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The Cost of Moving to Turkey
Many people often make the decision about moving to Turkey after visiting the country and witnessing its magnificent beauty, while experiencing its serene climate that suits everyone. However, that is not the only reason for relocating to Turkey. The most popular reason people immigrate to this beautiful country is the exponential drop in the cost of living in Turkey when compared to other European nations and the United States.
If you are an ex-pat looking to make a life in Turkey, you must be wondering about the cost of living in Turkey. With a general monthly estimate of approximately $400-$800 for a decent lifestyle, Turkey ranks as the 3rd cheapest country in the Middle East. People with low to moderate incomes can easily have a great quality of life here if they have the necessary information. So, let us take a look at some of the most important aspects, where you can cut costs and make a living in Turkey as an ex-pat cheap and easy.
Remember that the currency is Turkish Liras (₺) in Turkey and you need to exchange your own currency for Turkish liras when you are living in Turkey.
Moving to Turkey: Cost of Accommodation in Turkey
The most essential aspect of moving to a country that can greatly increase the average cost of living is accommodation. Well, you’re in luck, since the cost of living in Istanbul places it on the 156th rank in the list of priciest places to live in the world. It’s obvious that places other than the capital would be cheaper to live in. Cities like Antalya, Bodrum, Ankara, Izmir, Fethiye, Bursa, etc, are great places to live, other than Istanbul. Whether you choose to buy or rent, the monthly housing cost in Turkey would be something as follows:
- Monthly rent for a 900 sqft furnished accommodation would be approximately $350-$500, depending on the area of residence,
- Monthly rent for a 480 sqft furnished accommodation would be approximately $250–$350, depending on the area of residence,
- The average buying price of a 1000 sqft property ranges from about $40,000-$80,000, depending on the city (and the location in the city) of residence,
- For buying a property in Turkey, the price per square meter is $4,500,
Note: This is excluding other additional charges such as taxes, stamp duty, legal fees, agency/broker commission, and other paperwork expenses, and is meant for giving a general idea only.
Moving to Turkey: Cost of Food in Turkey
Next to housing, one of the main things that might not seem like much of a concern initially but can drain a lot of money, in the long run, is food. Turkish food is delicious, wholesome, and healthy, with a variety of dishes available at your disposal from kebabs to koftas.
However, it’s essential to be aware of the price you can expect. The cost of food in Turkey is quite reasonable in comparison to North American and European counterparts. Although the amount you spend on food is entirely up to you, the following information can provide a basic guide for eating expenses in Turkey.
- An average restaurant meal for one person can cost somewhere between $5-$10,
- If you are cooking, you can expect a filling meal to cost as little as $2-$5,
- Monthly eating expenses in Turkey range between $100-$200, depending on how you eat,
- An average bottle of alcohol (50cl Vodka) would cost you around $10.
Moving to Turkey: Cost of Transportation in Turkey
No matter where you live, transportation is something you will always need to get to and back from work (or anywhere), getting to the bank or hospital, meeting people, other daily requirements or simply visiting other places in the country. Much like all other expenses, the cost of transportation in Turkey is also very cheap. Whether you drive a car or use public transport, the average cost of transportation in Turkey is as follows.
- 1 liter of gas costs $1,
- Getting a monthly public transport pass would cost around $20-$30,
- The price of a taxi/cab starts from $1 per kilometer,
- A normal bus usually charges $2 per 100 kilometers. Inter-city buses cost a bit more, around $3-4,
- Metro fare costs about $1 per ride.
Cost of Other Utilities and Amenities in Turkey
Apart from accommodation, food, and commute, several other expenses would add to your living expenses in Turkey. Factors like electricity, plumbing, car repair, clothing, childcare, gym, personal care, entertainment, and so on, can rack up huge bills and add to your cost of living in Turkey. It’s necessary to make a prudent, informed decision in this regard.
Here are the average rates of some basic utilities and amenities in Turkey, that might be of help.
- The electricity rate in Turkey is $0.15 per kWh for households and $0.10 per kWh for businesses,
- You can expect an average monthly rate of $30-$50 for all household utilities including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage,
- Internet charges in Turkey range upwards of $10 per month, depending on the speed and package of your choice,
- A monthly gym membership would cost you at least $20 per month, depending on the location of the gym and the quality,
- Car repair can cost $15-$25 per day, in-car garages, and workshops,
- Daycare/childcare services usually cost upwards of $100 per month.
Final Thoughts and Conclusions on; “Moving to Turkey.”
Having traced the cost of necessities in Turkey in detail, it’s needless to say that Turkey is a great place to move to and settle in. Being cheaper than 92% of countries in the world, Turkey takes the cake for being one of the most affordable places in the world to comfortably live in. Turkey has a high quality of life thanks to its top-notch healthcare services, safety, climatic conditions, and multicultural atmosphere, among many other factors.
However, the surprisingly low cost of living in Turkey is the cherry on top. Turkey truly sets the example that a good life doesn’t need to be an expensive one. With the help of this guide, you too can leap for a better life after moving to Turkey on your terms, both financially and spiritually.
If you have decided to move to Turkey, you might need help from an experienced legal firm in Turkey.
Here is a related article that you might be further interested in reading; “What is the Easiest Way to Move to Turkey?“
