Turkey's cost of living. Comparison of Istanbul, Antalya and Aegean shores
Every region of Turkey is distinct in its own way. This country's multi-faceted culture, diverse climatic conditions in its regions, and natural landscape give a rare diversity in which everyone can find their place under the sun.
We recommend that anyone seeking to relocate or buy property in Turkey get to know three main areas: Istanbul, Antalya, and Bodrum on the Antalya and Aegean coasts, as well as the cost of living in these cities and their advantages and features.
Content:
General information
The most costly places to reside in Turkey, as in any other country, are the bustling business and economic and tourism hubs, especially Istanbul. Your daily spending will be determined by where you stay and your habits.
The cost of living in Turkey is 14.4% lower on average than in other foreign countries. According to certain sources, the average monthly housing of a family of four in Turkey in 2023 will be TL 35,086 ($1,485). The average monthly cost of living for one person is TL 10,088 ($427), excluding rent.
Rent becomes one of the most major expense in the absence of own housing. Rents in Turkey are 8.0% lower on average than in other countries. The average rental rate for apartments in Turkey is TL 8,712 ($2,371), with a minimum of TL 3,866 ($1,052) and a maximum of TL 18,000 ($4,900).
Even without private house, the cost of living in Turkey is equivalent to, and in some cases cheaper than, that of some other places. Certain product categories, such as cereals, meat, and some alcoholic beverages, are the only exceptions. Their pricing can range from 36% and 102% higher.
Istanbul
Istanbul provides a diverse life consisting of new adventures, entertainment, and amenities for foreigners. Enjoy the local cuisine in cozy restaurants, appreciate the sights, stroll through the colorful bazaars and markets, immerse yourself in the active nightlife, visit the renowned Turkish spas, or simply stroll through the streets. Diversity produces a one-of-a-kind world that you want to explore indefinitely.
In Turkey's largest metropolis, freedom and a liberal mindset are widespread. Although Muslims form the majority of the local population, the city respects the freedom of others and does not push its ideas on visitors. This sense of freedom can be credited to Istanbul's cosmopolitan nature, which is related with the city's ongoing population expansion.
Pros and cons of Istanbul
Istanbul is an iconic Mediterranean metropolis that connects Europe and Asia. It is situated right at a cultural and civilizational crossroads. It is one of Turkey's most prestigious and heavily populated cities, having significant landmarks and tourism attractions. Life in Istanbul, like any other city, has its own quirks. Let us go over these in deeper detail.
Pros:
- Rich history. For ages, the city has been a commercial and industrial hub due to its advantageous geographical location on the banks of the Bosporus. The culture of the Eastern Roman and Ottoman Empires is engraved in the city's old architecture and atmosphere.
- Diverse leisure time. Expats who aren't especially interested in history may be glad to learn that Istanbul has a plethora of other attractions. The legendary Bosporus cruises and yacht adventures, some of which go all the way up the river to the Black Sea, are among the most popular of them.
- Safety and hospitality. Istanbul, while being an extremely busy and noisy city, is surprisingly safe. Some people are worried about Turkey's shared border with Syria. However, locals are still highly hospitable to other people, and there is even a tourism police force.
- Cost of living. Many Turks consider Istanbul to be the most expensive city in the world. However, for foreigners, as compared to their native nations, Istanbul still has an affordable cost of living.
Cons:
- Because English is not widely spoken, it is advisable to learn a few basic Turkish phrases.
- Finding work is difficult. Despite the fact that the city is the main point of international relations and employment in Turkey, the local population remains a top priority in terms of employment.
- The city currently has 15,847,768 residents, the majority of which are overseas citizens. You might notice the lack of personal space, the noise, the hurry, and the discomfort generated by this scenario, especially during peak hours.
Cost of living in Istanbul
It may come as a surprise to many, but living in Istanbul is relatively affordable. Let's look at the numbers more closely:
- Consumer prices in Istanbul are 6.7% lower than in other international cities, when rent is accounted for in – by 11.3%;
- Rent is cheaper by 20.4%;
- Prices in Istanbul restaurants are 16.8% lower;
- Food prices in Istanbul are 2.4% higher;
- And local residents' purchasing power in Istanbul is 46.8% lower.
Monthly expenses for a family of four in Istanbul are estimated to be TL 44,397 ($1,879), excluding rent. The monthly cost of living for one person is expected to be TL 12,497 ($529).
On average, a 1-bedroom apartment costs TL 15,665 ($663) per month. Some units can be found for TL 10,000 ($423) per month in several regions of the city. 1 m2 costs an average of TL 62,547 ($2,648).
Water, power, and garbage disposal rates range from TL 1,000 ($42.34) to TL 2,500 ($105.84) each month.
Istanbul is ideal for people who are used to the pace of city life and are not afraid of crowds. It is a unique and distinct city, rich in history and charm, that will leave you with a lot of impressions every day if you accept its flaws and decide to relocate.
Antalya
Antalya is one of the world's most prominent tourism hotspots. The lovely Turkish city is located on the Mediterranean coast in the country's south. This city is the polar opposite of Trabzon in terms of demand for travelers and beauty, as it is located on the other side of Turkey, in the north, on the Black Sea coast.
The city has become an attractive investment destination, particularly for real estate investors, due to its picturesque nature and temperate temperature. Here are some of development projects in Turkey, which feature not just modern apartments, but also amazing amenities and excellent service.
Pros and cons of Antalya
Pros:
- Comfortable climate. Antalya has a humid coastal climate in the summer, a temperate climate throughout the rest of the year, and mild winters.
- Multi-culturalism. The city is Turkey's second most popular place for foreign property purchasers. As a result, some parts of Antalya resemble Europe more than Turkey.
- Antalya has a 21.2% lower cost of living than Istanbul.
- The best beaches in the country – almost 500 km of well-maintained coastline with clean and tidy beaches.
- Tourist attractions and picturesque nature.
Cons:
- Antalya has a large tourist flow, especially during the holiday season, which can cause inconvenience in everyday life as the city's international profile grows.
- Due to the enormous number of tourists, there is a lack of a distinct Turkish atmosphere.
Cost of living in Antalya
Antalya's quality of life is often lower than that of Istanbul. Let's have a look at the numbers:
- Consumer prices in Antalya, excluding rent, are 21.2% lower than in Istanbul, with rent being 17.2% lower;
- Rent is 7.8% less expensive;
- Restaurant prices are 19.1% lower than in Istanbul;
- Goods prices are lower by 22.6% on average;
- And local buying power in Antalya is 1.3% higher.
A family of four in Antalya is estimated to spend TL 34,951 ($1,479) a month without rent. Accommodation for one person is less expensive, costing TL 10,064 ($426).
The average utility bill is TL 1,501 ($63). In Antalya, a 1-bedroom apartment costs an average of TL 14,703 ($622), while a three-bedroom apartment costs TL 23,860 ($1,010).
Antalya is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a blend of privacy and a high-quality resort vacation. Families with children will also like the city.
Bodrum
Bodrum is a small city with a population of 175,000 people. The small population makes it simple to explore, and the mood is considerably more easygoing than in Antalya or Istanbul. There is, however, much to see and do in Bodrum.
Today, Bodrum is a bustling port city. It has been recognized historically from pre-Roman times as the location of Mausolus' mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Life in Bodrum is frequently compared to life in Saint-Tropez, France. This is one of Turkey's nicest residential districts on the Aegean coast. Many of the country's most stunning tourist spots, three luxurious ports, stores, historical monuments, high-end marketplaces, and a range of properties, including farms and premium villas, are located here.
The picturesque bay, lively nightlife, and white mansions overlooking the sea make living in Bodrum feel like an endless vacation.
Pros and Cons of Bodrum
Bodrum is not as popular a tourist destination as Antalya, but it nevertheless attracts a large number of visitors during the summer. There are many resorts and hotels in the city, as well as water and amusement parks that are active even in the winter.
For a deeper understanding of the city's details, we recommend that you get to know its advantages and disadvantages.
Pros:
- Bodrum City is a simple city to explore thanks to its small size. It is hardly an enormous port city like Antalya. It has a charming seaside town atmosphere with easy access to beaches.
- There are numerous hotels to suit every taste. There are countless resorts and hotels in the area, ranging from inexpensive to luxury.
- A picturesque area that is not overburdened with urban expansion.
- Since Bodrum is not a popular tourist location, it attracts less visitors than Antalya or Istanbul.
- The Greek islands are easily accessible by ferry from Bodrum, particularly the island of Kos, which is only half an hour distant.
Cons:
- Only a tiny strip near the shore in the city center has established a nightlife.
- There are few activities for active recreation.
- In Bodrum, there is only one beach.
This location is better suited for families. A tiny town's nice atmosphere, nature, and measured leisure make an attractive environment in which to live and raise children. It can be very boring here for those hoping for a more intensive pastime and nightlife.
According to various sources, the monthly cost of living in Bodrum is estimated to be TL 41,405 ($1,705) for families of four and TL 18,951 ($801) for singles, excluding rent. Depending on the number of bedrooms, the monthly rent ranges from TL 12,000 ($507) to TL 20,000 ($845) or more. The average utility bill is TL 3,500 ($148).
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