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Cost of living in Turkey

Undoubtedly, wherever in the world we are dreaming of going, the living cost is a driving factor that helps us determine our choices. That’s why the living conditions in Turkey determine whether we should move there permanently or temporarily and when it comes to daily spending, Turkey can be a surprisingly cheap place. Here, as in any other country, the most expensive places to live in are busy hubs of business, tourism and economics.

Restaurants and Markets

Due to the heavy taxes that the country has placed on alcohol, visiting restaurants daily can make a huge hole in your pocket. A person who likes drinking one glass of alcohol with the meal will pay an average of about 3 USD just for the drink, depending on the type. When you take into consideration the food prices in here, you will find out that the cost of groceries is more reasonable than in neighboring European countries.

Transportation

The price of gasoline is neither as high as in other European countries, nor too low to be considered affordable. Most locals drive and driving is a little hectic, so it is not advisable to newcomers, especially in major cities. Car owners here should also have in mind other expenses like registration, insurance and maintenance.

Utilities

The cost of utilities in the country is not high and running a household is exceptionally cheap. Basic services are not more than 70 USD month while the Internet access is quite affordable, not 15 USD. However, the larger apartment with more people living in would cause these prices to hike.

Rent per month

Foreigners who receive a salary from their home country are enjoying a luxurious lifestyle here, thanks to the low rent prices here. However, earning a wage in in the country would not allow you such a lifestyle, as the rent will take pretty much money and it is one of the most notable expenses here. 

Food Price in TL
12 eggs dozen, large 12.50 TRY
1 beer pint in local shops, markets 7 TRY
1 kg of tomatoes 8.50 TRY
Full chicken 2kg 38.75 TRY
1litre 100% fruit juice 8.50 TRY
1 package of cigarettes imported brands 25 TRY
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples 7.50 TRY
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality 48.95 TRY
2.5 liters of Coca-Cola 0.95 TRY
1 Bread loaf standard 9.50 TRY
Whole fat Yogurt. 500ml 12 TRY
1x6 pack Dardanelle tuna 18.50 TRY
Heinz baked beans 1 tin 8 TRY
1.5 kg Sugar 10 TRY
2 liter cooking oil 20 TRY
Yum-yum noodles per pack 2.00 TRY
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes 5.50 TRY
1 liter milk 8.50 TRY
Fast food restaurant large serving/ take away 25 TRY
Housing
Utilities per month (water, electricity, gas) for 2 people in flat 165 TRY
Wi-Fi monthly fee 8 Mbps (1 month) 145 TRY
Laundry detergent (bleach, sunlight liquid, washing surf… altogether) 58.50 TRY
House Cleaning fee per day 105 TRY
Large Gas heater price range upwards. 200 TRY
Original branded Electric Fans 200 TRY
Original branded Electric kettle. 120 TRY
40 inches Beko flat screen HD TV set 2000 TRY
Single bed Blankets 120 TRY
Personal Care
Avon for women and men cologne 100 TRY
Ladies hair plaiting. 60 TRY
Ladies Sanitaryware (Pads and Tampoons) 18 TRY
Men's haircut 40 TRY
Ibuprofen, Panadol, Grandpa Pain killers box of 12 dosses 24.50 TRY
Mobile package local network providers’ talk-time, data and messages 65 TRY
1 month of gym subscription. 105 TRY
Earphones original (Samsung. iPhone) 90 TRY
Unisex Loris perfume 30 TRY
Gadgets maintenance and repairs (cellphone, laptops, tablets...) starting price. 100 TRY
Smart phones (Samsung, Xiaomi, HTC, IPhone) price range upwards 1000 TRY
Laptops (Samsung, Lenovo, Hp, Monster, Dell etc.) price range upwards 3000 TRY
Entertainment
Boat cruise with refreshments and finger snacks 120 TRY
Go carting 30mins 120 TRY
Movie House 3d cinema 30 TRY
Summer Festivals (jet, bumper cars, lucky deep ...(per ticket) 15 TRY
Photo shoot 120 TRY
Cappuccino / expresso/ coffee 12.50 TRY
3 course dinner local restaurant two people 96.50 TRY
3 course dinner classy, exotic restaurant two people 150 TRY
Play station 4 console without games. 2000 TRY
Spalding Basketball 200 TRY
Original branded Racket and Wilson’s tennis balls 500 TRY
Transportation
Taxi fare on average 5-10km 45 TRY
Public transport per trip one way maximum fare 30 TRY
1 liter petrol/diesel 6.50 TRY
1 day rent a car cost 140 TRY
Driver’s license 2300 TRY
Clothes
1 pair of jeans (Denim or similar) 150 TRY
1 pair of men’s formal shoes 215 TRY
1 pair original sport/casual shoes (Nike, Adidas, or equivalent brands) 280 TRY
1 classy summer dress (Zara, H&M or similar retailers) 135.79 TRY
Ladies formal shoes original and durable 120 TRY
Back-pack, gym bag (Nike, Adidas, New balance) 150 TRY

Compare the cost of your home country to the actual living costs in Turkey, simply select your home currency and see the difference!

All data is kept up to date by local members and actual students. Our latest update was on: 1st of January 2020

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