What is the Average Monthly Cost of Living in Turkey?

If you are thinking of buying real estate in Turkey and living here, it is essential to know the cost of living in Turkey in 2022. Turkey has been an ideal destination for thousands of foreign investors in recent years. Some of these foreigners come to Turkey for education, some for real estate investment, and some for their job. Whatever the reason, when you decide to immigrate to any foreign country, knowing the cost of living of the country you are going to protects you from unexpected negative situations. It helps you make realistic and valid cost plans.

The Costs of Living in Turkey in September 2022

Considering the cost of living in Turkey before migrating will be greatly beneficial. As an immigrant who decides to live in a foreign country, this is one of the most important issues to consider.

In general, we can say that the cost of living in Turkey is cheaper than in many other countries. The low average cost of living in Turkey shows that the living conditions in the country are suitable.

Many factors are effective in determining the cost of living in Turkey. These are factors of the city you choose, the rate of inflation, the exchange rate, your salary, and, of course, the lifestyle you lead. The cost of living in Turkey depends on many factors. But the most important determining factor is lifestyle. As of September 2022, the estimated monthly living cost of a family of four in Turkey is 1,249 USD excluding rent.

The Cost of Obtaining a Residence Permit and Citizenship in Turkey

In addition to living costs in Turkey, a foreigner must also consider the extra cost of obtaining a residence permit or Turkish citizenship. In addition, there may be extra costs such as flight tickets, consular services, visa costs, and document translations.

When you decide to live in Turkey, you can get a residence permit by renting an apartment, or you can get a 1-year residence permit by buying an apartment (any price). You can apply for Turkish citizenship with your family if you purchase real estate for 400,000 USD or more. There are many advantages of living in Turkey by obtaining Turkish citizenship. Click to read these advantages.

Real Estate Purchase and Rental Costs in Turkey

As in all other countries, one of the most important issues in terms of living costs in Turkey is the cost of buying and renting real estate. Housing rental expenses constitute the largest part of living costs in Turkey. In other words, housing rental costs and living costs are directly related. The most expensive cities in Turkey in terms of buying and renting houses are Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara, and Antalya, respectively. Rent and purchase prices in other cities and settlements far from the city center are cheaper. The cost of living in Istanbul in 2022 is higher compared to other cities in Turkey and lower than in other metropolises of the world. In addition to the high cost of living in Istanbul compared to other cities, the salary rates are higher compared to other cities and job opportunities are much higher. Istanbul, one of the largest metropolises in the world, has unlimited job opportunities and high employment opportunities.

The prices of flats for sale in Istanbul are quite affordable compared to other metropolises of the world and have a high profitability rate.

Food (Groceries) Costs in Turkey

Expenditures including food costs are closely related to lifestyle in Turkey. If you like to eat in restaurants and nightlife, you should know that your food cost will increase. Especially in 2022, food prices in restaurants have increased in Turkey as well as in the rest of the world.

It can be said that the costs of food in Turkey is much cheaper than in any European country or the United States. The foods sold in the markets in Turkey are fresh and affordable. Seasonal fruits and vegetables can be found quite inexpensively on time, which can be a huge advantage when shopping for food.

Healthcare Costs in Turkey

The costs of living in Turkey also include insurance and healthcare costs. Health services in Turkey are a part of social security and it is necessary to make regular monthly payments to benefit from it. To benefit from health services in Turkey, it is necessary to register with the SSI (Social Security Institution). If you are working in Turkey, your employer will cover these costs, if you have a job in Turkey, you will have to deposit a certain amount of money monthly to the Social Security Institution for your social security. If you are a student, tourist, or not working, you are expected to have health insurance. For more information about the health system in Turkey, click here.

Transportation Costs in Turkey

Increasing oil prices all over the world have also increased transportation costs. Transportation costs in Turkey have increased in 2022 compared to previous years. However, transportation costs are reasonable in Turkey compared to other European countries. Public transportation systems such as buses or metro in Turkey are much more economical than taxis or private vehicles. Transportation costs in Turkey are at an average level. In big cities such as Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara, public transportation costs are higher than in other cities.

The transportation infrastructure in Istanbul, which is one of the largest metropolises in the world, is highly developed. There are many public transportation alternatives such as metro, bus, tram, and ferry to visit the city.

Tax Costs in Turkey

Tax laws in Turkey are quite strict. Everyone with income is liable to pay taxes. The taxes that salaried employees must pay are automatically deducted from the salary, as in many other countries.

There are different types of taxes in Turkey such as income tax, value added tax, special consumption tax, rental tax, and property purchase tax.

Electricity, Water, and Natural Gas Costs in Turkey

A part of the cost of living in Turkey covers compulsory needs such as electricity, water, and natural gas. The fees for these services used as a subscriber are calculated according to the monthly consumption amount and are paid monthly.

Regardless of whether you are a tenant or a homeowner in Turkey, you have to make electricity, water, and natural gas subscriptions on your behalf. Electricity, water and natural gas costs in Turkey vary depending on the size of the house, the number of people living in the house, and living standards.

Clothing Costs in Turkey

Turkey is one of the world’s largest clothing manufacturers. Production activities of hundreds of brands are carried out in Turkey. For this reason, there is a wide variety of clothing in Turkey and the price range is also quite wide. It is possible to find very affordable clothes. In addition, it is possible to easily reach expensive clothes from the most luxurious brands. For this reason, clothing costs again vary according to individual preferences. But if we compare the cost of clothing with other countries, the products of the same brand are more suitable in Turkey.

Comparison of Living Costs in Turkey with Other Countries

How much does it cost to live in Turkey?

Although the cost of living in Turkey is quite low compared to countries such as America, Canada, Spain, Germany, and France, the quality of life in Turkey is high. The estimated monthly cost of a family of four in Turkey in September 2022 is $1,249 (excluding rent).

Which cities in Turkey have the highest cost of living?

The large cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Antalya have higher living costs than other cities. But these cities have more job opportunities and higher earning rates.

What is the cost of buying real estate in Turkey?

Real estate prices in Turkey vary according to the preferred city and the characteristics of the house. Real estate prices in Istanbul also vary depending on many factors such as its location, features, view, and size. Click for more information about real estate prices in Turkey.

What is the cost of obtaining Turkish citizenship?

A foreigner who buys real estate for 400,000 USD or more in Turkey can apply for Turkish citizenship together with his family. Apart from the real estate value of 400,000 USD, there are some extra expenses. Click to view the costs of obtaining Turkish citizenship.

What is the average monthly rental cost in Turkey?

The average rental cost in Turkey is 237 USD for 1+1 flats and 429 USD for 3+1 flats in the city center. The average rental cost for residential areas outside the city center is 150 USD for 1+1 flats and 269 USD for 3+1 flats. Prices are average monthly rental costs and may vary depending on location, property, size, and age of the property.