Knowing the cost of living in Istanbul for international students in 2025 is an integral part of preparing to study in Istanbul. That's why the New Horizons team has prepared a guide that explains the full cost of living in Istanbul, including: housing prices of various types in Istanbul, bills, transportation, food, and the cost of studying at Istanbul universities.
Is Turkey expensive to live in? What is the average cost of living in Istanbul for international students? The average cost of living in Turkey 2025 for international students per month, especially in Istanbul, starts at $500 to $700, including housing, food, and bills in a shared apartment with a group of students.
With the variety of student housing options in Turkey, living costs vary accordingly, including:
Student housing costs range from $30 in government housing to $450 in private housing, while individual apartments start at $250 per month.
This includes electricity and water bills, which average $70 in Istanbul. Internet bills and credit card recharges cost $30 per month.
Public transportation fees for students in Istanbul, especially, can be covered for as little as $9 per month, one of the forms of financial support provided to students by the Turkish government.
The cost of a single meal in Istanbul is no less than $4, and may increase depending on the location and type of meal. Home cooking is a much cheaper option, costing you about $37 per month.
The cost of a single piece of clothing in popular shops in Istanbul is approximately $20, and may increase depending on the quality of the item and the shop.
Read more: Your comprehensive guide for studying in Turkiye
Housing costs are an important item in the cost of living in Istanbul for international students. Student housing fees vary depending on the type. You can stay in KYK government student housing for a fee ranging from $30 to $40 per month, depending on the room type and amenities.
While in private student housing, it increases to a minimum of $450 per month, and increases as the housing services available increase, such as meals, heating and air conditioning, recreational and educational facilities, and cleaning services.
The preferred option for students in terms of cost and independence is to rent an apartment in Istanbul with a group of students.
Students have the freedom to choose their location, cook, and enter and leave at any time, with reasonable fees starting at $100 per person.
Transportation costs in Istanbul are a key component of the cost of living in Istanbul for international students, and they are considered affordable and relatively low for students and residents compared to major global cities, especially when using a transportation card.
Living in Istanbul is characterized by the availability of various types of transportation, including the metro, tram, buses, dolmus, ferries, metrobuses, taxis, and electric bicycles.
Each has a specific price for individuals, but students can ride any of them using the Istanbul Student transportation Card, which gives you a 50% discount on transportation prices, or about $9 per month.
Students may overlook this aspect when preparing their budget for studying in Istanbul, assuming it's inexpensive.
However, recently, due to economic inflation, food has become a major factor in the budget. As we mentioned earlier, the cost of a single meal is $4.
However, most Turkish private and public universities provide lunch in their dining halls at reasonable prices in Turkey and with a variety of options, relieving students of the financial burden and effort of preparing meals.
It is very important to look for the best ways to reduce monthly expenses during your stay in Istanbul, so that you can devote yourself to studying without needing to work during that time.
Food costs in Istanbul represent a flexible part of the cost of living in Istanbul for international students, as international students can easily control them according to their lifestyle, making the city a suitable option for living and studying.
An important factor in reducing the cost of living in Istanbul for international students is choosing a generally low-cost area, such as Fatih, Esenyurt, Beylikduzu, Başakşehir, Esenler, or Maltepe.
The above areas are among the cheapest areas to live in Istanbul, as most of them offer reasonable rents, prime locations near universities, and good services.
In general, areas far from the city center are less expensive than those located in the city center, so you may find student housing prices near the city center and universities higher than those in the suburbs.
There are some additional expenses that students should also take into account, although they may be paid once or annually. These include:
Study visas to Turkey are not free, but rather paid. The fee varies from country to country, but ranges from $30 to $100. The fee is non-refundable in the case of rejection.
The combined cost of student residence and health insurance is $100, payable annually upon renewal. Both student residence and insurance must be renewed at least two months before their expiration.
What is the cost of living in Istanbul for international students? Tuition fees for Turkish universities are important items students should consider when setting their budget for life expenses in Turkey 2025.
Tuition fees at private universities in Istanbul range from $1,300 to $44,000 per year. Istanbul is one of the Turkish cities with the largest number of universities, especially private ones.
Since most universities in Istanbul are highly ranked and prestigious, their tuition fees are higher than those of other Turkish universities.
But don't worry, as private universities offer partial scholarships of up to 50%, which undoubtedly reduces the high cost of tuition.
Istanbul is one of the most attractive Turkish cities for international students. It is a world-famous tourist destination and boasts an exceptional atmosphere that brings together different cultures from around the world.
Read more: Disadvantages of studying in Turkey
Some students wonder about the difference between living in Istanbul and Ankara, wanting to compare and determine which city is best for them, especially for those looking to settle down after their studies.
For this reason, we've prepared a detailed table showing which of these two cities is better and why:
Advice from your advisor
If you aspire to a vibrant student life, extensive job opportunities, cultural diversity, and the experience of living in a cosmopolitan city, then living in Istanbul is the best option for you.
If you're looking for a less expensive option, a quiet environment to focus on your studies, and convenient transportation, then living in Ankara is undoubtedly the best option for you.
Because of inflation and regional differences, prices vary depending on city, store vs market, etc.
But average monthly living expenses for international students in Turkey 2025 as the following:
Read more: The Cost of studying in Turkey 2025
This is the latest information on the cost of living in Istanbul, including housing costs, monthly bills, transportation, and even legal procedures.
If you have any questions about the cost of living in Istanbul for international students and studying at private universities in Istanbul, don't miss the opportunity and get a free consultation now.
Resources
We are a team of passionate education experts committed to delivering high-quality content for students seeking to study in Turkey and beyond. With a deep understanding of universities, programs, scholarships, and student life, we aim to make your academic journey clearer and easier. We don’t just write — we guide, inform, and walk with you every step of the way.
After many years of working on registering thousands of students in Turkish universities, and answering an unlimited number of questions about studying in Turkey, these are the most important questions that concern students
Student housing prices in Istanbul start from 30–40 USD per month in government dormitories and can go up to 450 USD in private housing.
From 500–700 USD per month, including shared housing, food, and basic bills.
It is 100 USD per year, including accommodation and mandatory health insurance.
Yes, it is enough and provides a comfortable living standard for a student if they manage their expenses well.
Yes, especially if the housing is in central neighborhoods or if you live alone.
Turkey is no longer just a tourist destination, but rather a great educational destination, due to t...
Turkish universities are a preferred destination for Arab students, due to the quality of education...
You may think that the Turkish Aeronautical Association University admission is complicated and diff...
Turkiye is considered one of the most prominent options for students who want to study abroad. Unive...
