How much does it cost to live in Turkey in 2025?

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.

What are the prices in Turkey in 2024? 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.

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 45,000 (approximately USD 1,300).

Prices for a villa in Turkey range from TL 3.5 million to TL 7 million (from USD 101,200). Depending on the location and area, the purchase amount can increase to several million dollars.

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.

House rentals

The cost of rental housing in Turkey varies significantly. A 1-bedroom flat in Istanbul can be rented for around TL 42,000 (USD 1,200) per month, while the same apartment in Alanya will cost at least TL 47,000 (USD 1,360). Rental prices can be much lower in less populated regions.

A 2+1 apartment of 75 square metres in Bodrum will cost TL 67,000 (USD 1,936) to rent. Owners of a 2+1 villa of 160 square metres in Kalkan, Antalya, rent it out for TL 88,000 (USD 2,543).

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. The Internet costs an average of TL 311 (USD 9) per month.

Food and clothing

Grocery shops

How much does food cost in Turkey? A family of four spends about TL 8,000–10,000 (USD 231–290) per month on food. The exact cost of food in Turkey depends on preferences and the region of residence. Here are approximate food prices in Turkey (in TL):

Water (1.5 litres) — 12
Bread (500 g) — 15–20
Milk (1 litre): 30–40
Eggs (12 pieces): 50–80
Rice (1 kg): 30–35
Chicken fillet (1 kg): 180–200
Beef (1kg) — from 470
Apples (1kg) — 25–30
Potatoes (1 kg) — 20
Tomatoes (1kg) — 20–25

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 200 (USD 6). Turkish fast food (e.g., doner) is usually cheaper, costing around TL 100–150 (USD 3–4) per serving.

Restaurants and cafês

Prices at eateries vary. In an inexpensive restaurant, lunch costs TL 250 (USD 7) per person. Coffee costs TL 40–60 (USD 1–1.5), but in Istanbul, a cup of latte can be bought for TL 120 (USD 3.5) or more. Dinner for two in a medium restaurant will cost TL 600–1,200 (USD 17–35) and in an expensive place, from TL 2,000 (USD 58).

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 17), jeans from TL 1,000 (USD 30) and trainers from TL 1,500 (USD 45). 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 2). The price of a metro ride with the card is TL 20 (USD 0.6) and a single ticket is TL 30 (USD 0.9).

Taxis

Taxi fares in Istanbul:

Yellow taxi: The cost of boarding is TL 24.55 (USD 0.71) and the cost per 1 kilometre is TL 17.61 (USD 0.51);
Turquoise taxi: Boarding — TL 28.24 (USD 0.8), 1 km — TL 20.25 (USD 0.6);
Black taxi: Boarding — TL 41.74 (USD 1.2), 1 km — TL 32.50 (USD 0.9);
Airport transfers start at TL 200 (USD 7.3) + TL 10 (USD 0.3) for each kilometre.

Taxis can be hailed through apps such as Bitaksi and YandexTaxi. The minimum cost of a journey is approximately TL 100 (USD 3).

Personal car

As of November 2024, the average cost of petrol in the country is TL 4.88 per litre (approximately USD 1.2). Depending on the region, rates can vary:

In major cities such as Istanbul and Ankara, petrol costs can reach TL 44–45 (USD 1.27–1.30) per litre;
Diesel is slightly more expensive, at around TL 44.26 (USD 1.28) per litre.

Fines for traffic offences, such as speeding, range from TL 400 to TL 3,000 (USD 11.5–87).

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 13–40), depending on the operator and the amount of traffic. 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 (about USD 230).

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Other expenses

Sports and entertainment

A monthly fitness club membership usually costs around TL 800 (USD 22) and a spa package deal costs about TL 3,000 (USD 87).

A city tour in Istanbul costs about TL 200 (USD 6) and a cinema ticket costs about TL 200 (USD 6). 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 entry to private beaches will cost TL 100–300 (USD 3–9) per person.

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 1,400 (USD 40.5) per month per family for citizens, while it costs TL 2,400 (USD 60) for foreigners.

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 costs approximately USD 150.

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.

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 of pregnancy and childbirth:

Natural childbirth — from USD 1,650
Caesarean section — from USD 2,350
A pre-natal examination usually costs USD 300.

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 about TL 50,000 (USD 1,445) monthly, including rent.

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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 .
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.
What is the living wage in Turkey in 2025?
In 2025, the official living wage was TL 3,317 (approximately USD96) per adult, not including rent and housing costs.
How much is the average salary in Turkey?
The average salary is TL 20,000 (USD 578).