Cost of Living in Turkey in 2024: Ultimate Expat Guide

Cost of Living in Turkey Breakdown

Restaurants

Despite inflation, food cost and drink prices in Turkey in 2024 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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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.

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 the absence of sales tax on precious metals, which is high in most western nations.

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.