How much does it cost to live in Turkey in 2026?

Is it expensive to live in Turkey? This is a common question for those considering relocation or planning an extended holiday. Turkey continues to attract tourists, expats, digital nomads and relocants. When selecting a new place to live, the key factors often include income levels, the cost of goods and services, overall comfort and the development of infrastructure. If you are considering not a holiday but moving to Turkey permanently, we have covered the documents and choosing a city separately.

What are the prices in Turkey in 2026? How much does it cost to rent or buy property, purchase food and cover basic amenities? What budget should you plan for a comfortable lifestyle? You'll find the answers to these questions in this article. The key thing to know about prices in 2026: inflation was 29.73% year on year in September, so amounts in lira are rising quickly. Dollar figures in this article are converted at the Central Bank of Turkey rate on October 6, 2026: USD 1 = TL 49.18.

Contents:

• Housing and utilities in Turkey
• Food and clothing
• Transport and communications
• Other expenses
• Who may find life in Turkey expensive
• We will help you choose the best accommodation in Turkey
• FAQ

Housing and utilities in Turkey

Buying an apartment

Prices in Turkey vary depending on the location of the property, its characteristics, the surrounding infrastructure and proximity to the sea. In Istanbul, the average cost per square metre is around TL 65,078 (approximately USD 1,323) according to Endeksa for July 2026; in Alanya it is TL 58,717 (about USD 1,194), and the Turkish average is TL 41,703 (about USD 848).

Prices for a villa in Turkey range from TL 3.5 million to TL 7 million (from USD 71,200). Depending on the location and area, the purchase amount can increase to several million dollars. These are 2025 figures: there are no up-to-date consolidated statistics for villas, so it is best to check current prices with a sales manager.

It's possible to buy 1-bedroom apartments in Turkey or 1+1 flats in a good location for USD 85,000. Apartments with 2+1 configurations typically cost around USD 155,000. For reference: at the average price per square metre, a 50 m² 1+1 apartment costs about USD 60,000 in Alanya and USD 66,000 in Istanbul, and more in a new complex or a good area. In the Yekta Homes catalog as of October 2026, prices start from EUR 103,000 in complexes under construction and from EUR 139,000 in completed ones.

House rentals

The cost of rental housing in Turkey varies significantly. An apartment in Istanbul rents on average for around TL 45,385 (USD 923) per month (all apartments, Emlakjet, September 2026). In Alanya, the average apartment rent is TL 26,384 (about USD 536), and a 1+1 apartment rents long-term for TL 15,000–25,000 (about USD 305–508). Rental prices can be much lower in less populated regions.

A 2+1 apartment of 75 square metres in Bodrum will cost TL 34,000–55,000 (USD 690–1,120) to rent according to 2026 listings; the average apartment rent in Bodrum is TL 50,277 (about USD 1,022). Owners of a 2+1 villa of 160 square metres in Kalkan, Antalya, rent it out for TL 88,000 (USD 1,790) (a 2025 example).

Since 2024, rent on renewal of a lease cannot be raised by more than the 12-month average inflation rate: for renewals in October 2026, by no more than 31.49%.

Utilities

Utility costs in Turkey are based on meter readings. The average monthly costs for electricity, water, heating and rubbish collection range from USD 40 to USD 100 (roughly TL 2,000–4,900). From April 4, 2026, household electricity rose by 25%: 100 kWh costs TL 323.8, and a family of four's bill, according to the Chamber of Electrical Engineers (EMO), is about TL 745 a month. Natural gas costs TL 10.625 per cubic metre within the basic volume and TL 18 above it. We have explained separately what apartment maintenance costs include: aidat, taxes and insurance. The Internet costs an average of from TL 950 (USD 19) per month (TurkNet 100 Mbps plan, June 2026).

Food and clothing

Grocery shops

How much does food cost in Turkey? A family of four spends about TL 37,801 (USD 769) per month on food, which is the "hunger line" calculated by the TÜRK-İŞ trade union for September 2026 as the minimum cost of healthy eating for a family. The exact cost of food in Turkey depends on preferences and the region of residence. Here are approximate food prices in Turkey (in TL) as of September 2026, based on online store and bakery prices:

• Water (1.5 litres) — from 11.90
• Bread (200 g) — 17.50 (in Alanya, 230 g — 20)
• Eggs (12 pieces): about 64 (30 eggs on promotion — 159.50)
• Chicken fillet (1 kg): about 283
• Beef (mince, 1 kg) — 730–880

We did not find reliable 2026 prices for milk, rice, apples, potatoes and tomatoes, so we have removed them from the list.

What is cheaper in Turkey, buying food at the market or the supermarket? Goods at local markets can be more affordable. However, supermarkets often have promotions and sales.

Fast food

The cost of fast food also varies. A combo set at McDonald's will cost somewhere around TL 405–480 (USD 8–10). Turkish fast food (e.g., doner) is usually cheaper, costing from TL 200 (about USD 4) per serving.

Restaurants and cafés

Prices at eateries vary. In an inexpensive restaurant, lunch costs TL 150–400 (USD 3–8) per person. Coffee costs TL 40–60 (USD 0.8–1.2), but in Istanbul, a cup of latte can be bought for TL 175–185 (USD 3.6–3.8) or more. Dinner for two in a medium restaurant will cost TL 600–1,200 (USD 12–24) and in an expensive place, from TL 2,000 (USD 41). Prices for regular coffee and restaurant dinners are 2025 figures.

Clothing

Clothing prices in Turkey depend on the shops. It's easy to find both budget-friendly and premium brands in large shopping centres. On average, you can buy a T-shirt from TL 600 (USD 12), jeans from TL 1,000 (USD 20) and trainers from TL 1,500 (USD 31) (2025 prices). Prices may be higher in tourist spots, so it's advisable to look for clothes in local shops.

Transport and communications

Public transport

Public transport includes buses, subways, trams and even ferries. For ease of travelling in Istanbul, it's recommended that you purchase an Istanbul Kart transport card, which costs TL 70 (USD 1.4) (2025 price). The price of a metro ride with the card is TL 46.20 (USD 0.94) from July 20, 2026, and a single ticket without the card is more expensive, at TL 65 (about USD 1.32). A monthly "Blue Card" pass costs TL 3,628 (about USD 74).

Taxis

Taxi fares in Istanbul from July 20, 2026:

• Yellow taxi: The cost of boarding is TL 71.94 (USD 1.46) and the cost per 1 kilometre is TL 47.92 (USD 0.97); a short trip costs TL 230 (USD 4.7);
• Turquoise taxi: Boarding — TL 28.24 (USD 0.57), 1 km — TL 20.25 (USD 0.41) (2025 fare; a new one has not been published);
• Black taxi: Boarding — TL 122.30 (USD 2.49), 1 km — TL 81.46 (USD 1.66); a short trip costs TL 400 (USD 8.1);
• Airport transfers start at TL 200 (USD 4.1) + TL 10 (USD 0.2) for each kilometre (2025 price).

Taxis can be hailed through apps such as Bitaksi and YandexTaxi. The minimum cost of a journey is approximately TL 230 (USD 4.7), the price of a short trip in a yellow taxi.

Personal car

As of October 2026, the average cost of petrol in the country is about TL 84 per litre (approximately USD 1.7). Depending on the region, rates can vary:

• In major cities such as Istanbul and Ankara, petrol costs can reach TL 84–87 (USD 1.7–1.77) per litre (TL 83.80 in Istanbul on October 14 and TL 86.90 in Antalya on October 2, 2026);
• Diesel is noticeably more expensive, by about 15%, at around TL 96.60 (USD 1.96) per litre.

Fines for traffic offences, such as speeding, range from TL 2,000 (USD 40.7) for exceeding the limit by 6–10 km/h in town to TL 30,000 (USD 610) for exceeding it by more than 66 km/h, under the new scale in force since February 27, 2026; from 46 km/h over the limit, the licence is suspended.

Mobile communications

Mobile communication in Turkey is represented by three main operators: Turkcell, Vodafone and Türk Telekom. A monthly internet package costs from TL 450 to TL 1,400 (USD 9–28), depending on the operator and the amount of traffic (2025 prices). Unlimited internet and domestic calls are also available.

To purchase a SIM card, you'll need to show your ID card. Foreigners can use their phones without registration for up to 120 days. After that, they must register the device's IMEI, which requires payment of a tax (TL 54,258 in 2026, about USD 1,103).

Other expenses

Sports and entertainment

A monthly fitness club membership usually costs around TL 800 (USD 16) and a spa package deal costs about TL 3,000 (USD 61) (2025 prices).

A city tour in Istanbul costs about TL 200 (USD 4) (2025 price) and a cinema ticket costs about TL 160–415 (USD 3.3–8.4), or TL 140 on Wednesdays. Additionally, many types of entertainment in Turkey, such as museums, fairs and exhibitions, are free on specific days.

Entrance to public beaches is free, while a sunbed and umbrella at private beaches will cost TL 400–800 (USD 8–16), and about TL 300 (USD 6) at municipal beaches (Antalya, 2026 season).

Health care

The quality of medicine in Turkey is comparable to that of EU countries and the USA. Many healthcare institutions have international accreditations.

Compulsory insurance

SGK (Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu) is the country's compulsory health insurance system. It covers up to 100% of treatment costs in public hospitals and up to 80% in private clinics. However, foreigners can access SGK only after a year of residence in the country with a residence permit.

The policy costs about TL 1,981.80 (USD 40.3) per month per person for citizens if household income per member exceeds TL 11,010; below that, the state pays the contribution, while it costs TL 7,927.20 (USD 161) a month for foreigners in 2026.

Voluntary insurance

Foreigners can take out a voluntary health insurance policy (VHI), which covers services provided by private clinics. However, such policies often do not include treatment for chronic diseases.

VHI for foreigners in the residence permit version costs on average TL 4,000–12,000 a year (about USD 81–244) for ages 18–45, and more after 45 (insurance broker data for February 2026). The price depends on age and coverage, so it is best to get a quote from an insurer in advance.

Insurance for tourists

Health insurance is not required for short-term travellers, but it's highly recommended. It can cost around USD 0.50 per day and covers emergency medical expenses. Travel insurance is not accepted for a residence permit.

Pregnancy management in Turkey

More and more foreigners choose local clinics for childbirth due to the high level of medical services, the qualification of specialists and modern equipment. For natives, the services are free of charge due to state insurance. Foreigners have to pay for their expenses, including consultations, the delivery itself, hospital stays and other services.

The cost in private clinics as of July 2026:

• Natural childbirth — TL 40,000–120,000 (about USD 813–2,440)
• Caesarean section — TL 45,000–140,000 (about USD 915–2,847)
• A pre-natal examination usually costs USD 300 (2025 figure).

Is it expensive to live in Turkey?

In Turkey, the standard of living varies from region to region, but even in major cities, spending remains quite moderate. In general, living in Turkey can be affordable, especially if you consider local peculiarities and prefer budget-friendly solutions. A family of two will need more money than a year earlier, as prices rise with inflation. A benchmark is the TÜRK-İŞ trade union calculation: in September 2026, the cost of living for one worker was TL 48,885 (about USD 994) a month; renting a 1+1 apartment in Alanya adds TL 15,000–25,000 to the budget.

"Buyers often compare prices with their holidays and are surprised that life in Turkey has become more expensive. We advise calculating your budget in your own currency and allowing for prices rising in lira. Owning your apartment noticeably reduces costs: rent is the biggest item in the budget," says a sales manager at Yekta Homes.

Who may find life in Turkey expensive

• Those earning in lira. Wages rise more slowly than prices, and rent in resort towns takes up a large part of the budget.
• Those used to 2021–2023 prices. Since then, prices in lira have risen several times over.
• Those planning to bring a phone and use it for more than 120 days. IMEI registration costs TL 54,258 in 2026.

Each of these situations is visible in advance. Income in foreign currency, owning a home instead of renting and the choice of city all help: life in Alanya is noticeably cheaper than in Istanbul or Bodrum.

We will help you choose the best accommodation in Turkey

Yekta Homes is your reliable assistant in your search for property in the country. Do you want to realise your dream of owning a house or flat? We have collected the best offers from real estate agencies and construction companies. Buying a home with us is convenient, safe and profitable!

FAQ

Can expats buy property in Turkey?

Yes, foreign nationals can buy property here. Properties are available for purchase with full private ownership.

What are the taxes in Turkey for buying property?

The tax on the purchase of real estate is 4% of the declared value of the property. Certain exemptions and discounts may apply. More precisely, this is the title deed transfer fee (tapu harcı): by law it is split equally between the buyer and the seller, and the base cannot be lower than the tax value. On top of that, there is a Land Registry fee of TL 20,870 in 2026.

How to obtain a residence permit for permanent residence in Turkey?

A residence permit can be issued when buying a property worth USD 200,000 or more. The apartment must be registered as a home (konut) and be in a neighbourhood open to residence permits for foreigners.

What is the living wage in Turkey in 2026?

Turkey has no official living wage. Benchmarks for September 2026: the TÜRK-İŞ hunger line for a family of four is TL 37,801 (about USD 769), and the cost of living for one worker is TL 48,885 (about USD 994).

How much is the average salary in Turkey?

There are no up-to-date official data on the average salary for 2026. The minimum wage in 2026 is TL 28,075.50 net (TL 33,030 gross), about USD 571.