Cost of Living in Istanbul

I don't know where you get your numbers from but 5,000 TL wouldn't even get a halfway decent apartment for one person in Istanbul. Plus a family would struggle on 10,000 TL per month honestly. Especially when apartments start from 8,000 TL and go way up from there. Even suburbs of Istanbul are very expensive to name a few being Sultangazi and Maltepe.There are cheaper alternatives away from Istanbul like Sanliurfa where I live population 450,000.Any city's of 250,000 up to 600,000 are much cheaper without giving up modern conviences.I rent a very nicely furnished 2 bedroom apartment fully equipped for 800 TL per month near all conviences.I started out living in Istanbul 13 years ago and it was possible to get by on 7,000 TL per month for one person and still have a little left.As I noticed things skyrocketing after living in Istanbul 7 years I left to a cheaper area as I mentioned priorly. Just remember anything on the water attracts tourists meaning higher prices on everything.BTW the increased prices don't go away when tourist season isn't in full swing but instead remains.

For retired people, which one of these three areas is most suitable? Nisantasi, Ulus, Bakirkoy (Florya/Yeşilköy)? We want a place with a little bit of city vibe, but don’t want to end up in an area Mainly for younger, working professionals. Areas on the Bosporus seem nice, but during our visits, we noticed the patrons of the restaurants in Bebek, Kurucesme were mostly Young or middle aged people and the areas were quite crowded. We are looking for an area with enough city vibe, but not too busy and crowded with working professionals. A little laidback area where everything is close by with plenty of restaurant options including foreign cuisine like Italian, Japanese and Indian among others would be ideal

high increase in usd compared to turkish lira and inflation due to corona is increasing prices as it is everywhere. I would recommend you to find a Turkish friend who knows his/her way around istanbul if you dont have high budget. About the covid, you can be sure that most of the people are cleaning themselves constantly due to their habits or religious beliefs and also almost in every table at restaurants, shops or in their entrances, you can find free to use hand sanitizers you dont even need to carry your own sanitizer. as for the physical security, as in everywhere, stay away from slums. Other than that since they have the guards patrolling during nights

What’s the best residential areas for retirees in Istanbul? We are planning to retire in 3-5 years and want spend some time in Istanbul. We like traveling, since Istanbul is close to all destinations we want to visit: middle east, central asia, southeast asia and Africa, we want to rent an apartment there and use it a base for several years, we are a well educated Muslim couple from central asia who studied, worked and lived in US for over thirty years and we are mostly secular, go to Mosque only for holiday prayers or funerals etc cultural rituals. So, we want to live in a neighborhood of well educated, secular or moderately religious older Muslim retirees, Turkish or non Turkish people with Muslim cultural backgrounds. We speak Turkish fluently, of course English as well. Money is not an issue. our budget is $5000-8000 excluding health insurance and travel budgets. If you live in Istanbul, I would love hear your advice. Thanks

A person who can see things from other people's ideas and who can understand other people's spiritual activities will never have to worry about their future

All of the living costs for Istanbul are wrong and not updated . For example, a beer price in a normal bar 35 Try. Normal food one person 45 try . one lewis jean 339 try , one mounth home rent 2200 try etc.

aight guys eat kebab and live in istanbul. If you are smart and single you can live in istanbul with 2000 turkish liras as well as you can live in london with 1000 pounds. if you want a decent life without action and worry of meeting the months end, get an income of 3000, get a 1+1 for 1000 and live like a king. cinema costs like 30tl kebab costs like 20tl. if you want a more expensive outdoor activity, you can do it once in two days or three days. Ez tricks to live in istanbul listen to me I wont be here always. peace out

First of all, Turkey is a secular country not an Islamic country as propaganda at the western countries.
Secondly Istanbul is a beautiful place where anyone in the world must see before die, and it is safe as New York , London and other big capitals.

What's with all the insane conspiracy theorists trying to make Turkey sound like a war zone? It's less dangerous than Chicago or Baltimore. Or the meth belt.

I've just come back from Istanbul as a single female , let me just say I felt more safe there then here in London. The people are lovely. I stayed in faith and the area was beautiful. Very peaceful. There's nothing to worry about. It's a lovely city and the people were more than willing to help me out.

I asked to see crime statistics but he said don't believe everything you read in the paper because the majority of reports are bogus and they're bogus for reasons we cannot report things that are grusome.

Tell me how many abductions have happened for the last 10 years in İstanbul, a city of 15-20 million. As a born and raised Istanbul citizen I have never heard one(not that it never happened but I think it's vastly overrated.) Compared to mass shootings, serial killers on the loose, lunatics with automatic rifles running around freely, İstanbul is like a kindergarden in terms of safetly. But people don't go around and claim that US is just a sugarcoated version of the movie purge made by and made for psychopaths and rich people, instead we argue that these mere events are just a blip, a mark in the beautiful painting that is US. So, just stick to places like "levent, kadiköy, etc." and avoid places "tarlabaşı" and you'll be fine. Don't put to much weight on mere anecdotes by people and just look at the crime statistics and see it for yourself.

# Kim figure a minimum of 400 TRY per week food and transportation 600 TRY much better though per week.Istanbul most expensive city in Turkey.Did you know ISIS is alive and well especially in Istanbul and police normally look the other way? Crimes against foreigners happen quite often especially on foreign women.Go out in a group only during the night and have several people with you during the day for your safety.The majority of people will tell you that's not true but I'm an American living in Istanbul so I know first hand.I've lived in Istanbul two years now, almost abducted three times, yes it's that bad. I'm leaving Istanbul next month when my employment contract runs out.So far this year 263 foreign female abductions by ISIS in Istanbul some American some British and some Swedish women none found again,be safe.

Is it possible to leave in turkey alone and depending on 2222 TRY as a salary per month.am single

I want to buy a 2roomms apartment/flate in Istanbul, how much price.

Hello.

My girlfriend and I are thinking about moving to Turkey. She already has a job opportunity that pays around 4000 TRY and I have an online job that roughly translates to 2200 TRY.

Do you think around 6600 TRY per month would be sufficient for the two of us? We're really more of a laid back and stay at home on a friday kind of couple.

Thank you!

I really want to live in Istanbul with my husband and daughter.I like to know how much money I need to manage a family of 3 three?

to the man who is attending college in Istanbul who was from Nigeria, has it been hard living there? i dont know any Turkish but im hoping to go to Istanbul for university, do you think I'll manage without knowing the language?

Ahh finally a # German replies.Why did Merkel beg president Trump to be Germany's Ally fighting their battles last year only for Trump to say deal with it? Merkel stated I guess germany cannot depend on the U S anymore as an ally boo hoo.Germany is on their own.You must be related to those other cocksucker's # World # Nukes and # To Muricans.I'd say you're the same posters.How many germans can you get in a Volkswagen beetle? One American and 59 germans in the ASHTRAY.Trump needs a bigger golf course.Maybe he'll destroy Germany and build one.Blocking you now fuzz nuts, just taking out another load of trash as usual.

# WORLD Being an American citizen I must agree with Anonymous post on May 26.Nobody likes to be lied to especially real American citizens that know how it really is.Go back to your hole where you came from somewhere overseas WORLD.

To World# So you're from Finland living in D C.You're poor wording of sentences shows you're a lieing punk wanna be American most likely texting from a tree in Africa.All you said about the U S is incorrect.Tell you're bullshit to someone else you lieing piece of shit,fuck you.

if america close to all doors for aliens that would end of america! america is a world state not a national state! immigration is important for america! the real problem is illegal immigration! president trump and republicans is too right about that.on the other hand turkey issue is so complicated! turkey and US are very close allies but their current governments have a big complex problems! solution for this we need just time! enjoy from DC

To Patriot # Turkey will never agree with the U S on anything especially since the Turkish government got caught red handed doing business with Russia and Iran under the table on many occasions.After Turkeys stunts they don't have an ally with the U S anymore.No worries though the U S will crush Turkey with sanctions as the U S is doing now successfully.The Turkish president should think before he spits out words because Trump will make him eat his words no doubt.Even after Trump completes his second term his successor cannot put out the positive fire U S citizens have that Trump put there." WE THE PEOPLE " have awoken looooook out !!

well turkey is weak now but i think it will be better when turkey agrees with the US ! turkey ‘s best ally is the US but nowadays they have a problem

It's a known fact that Turkish people hate anything that resembles America whether they're tourists visiting Turkey or living there.It doesn't matter even though American citizens have nothing to do with political decisions the U S government makes, but we don't care.A wedge has been driven between Turkey and America politically.Oh well no worries such is life.The downside for Turkey being they'll be dropped from NATO since stepping out of bounds purchasing items from Russia, Turkeys business obviously.Turkey is in for a very rough ride economically much worse than it is now, rest assured.Bad decisions are bad decisions Turkeys president made with numerous activities,no worries though.All American expats will disappear from Turkey whether they own businesses or not in the very near future,or lose U S citizenship.A major visa wall is being built especially for the Turkish people.But then again major visa walls are already completed for many countries around the world already.Enjoy the ride TURKEYS it'll be a very rough one for Turkey.

I have not been to Istanbul Turky since 2017 when i had a lay over at Istanbul on my way to Morocco. I am planning another visit this year. I loved Istanbul and I have been wanting to visit again. Most people were very friendly and helpful. The people at the hotel were very accommodating and went out of thier way to make me feel welcomed and comfortable. I did not stay long but I did enjoy my stay.

can anyone tell me the Turkish government requirements for moving to turkey to live as a retiree. Do not need job or work.

To #Umu I didn't need to read the address you provided to know how the experience for a foreigner is in Turkey,but I wish I would've read that before I lived there for 7 months as a retired Australian.There's alot of resentment towards foreigners as a rule from what I noticed during my time there.I believe some on here are from Turkey who just want to make Turkey look good.Simple things like ordering food at a restaurant as a foreigner will get you dirty looks and that's just the tip of the iceberg.After my very unpleasant stay in Istanbul I retired in South America.The difference was like night and day on a positive note.

Utilities per month averaging around 370 TL? Are you joking?!
Heating let alone is around that amount in autumn/winter time. Plus the electricity bills can smash you if you're not used to live in half-lit rooms. Cost for electricity is around 150 TL for regular usage. Water is another thing. Our people don't bathe regularly so it is common to have water bills around 30 TL but if you're the one that pays attention to hygiene, it can climb up to 50 TL.

OTOH, safety became a real problem in most of the areas hence many start to carry arms illegally. You can easily get shot after picking up a small fight in day time.

About overall QOL -> it sucks. You either get used to slavery, trying to commute between you daily job and home and working in commercial areas day and night in exchange for a low-to-moderate life or you better win at lottery. No joke. Do not expect to have a healthy social life with sanity if you choose to live alone. Your best bet is to marry someone and try to take care of your lives together.

Istanbul WAS a nice city before it's totally gone out of control.
I'm writing those lines as a 36 years old male and a member of mid-class family, who has spent his whole life in Istanbul.

I am thinking to come and live in Istanbul for some time. I have about 3000 Turkish Lira income at today's exchange rate monthly. Can I live a simple life in Istanbul without going broke? Oct 19. 2018

If you’re from a wealthy country with a stable currency like EU GCC NAm OZ is the best moment for tourism, especially food clothing nightlife. You ll visit the city like a boss and still not spending much

With the current exchange rate, anyone from Western Europe who visits Turkey can live like a king. Literally. €1 buys 6TL right now - crazy :)

#Nadia Can someone tell me how much is an average English medium school fees in Istanbul?please give some details

In private schooll (college) - 20-45 K TurkishLira
In public schooll - Free

Where do you live in Istanbul? I can say some school in there.

Best Regards

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they can whatsapp me 00905348852239

on Nov 05, 2016 :
Hi Guys,
First of all, it's Istanbul 20,000,000 people live here, so all the other huge cities in the world you can find cheapest and most expensive things in Istanbul.
So I try to give some global example,
Subway : day of sub 10 tl
McDonald : bigmac menu 14 tl
Public transportation: monthly 180 tl
Cola : 1 lt 2.45 tl
Adidas sneakers: 180 tl
Jeans : 130 150 well known brands
Meat : 1 kg 50 tl
Vegatable : around 2-5 tl / kg
Bread :1.25 tl
Rent starts 1000 tl to ....
Pizza : 15 25 for two people take away
Restaurant: 100 tl for 2
If you get more then 10,000 tl you can have a middle high standards

Some one posted this above. Let me tell you this is cheaper than Pakistan at least.

Ok a big Mac meal from McDonald's costs 33 liras
Fuel per month for a car average 583 liras
Good restaurant meal per person costs
125 liras
Water bottle 250 ml costs 1.6 liras
Etc

@usman 90k £ is a lot money for Liverpool(even when taxes are not included)I wouldn't move out if i was you. As far as im concerned liverpool has one of the highes unemployment rate and lowest prices. So think twice before decide.

Hi, i want to know is it possible to live in Şişli (with a rent) with 400EUR?

Hi I am an accountant and i have studied acca,icaew & i live in Liverpool uk and my annual salry is £90,200 plus bonuses £20,600 and i want to move in turkey and how much cash do i need for basics services.

Hi guys , need some help please!
I'm looking to bring one of my friends to Turkey to work from kosovo. I need to know what rent prices are for single rooms and what wages are per month for starbucks or any other customer related jobs. ??

Arabic, Pakistani, Iranian, Kirghiz, Ukrainian, Moldovan please do not come this city anymore. We don’t wanna you.

Hello, who knows how many universities in the city of Istanbul for engineering course

i am pakistani i wants to live in turkey becuase i love it since childhood i wanna job there its my dream please help me to go there....

I have been living in Istanbul for two years now. I have never been to an expensive restaurant, have never bought anything pricey and have not even rented a bedroom every months (could live with bf's parents few months in total). I am taking the public transports very rarely. And yet I spent more than 20 000 euros in two years, and Had no income to balance, as you get 500 euros a months for 6 days a week, 12-14 hours job routines.
Istanbul is great to visit. Not to live unless you made lots of money abroad. No way to get money here unless you are an actor...

The cost of renting a 2 or 3 bedroom apartment is good every month in Istanbul

a big mac menu is 18.75 TL. these prices are cheaper than actual prices.

Hi, I would like to know that what is the cost of studying at the private and public universities and also the cost of studying in the elementary school in Istanbul, both monthly and yearly...

As an Istanbullite, the prices seem a little bit lower than they actually are. (around 20%-30%)
I am a student currently living in a moderate neighbourhood and I spend 3000 Turkish Liras and I don't really think about my bank account for 25 days. A regular dinner + a beer in a moderate district costs 18 + 12 TL. I am living in a 3 bedroom apartment with 2 other friends and paying 2400 TL for total. I am pretty sure that you cannot find a lower rent in a moderate neighborhood. For a student, if you like to hang around regularly and usually eat outside, 2500TL is required. For a family with 2 children, at least 8000-10000 TL (2000-2500 EUR) is mandatory covering all expenses for a "RELATIVELY COMFORTABLE" life.

if you earn like 1.500 $ you can live with your regular standarts which includes taxes.

Istanbul is expensive for Turkish people because their income is lower than European people's income. But don't worry TRY is worthless against Euro or USD . You can live in Istanbul with $1,000+ income easily.

Hello, my name is Susan and I am about to be an exchange in Istanbul. I would like to ask if 2100 TRY are enough to spent a month including the rent.Thank you very much in advance!!!