Turkey's Average Cost of Living Expenses in 2023

When considering travel to Europe for tourism, work, study, or residence, Turkey frequently emerges as a top choice for various compelling reasons. Notably, it offers a relatively lower cost of living compared to European and Gulf countries. Turkey is home to around 7 million Arabs, as well as numerous individuals from Asian nations. Evaluating the cost of living in Turkey is a key factor for potential travellers. Here, we present an overview of living expenses in Turkey to assist in your travel decisions and preparations.

• Here is a table of Turkey's average cost of living expenses in 2023:

Numerous factors come into play, including family size, preferred living standards, and educational or vocational pursuits. This article will outline the average overall cost of living in Turkey for both students and families, followed by a breakdown of individual costs.

For students, the average monthly living cost in Turkey ranges from $250 to $500, contingent on their chosen lifestyle.

Families of five members, on the other hand, require an estimated $1,000 per month to cover their expenses.

Typical Housing Rents in Turkey

Rent for a two-room apartment in coastal cities overlooking the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas ranges from $300 to $500 for a single bedroom.

In Istanbul, a major trade and economic hub and a top destination for foreign visitors, living costs are somewhat higher compared to other cities. Here are some specifics:

- Rent for unfurnished housing outside housing complexes begins at $200, while furnished housing starts at $300.

- In apartment complexes, rent starts at $250 for unfurnished units and $350 for furnished ones. Monthly service fees range from $50 to $100.

- Government-subsidised student housing costs are low, but demand is high.

- Private student housing starts at $300 per month, with variation based on location and room occupancy.

- Tourist housing, intended for short-term stays, averages around $1,000 per month.

- Hotel accommodation starts at $30 per day, with prices varying according to services offered.

Typical Food Expenses in Turkey

- Breakfast at restaurants costs between one and two dollars.

- Lunch at restaurants typically costs around $5.

- Grocery prices in Turkey are generally reasonable, but dining out can increase expenses.

Typical Monthly Utilities Costs in Turkey

- Electricity: $14

- Water: $20

- Gas: $5

- Internet: $12

- Phone bill: $5

Typical Education Expenses in Turkey

- Governmental schools: No fees are incurred, offering free education for both locals and foreigners.

- International private schools (American system): Enrollment costs range from $4,000 to $10,000.

- Arabic system schools: Enrollment fees range from $2,000 to $4,000.

Typical University Tuition Fees in Turkey

- Public universities: Annual fees vary from $300 to $1,500 for engineering and administrative fields and from $500 to $7,000 for medical programs.

- Private universities: Fees range from $2,000 to $12,000 for engineering and administrative programs and from $10,000 to $25,000 for medical studies.

Typical Apparel Expenses in Turkey

- Local Turkish brands: A complete outfit costs around $50.

- International brands: Outfits start from $150.

Typical Health Coverage Expenses in Turkey

- Residence company insurance: $30 annually, covering emergencies.

- International companies' insurance: Comprehensive coverage in private hospitals costs $700 yearly per person.

- Student SGK state insurance: $190 annually.

- SGK state insurance for tourist residence permit cardholders: $100 per month.

- SGK state insurance for work permit holders: $120 per month, employer-covered.

Typical Leisure Expenses in Turkey

- Access to public parks is free for residents.

- Zoo entrance fees average around $10.

- Theme park tickets cost about $20.

- Cinema tickets start at 25 liras for students and 35 liras for non-students.

Typical Transportation Expenses in Turkey

- Public transportation costs are relatively higher, particularly in Istanbul. Students can access a discounted monthly package for $7, while regular fares are approximately half the standard price.

- Taxi fares begin at $1.5, with a per-kilometre increase of $0.2.

- Public bus fares nearby start at $0.3.

- Subway ticket: $0.4

- Metrobus ticket: $0.7

Typical Household Items Expenses in Turkey

- Second-hand home furnishings: $1,500

- New home furniture: $4,000

Typical Grocery Expenses in Turkey

- Municipal market prices are about 40% lower than regular store prices.

Typical Electronics Expenses in Turkey

- Foreign electronic devices can be considerably more expensive, ranging from 30% to 100% above regular prices. It's advisable to buy electronics from outside Turkey.

FAQS

• What is the average cost of living for students in Turkey?

The average cost of living for students in Turkey ranges from $250 to $500 per month, depending on their preferred standard of living.

• How much does a family of five need for monthly living expenses in Turkey?

A family of five members needs an average of $1,000 per month to cover their living expenses in Turkey.

• What are the average rental prices for apartments in coastal cities in Turkey?

The average monthly rent for a two-room apartment with a view of the Aegean Sea or the Mediterranean Sea in coastal cities ranges from $300 to $500 for a single bedroom.

• How do rental prices differ in Istanbul compared to other cities in Turkey?

In Istanbul, the cost of living is relatively higher. Monthly rent for housing outside housing complexes starts from $200 for unfurnished units and from $300 if furnished. In housing complexes, rent starts from $250 for unfurnished units and $350 for furnished ones, plus monthly service fees ranging from $50 to $100.

• What is the average cost of food in Turkey?

The cost of breakfast in restaurants ranges from one to two dollars, while the average cost of lunch in restaurants is around $5. Grocery prices in Turkey are generally affordable, but dining out can increase expenses.

• What are the average monthly bills for utilities in Turkey?

The average monthly bills for utilities in Turkey are approximately: 

- Electricity: $14

- Water: $20

- Gas: $5

- Internet: $12

- Phone bill: $5

• How much does it cost to attend government schools in Turkey?

Attending government schools in Turkey is completely free for both foreign and Turkish students, with no associated fees.

• What are the average costs for public and private universities in Turkey?

- Public universities: Annual fees range from $300 to $1,500 for engineering and administrative fields, and from $500 to $7,000 for medical programs.

- Private universities: Fees range from $2,000 to $12,000 for engineering and administrative programs, and from $10,000 to $25,000 for medical studies.

• How much does health insurance cost in Turkey?

Health insurance costs in Turkey vary:

- Residence company insurance: $30 annually

- International companies' insurance: $700 annually per person for comprehensive coverage

- Student SGK state insurance: $190 annually

- SGK state insurance for tourist residence permit cardholders: $100 per month

- SGK state insurance for work permit holders: $120 per month (covered by the employer)

• What is the average cost of transportation in Turkey?

Public transportation costs are relatively higher in places like Istanbul. Students can access a monthly transportation package for $7. Taxi fares start from $1.5 as the initial fare, with an additional $0.2 per kilometre. Public bus fares nearby cost $0.3, subway tickets are $0.4, and Metrobus tickets cost around $0.7.

• How much can one expect to spend on home supplies in Turkey?

Second-hand home furnishings cost around $1,500, while buying a whole new set of home furniture can cost around $4,000.

• Are electronics expensive in Turkey?

Foreign electronic devices can be more expensive in Turkey, sometimes ranging from 30% to 100% above their regular prices. It's advisable to purchase electronics from outside Turkey.

• What is the cost of entering public entertainment places in Turkey?

Access to public parks is free for residents. Zoo entrance fees vary but average around $10. Theme park tickets cost about $20, and cinema tickets start at 25 liras for students and 35 liras for non-students.

• Are there any discounts for students on transportation in Turkey?

Yes, students can take advantage of a special monthly transportation package for around $7, offering reduced fares for public transportation.

• What is the average cost of purchasing groceries and food supplies in Turkey?

Municipal market prices are generally around 40% lower than regular store prices, offering affordable options for purchasing groceries and food supplies.