Cost Of Living in Istanbul 2024
Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Istanbul
Whether you're living in Istanbul or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.
Average Monthly Expenditure
Currency: TRY
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single
Currency: TRY
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple
Currency: TRY
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family
Currency: TRY
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student
Currency: TRY
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.
Singles
The average monthly expense for a single person living in Istanbul is 39,000 TRY. Expenses can range from 5,400 TRY at the minimum level to 260,000 TRY at the highest end.
Couples
The average monthly spending of couples in Istanbul is 64,000 TRY. Expenditure can range from 21,000 TRY to 340,000 TRY per month.
Families
The average cost of living for families in Istanbul is 86,000 TRY per month. Families spend anywhere from 30,000 TRY to 560,000 TRY.
Students
The average monthly expenditure for students in Istanbul is 29,000 TRY. Students spend from 4,300 TRY to 190,000 TRY per month.
Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Istanbul
Dining, food, and beverages costs
Fast food combo meal
Restaurant meal for one
Fine dining meal for one
| 350 TRY | 530 TRY | 2,100 TRY |
Cappuccino or latte
Grocery and market costs
Milk large bottle
12 eggs
Fresh whole chicken
Pack of beef
Medium bag of rice
Bag of tomatos
Bag of apples
Commute, travel, and transportation costs
20 minutes taxi ride
Average car full tank
Average car 1-day rental
Average car price
| 130,000 TRY | 250,000 TRY | 330,000 TRY |
Bus ticket one way
Car Service
| 370 TRY | 550 TRY | 1,100 TRY |
Utility cost (monthly)
Utility Bill - Individual
| 320 TRY | 2,300 TRY | 15,000 TRY |
Utility Bill - Couple
| 860 TRY | 2,900 TRY | 19,000 TRY |
Utility Bill - Family
| 1,500 TRY | 4,300 TRY | 28,000 TRY |
Internet and cable
Mobile phone charges
| 200 TRY | 330 TRY | 1,000 TRY |
Leisure and activities costs
Movie ticket
One month gym membership
| 440 TRY | 550 TRY | 1,100 TRY |
Cloths and accessories costs
Pair of jeans or pants
Woman dress
| 310 TRY | 430 TRY | 1,400 TRY |
Woman shoes
Men's shoes
Men suit
| 280 TRY | 350 TRY | 1,800 TRY |
Regular t-shirt
Housing costs / monthly rent
Studio apartment
| 4,600 TRY | 6,900 TRY | 18,000 TRY |
1-bedroom apartment
| 6,900 TRY | 11,000 TRY | 28,000 TRY |
2-bedroom apartment
| 9,200 TRY | 14,000 TRY | 37,000 TRY |
Housing costs / Buying
Studio apartment
| 920,000 TRY | 1.4M TRY | 2.8M TRY |
1-bedroom apartment
| 1.1M TRY | 1.8M TRY | 6.9M TRY |
2-bedroom apartment
| 1.8M TRY | 5.5M TRY | 11M TRY |
| $58,000 | $180,000 | $350,000 |
Furniture Costs
King Size Bed
| 5,000 TRY | 6,300 TRY | 8,400 TRY |
Double Bed
| 3,300 TRY | 5,000 TRY | 6,300 TRY |
Single Bed
| 2,900 TRY | 3,900 TRY | 5,000 TRY |
Living Room
| 5,600 TRY | 7,200 TRY | 25,000 TRY |
Dining Table
| 2,500 TRY | 3,300 TRY | 6,300 TRY |
Sofa or Couch
| 3,300 TRY | 4,600 TRY | 10,000 TRY |
Electronics and House Appliance Costs
TV Set
| 3,300 TRY | 5,000 TRY | 10,000 TRY |
Fridge or Freezer
| 2,900 TRY | 4,600 TRY | 6,300 TRY |
Washing Machine
| 3,900 TRY | 5,600 TRY | 10,000 TRY |
Stove or Cooker
| 3,600 TRY | 4,600 TRY | 6,300 TRY |
Mobile Phone
| 4,200 TRY | 5,000 TRY | 7,200 TRY |
Laptop or Computer
| 4,600 TRY | 5,600 TRY | 10,000 TRY |
Expenditure to Income Ratio in Istanbul
One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.
Spending to Income Ratio
91%
84% to 100%
( expenditure / income ) x 100
Expense to income distribution levels
| Spending To Income Ratio | % People |
|---|
| < 50% | 3% |
| 50% - 60% | 7% |
| 60% - 70% | 14% |
| 70% - 80% | 24% |
| 80% - 90% | 23% |
| 90% - 100% | 12% |
| 100% - 110% | 6% |
| 110% - 120% | 4% |
| 120% - 130% | 3% |
| 130% - 140% | 3% |
| > 140% | 2% |
Interpretation and Analysis
The average spending-to-salary ratio in Istanbul is 91%
This means that on average, people spend around 91% of their income for living.
According to the distribution table, 14% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.
How can spending be more than income?
A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.
Individual
82%
Spending-Income-Ratio
76%
90%
Couple
86%
Spending-Income-Ratio
80%
95%
Family
95%
Spending-Income-Ratio
89%
110%
How do people spend their money in Istanbul?
We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.
The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.
Housing Expenditure22%
22% of total expenses on average (11% to 30%)
| LOW | $41 1,300 TRY |
| AVERAGE | $530 17,000 TRY |
| HIGH | $5,300 170,000 TRY |
| Per Month |
People living in Istanbul typically spend from 11% to 30% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 22% being the average. The average spend on housing is 17,000 TRY with expenditure ranging from 1,300 TRY to 170,000 TRY. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile8%
8% of total expenses on average (5% to 12%)
| LOW | $6.8 210 TRY |
| AVERAGE | $88 2,800 TRY |
| HIGH | $880 28,000 TRY |
| Per Month |
Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Istanbul ranges from 5% to 12% of total expenses with 8% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 2,800 TRY with 210 TRY and 28,000 TRY being the upper and lower limits.
Transport, Fuel, Commute6%
6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)
| LOW | $14 430 TRY |
| AVERAGE | $180 5,600 TRY |
| HIGH | $1,800 56,000 TRY |
| Per Month |
Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 430 TRY to 56,000 TRY on commuting with 5,600 TRY being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 6% of total spending on average but can go as low as 3% or as high as 10%.
Food and Groceries Cost29%
29% of total expenses on average (21% to 35%)
| LOW | $34 1,100 TRY |
| AVERAGE | $440 14,000 TRY |
| HIGH | $4,400 140,000 TRY |
| Per Month |
The average outlay on groceries in a month in Istanbul is 14,000 TRY. The cost of groceries can range between 1,100 TRY to 140,000 TRY. People spend on average about 29% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 21% and 35% respectively.
Healthcare and Medical Services11%
11% of total expenses on average (6% to 14%)
| LOW | $9.5 300 TRY |
| AVERAGE | $120 3,900 TRY |
| HIGH | $1,200 39,000 TRY |
| Per Month |
People in Istanbul allocate 6% to 14% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 11%. The range of medical expenses range from 300 TRY to 39,000 TRY with 3,900 TRY being the norm.
Leisure and Shopping4%
4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)
| LOW | $5.4 170 TRY |
| AVERAGE | $70 2,200 TRY |
| HIGH | $700 22,000 TRY |
| Per Month |
This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 170 TRY to 22,000 TRY with 2,200 TRY being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 8% of total expenses with an average of 4% for most residents.
Education and Schooling5%
5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)
| LOW | $8.1 260 TRY |
| AVERAGE | $110 3,300 TRY |
| HIGH | $1,100 33,000 TRY |
| Per Month |
Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 5% of the monthly expenditure with 3% and 11% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 3,300 TRY per month with 260 TRY being the minimum spent amount and 33,000 TRY being the maximum.
Other Expenses15%
15% of total expenses on average (10% to 22%)
| LOW | $18 560 TRY |
| AVERAGE | $230 7,200 TRY |
| HIGH | $2,300 72,000 TRY |
| Per Month |
How much money can you save in Istanbul every month?
We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.
What percentage of people in Istanbul manage to save money from their income every month?
Almost 56% of the surveyed people in Istanbul said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 44% said that aren't saving anything.
Percentage of people saving money by population group in Istanbul
| Group | Savers | Non Savers |
|---|
| Singles | 60% | 40% |
| Couples | 55% | 45% |
| Families | 50% | 50% |
Savings-to-Income Ratio
The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
1,300 TRY
$40 | 16,000 TRY
$520 | 160,000 TRY
$5,200 |
For most people, 11% to 32% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 18% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 16,000 TRY on average with savings ranging from 1,300 TRY to 160,000 TRY.
60% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 55% of couples said the same. 50% of families confirmed their ability to save money.
How much money do people actually save in Istanbul?
The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.
Singles
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
1,300 TRY
$40 | 11,000 TRY
$360 | 75,000 TRY
$2,400 |
Savings to income distribution levels for singles
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Singles |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 34% |
| 10% - 20% | 27% |
| 20% - 30% | 17% |
| 30% - 40% | 11% |
| 40% - 50% | 8% |
| > 50% | 3% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 14% to 34% of their monthly income to savings, with 22% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 11,000 TRY with 1,300 TRY and 75,000 TRY being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Couples
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
6,300 TRY
$200 | 19,000 TRY
$590 | 100,000 TRY
$3,200 |
Savings to income distribution levels for couples
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Couples |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 38% |
| 10% - 20% | 29% |
| 20% - 30% | 20% |
| 30% - 40% | 6% |
| 40% - 50% | 5% |
| > 50% | 2% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 12% to 33% of their monthly income, with 20% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 19,000 TRY with 6,300 TRY and 100,000 TRY being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Families
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
8,800 TRY
$280 | 25,000 TRY
$790 | 160,000 TRY
$5,200 |
Savings to income distribution levels for families
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Families |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 41% |
| 10% - 20% | 32% |
| 20% - 30% | 21% |
| 30% - 40% | 3% |
| 40% - 50% | 2% |
| > 50% | 1% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Families in Istanbul can save anywhere between 9.5% to 30% of their monthly income, with 17% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 25,000 TRY with 8,800 TRY and 160,000 TRY being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Saving Challenges in Istanbul
Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money
We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Istanbul. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.
| Reason | % People |
|---|
| Low Income | 4% |
| High Expenses | 7% |
| Debt and Loans | 11% |
| Lack of Budgeting Skills | 12% |
| Impulsive Spending | 13% |
| Financial Emergencies | 7% |
| Living the moment | 5% |
| Will do it later | 23% |
| Inflation | 15% |
| Social Pressure | 2% |
| Market Instability | 2% |
Around 4% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 7% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 11% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 12% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 13% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 7% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 5% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 23% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 15% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 2% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 2% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.
Typical saving choices for people in Istanbul
Where do people choose to put their savings?
| Saving Type | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Funds | 13% |
| Gold | 14% |
| Savings Accounts | 16% |
| Retirement Accounts | 9% |
| Cash Savings | 23% |
| Real Estate | 9% |
| Investment | 5% |
| Stocks | 3% |
| Bonds | 4% |
| Mutual Funds | 2% |
| Certificates of Deposit | 2% |
A typical and healthy budgeting structure
The 50/30/20 rule
Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle,
location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule,
which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.
50% for needs and financial obligations
This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.
30% for wants and discretionary spending
This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.
20% for savings and emergency fund
This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.
About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting
The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.
Affordable living in Istanbul
Income and cost of living compatibility
We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.
Is it affordable or economical to live in Istanbul?
Around 49% of surveyed residents think that living in Istanbul is affordable with proper budgeting while 52% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.
Low-cost alternatives in Istanbul
People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:
Plenty of low-cost options57%
Few low-cost options43%
Based on the survey, 57% of the people living in Istanbul have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 43% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.
Emergency Funds
An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents of Istanbul whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.
Yes46%
No54%
Based on the survey, 54% of the people living in Istanbul said that they don't have an emergency fund while 46% said that they do.
Financial Literacy in Turkey
Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.
Financial Leteracy41%
We asked residents of Turkey whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 59% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 41% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.
Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning
We wanted to understand whether residents of Turkey have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 55% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 45% said that they have everything under control.
Struggles with finance55%
Easily manages finances45%
Financial goals of people in Istanbul
In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Istanbul, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.
| Financial Goal | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Fund | 9% |
| Debt Reduction | 48% |
| Retirement Savings | 12% |
| Education Funding | 6% |
| Homeownership | 19% |
| Investing | 5% |
| Travel or Lifestyle | 4% |
| Healthcare Expenses | 16% |
| Financial Independence | 3% |
Around 9% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 48% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 12% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 6% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 19% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 5% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 4% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 16% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.
Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Istanbul
What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Istanbul and how much retirement savings are required?
Retirement age
The retirement age for most employees in Turkey is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.
Retirement planning and savings
There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.
The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 5x monthly salary at age 25 |
| 30 | 10x monthly salary at age 30 |
| 35 | 15x monthly salary at age 35 |
| 40 | 25x monthly salary at age 40 |
| 45 | 32x monthly salary at age 45 |
| 50 | 48x monthly salary at age 50 |
| 55 | 56x monthly salary at age 55 |
| 60 | 64x monthly salary at age 60 |
| 65 | 78x monthly salary at age 65 |
The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Istanbul:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 140,000 TRY |
| 30 | 290,000 TRY |
| 35 | 500,000 TRY |
| 40 | 720,000 TRY |
| 45 | 1.1M TRY |
| 50 | 1.5M TRY |
| 55 | 1.8M TRY |
| 60 | 2.2M TRY |
| 65 | 2.7M TRY |
Retirement Income Distribution
We asked residents of Istanbul about their retirement income sources and below are the results.
| Source | % People |
|---|
| Pensions | 11% |
| Savings | 24% |
| Investments | 11% |
| Social Security | 6% |
| Annuities | 6% |
| Part-time Job | 17% |
| Real Estate | 19% |
| Dividends and Interest | 6% |
Retirement Monthly Expenses in Istanbul 3,200 TRY
$100 | 29,000 TRY
$900 | 190,000 TRY
$6,000 |
Debt, loans, and mortgages in Istanbul
Percentage of people who are in debt
According to the survey, 33% of the people in Istanbul have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 67% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.
Debt-to-income ratio in Istanbul
Debt to income ratio
33%
24% to 42%
( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100
Interpretation
The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 33% of the people's monthly income in Istanbul goes to debt settlement.
Debt levelsMonthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income
| Debt-to-income ratio | % People |
|---|
| > 60% | 4% |
| 50% - 60% | 21% |
| 40% - 50% | 16% |
| 30% - 40% | 18% |
| 20% - 30% | 8% |
| 10% - 20% | 9% |
| 0% - 10% | 24% |
According to our data, 4% of the debtors in Istanbul pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 21% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 16% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 18% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 8% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.
Distribution by type of debt in Istanbul
| Debt | % People |
|---|
| Real Estate Mortgage | 6% |
| Auto Loan | 11% |
| Student Loan | 4% |
| Credit Card | 32% |
| Personal Loan | 46% |
6% of debtors in Istanbul confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 32% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 11% of people and personal loans rose at 46%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 4% of debtors in Istanbul.
About credit score and debt managementManaging debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.
Good debt vs. Bad debt
Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.
Loan Affordability Index in Istanbul
Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Istanbul how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.
Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.
| Frequency | % People |
|---|
| Never | 48% |
| Once a year | 25% |
| Twice a year | 13% |
| Three times a year | 9% |
| Four times a year | 5% |
Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Istanbul
Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Rent Cost in Istanbul
Monthly Rent Prices
Studio apartment monthly rent cost
| 4,600 TRY | 6,900 TRY | 18,000 TRY |
1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 6,900 TRY | 11,000 TRY | 28,000 TRY |
2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 9,200 TRY | 14,000 TRY | 37,000 TRY |
3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 11,000 TRY | 18,000 TRY | 50,000 TRY |
Furnished apartment monthly rent cost
| 22,000 TRY | 55,000 TRY | 110,000 TRY |
Townhouse monthly rent cost
| 18,000 TRY | 28,000 TRY | 79,000 TRY |
House monthly rent cost
| 22,000 TRY | 55,000 TRY | 110,000 TRY |
Villa monthly rent cost
| 28,000 TRY | 69,000 TRY | 110,000 TRY |
The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Istanbul ranges between 4,600 TRY and 18,000 TRY, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 6,900 TRY to 28,000 TRY. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 9,200 TRY and 37,000 TRY per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 11,000 TRY to 50,000 TRY. The average rent of a townhouse in Istanbul is around 28,000 TRY while house rental costs can be as high as 55,000 TRY per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 28,000 TRY to 110,000 TRY per month.
Apartment and house prices in Istanbul
Cost of buying a property
Studio apartment price
| 920,000 TRY | 1.4M TRY | 2.8M TRY |
1-bedroom apartment price
| 1.1M TRY | 1.8M TRY | 6.9M TRY |
2-bedroom apartment price
| 1.8M TRY | 5.5M TRY | 11M TRY |
| $58,000 | $180,000 | $350,000 |
3-bedroom apartment price
| 6.2M TRY | 9.2M TRY | 28M TRY |
| $190,000 | $290,000 | $880,000 |
Townhouse price
House price
Villa price
The average price of a studio apartment in Istanbul can range from 920,000 TRY to 2.8M TRY depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 1.1M TRY to 6.9M TRY. A villa can cost you 62M TRY on average with prices ranging from 11M TRY to 92M TRY.
If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Istanbul will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.
House / apartment prices to income ratio
Property price to income ratio
( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100
| 34 | x96 monthly income | 206 |
Property prices in Istanbul can be x96 to x206 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x96 multiples of the average monthly salary in Istanbul.
Rent to income ratio
Rent to income ratio
( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100
The average rent-to-income ratio in Istanbul is around 31%. This means that people pay 31% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 20% to 41% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.
The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.
Housing affordability index
The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.
Housing Affordability Index
28% Property Taxes
Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.
Home Maintenance Costs
Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.
| 86 TRY | 1,100 TRY | 11,000 TRY |
Urban vs. rural living costs
Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.
Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Istanbul
Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.
Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Istanbul
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Individual
| 320 TRY | 2,300 TRY | 15,000 TRY |
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple
| 860 TRY | 2,900 TRY | 19,000 TRY |
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family
| 1,500 TRY | 4,300 TRY | 28,000 TRY |
Internet and cable cost
Mobile phone bill and charges
| 200 TRY | 330 TRY | 1,000 TRY |
Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.
The average monthly expenditure for individuals on electricty, water, and gas in Istanbul ranges between 320 TRY and 15,000 TRY with average being 2,300 TRY, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 2,900 TRY with 860 TRY and 19,000 TRY being the upper and lower limits respectively. As expected, the energy and water consumption of families is the highest among the three groups with an average of 4,300 TRY. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and ranges from 250 TRY to 670 TRY with 500 TRY being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 330 TRY but can range between 200 TRY and 1,000 TRY depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.
Energy / Utility expense to income ratio
( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100
The average utility-to-income ratio in Istanbul is around 6.3%. This means that people pay 6.3% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 3.2% to 11% depending on salary and location.
Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Istanbul
Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Istanbul
Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.
Fast food combo meal price
The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Istanbul is approximatly 100 TRY with meal cost ranging from 50 TRY to 170 TRY. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.
Restaurant meal for one price
If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 180 TRY and 530 TRY with 260 TRY being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Istanbul.
Fine dining meal for one price
| 350 TRY | 530 TRY | 2,100 TRY |
The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 350 TRY to 2,100 TRY with the average cost being 530 TRY for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Istanbul.
Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..
The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Istanbul is around 67 TRY. Price ranges between 42 TRY and 100 TRY depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.
Grocery and market costs
Large bottle of milk price
The average price of a large bottle of milk in Istanbul is 40 TRY. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 50 TRY and the minimum being 33 TRY depending on the brand of milk and other properties.
12 eggs price
A dozen eggs costs around 33 TRY on average with 25 TRY and 50 TRY being the lower and upper limits respectively.
Fresh whole chicken price
The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Istanbul is between 57 TRY and 100 TRY depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 74 TRY.
Pack of beef price
The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 100 TRY. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.
Medium bag of rice price
A bag of rice in Istanbul costs around 37 TRY on average with prices rangeing between 27 TRY and 52 TRY depending on the brand and quality.
Bag of tomatos price
A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 10 TRY to 25 TRY. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.
Bag of apples price
A bag of apples costs 23 TRY on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.
Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio
( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100
The average grocery-to-income ratio in Istanbul is around 29%. This means that people spend 29% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 20% to 35% depending on salary and location.
Expenditure on food and grocery for every population group
A single person living alone spends approximately 6,200 TRY per month on grocery and food with expenditure fluctuating between 860 TRY and 41,000 TRY depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 9,000 TRY per month. That number can be get as low as 3,000 TRY or a high as 48,000 TRY. Families' spending on grocery ranges from 5,400 TRY to 100,000 TRY with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.
SingleSpending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Istanbul
Housing cost for a single person28%
28% of total expenses on average (16% to 40%)
| LOW | $61 1,900 TRY |
| AVERAGE | $440 14,000 TRY |
| HIGH | $2,900 93,000 TRY |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile9%
9% of total expenses on average (5% to 14%)
| LOW | $10 320 TRY |
| AVERAGE | $73 2,300 TRY |
| HIGH | $490 15,000 TRY |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost4%
4% of total expenses on average (2% to 10%)
| LOW | $14 430 TRY |
| AVERAGE | $97 3,100 TRY |
| HIGH | $650 21,000 TRY |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost20%
20% of total expenses on average (14% to 25%)
| LOW | $27 860 TRY |
| AVERAGE | $190 6,200 TRY |
| HIGH | $1,300 41,000 TRY |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost13%
13% of total expenses on average (7% to 17%)
| LOW | $15 490 TRY |
| AVERAGE | $110 3,500 TRY |
| HIGH | $730 23,000 TRY |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Expenditure2%
2% of total expenses on average (2% to 5%)
| LOW | $8.5 270 TRY |
| AVERAGE | $61 1,900 TRY |
| HIGH | $410 13,000 TRY |
| Per Month |
Education Cost1%
1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)
| LOW | $3.4 110 TRY |
| AVERAGE | $24 770 TRY |
| HIGH | $160 5,100 TRY |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses23%
23% of total expenses on average (15% to 27%)
| LOW | $31 970 TRY |
| AVERAGE | $220 6,900 TRY |
| HIGH | $1,500 46,000 TRY |
| Per Month |
CoupleAverage monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Istanbul
Housing cost for a couple25%
25% of total expenses on average (18% to 35%)
| LOW | $230 7,300 TRY |
| AVERAGE | $690 22,000 TRY |
| HIGH | $3,700 120,000 TRY |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile8%
8% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)
| LOW | $27 860 TRY |
| AVERAGE | $91 2,900 TRY |
| HIGH | $600 19,000 TRY |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost8%
8% of total expenses on average (2% to 13%)
| LOW | $81 2,600 TRY |
| AVERAGE | $240 7,700 TRY |
| HIGH | $1,300 41,000 TRY |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost18%
18% of total expenses on average (13% to 23%)
| LOW | $95 3,000 TRY |
| AVERAGE | $280 9,000 TRY |
| HIGH | $1,500 48,000 TRY |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost15%
15% of total expenses on average (9% to 19%)
| LOW | $74 2,400 TRY |
| AVERAGE | $220 7,100 TRY |
| HIGH | $1,200 38,000 TRY |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost3%
3% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)
| LOW | $41 1,300 TRY |
| AVERAGE | $120 3,900 TRY |
| HIGH | $650 21,000 TRY |
| Per Month |
Education Cost1%
1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)
| LOW | $14 430 TRY |
| AVERAGE | $41 1,300 TRY |
| HIGH | $220 6,900 TRY |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses22%
22% of total expenses on average (16% to 28%)
| LOW | $120 3,600 TRY |
| AVERAGE | $350 11,000 TRY |
| HIGH | $1,800 58,000 TRY |
| Per Month |
FamilyAverage monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Istanbul
Housing cost for a family24%
24% of total expenses on average (19% to 34%)
| LOW | $300 9,600 TRY |
| AVERAGE | $870 27,000 TRY |
| HIGH | $5,600 180,000 TRY |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 9%)
| LOW | $47 1,500 TRY |
| AVERAGE | $140 4,300 TRY |
| HIGH | $880 28,000 TRY |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Expenses4%
4% of total expenses on average (2% to 6%)
| LOW | $95 3,000 TRY |
| AVERAGE | $270 8,600 TRY |
| HIGH | $1,800 56,000 TRY |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost22%
22% of total expenses on average (15% to 28%)
| LOW | $170 5,400 TRY |
| AVERAGE | $490 15,000 TRY |
| HIGH | $3,200 100,000 TRY |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Expenses12%
12% of total expenses on average (8% to 17%)
| LOW | $85 2,700 TRY |
| AVERAGE | $270 8,600 TRY |
| HIGH | $1,400 45,000 TRY |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost2%
2% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)
| LOW | $47 1,500 TRY |
| AVERAGE | $140 4,300 TRY |
| HIGH | $880 28,000 TRY |
| Per Month |
Education Cost13%
13% of total expenses on average (6% to 21%)
| LOW | $130 4,200 TRY |
| AVERAGE | $380 12,000 TRY |
| HIGH | $2,500 78,000 TRY |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses17%
17% of total expenses on average (10% to 22%)
| LOW | $76 2,400 TRY |
| AVERAGE | $220 6,900 TRY |
| HIGH | $1,400 45,000 TRY |
| Per Month |
StudentCost of living and expenses break down for students living in Istanbul
Housing costs for Student16%
16% of total expenses on average (11% to 22%)
| LOW | $32 1,000 TRY |
| AVERAGE | $220 6,900 TRY |
| HIGH | $1,400 46,000 TRY |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, and Mobile Expenses7%
7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)
| LOW | $5.4 170 TRY |
| AVERAGE | $36 1,100 TRY |
| HIGH | $240 7,600 TRY |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost3%
3% of total expenses on average (4% to 9%)
| LOW | $9.5 300 TRY |
| AVERAGE | $63 2,000 TRY |
| HIGH | $420 13,000 TRY |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Expenditure24%
24% of total expenses on average (18% to 28%)
| LOW | $27 860 TRY |
| AVERAGE | $180 5,700 TRY |
| HIGH | $1,200 38,000 TRY |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost10%
10% of total expenses on average (7% to 13%)
| LOW | $8.1 260 TRY |
| AVERAGE | $54 1,700 TRY |
| HIGH | $360 11,000 TRY |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost2%
2% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)
| LOW | $6.8 210 TRY |
| AVERAGE | $45 1,400 TRY |
| HIGH | $300 9,500 TRY |
| Per Month |
Education Cost18%
18% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)
| LOW | $26 810 TRY |
| AVERAGE | $170 5,400 TRY |
| HIGH | $1,100 36,000 TRY |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses20%
20% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)
| LOW | $20 640 TRY |
| AVERAGE | $140 4,300 TRY |
| HIGH | $900 29,000 TRY |
| Per Month |
