Moving to another country is a serious step that calls for a careful weighing of every pro and con. You can look at what other people say and at the experience of those who have already changed countries, but the final decision has to be your own, made after assessing the country and life there for yourself. Our experts have prepared a detailed review of the advantages and drawbacks of life in Turkey across its many aspects, for anyone planning to move there permanently.
We hope this information helps you make a balanced and sound decision.
Content:
- Life in Turkey for Russians: pros and cons
- Features of the Republic of Turkey
- Russians living in Turkey
- Education
- Work in the Republic of Turkey
- Taxes
- Social guarantees and pensions
- Healthcare
- Pros and cons of property in Turkey
- Pros and cons of buying property
- Utility costs
- Grocery prices
- Transport
- What life in Turkey costs in 2026
- Who will find Turkey difficult
- What changed by 2026
- Popular questions
- We will help you buy property and move to Turkey
Life in Turkey for Russians: pros and cons
The make-up of the foreign population in Turkey shifts from year to year. As of May 2026 there were 1,237,343 valid residence permits in the country, with citizens of Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Syria holding the most. Russians, who ranked first at the start of 2023 with 154,297 permits, had fallen to fifth place by March 2026 with 72,483.
The figures show that many people find life in this country attractive and comfortable, and that for them the advantages clearly outweigh the drawbacks. People decide to move to a country with a different culture and language for the sake of the climate, an economy that holds up even in a crisis, social guarantees, career prospects, good education and healthcare. Everyone has their own reason, or set of reasons, for choosing Turkey as a new permanent home.
Below we look in more detail at the main features of life in the Republic of Turkey that anyone planning the move should know about.
Features of the Republic of Turkey
The country is currently home to 86.3 million people, according to the statistical institute as of July 1, 2026. Turks and Kurds make up the bulk of that number, while other ethnic groups account for 16% of the population: Arabs, Zazas, Azerbaijanis, Circassians, Greeks, Crimean Tatars, Chechens, Albanians, Armenians and others. The Russian-speaking community is noticeably smaller than people assume: 72,483 Russian citizens officially hold a residence permit, and a further group lives between two countries under the visa-free regime.
One key feature of local society is the prominent role of religion. Although the state is secular, most of the population is Muslim, and that shapes everyday life. Mosques are part of every city here. Religious holidays are marked and traditions observed. At the same time other faiths are respected and everyone living here has freedom of religion. You will not have to change your faith when you move.
The country is actively developing industry, agriculture and, of course, tourism. That means demand for qualified staff, for skilled workers and for people in the service sector. The standard of living is fairly high, supported by good healthcare, modern education and affordable prices for property, food, clothing and everyday goods. All of this makes life comfortable not only for locals but for the many newcomers as well.
How locals live
Locals mostly work in retail, tourism and manufacturing. Daily life is largely built on religious traditions, though the rules on dress and public behavior are observed less strictly and leave a certain freedom. On the street you will see both women in hijab and women in open clothing. The life of a woman who moved here after marrying a Turk depends heavily on her husband’s views. If he is religious and keeps the traditions closely, his wife will most likely have to accept his outlook and change some habits. But plenty of Turkish men are entirely secular and lead a modern life.
Local traditions and customs
Culture is an important part of daily life and worth studying for any foreigner planning to live in another country. In Turkey traditions and customs largely shape how locals live, and most of them are connected with Islam. The most widely observed are:
- Early marriage. That said, marriage here is treated in a thoroughly modern way: the union is entered into by mutual consent after both parties come of age, in a civil ceremony.
- Respect for elders;
- Hospitality;
- Particular food habits;
- A variety of dress styles — religious, business, modern, youth and so on;
- Observance of Muslim traditions and holidays. Many locals fast during the holy month of Ramadan.
On one hand, local customs create a large gap between the native population and, say, Russians. On the other, they make life easier for foreigners, because hospitality, friendliness and readiness to help are prescribed by custom and are the norm for most locals. That is why they are welcoming towards newcomers.
Russians living in Turkey
Citizens of Russia and Ukraine are among the most frequent applicants for a Turkish residence permit. On family permits they are still in the top three, although the total number of Russian residents has halved in three years. Russians most often live in:
- Istanbul;
- Ankara;
- Antalya, the Konyaalti district;
- Izmir;
- Alanya, the Mahmutlar district.
Moving to these cities makes adapting far easier for Russian speakers. Since 2022 the choice of district has been further limited: registration is not available in every neighborhood, so the status of a specific address is checked before renting or buying.
The Russian community
An organized Russian community exists in Antalya. It holds Russian holidays for children, runs a cultural center and brings together compatriots who do not want to lose touch with their own culture. People who moved long ago are always ready to support newcomers and share their experience.
Although there are no other official Russian communities in Turkey, people create similar associations themselves in the larger cities. Russians live comfortably in Istanbul, Alanya and Izmir too. Mahmutlar, a district of Alanya, deserves a special mention: so many Russians live there that the place has been nicknamed "Russian Turkey". It is the easiest place for Russian speakers to adapt and to learn the details of living in this country first-hand.
How to adapt to the Turkish environment
Adaptation can start with the language. Many people move without a word of Turkish, and that is a perfectly normal practice. Even so, knowing the language makes integrating into local society much easier. You can study at a language school or on municipal courses.
The second thing that matters is contact. If you want to become part of local society, do not limit yourself to compatriots and family. Go to shops run by Turks, to the cinema, to restaurants. Talk to local people, practice your skills and get used to the way they interact.
The sooner you start speaking Turkish and the more you talk to people, the faster you will settle in. The digital side of daily life helps too: certificates, taxes and doctor’s appointments are handled through the government portal we covered in our article on e-DEVLET.
Education
Education is one of the foundations of modern life, so anyone changing countries should look into the details.
Preschool education
This level covers children from 3 to 5 years old and is provided by kindergartens, both state-run (free) and private (fee-paying). Children are not only looked after but also developed and prepared for school. You can find kindergartens teaching in English and even in Russian.
Primary and secondary education
This level takes place at school. From 6 to 14 a child attends primary school, from 14 to 18 secondary school. Schools, like kindergartens, are state-run (free) or private (fee-paying). The curriculum is set at national level. Enrolling in a state school requires an application from the parents, and even a foreign child has to be accepted. Private schools are not cheap, and the cost depends on the location, the reputation and the level of the school.
Some cities also have Russian schools, where teaching is entirely in Russian and a few hours a week are given to Turkish.
After school, pupils sit the national exam and apply to a college or a university.
Higher education
Universities in Turkey are also divided into state and private. State universities have both fee-paying and state-funded places, while private universities charge tuition. The country has 211 higher education institutions: 129 state universities, 78 foundation universities and 4 foundation vocational schools (data for the 2025/26 academic year). Among the best are:
- Boğaziçi University;
- Middle East Technical University;
- Koç University;
- Bilkent University;
- Sabancı University;
- Ankara University;
- Marmara University and others.
Students follow the bachelor’s and master’s system.
The standard of education in Turkey is rated highly. Teaching at every level uses modern materials and equipment, and degrees from local universities are recognized in many countries.
Work in the Republic of Turkey
The labor market needs highly qualified specialists as well as skilled manual workers. On the whole, with the right approach and an education behind you, it is possible to find a good, well-paid job in Turkey.
Salary levels
The starting point in the labor market is the minimum wage. Since January 1, 2026 it has been 28,075.50 TL net ($581) and 33,030 TL gross ($683) a month. The requirement applies to foreign employees as well, so you are entitled to insist on it when taking a job.
Beyond that much depends on the industry and the city. Pay is above average in finance, IT, oil and gas, insurance and defense. Istanbul consistently leads other large cities, with the gap in median salaries estimated at 20 to 35%.
As in any country, Turkey has a middle class along with the poor and the wealthy. How well people live depends on their education, their profession and their willingness to work.
Jobs for expatriates
Highly qualified foreign specialists in various fields have every chance of finding work. Their earnings are several times the minimum wage, but the job requires a work permit, which the employer arranges.
The most accessible field for foreigners is entertainment and tourism. These suit people looking for temporary seasonal work: pay rates in hotels and catering rise by 15 to 25% above the minimum wage during the season from May to October. A summer job as an entertainer, a dancer or a housekeeper covers living costs but not savings.
One important restriction: 40 professions are closed to foreigners in full or in part, among them lawyers, notaries, pharmacists, vets and a number of maritime specialties.
Running a business
Any foreign national can start a business in Turkey, and doing so gives the right to apply for a residence permit. The state has an interest in business development and creates incentives for entrepreneurs.
Taxes
Taxes in Turkey depend on whether you are a resident or a non-resident. A person becomes a tax resident after spending more than 183 days in the country within a calendar year. The main taxes are:
| Tax | Rate in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Personal income tax | Progressive: 15% up to 190,000 TL, then 20%, 27%, 35% and 40% above 5.3 million TL |
| Corporate tax | 25%, and 30% for banks and financial institutions |
| VAT | Standard rate 20%, reduced rates 10% and 1% |
| Property transfer | 4% of the cadastral value, split between the parties by law |
| Property tax | 0.1% – 0.6% of the cadastral value, doubled in metropolitan municipalities |
| Residential rental income | The first 58,000 TL a year is exempt, the rest is taxed on the income tax scale |
| Vehicle tax | Depends on engine size and the age of the car; 2026 rates were indexed by 18.95% |
| Inheritance and gift tax | 1% – 30% |
Taxes in Turkey are objectively not high, and the government is working to simplify the system.
Social guarantees and pensions
Since the 2017 reform state support has become more effective. It is handled by a dedicated body, the Social Security Institution. Social guarantees are funded by compulsory contributions such as:
- unemployment insurance contributions;
- health insurance;
- contributions covering long-term and short-term risks, and others.
Health insurance is compulsory when moving permanently.
There are maternity benefits as well. A woman is entitled to 8 weeks of leave before the birth and 8 weeks after it, and her job is kept for those 16 weeks. If she does not return to work after that period, the position goes to someone else. Since 2025 a birth support program has been in place: 5,000 TL once for the first child, 1,500 TL a month for the second and 5,000 TL a month for the third and subsequent children, until the child turns five. The social security fund separately pays a breastfeeding allowance of 1,621 TL in 2026.
Older citizens receive solid support. Men retire at 60 and women at 58, and for those who started working after 2008 the age threshold is gradually rising to 65. Mothers of five or more children retire earlier. The minimum pension has been 20,000 TL ($414) a month since January 2026, with a higher floor for former civil servants.
Pensioners aged 65 and over are treated free of charge at state medical facilities, buy medicines at 3% to 5% of their real cost, use public transport free and can have a nurse visit them at home.
Healthcare
Turkish medicine is considered among the best in the world. The state actively supports the sector and allocates significant funds to improving the quality of care. There are state and private clinics, and treatment is provided through health insurance. Sometimes the policy does not cover the full cost of state clinic services, while some programs cover even private clinics. In other words, the level of comfort and the range of procedures available depend on your policy. The smaller the coverage, the fewer services you get free even at a state clinic; the better and more expensive the policy, the more advanced the treatment you receive without extra payment. For a residence permit, insurance is compulsory for every applicant under 65.
Pros and cons of property in Turkey
For anyone deciding to move, what matters is not only how to live in the new conditions but where. Turkey offers broad options here: housing can be bought or rented, and buying often works out better. The advantages of buying are low prices, the high quality of modern construction and a wide choice of properties. Foreigners can buy freely, subject to a few conditions:
- the total area of property owned by one foreigner may not exceed 30 hectares across the country;
- all foreigners together may hold no more than 10% of the privately owned land in a single district;
- the property must not lie in a military or strategic zone as defined by the Ministry of National Defense; separate restrictions by citizenship and location are set by government decisions, so the availability of a specific address is checked at the land registry before the deal.
Even with these conditions, foreign buyers still have an extremely wide choice across every category.
Apartments in Turkey: pros and cons
Looking at the apartment segment, the advantages are:
- a wide choice on both the resale and the new-build market;
- the option of a property on the coast or in the city center;
- low prices, especially on the resale market;
- a range of sizes and layouts. Apartments run from modest options for one or two people to spacious homes for a large family and luxury penthouses occupying a whole floor;
- relatively inexpensive upkeep;
- good prospects for renting out or reselling if needed.
This is practical, convenient housing, modern and easy to maintain. Apartments do involve running costs — utilities, the building maintenance fee (aidat), taxes and so on — but those come with any property. On the balance of price and features, an apartment is the optimal option to live in. Which city to choose for your own scenario is something we compared in the article "Which city in Turkey is the best place to buy an apartment".
Pros and cons of buying property
Buying an apartment or a house in Turkey is the best way to settle the housing question when you move, and there are several solid reasons for it:
- the chance to obtain a residence permit through the purchase — with an appraised value from $200,000;
- the chance to obtain citizenship with a purchase from $400,000, with resale barred for three years;
- high quality housing;
- the ability to find a property that matches your requirements;
- attractive prices;
- a reliable investment.
Buying gives you a home of your own in a new country, a lawful basis to stay there and the freedom to arrange your life as you wish. The procedure for obtaining a residence permit is covered in detail in our article on the ikamet in Turkey.
Among the drawbacks of owning are the taxes, the utility bills and the insurance. But even in a rented apartment you pay the aidat, the water and the electricity. The difference is that in the first case you pay for your own home and in the second for someone else’s.
Renting property
Rent depends directly on the location and the features of the property. In July 2026 the national average was 294 TL per square meter a month: 456.5 TL in Istanbul, 327 TL in Izmir, about 263 TL in Antalya and 217 TL in Alanya. For a one-bedroom of around 50 m² that works out at roughly 23,000 TL ($476) in Istanbul and 11,000 to 13,500 TL ($228–279) on the Mediterranean resorts. The most expensive apartments are on the seafront at the popular resorts.
Since 2024 short-stay letting has been licensed, so renting a flat for a week from a private owner has become harder: listings without a permit are removed from the platforms.
Utility costs
Electricity and water are paid by meter: water costs around 45 TL per cubic meter in 2026, and electricity tariffs are revised several times a year.
It is worth noting that the country largely has no central hot water or heating. In winter you have to solve the question of heating the water and the rooms yourself. Piped gas is the best option, at around 11.90 TL per cubic meter including VAT, but it is not available in every building.
The second part of utility costs is the aidat, the fee for maintaining the grounds and all the extra facilities of the complex, from pools to security. Depending on the level of the complex, in 2026 it runs from 1,500 to 5,000 TL a month. In summer the bills for an apartment without heating come to 2,200–2,500 TL; in winter they rise.
Grocery prices
Quoting salaries makes no sense without the cost of living, and that starts with the price of food. Groceries in Turkey are relatively inexpensive and mostly of high quality.
| Product | Price in Turkish lira |
|---|---|
| Milk, 1 l | 50.7 |
| Fresh white bread, 500 g | 49.6 |
| Rice, 1 kg | 107 |
| Eggs, 12 | 105.6 |
| Local cheese, 1 kg | 471.7 |
| Chicken fillet, 1 kg | 232.6 |
| Beef, 1 kg | 1,001 |
| Apples, 1 kg | 88.2 |
| Bananas, 1 kg | 99.1 |
| Oranges, 1 kg | 53.9 |
| Tomatoes, 1 kg | 66.3 |
| Potatoes, 1 kg | 27.2 |
| Onions, 1 kg | 21.8 |
| Lettuce, one head | 49.3 |
Numbeo data for September 2026. By the same source, one person needs about 32,000 TL ($665) a month to live excluding rent, and a family of four about 112,600 TL ($2,463).
Groceries are more often bought at markets than in shops, where there is always a wide choice of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Clothing and everyday goods are also fairly cheap and widely available. Local shops, malls and boutiques carry both inexpensive local brands and well-known international labels.
Transport
You can get around cities and between them in two ways:
- by car;
- by public transport.
Cars are expensive and treated by the state as a luxury. The main reason is the ÖTV excise duty, which multiplies the price of a car depending on engine size and value. Running one is not cheap either: vehicle tax, fuel, insurance and repairs.
Given those costs, public transport often makes more sense in Turkey, and the network is well developed.
Ankara and Istanbul have a metro. Since July 2026 a single ride in Istanbul — metro, metrobus or bus — costs 42 TL, the monthly Mavi Kart pass costs 3,298 TL, and a Marmaray journey starts at 34 TL. Smaller towns run minibuses where the fare depends on the distance.
What life in Turkey costs in 2026
A summary of the main budget items. Dollar amounts use the rate of 48.33 TL, September 2026.
| Item | Per month |
|---|---|
| Minimum wage, net | 28,075.50 TL ($581) |
| Minimum pension | 20,000 TL ($414) |
| Living costs excluding rent, one person | about 32,000 TL ($665) |
| Living costs excluding rent, family of four | about 112,600 TL ($2,463) |
| One-bedroom rent in Istanbul | about 23,000 TL ($476) |
| One-bedroom rent at a Mediterranean resort | 11,000–13,500 TL ($228–279) |
| Utility bills in summer | 2,200–2,500 TL ($46–52) |
| Building maintenance fee | 1,500–5,000 TL ($31–103) |
| Monthly transport pass in Istanbul | 3,298 TL ($68) |
Who will find Turkey difficult
Everyone lists the advantages in reviews like this, so here are the situations where the move disappoints.
Those counting on a local salary. The minimum is 28,075.50 TL, and work at the resorts is mostly seasonal. The people who live comfortably are those with income from another country or a remote contract.
Those who do not intend to learn the language. Outside tourist areas hardly anyone speaks English, and documents, bills and correspondence with government offices are in Turkish only.
Those keeping savings in lira. Inflation and exchange rate swings have eroded savings noticeably over the past few years, which is why locals themselves hold money in foreign currency or property.
Those not ready for address-based bureaucracy. Neighborhoods closed to foreign registration, notarized rental agreements, proof of income — all of it has to be dealt with every year when the residence permit is renewed.
Those who feel the cold. Most buildings have no central heating, so in winter the flat is warmed with an air conditioner or gas, and the January bills can come as a surprise.
"The most common disappointment among people who move is not the prices or the language but the winter. In summer the resort looks perfect for living, and in January it turns out the house was not built for the cold, half the venues are closed and work will only appear in May," says a relocation expert.
What changed by 2026
- The number of Russians with a residence permit fell from 154,297 at the start of 2023 to 72,483 by March 2026 — fifth place among foreign nationals.
- The minimum wage has risen to 28,075.50 TL net and the minimum pension to 20,000 TL.
- The standard VAT rate is now 20% and corporate tax 25%.
- The citizenship threshold through property is $400,000 and the residence permit threshold $200,000.
- Foreign registration is not allowed everywhere: a neighborhood is closed to new registrations once the share of foreign residents is high.
- A birth support program has been running since 2025: 5,000 TL for the first child and monthly payments for the second and third.
Popular questions
How much money do you need to live in Turkey?
According to Numbeo, one person needs about 32,000 TL ($665) a month excluding rent and a family of four 112,600 TL ($2,463). Rent adds from 11,000 TL at the resorts to 23,000 TL in Istanbul.
How many Russians live in Turkey?
72,483 Russian citizens hold a residence permit (March 2026). Others live between two countries under the visa-free regime: 60 days in a row and no more than 90 days per half-year.
Can you work in Turkey without Turkish?
In tourism and at the resorts, yes, during the season. Permanent work requires the language, and 40 professions are closed to foreigners in full or in part.
What is the minimum wage in Turkey?
28,075.50 TL net and 33,030 TL gross since January 1, 2026. The rule applies to foreign employees as well.
Does buying a home give you the right to move?
A purchase from $200,000 by appraisal gives a residence permit, and from $400,000 the right to apply for citizenship. Owning property on its own, without a residence permit, does not give the right to live in the country permanently.
We will help you buy property and move to Turkey
If you have weighed up the advantages of Turkey and want to move there permanently, start by buying good property. That purchase lets you obtain a residence permit and settle in a carefully chosen area where you will feel at home.
You can look for suitable properties on our website right now. We have built a convenient interface and a search form with specific parameters. The site carries listings from verified developers, agencies and private sellers across every price bracket. Start your search for quality property in Turkey today.