Cost of Living in Turkey

Turkey offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many European countries. With its rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and modern amenities, Turkey attracts many expatriates and tourists. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the cost of living in Turkey, covering various aspects such as food, housing, transportation, and more.

1. General Overview of Prices

Monthly Costs

• Family of Four: Estimated monthly costs are 1,941.4€ (70,075.5TL) without rent.
• Single Person: Estimated monthly costs are 538.6€ (19,443.0TL) without rent.

2. Food and Dining Prices

Restaurant Prices

• Inexpensive Restaurant Meal: 285.00 TL (130.00-500.00 TL)
• Meal for Two at Mid-range Restaurant (Three-course): 1,000.00 TL (700.00-2,500.00 TL)
• McMeal at McDonald’s: 240.00 TL (200.00-280.00 TL)
• Domestic Beer (0.5 liter): 100.00 TL (55.00-180.00 TL)
• Imported Beer (0.33 liter): 140.00 TL (80.00-200.00 TL)
• Cappuccino: 89.72 TL (50.00-150.00 TL)
• Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle): 41.13 TL (25.00-70.00 TL)
• Water (0.33 liter bottle): 16.49 TL (10.00-36.10 TL)

Grocery Prices

• Milk (1 liter): 31.32 TL (22.50-45.00 TL)
• Loaf of Bread (500g): 31.08 TL (10.00-50.00 TL)
• Rice (1kg): 58.98 TL (35.00-90.00 TL)
• Eggs (12): 53.48 TL (36.00-93.60 TL)
• Local Cheese (1kg): 344.76 TL (170.00-470.00 TL)
• Chicken Fillets (1kg): 184.48 TL (100.00-250.00 TL)
• Beef Round (1kg): 619.89 TL (400.00-750.00 TL)
• Apples (1kg): 30.28 TL (19.95-50.00 TL)
• Bananas (1kg): 66.76 TL (35.00-97.00 TL)
• Oranges (1kg): 30.97 TL (15.00-50.00 TL)
• Tomatoes (1kg): 40.11 TL (20.00-50.00 TL)
• Potatoes (1kg): 19.99 TL (15.00-30.00 TL)
• Onions (1kg): 17.14 TL (11.00-30.00 TL)
• Lettuce (1 head): 35.37 TL (16.53-40.00 TL)
• Water (1.5 liter bottle): 10.11 TL (5.40-20.00 TL)
• Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range): 300.00 TL (180.00-500.00 TL)
• Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle): 63.14 TL (46.00-80.00 TL)
• Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle): 85.79 TL (60.00-120.00 TL)
• Cigarettes (Marlboro, 20 Pack): 63.00 TL (57.00-70.00 TL)

3. Transportation Costs

Public Transportation

• One-way Ticket: 17.70 TL (13.80-25.00 TL)
• Monthly Pass: 1,200.00 TL (500.00-1,400.00 TL)

Taxi and Fuel

• Taxi Start (Normal Tariff): 31.92 TL (24.55-35.00 TL)
• Taxi 1km: 22.90 TL (18.00-25.00 TL)
• Taxi 1-hour Waiting: 254.32 TL
• Gasoline (1 liter): 39.80 TL (34.50-45.00 TL)

Car Purchase

• Volkswagen Golf: 1,500,000.00 TL (1,350,000.00-1,800,000.00 TL)
• Toyota Corolla: 1,429,283.38 TL (1,250,000.00-1,600,000.00 TL)

4. Housing and Utilities

Rent Prices

• 1-bedroom Apartment in City Centre: 19,414.48 TL (10,630.66-35,000.00 TL)
• 1-bedroom Apartment Outside of Centre: 13,597.72 TL (8,000.00-25,000.00 TL)
• 3-bedroom Apartment in City Centre: 33,676.48 TL (20,000.00-70,000.00 TL)
• 3-bedroom Apartment Outside of Centre: 22,966.23 TL (14,000.00-45,000.00 TL)

Utility Costs

• Basic Utilities for 85m2 Apartment: 2,067.59 TL (1,200.00-3,609.60 TL)
• Internet (60 Mbps or More): 381.54 TL (300.00-550.00 TL)
• Mobile Phone Plan (10GB+ Data): 291.37 TL (188.00-450.00 TL)

5. Sports and Leisure

Fitness and Recreation

• Fitness Club Fee: 1,222.13 TL (600.00-2,000.00 TL)
• Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend): 421.32 TL (250.00-600.00 TL)
• Cinema Ticket: 175.00 TL (120.00-250.00 TL)

6. Childcare and Education

Childcare Costs

• Preschool (Full Day, Private): 14,612.93 TL (8,000.00-30,000.00 TL)
• International Primary School (Yearly): 285,120.44 TL (150,000.00-600,000.00 TL)

7. Clothing and Shoes

Clothing Costs

• 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 or Similar): 1,650.50 TL (600.00-2,700.00 TL)
• 1 Summer Dress (Chain Store): 1,286.93 TL (600.00-2,000.00 TL)
• 1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes: 3,032.36 TL (2,000.00-5,000.00 TL)
• 1 Pair of Men’s Leather Business Shoes: 2,636.51 TL (1,400.00-5,000.00 TL)

8. Real Estate

Buying an Apartment

• Price per Square Meter (City Centre): 66,075.73 TL (33,050.40-125,000.00 TL)
• Price per Square Meter (Outside of Centre): 39,837.47 TL (22,000.00-80,000.00 TL)

9. Salaries and Financing

Salary and Mortgage

• Average Monthly Net Salary: 23,572.59 TL
• Mortgage Interest Rate: 36.05% (Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate)

Conclusion

The cost of living in Turkey is relatively low compared to many European countries, making it an attractive destination for expatriates and tourists. From affordable dining options and transportation to reasonably priced housing and utilities, Turkey offers a high quality of life without breaking the bank. Whether you are planning a short visit or considering a longer stay, understanding the prices and cost of living in Turkey will help you plan your budget effectively.