Cost of Living in Turkey for Foreigners: A Comprehensive Breakdown With Conversion to USD
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Cost of Living in Turkey for Foreigners
Today, we're going to discuss the cost of living in Turkey for foreigners, providing you with a detailed breakdown of expenses you can expect when living in this beautiful country. We'll cover everything from housing and transportation to food and leisure activities. Let's dive in! Note that as of now, 1 USD is 20TRY. I will convert the prices to USD to keep this video relevant even if the currency rate changes in the future.
Section 1: Housing
Housing is one of the most significant expenses when living in Turkey. However, the cost can vary greatly depending on the city, neighborhood, and type of accommodation. Here's a general overview of housing costs:
Rent: For a 2+1 apartment in big cities such as Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir, expect to pay between 10,000 and 20,000 TL per month. It makes around $500-$1000. Outside the city center or in small cities, prices range from 5,000TL to 10,000 TL, which is $250-$500. Larger apartments and houses will, of course, have higher rental prices.
Utilities: Monthly utility costs, including electricity, water, and gas, typically range between 500-1500TL. For example, I pay 200TL for electricity, 100TL for water. For gas, in summer, I pay 200TL, in winter I pay 1,200TL.
Internet: High-speed internet service usually costs around 200 TL per month.
Section 2: Transportation
Turkey has an extensive public transportation system, making it easy to get around without breaking the bank. Here's a look at transportation costs:
- Public Transportation: A one-way fare on public transportation is 10TL in major cities. It is half a dollar.
- Taxis: Taxi fares start at around 15TL for the shortest distance, with an additional cost of 10 TL per kilometer. A 10km taxi ride will cost around 120TL, or $6.
- Gasoline: If you plan to drive, gasoline and diesel prices in Turkey are relatively high, around 20 TL per liter. It makes $1 per liter.
Section 3: Food and Groceries
Turkey is known for its delicious cuisine, and food expenses can vary depending on your preferences. Here's an overview of food costs:
Groceries: Basic groceries like bread, milk, eggs, fruits, and vegetables are generally affordable. A monthly grocery bill for a single person might range between 1,500 and 3,000TL. It ranges from $75 to $150.
Eating out: A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around 80 TL ($4), while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant might set you back 200 TL ($10).
Section 4: Leisure Activities
Entertainment: Movie tickets cost around 100 TL in Istanbul, while theater or concert tickets can range from 100 to 300 TL.
Sports and fitness: Gym memberships vary, with an average monthly cost of 800-1500 TL.
Museums and historical sites: Entrance fees for museums and historical sites range from 50 to 200TL, depending on the location. For example, Dolmabahce Palace entrance is about $5. Also, foreigners can buy a museum pass card for 1750TL and visit all public museums in Istanbul for 5 days for free.
Shopping: Clothing and other goods can vary greatly in price, with local markets and bazaars offering more affordable options compared to high-end shopping malls. A t-shirt at LCW is $5.
Nightlife: Pint of beer at a local bar or pub typically cost 80 TL ($4). Price of a cocktail in a fancy bar is $15.
Section 5: Healthcare
Doctor's visit: A consultation with a general practitioner at a private clinic costs around $70, while specialists may charge more.
Health insurance: Private health insurance premiums start from 2,000 TL per month, depending on the coverage level and your age.
Section 6: Education
Public schools: Education in Turkish public schools is free, but language barriers may be challenging for non-Turkish speaking children.
Private schools: International schools offer education in English and other languages but come with high tuition fees, ranging from 150,000 to 300,000 TL per year.
Section 1: Housing
Housing is one of the most significant expenses when living in Turkey. However, the cost can vary greatly depending on the city, neighborhood, and type of accommodation. Here's a general overview of housing costs:
Rent: For a 2+1 apartment in big cities such as Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir, expect to pay between 10,000 and 20,000 TL per month. It makes around $500-$1000. Outside the city center or in small cities, prices range from 5,000TL to 10,000 TL, which is $250-$500. Larger apartments and houses will, of course, have higher rental prices.
Utilities: Monthly utility costs, including electricity, water, and gas, typically range between 500-1500TL. For example, I pay 200TL for electricity, 100TL for water. For gas, in summer, I pay 200TL, in winter I pay 1,200TL.
Internet: High-speed internet service usually costs around 200 TL per month.
Section 2: Transportation
Turkey has an extensive public transportation system, making it easy to get around without breaking the bank. Here's a look at transportation costs:
- Public Transportation: A one-way fare on public transportation is 10TL in major cities. It is half a dollar.
- Taxis: Taxi fares start at around 15TL for the shortest distance, with an additional cost of 10 TL per kilometer. A 10km taxi ride will cost around 120TL, or $6.
- Gasoline: If you plan to drive, gasoline and diesel prices in Turkey are relatively high, around 20 TL per liter. It makes $1 per liter.
Section 3: Food and Groceries
Turkey is known for its delicious cuisine, and food expenses can vary depending on your preferences. Here's an overview of food costs:
Groceries: Basic groceries like bread, milk, eggs, fruits, and vegetables are generally affordable. A monthly grocery bill for a single person might range between 1,500 and 3,000TL. It ranges from $75 to $150.
Eating out: A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around 80 TL ($4), while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant might set you back 200 TL ($10).
Section 4: Leisure Activities
Entertainment: Movie tickets cost around 100 TL in Istanbul, while theater or concert tickets can range from 100 to 300 TL.
Sports and fitness: Gym memberships vary, with an average monthly cost of 800-1500 TL.
Museums and historical sites: Entrance fees for museums and historical sites range from 50 to 200TL, depending on the location. For example, Dolmabahce Palace entrance is about $5. Also, foreigners can buy a museum pass card for 1750TL and visit all public museums in Istanbul for 5 days for free.
Shopping: Clothing and other goods can vary greatly in price, with local markets and bazaars offering more affordable options compared to high-end shopping malls. A t-shirt at LCW is $5.
Nightlife: Pint of beer at a local bar or pub typically cost 80 TL ($4). Price of a cocktail in a fancy bar is $15.
Section 5: Healthcare
Doctor's visit: A consultation with a general practitioner at a private clinic costs around $70, while specialists may charge more.
Health insurance: Private health insurance premiums start from 2,000 TL per month, depending on the coverage level and your age.
Section 6: Education
Public schools: Education in Turkish public schools is free, but language barriers may be challenging for non-Turkish speaking children.
Private schools: International schools offer education in English and other languages but come with high tuition fees, ranging from 150,000 to 300,000 TL per year.
