Cost of living in Turkey 2025

Turkey attracts thousands of tourists, business people, and students every year. Visitors often find themselves enchanted by its beauty, with its lush green plains, freshwater springs, snow-capped mountains, stunning beaches, and ancient ruins, all reflecting a rich history dating back centuries. Students coming to study in Turkey are fortunate to enjoy a unique combination of natural beauty and tranquility, along with advanced education and affordable living costs. Below, we outline the most important aspects of life in Turkey to give students a general idea before they arrive.

Cost Of Living in Turkey
Cost Of Living in Turkey

Cost of living in Turkey

In general, most students, whether they are individuals or with their families, choose to live in the major cities of Turkey such as Istanbul, Ankara, Bursa, Izmir, Gaziantep, Antalya, etc. The costs of living and services vary in these cities. For example, the cost of living in Istanbul is usually higher than smaller cities such as Bolu due to its size, historical significance, and high tourist demand.

A student generally needs around $300 to $400 per month for personal expenses. However, for a family of four, the cost of living can rise to around $1,000 per month. Expenses can vary from student or family to student depending on their financial management and spending habits.

student Housing costs in Turkey

Types of student housing in Türkiye are divided into:

Government student housing

  • These student residences are managed by the KYK Foundation, which is affiliated with the Turkish Ministry of Youth and Sports.
  • There are approximately 400 government-run student residences across Turkey, offering over 368,000 beds.
  • Monthly accommodation costs range from 300 to 500 Turkish Liras, depending on the province and neighborhood.
  • A deposit of around 500 Turkish Liras is required to stay in these residences.
  • State residences are closed during the summer vacation period, but some remain open during summer courses and university internships.
  • State-run residences are more affordable than private residences, and are supervised and managed by the Turkish government.
  • These residences are usually located near universities, saving students time, effort and transportation costs.
  • They offer essential services and facilities for a comfortable study experience, such as internet access, cleaning services and security measures such as surveillance cameras and security staff.

Turkish Religious Foundation Student Housing

  1. These accommodations are managed either by the Turkish Waqf Authority or by charitable and religious organizations in Turkey.
  2. They offer students the opportunity to stay for a nominal fee or, in some cases, for free.
  3. These residences are characterized by a disciplined atmosphere and strict regulations. Accepted students are selected after a personal interview, which includes conversations and getting to know the applicants.
  4. The Waqfs that oversee these dormitories also provide opportunities for religious courses, sermons, and participation in programs and seminars organized by religious entities in Turkey.
  5. Attendance at these activities is optional for the residents.
  6. The official Waqf residences are known for being reliable, well-organized, modern, and secure.
  7. These dormitories are primarily located in three major cities: Istanbul, Antalya, and Izmir.
  8. Religious Waqf residences in Turkey welcome students regardless of their political views, and foreign and Arab students are also allowed to stay in them.

Private student housing in Türkiye

  • Private student accommodations in Turkey are managed and operated by private companies. These companies offer the best conditions for comfortable and peaceful living, along with high-quality services, making them superior to government and Waqf accommodations in terms of service and mental well-being.
  • These types of accommodations provide various facilities for students, such as study halls, libraries, meeting rooms, and sports facilities. Some even offer additional services, such as high-speed internet, air conditioning, and advanced security systems.
  • Private companies aim to create an encouraging and comfortable environment for students to focus on their studies and achieve their academic goals.
  • Private student housing in Turkey also offers the opportunity to interact and communicate with students from different cultures and disciplines, fostering cooperation and cultural exchange among students.
  • Note: This information is general, and the details and level of services offered may vary depending on the companies and institutions managing the accommodations. It is also important to note that private student housing in Turkey requires students to provide official documents proving their enrollment in Turkish universities.
Student Housing Costs
Student Housing Costs

Average Rental Prices in Turkey

After discussing the details of student housing costs in Turkey, we will now provide general examples of rental prices across the country:

  • The monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center starts at around 19,729.35 Turkish Lira.
  • The monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center starts at around 13,754.67 Turkish Lira.
  • The monthly rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city center starts at around 34,299 Turkish Lira.
  • The monthly rent for a 3-bedroom apartment outside the city center starts at around 23,190.25 Turkish Lira.

Average Prices for Apartments in Turkey

The cost of buying an apartment in the city center ranges from 66,481.31 Turkish Lira, while the price per square meter for purchasing an apartment outside the city center is approximately 39,770.45 Turkish Lira.

Note: If you’re looking to search for housing in various cities across Turkey, visit the Sahibinden website, where you can find a wide range of residential properties in different forms across the country. The site also allows you to check prices and choose the option that best suits your needs.

Cost of living

If you want to keep your expenses low during your stay in Turkey, it’s advisable to cook your own meals at home instead of eating out, as food prices in Turkey can be quite high.

Shopping Centers for Daily Essentials in Turkey

  • Turkey has a wide range of retail markets offering affordable products, such as BIM, SOK, A101, MIGROS TURU, and CARREFOUR.
  • The cheapest supermarket in Turkey is MIGROS TURU. You can find all your home essentials at MIGROS, regardless of the city you live in, as it has branches in cities across Turkey. You can also shop through their official website.
  • One of the most notable shopping centers is the “bazaar“, which is an open market held weekly across Turkish cities. It provides residents with a convenient place to purchase all their necessities at low prices. For example, the Saturday Bazaar in Beşiktaş, held every week, offers various products like fruits, vegetables, meat, bakery items, clothing, groceries, kitchenware, and more household supplies.
  • The municipal markets also offer some of the lowest prices in Turkey for 2025, with food prices being approximately 25% lower than those in regular stores.

Food and Beverage Prices in Turkey

Food essentials in Turkey are widely available, which makes the prices quite reasonable and variable, thanks to the presence of various commercial brands, including Turkish ones.

Here are the latest prices in Turkey for key basic food items, based on the most recent exchange rate of the Turkish Lira to the US Dollar:

  • 1 liter of regular milk: 31.2 Turkish Lira
  • 12 eggs: 53.37 Turkish Lira
  • 1 kg of chicken: 185.59 Turkish Lira
  • 1 kg of cheese: 343.39 Turkish Lira
  • 1 kg of red meat: 622.54 Turkish Lira
  • 1 kg of onions: 17.27 Turkish Lira
  • 1 loaf of white bread (500g): 31 Turkish Lira
  • 1 kg of tomatoes: 40.06 Turkish Lira
  • 1 kg of potatoes: 12.20 Turkish Lira
  • 1 kg of oranges: 31 Turkish Lira
  • 1 kg of apples: 30.22 Turkish Lira
  • 1 head of lettuce: 31 Turkish Lira
  • 1 kg of bananas: 67.05 Turkish Lira
  • 1 bottle of water (1.5 liters): 10.17 Turkish Lira

Average Clothing Prices in Turkey

Clothing prices in Turkey vary based on several factors, such as brand, product quality, and the place of purchase. Additionally, the timing of the purchase is a key factor affecting clothing costs in Turkey, as many products and clothes are significantly cheaper during sale seasons.

Examples of Average Clothing Prices for Students in Turkey

  • Shirts and Blouses: Students can find shirts starting from approximately 200-400 Turkish Liras. Of course, the price may increase if purchasing items from well-known brands.
  • Jeans and Pants: Prices generally range from 590-1180 Turkish Liras, depending on the quality and brand.
  • Shoes: The price for shoes starts around 1300-1600 Turkish Liras for budget options, but it can rise significantly for sports shoes or international brands.
  • Coats and Jackets: Coats and jackets are essential clothing in Turkey due to the harsh winter conditions. Prices typically start from 780-1970 Turkish Liras, and they can go higher depending on the brand and insulation type.

Malls and shopping centers

  • Venice Mall.
  • Istanbul Mall.
  • Marmara Park.
  • Historia Mall.
  • Istanbul Valley Mall.

Skin care and beauty products purchasing centers

  1. Gratis Center.
  2. Eva Center.
  3. Watson Center.

Cheapest markets

Kadikoy Market.
Mahmoud Pasha Market.
Egyptian Market in Istanbul.
Sunday Bazaar.
Fatih Market

Average Monthly Utility Costs

The average cost of basic utilities for an 85m² apartment in Turkey is around 2,029.33 Turkish Liras per month. These costs include electricity, water, phone, gas, and internet, but do not cover rent.

The average monthly utility costs in various cities in Turkey are as follows:

  • Bursa: 1,696 Turkish Liras
  • Mersin: 2,029 Turkish Liras
  • Antalya: 2,296 Turkish Liras
  • Istanbul: 2,000 Turkish Liras
  • Eskişehir: 1,857.53 Turkish Liras
  • Ankara: 2,270.76 Turkish Liras
  • Adana: 2,766.67 Turkish Liras

Transportation cost in Turkey

Transportation in Turkey is one of the highest costs, following housing. Despite the availability of various transportation options, it can be relatively expensive due to its widespread use, even by locals.

Types of Transportation in Turkey

Turkey has a diverse and well-developed transportation system that allows both residents and visitors to move around the country easily. Here are some common modes of transportation in Turkey:

  • Air Travel: Turkey boasts an extensive and well-connected network of airports, including major ones such as Istanbul Atatürk Airport and Sabiha Gökçen Airport in Istanbul. Domestic flights are available to all regions, making air travel a fast and convenient way to move between distant cities.
  • Train: Turkey’s high-speed rail network (fast trains) connects major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Konya. There are also traditional train routes linking other cities in the country.
  • Buses: Buses are a popular and widespread form of public transport in Turkey. Both private and public bus companies operate across most cities and regions. Buses provide regular services between cities and towns, offering an affordable and comfortable way to travel.
  • Metro and Trams: Metro and tram networks are available in large cities like Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Bursa. These modes of transportation are ideal for navigating urban areas and reaching main tourist attractions.
  • Taxis: Taxis are widely available in all cities and regions. You can hail a taxi from the street or use ride-hailing apps. It is recommended to agree on the fare before starting your journey.
  • Ferries: In coastal regions and islands, ferries operate between ports and nearby islands. They are a popular means of transport to coastal destinations such as Bodrum and Marmaris.

Cost of transportation by bus and taxi

  • Average bus departure in Istanbul is 17.70 Turkish Liras.
  • in Istanbul is 22.90 Turkish Liras per 1 km.
  • in Izmir is 15 Turkish Liras.
  • car travel in Izmir is 22 Turkish Liras. Per 1 km.
  • bus attack in Bursa is 15 Turkish Liras.
  • car travel in Bursa is 22 Turkish Liras per 1 km.

Note: The cost of transportation also varies depending on the type and city available to it, because the more populated the city is, the more expensive the transportation is.

Types of Transportation Cards

  • Student Card or Discounted Card: This card offers significant discounts on transportation. It is available for students, teachers, senior citizens over the age of 60, and costs 140 Turkish Lira per month.
  • Regular Card or Istanbul Card: This type of card is sold through special machines located near transportation stops. The price is 70 Turkish Lira per month.
  • Blue Card: This card can also be activated monthly.
  • Free Card: This card is available for senior citizens over 65, people with disabilities, families of martyrs, journalists, and military leaders.

Basic Information about Istanbulkart for Transportation

  • Turkey has a transportation card system known as “Istanbulkart” (IETT Card in Istanbul), which is a smart card used to pay for public transportation.
  • Istanbulkart is the most widely used transportation card in Turkey and is used in Istanbul.
  • You can use it on public transportation such as the metro, tram, buses, and ferries.
  • The card is pre-loaded with credit, and the amount is automatically deducted when used.
  • You can purchase the transportation card from vending machines at metro stations, bus stops, and train stations, as well as from certain stores that sell transportation cards.
  • You can recharge your card at charging stations located at stations or in authorized stores. Additionally, you can top up your balance online or using dedicated mobile apps.
  • Once your card is recharged, you can use it to board public transportation by scanning it on the designated reader found in vehicles or at gates.

Note: In other cities in Turkey, there are local transportation cards used in the public transportation network. For example, in Ankara, there is a card called “Ankarakart” in Izmir, it is called “İzmirimkart” and in Bursa, it is called “Bursakart” and so on.

Transportation Cost in Turkey
Transportation Cost in Turkey

Health care in Turkey

One of the key factors in the cost of living in Turkey is healthcare. It’s worth noting that healthcare in Turkey is known for its advanced development. Istanbul, in particular, has a healthcare index of 69.41, making it one of the best cities in Turkey for healthcare services.

The average cost of health insurance

Accommodation companies offer insurance plans ranging from 2,360 to 4,720 Turkish Liras annually.

Alternatively, students can opt for the government health insurance (SGK), which provides more comprehensive coverage and additional services. The cost of the government insurance is 5,511 Turkish Liras annually.

Famous Hospital Group in Turkey

  • Medical Park Hospital.
  • Gaziosmanpasa Hospital.
  • Istinye University Hospital.
  • Medipol Hospital.

Entertainment and tourism costs in Turkey

During your stay in a tourist country like Turkey – even if it is for the purpose of studying – you will need to go out, take a walk and visit the most famous tourist destinations there, where you can spend a nice recreational time with your friends.

That is why you should know the cost of this aspect of the living expenses in Turkey, and in fact this item of expenses in Turkey will be distinguished by providing costs and prices specific to you as a student in hotels, tourist and historical places, Turkish museums, etc. Here are the most prominent prices and costs of entertainment and tourism in Turkey according to the Ministry’s website:

  • Cost of a ticket to the historical museums of Istanbul: $ 5.36.
  • Cost of a ticket to the Mediterranean Museum: $ 34.8.
  • Cost of a ticket to the Cappadocia Museum: $ 21.45.
  • Cost of a ticket to the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology: $ 8.
  • Cost of a ticket to the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art: $ 5.36.
  • Cost of a ticket to the Republic of Ankara Museum: $ 1.61.
  • Cost of 1 cinema entrance ticket: $ 2.68.
  • The price of lunch in Türkiye for two people in an average restaurant: $35.
Health Care in Turkey
Health Care in Turkey

Advantages of Living in Turkey for Students and Job Seekers

There are many benefits that make Turkey an attractive option for living, settling, or studying. Some of the key advantages include:

Lower Cost of Living in Turkey

Even after the wave of price hikes and the economic impact of the dollar’s rise against local currencies, the cost of living in Turkey remains significantly lower compared to European countries. Therefore, Turkey is a highly suitable choice for students and graduates.

English Language Learning Opportunities

One of the main reasons why Turkey is favored by many Arab students is that it offers the opportunity to study in English. Unlike many countries where the local language is the primary medium of instruction, Turkey allows students to pursue their education in English. Additionally, Turkey offers various opportunities to learn Turkish, whether through university programs, language centers, or affordable language courses.

Presence of a Large Arab Community in Turkey

With over 7 million Arab immigrants, Turkey provides a sense of familiarity and comfort for Arab residents, whether for study or work. This large community helps reduce feelings of isolation and supports easier adaptation and integration.

Cultural Similarities

Many Turkish traditions and customs closely resemble those of Arabs from various countries, ensuring a more familiar environment for individuals. This cultural similarity encourages many Arabs to choose Turkey for studying instead of European countries.

High Educational Standards

Turkey has achieved significant success in higher education, with many of its universities being internationally recognized. As a result, Turkey stands out as an ideal destination for studying at lower tuition costs compared to other countries.

Advantage Of living in Turkey
Advantage Of living in Turkey

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