Cost of living in Turkey

Turkey is a country that attracts many with its rich cultural heritage, warm climate and friendly people. But how much does it cost to live in Turkey? In this article we will take a closer look at the minimum budget required for a comfortable life in Turkey, find out the cost of housing, food, education and medical services.

Necessary minimum

Living in Turkey can be quite affordable, especially if you know where to look. On average, the minimum budget for one adult is around 500-600 dollars per month. This includes apartment rent, food, utilities and small entertainment.

However, it is worth bearing in mind that the cost of living in Turkey can vary considerably depending on the region. For example, if you choose to live in Istanbul, take into account that it is one of the most expensive cities in the country. Here, renting a one-room apartment on average will cost about $300-400, food - about $150-200 per month, utilities - about $70-100, and public transportation - about $30-50 per month.

On the other hand, in cities such as Antalya or Izmir, you can save a lot of money. Here, renting an apartment will cost you 200-300 dollars, food - 100-150 dollars, utilities - 50-70 dollars, and travel - about 20-30 dollars a month.

You should also consider additional expenses such as medical care, education, entertainment, and other unexpected costs. For example, a visit to the doctor will cost you an average of 20-30 dollars, and health insurance - about 30-50 dollars a month. As for education, tuition at a private school starts at $200 per month and at a university at $1,000 per year.

In the end, considering all these factors, we can say that the minimum budget for one adult to live in Turkey starts at 500-600 dollars per month.

Housing costs

The cost of renting housing in Turkey varies depending on the city and neighborhood. On average, the cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is about $200-300 per month, while in the suburbs this figure can drop to $150-200.

For example, in Istanbul, one of the most expensive cities in Turkey, renting a one-bedroom apartment in the central area can cost about $300-400 dollars, while in less central areas - about $200-250 dollars. In Izmir or Ankara, rental prices will be slightly lower - about $200-300 in the center and $150-200 on the outskirts.

If you are looking for accommodation on the southern coast of Turkey, in cities such as Antalya or Marmaris, rental costs can be quite high in season and much lower out of season. For example, during the summer months, renting a one-bedroom apartment can be around 400-500 dollars, while during the rest of the year it can be around 200-300 dollars.

In any case, when choosing a place to rent, it is important to consider not only the cost of rent, but also additional expenses such as utilities, internet, etc.

The cost of buying real estate

Investments in real estate are always considered as an investment that can bring a stable income. In Turkey, this principle works to the fullest extent. For example, buying an apartment in a new building in Izmir or Ankara will cost from 60,000 to 80,000 dollars, given that the average cost per square meter is about $ 1,000. This means that for this money you can buy a spacious apartment with an area of 60 to 80 square meters.

But in Istanbul, which is the financial and cultural center of the country, real estate prices are much higher. Here, the cost of a square meter in a new building can reach $2,000 and more. Thus, a one-bedroom apartment of 70 square meters in the central district of the city can cost you $140,000 and more.

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It is also worth considering that the cost of property registration and notary services may be added to these prices. However, even with these costs, the purchase of a real estate in Turkey remains an attractive prospect given the country's stable economic development and rising house prices.

Utility payments

In Turkey, utility bills include a few basic items: electricity, water, gas and internet.

Electricity: The cost of electricity depends on your consumption, but on average it is about $0.13 per kW. So if your consumption is about 300 kW per month, you will pay about 40 dollars.

Water: The cost of water in Turkey also depends on consumption. On average, you will have to pay about $0.50 per cubic meter of water. If you use about 10 cubic meters of water per month, your bill will be about $5.

Gas: Most homes in Turkey use natural gas for heating and cooking. The cost of gas is about $0.75 per cubic meter. If your consumption is about 200 cubic meters per month, you will have to pay about $150.

Internet: The cost of internet varies depending on the provider and package, but it averages around $10-20 dollars a month for unlimited access.

Thus, on average, you will have to pay about 205-215 dollars per month for all these services. However, it should be taken into account that heating costs may increase significantly in winter, and during this period your monthly utility bill may reach 300 dollars or more.

Foodstuffs

Turkish cuisine is known for its variety and flavor, and fortunately, the cost of food in Turkey remains quite affordable.

On average, it costs about $100 to $150 dollars a month for food. This includes staples such as meat, vegetables, fruits, bread, dairy products and cereals.

Food prices in Turkey can vary depending on where you shop. For example, in markets and small stores, prices may be lower than in large supermarkets.

Here are examples of the cost of some products in Turkey:

• A pound of chicken: $2 to $3
• A pound of beef: $5-$6.
• A pound of pork: $4 to $5.
• A kilogram of vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes): about 1 dollar
• A kilogram of fruit (apples, bananas, oranges): 1-2 dollars
• A liter of milk: about $1
• Bread (500 grams): about 0.5 dollars

By cooking at home, you can save a lot of money on your meals. It also gives you the opportunity to enjoy fresh and natural products and try cooking traditional Turkish dishes.

Restaurants and cafes

Turkey is a paradise for gourmets. The country is famous for its diverse and delicious cuisine, which includes dishes for every palate. Whether it is traditional Turkish dishes such as kebabs, baklava or samovar tea, or international cuisine, Turkey has it all.

Inexpensive restaurants and cafes

If you prefer to save money on food, you should pay attention to local locantes - small cafes serving homemade food. The average bill in such a place will be about 5-10 dollars for a full lunch or dinner. For example, a portion of traditional Turkish dish "doner" will cost you 2-3 dollars, and a cup of tea or coffee - about 1 dollar.

Mid-range restaurants

If you want to try something more refined, the average bill in a middle-class restaurant will be about 15-25 dollars per dish. For example, a lamb steak will cost you 15-20 dollars, and a bottle of local wine about 10-15 dollars.

Upscale restaurants

Finally, for those who prefer fine cuisine and high-class service, there are premium restaurants. Here, the average bill per person starts at $50 and can reach several hundred dollars.

Thus, in one of the best restaurants in Istanbul - "Nusr-Et", which belongs to the famous Turkish chef Nusret Gökçe, known as "Salt Bae", a steak from marbled beef will cost you 70-100 dollars, and a bottle of high-quality wine - from 100 dollars and more.

Thus, in Turkey everyone will be able to find a restaurant or cafe for their taste and purse.

Clothing and household goods

Turkey is a paradise for shopping enthusiasts. Known for its textiles and leather goods, it offers a wide range of clothing and accessories for every taste and budget.

On average, a pair of jeans from a well-known brand such as Levi's or Diesel will cost you around 50-100 dollars. Sneakers from Nike or Adidas will cost about 75-150 dollars.

If you prefer more affordable clothing, you can visit local markets or second hand stores where you can find quality pieces for $10-20 dollars.

As for household goods, the cost of cookware, furniture and electronics varies depending on the brand and place of purchase. For example, a set of ceramic dishes can cost from 30 to 100 dollars, while a good sofa will cost from 200 to 500 dollars.

Electronics such as televisions, refrigerators or vacuum cleaners typically cost between 100 and 500 dollars, depending on the model and brand. Prices for electronics in Turkey tend to be lower than in Europe or the United States due to low taxes and a large competitive market.

Overall, Turkey offers excellent opportunities to buy quality clothing and household goods at affordable prices.

Transport

The transportation system in Turkey is quite developed and convenient. The main modes of public transportation are buses, subways, streetcars and shuttle buses known as "dolmuş".

A bus or metro ticket in Istanbul costs about $0.50 per trip. For convenience, you can buy a transportation card "Istanbulkart", which allows you to make an unlimited number of trips within a certain time. The cost of such a card starts from 2.60 dollars for 5 trips.

If you prefer to use your own car, take into account that gasoline prices in Turkey are higher than in most European countries, at around $1 per liter. In addition, you will have to factor in the cost of car insurance, which averages about $300 per year, and maintenance costs.

Cabs are also common in Turkey. A cab ride costs about $0.50 per kilometer, but the minimum fare is $2.60, even if the distance was less.

Overall, transportation costs in Turkey will depend on your personal preferences, the distances you plan to travel, and the mode of transportation you choose.

Medical care

Medical care in Turkey deserves special attention. The country is known for its high level of medical care and affordable prices. Turkish hospitals and clinics offer a wide range of services, from routine check-ups to complex surgeries.

The cost of medical services in Turkey varies depending on the type of service and clinic. On average, a consultation with a general practitioner will cost you 20-30 dollars. A visit to a specialist such as a cardiologist or endocrinologist will cost about 30-50 dollars. Examinations such as an ultrasound or MRI will cost an average of 50-100 dollars.

Health insurance in Turkey is also affordable and varied. The cost of insurance depends on age, health condition and the chosen package of services. On average, a basic insurance package, which includes consultations with doctors, emergency care and some types of examinations, will cost 30-50 dollars per month. A more comprehensive package, including inpatient treatment and a wide range of medical services, will cost about 100-150 dollars a month.

It is important to note that Turkey has a system of private and public medicine, and the cost of services in the two systems can vary significantly.

Education

Education in Turkey is available to both locals and foreigners. There are both public and private educational institutions in the country, and tuition fees can vary considerably.

The cost of tuition at a private school starts at $200 per month, but can reach up to $1000 per month depending on the prestige of the school and the programs offered. In public schools education is free, however, many parents choose private schools because of the higher quality of education and individual approach to each student.

As for higher education, the cost of studying at universities in Turkey also varies. On average, studying at a public university will cost 500-1000 dollars per year, while at private universities this figure can reach 8000-12000 dollars per year.

There are many scholarship programs for international students in Turkey that can cover both the full cost of tuition and a portion of the expenses. Therefore, if you are considering an education in Turkey, be sure to explore the financial support options available.

So, we have looked in detail at how much money you need to live in Turkey. Of course, these figures can vary depending on your personal preferences and lifestyle. However, in general, Turkey remains a fairly affordable country to live in.

It is important to plan your budget and consider all possible expenses. Remember that saving money is not always about giving up comfort, but often just about smart planning and choices.

We hope our article has helped you get an idea of the cost of living in Turkey.