Cost of Living in Turkey

Is the cost of living in Turkey high?

We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Turkey, they wrote:

"The cost of living in Turkey varies depending on the city and lifestyle. Generally, the cost of living is quite affordable, with basic necessities such as food, transportation, and housing being relatively inexpensive. Eating out at restaurants is also quite affordable, with a meal for two people costing around 25-30 Turkish Lira. Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are also relatively inexpensive. Overall, Turkey is a great place to live with a low cost of living," said one expat in Turkey.

"The cost will depend on which part of the country you are living in. Rent in Antalya being far cheaper than in Istanbul. A 2 bedroom apartment in Antalya can cost around 700TL per month, which at present is under 200 pound sterling. Rental costs in Istanbul are or can be extremely expensive and in some areas on par with those in London," wrote a person living in Antalya.

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Expat Health Insurance in Turkey

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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Will I save money living in Turkey?

"Living in Turkey can be significantly cheaper than living in the United States. The cost of living in Turkey is generally lower than in the United States, with rent, groceries, and other everyday expenses costing much less. Additionally, the Turkish currency, the lira, is weaker than the US dollar, making it easier to stretch your money further. Furthermore, Turkey has a wide range of affordable entertainment options, from outdoor activities to cultural attractions, making it a great place to live on a budget," said one expat in Turkey.

"Yes. Costs of electric, gas and water are far cheaper than in the UK. Also taxes are also less. The cost of cars here are more than in the UK, with 2nd hand car prices here very expensive compared to the UK. Petrol and disel prices are if not one of the most expensive in the world, even more than in the UK," remarked one in Antalya.

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What is the average cost of housing in Turkey?

If you are thinking about moving to Turkey, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"The cost of housing in Turkey varies depending on the location and type of property. Generally, the cost of renting an apartment in a city center is higher than in the suburbs, while the cost of buying a house is higher in the suburbs than in the city center. On average, the cost of renting an apartment in Turkey is relatively affordable, while the cost of buying a house is slightly more expensive," said one person in Turkey.

"Lower--because in the States I paid rent. My husband had his own home so there's no rent. Yay! However, even if we did pay rent it would be cheaper than back in the US. A person can find a nice apt. for anywhere between 450 to 600 Turkish lira. But 500 TL seems to be more of the average in our neighborhood," remarked one expat in Izmir.

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

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What are typical rental prices for expats in Turkey?

"The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Turkey can vary depending on the location, but generally ranges from around $400 to $800 per month. For a nice 2 bedroom apartment, the rental price can range from around $600 to $1,200 per month," commented one expat who moved to Turkey.

"Renting in Mediterranean Turkey can be very affordable for westerners. 1) A 3-bedroom, modest villa in Uzumlu in the mountians near the Mediterranean, with a private pool, can go for as low as 1,500 Turkish lira, or $260/month (not including any utilities or services). 2) By comparison, a first floor, 2 bedroom/1,5 bath apartment with 2 balconies and a sea view is on offer now for 1350 Turkish lira/month in Karagozler, the high-end harbor area. ," said one expat.

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What appliances are typically included in a rental?

We asked foreigners in Turkey what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:

"In Turkey, rental properties typically include a refrigerator, stove, oven, washing machine, and air conditioning unit. Additionally, some properties may also include a dishwasher, microwave, and other small appliances," wrote one expat.

"In general, I would say that rentals in this area come with some basics as there are many foreigners with second homes here that they rent out either short or long term. One appliance that is very rare to find is a dryer--most people use drying racks or balcony railings for drying their clothes. Ovens/hobs are powered by propane tanks that you will probably have to purchase yourself. Homes are not insulated, so can be very cold in the winter. Central heating is very different than what it is in the States. It's really more like radiators, which require both electricity AND large propane tanks to power, very expensive. Most Turkish homes use soba stoves instead. And many of the more modern villas have a system of heating that uses the fireplace to distribute heat via pipes throughout the house. You can also buy portable heaters, of which many types are widely available," commented one expat who moved to Fethiye.

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