Living in Turkey in 2025: Is It Still Affordable? A Complete Cost of Living Guide for Expats

Turkey has long been a favorite destination for tourists, digital nomads, and expats from all over the world. But in 2025, with rising inflation and global economic shifts, many ask the same question:

Is living in Turkey still affordable?
This article breaks down the real monthly expenses and gives you a clear look into everyday life costs in Turkey.

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🏡 Housing & Rent Prices in Turkey 2025

Housing costs vary greatly depending on the city and neighborhood. Major cities like Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara are more expensive, while smaller towns remain more budget-friendly.

• 1-bedroom apartment in city center: 12,000–20,000 TRY ($370–620)
• Same apartment in suburbs: 7,000–12,000 TRY ($220–370)
• In tourist hotspots like Antalya or Bodrum, prices go up during summer season.

💡 Tip: Consider long-term rental contracts and local sites like Sahibinden.com to find better deals.

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🛒 Grocery & Food Costs in 2025

Despite inflation, groceries in Turkey remain relatively affordable. Here's an overview of average prices:

Item	Avg. Price (TRY)
Bread (500g)	10–15
Milk (1 liter)	30–40
Eggs (10 pcs)	40–60
Chicken (1 kg)	90–120
Rice (1 kg)	35–50
Potatoes (1 kg)	15–25
Olive oil (1 L)	150–200

🍽 Dining out:

• Local café meal: 150–250 TRY ($5–8)
• Mid-range restaurant: 500–1,000 TRY ($15–30)
• Street food (like döner, kumpir): 50–100 TRY ($1.5–3)

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💡 Utility Bills & Internet

Utilities depend on region and consumption, but overall they remain cheaper than most European countries.

• Electricity + Water + Gas: 2,000–3,500 TRY/month
• Internet (100 Mbps fiber): 400–600 TRY/month
• Mobile Plans (Vodafone, Turkcell, Türk Telekom): from 300 TRY/month

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🚍 Transportation Costs

Turkey has a well-connected public transportation network.

• Metro/Bus fare: 15–25 TRY
• Taxi (5–10 km): 150–300 TRY
• Car rental: from 700 TRY/day
• Domestic flights (e.g., Istanbul to Izmir): from 800–1,500 TRY round trip

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🏥 Healthcare & Insurance

Turkey offers both public and private healthcare services. Expats typically prefer private hospitals due to shorter waiting times.

• Private doctor visit: 1,000–2,500 TRY
• Annual health insurance for foreigners: from 3,000 TRY/year
• Pharmacy items are often affordable and available without a prescription.

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🎓 Education (if applicable)

• International private schools: 80,000–250,000 TRY/year
• Turkish public schools are free but the language of instruction is Turkish.

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🎯 Monthly Living Cost Summary (Solo Expat in Istanbul)

Expense	Approx. Monthly Cost (TRY)
Rent (1 BR)	15,000
Groceries	5,000
Utilities & Internet	3,000
Transportation	1,000
Entertainment & Other	2,000
Total	26,000–30,000 TRY ($800–950)

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🧾 Final Thoughts: Is Turkey Still Cheap in 2025?

Compared to 5 years ago, Turkey has become more expensive, especially in big cities. However, it still offers a high quality of life for much less than in Europe or the U.S.
If you avoid tourist traps and live like a local, Turkey can still be a budget-friendly destination with rich culture, warm people, and delicious food.