Cost of living in Turkey: monthly expenses, housing rent, transportation, food
Turkey can surprise expats with fairly moderate prices. The cost of living in the country varies depending on the region. It is most expensive to live in big cities and business centers. However, Istanbul, although recognized as the most expensive city in Turkey, is much cheaper than London or New York.
Choosing to live in Turkey, you can really save some money, because the country has a warm climate and always fresh products. You can find out more about the peculiarities of life in Turkey at the link.
A family of 2 people in Turkey should count on a budget of 10,000 - 15,000 lira (€500-750) per month.
Read more about obtaining Turkish citizenship through investment here.
Housing rent and utilities
The largest expenditure item will be housing rent. If you plan to rent an apartment not on the shores of the Aegean or Mediterranean seas, you should expect from 4,000 to 6,000 Turkish lira per month (€200-330) for a two-room apartment.
In Istanbul, a one-room apartment on the outskirts of the city costs from 3,500 liras (€180). The closer to the center, the higher the prices. For an apartment in the heart of Istanbul, you can pay up to 100,000 lira (€5,200) per month.
Monthly utilities consist of electricity, water, gas, telephone, internet and television fees, with an average cost of 1,250 lira (€65).
Compared to other countries, Internet and mobile communication are quite cheap, respectively 265 lira (14€) and 50 lira (2€) per month.
The cost of food in Turkey
Food in Turkey is usually fresh and reasonably priced. You can buy them in local supermarket chains or markets. The food budget for a family of 2 adults is 2,800 lira (€145) per month.
Lamb and veal in Turkey are expensive, from 120 to 150 lira per kilogram (€6-8), the most popular is chicken - 70 lira (€3.5) per kg. Vegetables and fruits from 10 to 20 lira (0.5-1€) per kg.
Fare
The public transport system in Turkey is represented by trams, buses, metro and ferries. A travel ticket in Istanbul costs 602 lira (€31) per month.
Many Turks prefer cars. However, their management style has certain peculiarities. Drivers drive very restlessly, so it can be difficult for young car owners in Turkey.
The cost of 1 liter of fuel is 22 lira (€1.1). Maintenance and car insurance 1250 lira (€65) per month.
The good news for Ukrainian drivers is that there is no longer a need to exchange a Ukrainian driver's license in Turkey. Also, many useful tips for Ukrainian car owners in Turkey are collected in this article.
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The simultaneous stay of visitors in the hotel lobby not more than one person per 10 square meters of serviceable area is allowed.
Persons can visit hotels and stay there (outside hotel room) only if they wear respirator or face mask (including homemade mask), so that the nose and mouth are covered.
Hotel guests are obliged to keep the 1.5 meters distance.
Online check-in making in advance is recommended to avoid queues at check-in to hotel.
Meals in hotels are provided through meals delivery service to rooms upon prior order or at hotel restaurants situated inside or in open areas, provided the distance of at least 1.5 meters between seats at adjacent tables.
Not more than 4 clients are allowed to stay at the table (excluding children under 14 years old). Unless these tables are separated by a special partition;
Self-serve is not allowed.