Cost of Living in Turkey – Food, Housing & More

Cost of Living in Turkey – Food, Housing & More 

Turkey is becoming increasingly popular with retirees, digital nomads, and expats due to its affordability, natural beauty, and culture. It is still more affordable to live in Turkey than it is in most Western countries even with 2025's rise in inflation that affected accommodation as well as food prices. There are abundant choices in larger cities such as Izmir, Ankara, and Istanbul when it comes to accommodation, restaurants, travel, as well as entertainment while towns are smaller with more affordable choices. It is inexpensive to stay connected with modem solutions such as Turkey eSIM without going over budget. This guide provides a factual account of expenses across all major aspects of life in Turkey. 

How does Housing Impact Cost of Living in Turkey 

Accommodation is usually the largest monthly expense in Turkey and plays a significant role in overall monthly expense in Turkey. The prices are usually highly variable based on city, neighbourhood, and accommodation type. The most expensive city is Istanbul where you can expect 27,000 TRY/month on average for one-bedroom apartments within the city centre while outer-ring suburb apartments are slightly lower in price. 

Ankara is another affordable city with prices ranging from 15,000–35,000 TRY/month based on amenities offered within the city centre. 

Furnished apartments are usually popular for short-term accommodation for foreigners while digital nomads are drawn to accommodation through coliving which includes shared kitchens, co-working space with entertainment facilities. 

Hotels are another source of accommodation while Airbnb is used for short-term accommodation though such Rentals are usually pricier within popular regions such as Antalya, Bodrum, and Cappadocia. 

Selection of appropriate accommodation can go a long way in reducing your monthly expenses. 

Cost of Food in Turkey 

The cost of food in Turkey is reasonable; thus it is not challenging to live on a balanced diet without breaking the bank. Staple items like bread, milk, eggs, fruits, and vegetables are reasonably priced. Eating out is also affordable; cheap meals are approximately 100 TRY, whereas a middle-of-the-range three-course dinner for two is 250 TRY on average. favourite Turkish dishes like kebabs, baklava, and mezel platters are commonly found on menus at reasonable prices, whereas street food like simit and dürüm are 20–50 TRY. Locals as well as expats can affordably enjoy good-quality grub without hugely denting their monthly budget. 

Commodity prices: bread 8 TRY/kg, milk 10 TRY/litre, eggs 15 TRY/dozen, breast chicken 35 TRY/kg. 

Dining out: cheap meals ~100 TRY; meals for two in mid-range restaurants ~250 TRY. 

Local Specialties: kebabs from 50 TRY, baklava 40 TRY, servings of meze ~60 TRY, street food 20–50 TRY. 

Transportation Costs in Turkey 

Public transportation in Turkey is cheap and varied, from buses to private vehicles. Capital cities such as Ankara and Istanbul are well connected with networks of buses, trams, metros, and ferries. The price of a single bus ride is ~15 TRY, while monthly passes give discounts to continuous pass holders. Taxis are prevalent with base prices of 30 TRY along with 8 TRY per kilometre driven. The price of petrol is 30 TRY per litre on average, while EV charging is usually lower in price. The ownership of private vehicles also includes expenses such as insurance, servicing, as well as fuel that can add up to 1,000–2,000 TRY monthly. Another cheap mode of inter-city transportation is through ride-sharing platforms such as BlaBlaCar. 

Transit: one ride ~15 TRY; month passes are cheaper. 

Taxis & Uber: base fare ~30 TRY; 8 TRY/km; short trips are convenient with them. 

Car ownership: monthly costs such as fuel, insurance, maintenance 1,000–2,000. 

Impact of Health Care on Cost of Living in Turkey 

Healthcare is affordable, high-quality, and accessible in Turkey. Public hospital emergency services are offered for free or at minimal cost, while private hospital service is fast-paced with personalized attention. Private clinic consultation fees range from 200–500 TRY on average, with special procedures being more expensive based on procedure. Private insurance is popular with expatriates, which can range from 500–1,500 TRY per month based on age and coverage. Drugs on prescription as well as preventive-medical attention are also reasonably priced so that healthcare is a reasonable part of Turkey's cost of living. 

Public healthcare: free emergency services; low-cost general consultations. 

Private hospitals: consultations 200–500 TRY; special treatments more expensive. 

Health insurance: private schemes 500–1,500 TRY/month depending on coverage and age. 

How much does Internet cost in Turkey 

Internet in Turkey is affordable and reliable. Home broadband with 100 Mbps speed ranges from 150–300 TRY per month. Prepaid mobile plans are competitive, with 10–20 GB offered for 100–200 TRY, while postpaid plans are from 200–400 TRY based on usage. Global roaming SIMs are costly, so local SIM cards or Turkey eSIM is a cheap substitute. With general coverage and high-speed connectivity, it is easy to stay online for digital nomads, students, and expatriates. 

Home internet: 150–300 TRY/month for 100 Mbps speed. 

Mobile plans: prepaid 10–20 GB for 100–200 TRY; postpaid 200–400. 

Turkey eSIM: Without roaming fees and without a physical SIM card, ideal for travel. 

ZetSIM – Best Turkey eSIM in 2025 

ZetSIM is one of the top options for staying connected while in Turkey. It provides travellers and expats with access to utilizing data without a physical SIM card. It supports 4G and 5G networks throughout the country and can be activated on the spot through QR code without eKYC. ZetSIM Turkey eSIM supports customizable data plans from a few gigabytes to unlimited plans and supports tethering on up to several devices. Its convenience, affordability, and country-wide coverage support it as one of the best options for anyone who is relocating to or going through Turkey in 2025. 

ZetSIM: no physical SIM is required; immediate QR code activation. 

Flexible plans: small data to unlimited; appropriate for any usage level. 

Nationwide coverage with tethering accommodating several devices at once. 

Entertainment and Leisure Activities in Turkey 

Turkey provides a variety of entertainment and leisure options for all tastes and pockets. Museums, historical landmarks, and art galleries offer culture with entrance fees of 50–150 TRY. Concerts, theatre performances, and festivals range from 100–300 TRY per ticket. Hiking, trekking, and beach going are usually free or cheap, while private beaches and guided tours come with reasonable charges. Nightlife is busy in Izmir and Istanbul with bars and clubs paying 50–200 TRY entrance fee and 30–100 TRY drinks. Turkey's cheap entertainment makes it appealing to people who stay here as well as tourists. 

Museums and historical sites: 50–150 TRY; concerts/theatres 100–300 TRY. 

Outside pursuits: hiking and public beaches are almost free; private resorts are pay-for-play. 

Nightlife: entrance fee 50–200 TRY; beers 30–100. 

FAQ’s 

Is Turkey a good place to live in? 

Turkey blends affordability with culture and upmarket facilities. The cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir boast advanced infrastructure, while lower-key towns represent serene and affordable lifestyles. 

What is the cost of living in Turkey? 

An individual in Istanbul can cost ~$1,000/month; a married person with four kids approximately $2,300/month including accommodation, meals, transportation, as well as entertainment. 

What is a normal salary in Turkey? 

Average salaries range from 6,000–7,000 TRY per month. The salaries are higher in technology sectors, finance sectors and multinational companies lower in service sectors. 

How to stay connected in Turkey?  

With ZetSIM Turkey eSIM you can enjoy fast 4G/5G connectivity, personalized data plans, and avoidance of high-roaming charges. 

Conclusion 

Life in Turkey in 2025 provides a well-balanced lifestyle that is affordable, culturally fulfilling, and up-to-date with modern amenities. Shelter, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are still within affordable limits, while entertainment, recreation, and communication choices such as Turkey eSIM facilitate everyday convenience. In moving for job, education, or retirement purposes, Turkey makes it possible for its people to lead a good life without excessive spending. In due planning, it is possible to render expenditures on life in Turkey affordable, constituting a good choice among expatriates, remote workers, as well as retirees.