Navigating the cost of living in Turkey in 2025 is a crucial step for expats considering making the vibrant and culturally rich country their new home. This guide provides an in-depth look at your expected monthly expenses, from housing and utilities to food, transportation, education, and healthcare.
With inflation, exchange rates, and regional differences all affecting daily costs, stay up-to-date with our recently updated 2025 guide.
Why Are People Moving to Turkey?
- Affordable Lifestyle: Compared to Western Europe and North America, Turkey offers significantly lower costs, making it an attractive destination for expatriates and locals alike.
- Climate & Lifestyle: A diverse climate ranging from Mediterranean warmth in Antalya to vibrant city life in Istanbul attracts many to its dynamic lifestyle.
- Quality Healthcare: Accessible healthcare with excellent private facilities and affordable health insurance options.
- Expat-Friendly: Turkey boasts a welcoming environment with supportive visa programs and a substantial English-speaking population.
Monthly Cost of Living Estimates
Below are the monthly cost of living estimates for different lifestyles in Turkey, catering to singles, couples, and families.
| Lifestyle | Single Person | Couple | Family (4 People) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | ₺26,384 (USD 674) | ₺45,000 (USD 1,160) | ₺95,588 (USD 2,442) |
| Mid-Range | ₺35,000 (USD 895) | ₺60,000 (USD 1,533) | ₺120,000 (USD 3,066) |
| Luxury | ₺50,000+ (USD 1,300+) | ₺85,000+ (USD 2,171+) | ₺150,000+ (USD 3,833+) |
Accommodation Costs in Turkey
Monthly Rent
Rent typically accounts for around 30–40% of monthly expenses in Turkey. Here are the average monthly rental costs in major Turkish cities:
| City | 1-Bedroom (City Centre) | 3-Bedroom (City Centre) |
|---|---|---|
| Istanbul | ₺30,326 (USD 885) | ₺56,591 (USD 1,652) |
| Ankara | ₺19,471 (USD 568) | ₺32,375 (USD 945) |
| Izmir | ₺20,190 (USD 589) | ₺30,166 (USD 881) |
| Antalya | ₺22,229 (USD 649) | ₺36,071 (USD 1,053) |
Real Estate Prices
When purchasing property in Turkey, additional costs must be considered:
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Council tax (annual; varies): e.g., ~₺780 (USD 25–30) for a 2-bedroom in Didim.
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Mandatory earthquake insurance: ~₺3,900–4,000 (USD 125–130) per annum (~70 m²).
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Monthly communal maintenance: ₺1,557–6,300 (USD 50–200), depending on complex amenities.
If you purchase property for a minimum of USD 400,000, you qualify for Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment program.
Here are the average purchase prices for residential properties in major Turkish cities:
| City | Studio (TRY / USD) | 1-Bedroom (TRY / USD) | 2-Bedroom (TRY / USD) | 3-Bedroom (TRY / USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Istanbul | ₺2,500,000 (USD 68,500) | ₺3,500,000 (USD 95,900) | ₺5,000,000 (USD 137,000) | ₺6,500,000 (USD 178,000) |
| Ankara | ₺1,500,000 (USD 41,100) | ₺2,200,000 (USD 60,300) | ₺3,000,000 (USD 82,200) | ₺4,000,000 (USD 109,600) |
| Izmir | ₺2,000,000 (USD 54,800) | ₺2,800,000 (USD 76,700) | ₺4,000,000 (USD 109,600) | ₺5,500,000 (USD 150,000) |
| Antalya | ₺1,800,000 (USD 49,300) | ₺2,500,000 (USD 68,500) | ₺3,500,000 (USD 95,900) | ₺5,000,000 (USD 137,000) |
Utility Costs in Turkey
Typical monthly utility costs, including electricity, water, heating, internet, and more, are detailed below:
Utility or Service Average Monthly Cost
Electricity, Gas, Water, Rubbish (combined) ₺2,294 (USD 67)
Electricity only (moderate usage) ₺900 (USD 26)
Water only (monthly average) ₺300 (USD 9)
Natural Gas (monthly average) ₺400 (USD 12)
Heating/Cooling (seasonal variation) ₺750 (USD 22)
Internet (Fiber broadband, 100 Mbps) ₺311 (USD 9)
Mobile Phone (monthly plan, calls & data) ₺150 (USD 4.50)
Netflix or streaming subscription ₺100 (USD 3)
Landline telephone (optional) ₺50 (USD 1.50)
Building maintenance fees (condominium fees) ₺400 (USD 12)
Food Costs in Turkey
Grocery Costs
Food in Turkey is generally affordable, especially when compared to Western Europe or North America. Turkish cuisine is built around seasonal vegetables, grains, fresh bread, meats, yoghurt, and spices. Locally grown produce is widely available in street markets and supermarkets, helping residents manage a low monthly grocery budget. See the average grocery prices across Turkey below:
Grocery Item Average Price (TRY / USD)
Milk (1 litre) ₺18–25 (USD 0.52–0.72)
Bread (fresh loaf) ₺20–30 (USD 0.58–0.87)
Rice (1 kg) ₺30–45 (USD 0.87–1.30)
Eggs (12) ₺40–75 (USD 1.15–2.15)
Cheese (local, 1 kg) ₺150–300 (USD 4.30–8.60)
Chicken breast (1 kg) ₺75–90 (USD 2.15–2.60)
Beef steak (1 kg) ₺180–300 (USD 5.15–8.60)
Fresh fish (1 kg) ₺120–250 (USD 3.45–7.20)
Apples (1 kg) ₺19–40 (USD 0.55–1.15)
Bananas (1 kg) ₺25–40 (USD 0.72–1.15)
Oranges (1 kg) ₺20–35 (USD 0.58–1.00)
Tomatoes (1 kg) ₺25–45 (USD 0.72–1.30)
Potatoes (1 kg) ₺20–40 (USD 0.58–1.15)
Onions (1 kg) ₺15–30 (USD 0.43–0.87)
Lettuce (1 head) ₺15–25 (USD 0.43–0.72)
Olive oil (1 litre) ₺100–180 (USD 2.90–5.20)
Pasta (500g) ₺18–30 (USD 0.52–0.87)
Local beer (0.5L, supermarket) ₺45–60 (USD 1.30–1.75)
Bottle of wine (mid-range) ₺150–300 (USD 4.30–8.60)
Water (1.5L bottle) ₺10–15 (USD 0.29–0.43)
Coffee (250g pack) ₺75–130 (USD 2.15–3.75)
Tea (20 bags) ₺30–50 (USD 0.87–1.45)
Cigarettes (pack of 20) ₺60–80 (USD 1.75–2.30)
Dining Out Costs
Eating out in Turkey is excellent value. From affordable local eateries to mid-range restaurants, options are plentiful and inexpensive by international standards. The table below details what you can expect to spend when dining out in Turkey:
| Dining Option | Average Price (TRY / USD) |
|---|---|
| Inexpensive restaurant meal | ₺275–350 (USD 8–10) |
| Mid-range restaurant (3 courses, 2 people) | ₺1,050–1,225 (USD 30–35) |
| Cappuccino or latte (regular café) | ₺60–85 (USD 1.75–2.50) |
| Espresso (café) | ₺40–60 (USD 1.15–1.75) |
| Local beer (0.5L draft, restaurant/bar) | ₺90–130 (USD 2.60–3.75) |
| Imported beer (0.33L bottle, restaurant/bar) | ₺110–150 (USD 3.20–4.30) |
| Glass of house wine (restaurant) | ₺110–180 (USD 3.20–5.20) |
| Soft drink (restaurant/bar) | ₺25–40 (USD 0.72–1.15) |
| Bottled water (restaurant, 0.33L) | ₺20–30 (USD 0.58–0.87) |
| Takeaway sandwich/light lunch | ₺80–130 (USD 2.30–3.75) |
| Fast food combo meal (McDonald’s/Burger King) | ₺110–180 (USD 3.30–5.20) |
| Fine dining meal (per person, gourmet) | ₺2,000+ (USD 55+) |
Entertainment and Leisure Costs in Turkey
Turkey offers a wide range of entertainment and leisure options, from budget-friendly activities like local football matches and cinemas to upscale offerings such as theatre performances, spa treatments, and resort getaways. Whether you’re in bustling Istanbul or a quiet coastal town, there are plenty of affordable ways to enjoy your free time.
Here are some average monthly and one-off entertainment costs:
| Activity or Service | Average Cost (TRY / USD) |
|---|---|
| Gym membership (monthly) | ₺1,400–₺1,750 (USD 40–50) |
| Yoga or fitness class (per session) | ₺250–₺400 (USD 7–12) |
| Cinema ticket | ₺350–₺525 (USD 10–15) |
| Theatre/concert ticket (mid-range) | ₺600–₺1,200 (USD 17–35) |
| Museum entry (standard) | ₺200–₺400 (USD 6–12) |
| Football match ticket (domestic teams) | ₺300–₺700 (USD 9–20) |
| Cocktail at a bar or nightclub | ₺200–₺300 (USD 6–9) |
| Weekend getaway (hotel/night) | ₺2,000–₺4,000 (USD 55–110) |
| Public swimming pool entry | ₺100–₺200 (USD 3–6) |
| Tennis court rental (per hour) | ₺250–₺500 (USD 7–14) |
Education Costs in Turkey
Education in Turkey offers a wide range of options from public schools to international institutions. Costs vary depending on the level of education and whether the institution is public, private, or international.
Preschool and kindergarten education is generally affordable, with private preschools ranging from ₺2,000–5,000 (USD 55–140) per month, depending on location and amenities. Public preschools are free for citizens and often charge minimal fees for residents.
Primary and secondary public schools are free for Turkish citizens and legal residents, and they follow the national curriculum. However, many expats prefer private or international schools for language and curriculum reasons. The table below outlines the annual average costs of different education tiers in Turkey.
Education Level Average Annual Cost (TRY / USD)
Preschool (private) ₺24,000–₺60,000 (USD 650–1,630)
Primary (private) ₺30,000–₺90,000 (USD 815–2,450)
High School (private) ₺50,000–₺150,000 (USD 1,360–4,070)
International Schools ₺150,000–₺500,000+ (USD 4,070–13,570+)
University (public) ₺1,000–₺10,000 (USD 27–270) per year for Turkish-taught
University (private) ₺80,000–₺250,000 (USD 2,170–6,780) per year
Scholarships for International Students
Turkey provides generous scholarship opportunities that make education more accessible:
- Government Scholarships: Türkiye Scholarships cover tuition, stipends, health insurance, housing, and Turkish language courses.
- University Scholarships: Many universities offer merit-based or entrance-exam-based scholarships, often covering full or partial tuition.
- External Scholarships: International organisations, including the Islamic Development Bank, offer scholarships for specific fields or nationalities.
To apply, students typically need to apply through the Türkiye Scholarships portal or the individual university. Scholarship recipients usually receive an official letter of confirmation, which supports visa and residence permit applications. Most universities also have an International Affairs Office to guide students on their education and visa journey.
Average Salaries by Profession in Turkey
The following table outlines average monthly salaries for a variety of common professions in Turkey. These figures can vary by city, experience, education, and industry.
| Profession | Average Monthly Salary (TRY / USD) |
|---|---|
| Doctor | ₺50,000 (USD 1,430) |
| Cleaner / Janitor | ₺17,000 (USD 490) |
| School Teacher | ₺22,000 (USD 630) |
| University Professor | ₺35,000 (USD 1,000) |
| Civil Engineer | ₺30,000 (USD 860) |
| Software Developer | ₺40,000 (USD 1,150) |
| Accountant | ₺28,000 (USD 800) |
| Retail Sales Assistant | ₺19,000 (USD 550) |
| Waiter / Waitress | ₺17,500 (USD 500) |
| Taxi Driver | ₺20,000 (USD 570) |
Make Your Move to Turkey with Next Generation Equity
Turkey continues to be one of the most attractive destinations for individuals and families seeking a high-quality, affordable lifestyle in 2025. With its low cost of living, rich cultural heritage, modern infrastructure, and excellent healthcare and education options, Turkey offers exceptional value for both short-term expats and long-term residents.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy coastal living in Antalya, invest in real estate in Istanbul, or take advantage of the country’s growing reputation as a hub for international students and entrepreneurs, Turkey presents countless opportunities.
If you’re considering relocating to Turkey and securing long-term residency or citizenship, Citizenship by Investment (CBI) is a reliable and efficient pathway. At Next Generation Equity, we specialise in helping individuals and families achieve second citizenship through approved investment routes. Our expert team will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring a seamless transition to life in Turkey.
Contact us today to learn how you can make your move to Turkey a reality.
FAQs
Is it Cheaper to Live in Turkey Than the US?
Yes, living in Turkey is significantly cheaper than living in the United States. On average, daily expenses such as groceries, housing, transportation, and dining out cost considerably less. For example, rent for a city-centre apartment in Istanbul can be under a third of what you’d pay in a major US city. This lower cost of living allows foreign residents to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle on a more modest budget.
What is the Average Salary in Turkey in Dollars?
As of 2025, the national average monthly salary in Turkey is approximately ₺20,000, which is around USD 578 depending on the exchange rate. Salaries vary widely by profession and location, with high-skilled roles like software developers and doctors earning significantly more than service or manual labour positions.
What Does Alcohol and Tobacco Cost in Turkey?
Alcohol and tobacco are more expensive in Turkey than many expect, due to high government taxes. A 0.5L local beer in a supermarket costs around ₺45–₺60 (USD 1.30–1.75), while a glass of wine in a restaurant ranges from ₺110–₺180 (USD 3.20–5.20). A pack of 20 cigarettes typically costs ₺60–₺80 (USD 1.75–2.30). Prices can be higher in tourist areas and premium venues.
What is the Healthcare in Turkey Like?
Turkey offers a modern and well-developed healthcare system with both public and private options. Public healthcare is available through the SGK (social security) system for legal residents after one year, covering most services with low out-of-pocket costs. Private hospitals are widely available, especially in larger cities, and offer high-quality care at relatively affordable prices. Many expats choose private or international insurance plans for broader coverage and faster access.
Can Foreigners Buy Property in Turkey?
Yes, foreigners can legally purchase property in most parts of Turkey, including apartments, villas, commercial spaces, and land. The buying process is relatively straightforward and provides full freehold ownership. One of the major advantages is that purchasing property worth at least USD 400,000 can qualify you for Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program.
This allows buyers and their families to obtain Turkish citizenship within months, provided the property is held for a minimum of three years. It’s a popular route for investors seeking both residency and a valuable real estate asset in a strategic location.
Is Learning Turkish Necessary to Live Comfortably in Turkey?
While it’s possible to get by in major cities and tourist hubs with English, learning Turkish can greatly enhance day-to-day life, especially when dealing with government offices, healthcare, or local markets. Basic conversational skills go a long way in building rapport with locals and navigating everyday tasks more smoothly.
What Are the Residency Options for Foreigners in Turkey?
Foreign nationals can apply for short-term or long-term residency permits in Turkey. These are usually issued for purposes such as tourism, property ownership, or family reunification. For those looking to stay indefinitely or gain citizenship, investment-based pathways—such as Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment program—are popular and well-established.
Is Turkey a Safe Country to Live In?
Yes, most areas in Turkey are considered safe for residents and tourists alike. Major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir have extensive police presence and public surveillance. Like any country, safety can vary by neighborhood, but overall, expats report feeling secure, especially in expat-friendly regions and coastal towns.
Do I Need Private Health Insurance in Turkey?
While not mandatory for all expats, private health insurance is recommended, especially for those using private hospitals or awaiting SGK eligibility. It ensures faster access to care, English-speaking doctors, and broader coverage. Many international health insurance providers offer policies tailored to expats living in Turkey.
