Are you considering moving to Turkey? One of the biggest considerations is cost, with Turkey remaining an affordable option in 2026 compared to Western European countries and the United States.
According to Numbeo, a single person can live in Turkey with a monthly budget of about $665, excluding rent. However, this figure is based on a national average, and actual costs will vary significantly by city.
In this guide, 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.
Quick Facts about Costs
Living costs are taken from Numbeo’s cost of living index, and all lira figures are converted at a rate of 1 USD to 46.98 TRY, as of July 2026.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| One-bedroom Apartment (City Center) | ₺26,679 $568 |
| One-bedroom Apartment (Outside the Center) | ₺19,071 $406 |
| Utilities | ₺3,325 $71 |
| Milk (1 liter) | ₺47.96 $1.02 |
| Chicken (1kg) | ₺222 $4.72 |
| Apples (1kg) | ₺84 $1.79 |
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | ₺400 $8.51 |
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | ₺40 $0.85 |
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | ₺2,527 $53.78 |
| Broadband Internet | ₺713 $15.18 |
How much is the cost of living in Turkey for a single person?
According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Turkey for a single person is around $665 monthly, excluding rent. This makes it attractive for expats and retirees. The living cost is surprisingly much less than elsewhere in Europe and the US for everyday expenses. It’s one of the driving factors behind the popularity of Turkey Citizenship by Investment.
Here are some considerations for the cost of living in Turkey:
- Overall affordability: The cost of living is much lower than in most Western European countries. With rent excluded, the cost of living for a single person is around $665, while for a family of four it is about $2,465.
- Location: Costs vary by location, with Istanbul being the most expensive, and smaller towns such as Bursa and Mersin offering a more affordable lifestyle.
- Accommodation: Rent is generally the biggest expense when moving to Turkey, but it is still lower than in many other countries. Housing costs also 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 costs in Turkey in 2026 depend on the Turkish city or area you live in and your lifestyle. If you live a relatively modest lifestyle, you see a significant difference in the cost of living in Istanbul compared to those in smaller, lesser-known cities like Bursa and Mersin. To give a better idea of the costs, here is the average living cost in Turkey by city:
| Item | Istanbul | Ankara | Izmir | Antalya | Bursa |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| One-bedroom Apartment (City Center) | ₺45,322 $965 | ₺34,394 $732 | ₺29,000 $617 | ₺26,107 $555 | ₺18,777 $399 |
| One-bedroom Apartment (Outside the Center) | ₺30,103 $640 | ₺25,531 $543 | ₺20,500 $436 | ₺21,630 $460 | ₺14,944 $318 |
| Utilities | ₺4,207 $89.54 | ₺4,112 $87.52 | ₺4,200 $89.39 | ₺3,414 $72.66 | ₺3,815 $81.20 |
| Monthly Pass (Public transport) | ₺2,920 $62.15 | ₺600 $12.77 | ₺2,062 $43.89 | ₺1,200 $25.54 | ₺1,700 $36.18 |
| International Private School (One Year) | ₺203,582 $4,332 | ₺811,391 $17,269 | ₺725,570 $15,442 | ₺607,508 $12,929 | ₺637,500 $13,568 |
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | ₺500 $10.64 | ₺450 $9.58 | ₺300 $6.39 | ₺275 $5.85 | ₺400 $8.51 |
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 is vastly different, with the biggest disparities seen in rent, private schooling, and utilities. Let’s take a look at the costs in USD:
| Item | Turkey | United States |
|---|---|---|
| One-bedroom Apartment (City Center) | $568 | $1,641 |
| One-bedroom Apartment (Outside the Center) | $406 | $1,339 |
| Utilities | $70.82 | $216.42 |
| Monthly pass (Public Transport) | $42.59 | $64 |
| International Private School (One Year) | $14,942 | $25,319 |
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant) | $8.51 | $20 |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $53.83 | $45.18 |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | $7.45 | $15 |
Average Salary, Minimum Wage, and Mortgages in Turkey
According to Numbeo, the average net salary after tax in Turkey is $1,068.18 per month. In 2025, Turkish mortgage rates are around 1.79% monthly, which is about 21.5% annually due to economic instability and currency fluctuations. Some banks offer lower rates at 1.2 percent per month (15.85% 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% of the purchase price, usually split between buyer and seller, with each paying 2%.
