Cost of Living in Turkey

Updated: March 01, 2025

If you've ever considered moving to Turkey, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Turkey?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Turkey and whether the reported $885 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $312.87.

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Childcare

Clothing

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment

Salaries

Turkey

restaurant Restaurants	Price	World Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	3.25 $
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course	16.23 $
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)	3.25 $
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)	1.89 $
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)	2.43 $
Cappuccino (regular)	1.46 $
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)	0.59 $
Water (12 oz small bottle)	0.21 $

store Markets	Price	World Range
Milk (regular), (1 gallon)	0.78 $
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)	0.4 $
Rice (white), (1 lb)	1.19 $
Eggs (regular) (12)	1.32 $
Local Cheese (1 lb)	4.73 $
Chicken Fillets (1 lb)	3.68 $
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)	8.09 $
Apples (1 lb)	0.67 $
Banana (1 lb)	1.23 $
Oranges (1 lb)	0.65 $
Tomato (1 lb)	0.88 $
Potato (1 lb)	0.49 $
Onion (1 lb)	0.36 $
Lettuce (1 head)	0.62 $
Water (1.5 liter bottle)	0.26 $
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)	6.49 $
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)	1.47 $
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)	1.95 $
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)	1.6 $

commute Transportation	Price	World Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	0.38 $
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	24.34 $
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	0.54 $
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)	0.41 $
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	3.25 $
Gasoline (1 gallon)	1.29 $
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)	35157.55 $
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)	29121.26 $

mark_as_unread Utilities (Monthly)	Price	World Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment	59.95 $
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)	0.08 $
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	8.14 $

kitesurfing Sports And Leisure	Price	World Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult	17.66 $
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)	11.73 $
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat	2.7 $

child_friendly Childcare	Price	World Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child	171.66 $
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child	3824.97 $

checkroom Clothing And Shoes	Price	World Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)	33.05 $
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)	25.51 $
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)	60.85 $
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes	43.91 $

night_shelter Rent Per Month	Price	World Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre	246.9 $
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre	153.49 $
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre	446.98 $
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre	285.05 $

home Buy Apartment Price	Price	World Range
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre	927.31 $
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre	579.21 $

account_balance_wallet Salaries And Financing	Price	World Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)	312.87 $
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate	20.25 %

Dining Out

The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 3.25 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 16.23 USD.

Groceries

Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 0.78 USD, a loaf of bread 0.4 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 1.32 USD.

Transportation

Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 0.38 USD and a monthly pass around 24.34 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.

Utilities

For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 59.95 USD.

Sports and Recreation

For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 17.66 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 11.73 USD.

Childcare and Education

Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 171.66 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 3824.97 USD.

Clothing and Footwear

Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 33.05 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 60.85 USD.

Apartment Rentals

Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 246.9 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 153.49 USD.

Real Estate for Purchase

If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 927.31 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 579.21 USD.

Average Salary and Mortgage Rates

The average monthly net salary here is about 312.87 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 20.25% annually.

Warnings & Dangers in Turkey

OVERALL RISK: HIGH

Turkey is safe to visit if you avoid some parts of it - namely those near the border with Syria. 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.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Generally, transport in Turkey is rather safe and reliable, though if you're driving you should keep in mind that local drivers in the country are reckless and tend to ignore traffic rules and signs.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

As for pickpocketing, it is a recurring concern on the streets of Turkey, especially 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.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

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.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

The majority of violent crime happens near the Syrian borders, where kidnappings, muggings, and assaults have been reported. Terrorist groups here usually target those involved in humanitarian work or journalism.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

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.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

The common scam in 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.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

If you're a woman traveling solo you should avoid walking alone after dark in this country. There have been reports of sexual assaults and verbal insults. These can happen even if you're accompanied by a group. Avoid isolated or poorly lit areas.

Cost of Living in Turkey

Turkey

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Utilities (Monthly)

Sports And Leisure

Childcare

Clothing And Shoes

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment Price

Salaries And Financing