everything you need to know about the cost of living in Turkey. Whether you’re living solo or with the whole family, knowing the cost of living in Turkey is often a very big deciding factor before making the big move.

In this guide you’ll learn about:

The cost of living in Turkey for a single person
Family of four estimated monthly costs
The cost of living in different Turkish cities
A breakdown of various daily costs and more

How Much Is the Cost of Living in Turkey?

The cost of living in Turkey for a single person is around $1,200 monthly, making it attractive for expats and retirees. The living cost in Turkey is surprisingly much less than elsewhere in Europe and the US for everyday expenses. It’s one of the main reasons programs like the Turkey citizenship by investment have become so popular.

Here are some considerations for the cost of living in Turkey:

Overall affordability: The cost of living in Turkey is much lower than in most Western European countries. The cost of living in Turkey for single person is around $1,200, while for a family of four it is about $3,000.
Location: Costs vary by location, with Istanbul being the most expensive and smaller towns offering a more affordable lifestyle.
Accommodation: Rent is generally the biggest expense when moving to Turkey but is still lower than in many other countries. Housing costs vary by city and neighborhood.
Groceries: Food prices, including fresh produce, are affordable, especially when shopping at local markets.
Transportation: Public transportation is reliable and inexpensive.

Cost of Living in Turkey by City

The living cost in Turkey 2025 is determined by which Turkish city or area you live in and your general lifestyle. To give a better idea of the costs, here is the average living cost in Turkey by city:

Item	Istanbul	Ankara	Izmir	Antalya
Rent (one bed city center)	₺30,326 $885	₺19,471 $568	₺20,190 $589	₺22,229 $649
Rent (3 bed city center)	₺56,591 $1,652	₺32,375 $945	₺30,166 $881	₺36,071 $1,053
Utilities	₺1,948 $56.89	₺2,294 $67	₺2,171 $63.40	₺2,136 $62.38
Monthly pass (Public transport)	₺1,389 $40.57	₺300 $8.67	₺600 $17.52	₺425 $12.41
International private school (one year)	₺485,230 $14,171	₺357,210 $10,432	₺309,601 $9,041	₺197,555 $5,769
Meal (inexpensive restaurant)	₺350 $10.22	₺300 $8.76	₺300 $8.76	₺275 $8.03

Cost of Living in Turkey Breakdown

Restaurants

Despite inflation, food cost and drink prices in Turkey in 2025 are much lower than in the US or the UK. Dinner at a mid-range restaurant won’t cost near as much as other countries and Turkey also offers a great range of inexpensive dining options.

Due to Turkey’s high alcohol taxes, frequent nights out drinking could dent your finances if you’re not careful. A single domestic beer at a Tekel – a Turkish liquor store – may cost $2.92, and could set you back upwards of $3.18 at a bar.

Let’s take a closer look:

Item	Price (Turkish Lira)	Price (US Dollar)
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	₺295	$8.62
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course	₺1,200	$35.05
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)	₺250	$7.30
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)	₺100	$2.92
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)	₺140	$4.09
Cappuccino (regular)	₺96.32	$2.81

Groceries

Food shopping in Turkey is much less expensive than in nearby European nations. Budget-conscious individuals and couples have many opportunities to save money.

Buying fruits, vegetables, and dairy products from small local markets instead of supermarkets is much more affordable in the long run. A good variety of items cost about $30 per week per person. Let’s take a look:

Item	Price (Turkish Lira)	Price (US Dollar)
Milk (regular), (1 liter)	₺31.56	$0.92
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)	₺34.85	$1.02
Rice (white), (1kg)	₺58.69	$1.71
Eggs (regular) (12)	₺52.89	$1.54
Local Cheese (1kg)	₺341.42	$9.97
Chicken Fillets (1kg)	₺191.05	$191.05
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)	₺632.21	$18.46
Apples (1kg)	₺30.99	$0.91
Tomato (1kg)	₺39.13	$1.14
Potato (1kg)	₺19.22	$0.56
Water (1.5 liter bottle)	₺10.91	$0.32
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)	₺320	$9.35

Transportation

Transportation can be a significant expense if you plan to drive in a city like Istanbul. However, using the public transportation system is considerably cheaper than in capital cities like London where a monthly pass for public transport would cost $191.

Here are the basic costs for transport in Turkey:

Item	Price (Turkish Lira)	Price (US Dollar)
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	₺20	$0.58
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	₺1,388	$40.54
Gasoline (1 liter)	₺41.03	$1.20

Monthly Rent

Expats who receive a salary from their home country enjoy a luxurious lifestyle beyond what the average Turkish salary would permit. Rent is one of the most significant expenses, but the average price remain low. You can expect to spend less than $1,000 monthly on a modest three-bedroom apartment on the Aegean and Mediterranean coastlines.

Here is a breakdown of rent costs in Turkey:

Item	Price (Turkish Lira)	Price (US Dollar)
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre	₺19,500	$569
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre	₺13,716	$400.58
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre	₺32,824	$958.62
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre	₺22,771	$665.03

Monthly Utilities

Monthly utility and other household expenses also contribute to Turkey’s low living cost. Electricity, internet, sewerage, gas, water, prepaid mobile tariff, and unlimited data packages all fall under monthly utility fees

Apartment aidat – a charge for community maintenance essential services – is required of residents living in apartment complexes with six or more units. Let’s take a look at the cost of utilities in Turkey:

Item	Price (Turkish Lira)	Price (US Dollar)
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment	₺2,042.60	$59,65
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data	₺310.79	$9.08
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	₺405.63	$11.85

Sports and Leisure

Entertainment is reasonably priced in Turkey, particularly for cinemagoers. Tickets for a new international release cost a fraction of the cost compared to the US. Plus, many expats with foreign money can easily afford tennis courts and fitness center memberships.

Item	Price (Turkish Lira)	Price (US Dollar)
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult	₺1,347.22	$39,35
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat	₺200	$5.84

Clothing and Shoes

Although prices are not as high as in some EU countries, branded clothing from a chain store can be pricey by western standards. If you live on the average Turkish salary, luxury clothing items may not be affordable.

Foreign purchasing power does provide affordability, but branded clothing items are generally cheaper in countries like the US and the UK. If you’re interested in gold or silver, however, jewelry is less expensive in Turkey due to taxes in Turkey. The absence of sales tax on precious metals, which is high in most western nations, brings the cost down.

Healthcare

The cost of healthcare in Turkey is significantly more affordable that other western European countries. However, it is mandatory for all Turkish citizens to have health insurance. Whether this is through the tax funded system or by obtaining private health insurance, it is an essential part of living in Turkey.

On average, the cost of medical services in Turkey are about 70% less than the UK and the US, making the healthcare system a lot more accessible.

Private health insurance in Turkey can vary in price. A basic plan starts at about $20 per month, but for something more comprehensive you can expect to pay around $300 per month. Whereas the same plan in America could set you back $500+ per month.

Education

The cost of education in Turkey varies dramatically based on where you live and the type of school you want your child to attend. For example, most expats choose international schools in Turkey as it follows a similar curriculum to back home. Here are some of the various costs of education in Turkey:

International school: Average about $8,600 per year
Public university: $200-$1,500 per year (may be more for international students)
Private university: $5,000-$20,000 per year

Primary and secondary education is free for Turkish citizens and residents. However, as an expat you will likely need to place your child in an international school, particularly if they don’t know the Turkish language.

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Cost of Living in Turkey vs US

Knowing the cost of living in Turkey in US dollars is always helpful, but it’s even better to see the cost comparison between Turkey and the US to get a true picture of the differences. Additionally, knowing the Turkish visa for US citizens can help you further plan your moving requirements and the various costs involved.

The cost of living in Turkey vs the US are vastly different, with the biggest disparities seen in rent, private schooling, and utilities. Let’s take a look:

Item	Price (Turkish Lira)	Price (US Dollar)
Rent (one bed city center)	₺569	$1,758.00
Rent (three bed city center)	₺958	$2,927.00
Utilities	₺59.62	$207.02
Monthly pass (Public transport)	₺40.54	$66.00
International private school (one year)	₺9,311	$22,509.00
Meal (inexpensive restaurant)	₺8.62	$20.00
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult	₺39.35	$46.59
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat	₺5.84	$14.00

What Percentage of Your Salary Goes Toward Living Expenses in Turkey?

Here’s a closer look at the breakdown of the estimated average living cost in Turkey, and how much of your income each of the categories from a living averages table would possibly take. The numbers are based on approximate earnings of $1,500 per month:

Monthly rent: 16.2 percent
Markets: 35.6 percent
Transportation: 19.6 percent
Restaurants: 11.3 percent
Monthly utilities: 7 percent;
Leisure and sports: 6.8 percent
Clothes and shoes: 3.4 percent

Average Salary, Minimum Wage, and Mortgages in Turkey

The average minimum wage in Turkey in 2024 is around $500 per month. This is a significant difference to previous years, with some salaried doubling between 2023-2024. This has significantly impacted Turkey’s economy, with the country now being within the 20 biggest economies in the world.

In 2025, Turkish mortgage rates are around 1.79 percent monthly, which is about 21.5 percent annually due to economic instability and currency fluctuations. Some banks offer lower rates at 1.2 percent per month (15.85 percent annually), but rates often change with the currency.

When buying property in Turkey, you must pay property taxes after receiving the title deed (TAPU). This tax is 4 percent of the purchase price, usually split between buyer and seller, with each paying 2 percent.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Costs of Living in Turkey

Is Turkey expensive to live in?

No, Turkey is not considered expensive. In fact, it’s known for being a budget-friendly destination. Even as tourism continues to grow, the cost of living in Turkey remains affordable compared to many other countries.

How much money do you need to live comfortably in Turkey?

You can live comfortably in Turkey as a single person on around $1,200 per month. A family of four estimated monthly costs are about $3,000.

Is living in Turkey cheap?

The Turkey cost of living is far below most European nations. Rental prices, high-quality food from a mid-range restaurant, and transportation are less expensive here. Foreign purchasing power in Turkey for individuals from the UK, Sweden, Germany, or other European countries is very high and conducive to a luxurious lifestyle.

How to save money in Turkey as an expat?

There are various ways to save money living in Turkey as an expat. For example, Turkish people generally shop at bazars and local grocery stores with fresh produce. Many foreigners also choose to take local transport over owning a car and dining at an inexpensive restaurant or fast food restaurant. Plus, choosing to live in a less expensive city will greatly reduce your cost of living, while still offering a comfortable life.

Is healthcare expensive in Turkey?

Turkey offers significantly cheaper healthcare to other European countries. Expats need to have private health insurance, but the cost is also significantly less, giving foreigners the option of visiting a private doctor or hospital if needed.

What is the cost of living in Turkey compared to UK?

The cost of living in Turkey compared to the UK is much lower. Living in Turkey costs 43 percent less than in the UK without rent and with rent that goes up to 48 percent. Grocery prices are 37 percent lower in Turkey and rental prices are 60 percent less.

What is the cost of living in Turkey vs South Africa?

The cost of living in Turkey vs South Africa is not too different. Living in South Africa costs only seven percent less than Turkey. The biggest different is seen with groceries, coming in at 16 percent lower in South Africa.

What is the average monthly rent in Istanbul, Turkey?

The average monthly rent in Istanbul, Turkey is $880 for a single bedroom apartment in the city center, outside the city center will set you back about $540 per month. A three bedroom apartment in the city center is about $1,600 per month and outside the center is about $1,000.

Is it more expensive to live in Turkey or USA?

Turkey is significantly cheaper than the US, even when comparing big cities in each country. Looking at the largest city in Turkey, Istanbul costs on average 233 percent less than in New York City.

How much does it cost to live in Turkey as a single person?

The cost of living in Turkey is generally affordable, with a single person able to live comfortably on a monthly budget of 15,000 to 25,000 Turkish Lira (TL), depending on location and lifestyle. Major cities like Istanbul tend to be more expensive than smaller towns, while groceries are usually budget-friendly, especially when purchasing local produce.