Are you considering a move to Istanbul, Turkey, and wondering about the cost of living? Istanbul is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Istanbul and help you understand whether $1621 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $631.85.
|
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
8.64 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
34.58 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
6.4 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
3.11 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
4.15 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
2.45 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
1.08 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
0.43 $ |
|
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.0 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
0.53 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
1.53 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
1.95 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
7.58 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
5.22 $ |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
13.94 $ |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
1.13 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.64 $ |
|
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
1.14 $ |
|
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
0.97 $ |
|
|
Potato (1 lb) |
0.69 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
0.57 $ |
|
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
0.84 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
0.36 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
8.64 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.71 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
2.45 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
1.73 $ |
|
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
0.52 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
40.7 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
0.66 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
0.48 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
5.28 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.31 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
43823.57 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
42095.42 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
59.13 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
9.16 $ |
|
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
35.18 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
12.47 $ |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
5.19 $ |
|
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
387.77 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
9287.02 $ |
|
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
42.24 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
32.03 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
81.71 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
74.85 $ |
|
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
737.6 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
438.79 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
1426.47 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
806.73 $ |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
2724.83 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
1492.82 $ |
|
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
631.85 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
29.41 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Istanbul come to a total of approximately $1621. This includes an average monthly rent of around $737 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $63 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $447 per month.
Living in Istanbul appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $631.85. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Istanbul, you would likely need an income exceeding $631.85.
In Istanbul, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $631.85, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Istanbul is approximately $737. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $438.79 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Istanbul can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $357 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in Turkey can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout Turkey.
Istanbul is safe to visit if you avoid some parts of it that are considered somewhat dangerous. You should be aware that tourist hotspots, restaurants, shops, and public transportation are places where most thefts and pickpocketing occur, and that violent crime exists here, too.
Generally, transport in Istanbul is rather safe and reliable, if you succeed to avoid pickpockets from public transport. If you're driving you should keep in mind that local drivers in the city are reckless and tend to ignore traffic rules and signs.
As for pickpocketing, it is a huge concern on the streets of Istanbul, which is a popular tourist destination, so be careful and hold your bags tightly by your side. Places, where you should watch out for pickpockets, are Taksim Square, Sultanahmet, the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar in Istanbul.
As for natural disasters, earthquakes have been known to hit Turkey, as well as severe droughts causing the lack of tap water in some parts of this country.
The majority of violent crime happens sometimes in Istanbul, and there have been reports of tourists being mugged, drugged and stolen from. Passports have known to be stolen from tourists, so be careful and leave them in your accommodation.
Terrorism is the greatest worry for tourists, as it's been active in Turkey in recent years. The last terrorist attack happened in January 2017. Most of these attacks are linked to Kurdish separatist terrorist activities in south-east Turkey.
The common scam in Istanbul and the rest of Turkey is locals befriending tourists, taking them out for a drink, or dinner and then expecting the tourist to pay for it. Taxi drivers might try to trick you into paying more, giving you wrongful information about the price of the ride.
If you're a woman traveling solo you should avoid walking alone after dark in this city. There have been reports of sexual assaults and verbal insults. These can happen even if you are accompanied by a group. Avoid isolated or poorly lit areas.
Some nationals do need a visa to enter Turkey, but they can be purchased online at http://www.evisa.gov.tr/ before traveling to Turkey. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months past the date of your arrival to Turkey. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
The Turkish lira is the official currency in Istanbul. ATMs are widespread throughout the city and credit cards are widely accepted in most establishments.
No worries when it comes to climate - Istanbul has a temperate oceanic climate, influenced by a continental climate. This means the city boasts hot and humid summers, though it does have cold, wet and occasionally snowy winters.
Istanbul Atatürk Airport is the main and busiest international airport serving Istanbul and the biggest airport in Turkey. It is located on the European side of the city, about 24 km west of the city center.
Just like anywhere else, we advise getting travel insurance when traveling to Istanbul, because it would cover not only medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 48°F | 48°F | 53°F | 61°F | 70°F | 79°F | 83°F | 83°F | 77°F | 67°F | 58°F | 51°F |
| Temp | 43°F | 43°F | 47°F | 54°F | 63°F | 72°F | 76°F | 77°F | 70°F | 62°F | 53°F | 47°F |
| Low | 39°F | 39°F | 42°F | 48°F | 56°F | 65°F | 69°F | 70°F | 63°F | 56°F | 49°F | 43°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 8°C | 8°C | 11°C | 16°C | 21°C | 26°C | 28°C | 28°C | 25°C | 19°C | 14°C | 10°C |
| Temp | 6°C | 6°C | 8°C | 12°C | 17°C | 22°C | 24°C | 25°C | 21°C | 16°C | 11°C | 8°C |
| Low | 3°C | 3°C | 5°C | 8°C | 13°C | 18°C | 20°C | 21°C | 17°C | 13°C | 9°C | 6°C |