What is the average cost of living in Türkiye in 2025? Is Turkey cheap or expensive? What is the average income in Turkey? All these questions and more are on the minds of any student seeking to study in Turkey or someone hoping to find a job opportunity in Turkey and start a new life there.
The average cost of living in Türkiye in 2025 for students ranges between 12,000 Turkish liras per month.
The average cost of public university housing: 200-400 Turkish liras per month.
The average cost of housing in Turkey (private university housing): 300-2,500 Turkish liras per month.
The average cost of living in Turkey for a single person: 20,936 Turkish liras per month.
The average cost of living in Türkiye for a family of four: 76,183 Turkish liras per month.
The average cost of living in Istanbul in 2025 in terms of housing: Apartment (one-bedroom): 19,729 Turkish liras per month.
The average cost of living in a 3-bedroom apartment in downtown Istanbul is 34,000 Turkish liras per month.
The average cost of basic monthly bills is approximately 2,000 Turkish liras.
Read also: Advantages of studying in Turkey
The average cost of living in Türkiye in 2025 is affected by more than one factor on which living in Turkey depends, such as: housing prices, transportation, food prices in Turkey, and other elements of living per person, according to the latest update of the Numbeo website in the current month of December, after the fluctuation in the dollar exchange rate and its impact on the Turkish currency.
Following the recent and ongoing dramatic price increases around the world, it's no surprise that searches for the average cost of living in Türkiye in 2025 have increased.
The average cost of living in Türkiye in 2025 is a concern for many people around the world, especially students, graduates, and employees seeking opportunities to study, work, or settle in Turkey.
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Housing costs for students in Türkiye depend on the type of accommodation, as there are multiple options for students to stay, including:
Government Student Housing in Turkey: Monthly housing costs range from 200-400 Turkish liras, depending on the province and neighborhood.
Student Housing Endowment in Turkey: These residences allow students to stay for a nominal fee or sometimes for free.
Youth Housing in Turkey: Students pay a monthly rent for their residence in these student apartments.
The rental price for a single room in student housing in Türkiye varies depending on the province and region where the housing is located, as well as the services provided.
Monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center starts at approximately 19,729.35 Turkish Lira.
Monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center starts at approximately 13,754.67 Turkish Lira.
Monthly rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center starts at approximately 34,299 Turkish Lira.
Monthly rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center starts at approximately 23,190.25 Turkish Lira.
Purchasing an apartment in the city center ranges between 66,481.31 Turkish liras, while the price per square meter for purchasing an apartment far from the city center ranges between 39,770.45 Turkish liras.
Türkiye provides all aspects and necessities for its citizens, making it easy to shop, purchase necessities, and prepare them at home. We'll discuss product prices in Türkiye and the cheapest places to buy them.
Turkey includes a large number of commercial markets that sell products at reasonable prices, such as: BIM, SOK, A101, Migros Turu, and Carrefour.
The cheapest supermarket in Turkey is Migros Turu. You can buy all your household needs and supplies from it, no matter where you live, as it has multiple branches in all Turkish cities. You can also shop through its official website.
The most important shopping center is the bazaar, which is an open exhibition held weekly in all cities in Turkey, allowing citizens to buy all their needs from one place and at a lower cost. One example is the Saturday bazaar in the Beşiktaş district, which is held weekly and displays a variety of products, such as vegetables, fruits, meat, baked goods, clothing, groceries, kitchen equipment, and other household items and supplies.
Municipal markets are among the cheapest in Türkiye in 2024, and food prices in Turkey are approximately 25% lower than in regular stores.
1 liter of regular milk: 31.2 Turkish Liras.
1 plate of 12 eggs: 53.37 Turkish Liras.
1 kg of chicken: 185.59 Turkish Liras.
1 kg of cheese: 343.39 Turkish Liras.
1 kg of red meat: 622.54 Turkish Liras.
1 kg of onions: 17.27 Turkish Liras.
1 loaf of white bread (500 g): 31 Turkish Liras.
1 kg of tomatoes: 40.06 Turkish Liras.
1 kg of potatoes: 12.20 Turkish Liras.
1 kg of oranges: 31 Turkish Liras.
1 kg of apples: 30.22 Turkish Liras.
1 head of lettuce: 31 Turkish Liras.
1 kg of bananas: 67.05 Turkish Liras.
1 bottle of water (1.5 liters): 10.17 Turkish Liras.
Clothing prices in Türkiye vary based on several factors, such as: brand, product quality, and location of purchase as the following:
Shirts and Blouses: Students can find shirts for prices starting at around 200-400 Turkish liras, although the price is subject to increase if you purchase well-known branded items.
Jeans and Trousers: Prices typically range from 590-1,180 Turkish liras, depending on the quality and brand.
Shoes: Shoes start at around 1,300-1,600 Turkish lira for budget options, while prices can rise significantly for sneakers and international brands.
Coats and Jackets: Coats and jackets are essential clothing in Turkey due to the harsh winter conditions. Their prices can range from 780-1,970 Turkish lira and can reach higher prices depending on the brand and insulation.
Venezia Mall.
Mall of Istanbul.
Marmara Park.
Historia Mall.
Vadistanbul Mall.
Graz Center.
Eva Center.
Watson Center.
Kadikoy Market.
Mahmoud Pasha Market.
Egyptian Market in Istanbul.
Sunday Bazaar.
Fatih Market.
The average cost of basic monthly bills in Turkey for an 85-square-meter apartment is approximately 2,029.33 Turkish liras. These bills include electricity, water, telephone, gas, and internet, but do not include rent.
Monthly utility bills in Bursa: 1,696 Turkish Lira.
Monthly utility bills in Mersin: 2,029 Turkish Lira.
Monthly utility bills in Antalya: 2,296 Turkish Lira.
Monthly utility bills in Istanbul: 2,000 Turkish Lira.
Monthly utility bills in Eskisehir: 1,857.53 Turkish Lira.
Monthly utility bills in Ankara: 2,270.76 Turkish Lira.
Monthly bills in Adana: 2766.67 Turkish Lira.
Türkiye has a diverse and advanced transportation system that allows residents and visitors to move around the country with ease. Here are some common means of transportation in Türkiye:
Air.
Train.
Bus.
Metro and tram networks are available in major cities, such as Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Bursa.
Taxis.
In coastal areas and on islands, ferries provide transportation between ports and nearby islands.
The average bus fare in Istanbul is 17.70 Turkish Lira.
The average taxi fare in Istanbul is 22.90 Turkish Lira per kilometer.
The average bus fare in Izmir is 15 Turkish Lira.
The average taxi fare in Izmir is 22 Turkish Lira per kilometer.
The average bus fare in Bursa is 15 Turkish liras.
The average taxi fare in Bursa is 22 Turkish liras per kilo meter.
Read also: Tips for international students in Türkiye
One of the most important factors in the average cost of living in Türkiye in 2025 is healthcare. It's worth noting that medicine in Turkey is renowned for its advanced services. Healthcare in Turkey, particularly in Istanbul, scores 69.41, making it one of the best cities in Turkey for healthcare.
Health insurance is a mandatory expense for students in Türkiye. Accommodation companies offer insurance plans ranging in cost from 2,360 to 4,720 Turkish liras per year.
Medical Park Hospital.
Gaziosmanpaşa Hospital.
Istinye University Hospital.
Medipol Hospital.
Tuition fees in Turkey at private universities:
Average tuition for software engineering at Istanbul Gedik University: $2,000.
Average tuition for business administration at Istanbul Gedik University: $2,000.
Cost of studying medical analysis at Ankara Medipol University: $1,800 for a down payment and $2,000 for installments.
Cost of studying molecular biology and genetics at Sabanci University: $24,500.
Cost of studying mechatronics engineering at Sabanci University: $24,500.
Cost of studying nutritional sciences at Antalya Bilim University: $2,905.
Tuition fees for undergraduate programs taught in Turkish at public universities in Türkiye typically range between 16,422 and 24,634 Turkish liras per year.
During your stay in a tourist destination like Turkey, even if it's for study purposes, you'll need to get out and visit the country's most popular tourist destinations, where you can spend quality time with your friends.
Here are the most prominent prices and costs for entertainment and tourism in Türkiye, according to the ministry's website:
Istanbul Historical Museums Ticket Cost: $5.36.
Mediterranean Sea Museum Ticket Cost: $34.80.
Cappadocia Museum Ticket Cost: $21.45.
Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology Ticket Cost: $8.
Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art Ticket Cost: $5.36.
Ankara Republic Museum Ticket Cost: $1.61.
Cost of one movie ticket: $2.68.
Lunch for two in an average restaurant in Türkiye: $35.
Steps to Open a Bank Account in Turkey:
Choosing a Bank.
Visiting a Bank Branch.
Submitting the Required Documents.
Initial Deposit: You may be asked to deposit a certain amount of money as an initial deposit into your new account.
After reviewing your application and confirming your documents, you will need to sign the agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of the bank account.
Receive your ATM card and account information.
Required Documents for opening a bank account in Türkiye:
A valid passport or ID card.
Proof of address, such as an electricity or water bill.
Tax identification number (if you are a resident of Türkiye).
Mobile phone number.
Non-Turks can open a bank account at various banks, including:
Kuwait Turk Bank.
Ziraat Bank.
İş Bank.
Al Baraka Bank.
Qatari Bank.
Obtaining a legal entry notice to Turkey
Submit a residence application to the relevant authorities in Turkey by visiting the local immigration office or the official website of the Turkish Immigration and Passport Office to submit the application and fill out the required form.
Conduct a medical examination to verify your health status.
Pay the required fees to process the residence application.
Submit the required documents with your residency application, which may include a valid passport, personal photos, an application form, and any other documents required depending on the type of residency you are seeking.
After submitting the residence application and the required documents, the application will be processed by the relevant authorities. It may take some time to issue the permit.
Read also: The educational system in Türkiye
Average dentist salary: 543,100 Turkish liras.
Average physician salary: 621,500 Turkish liras.
Average computer engineer salary: 512,530 Turkish liras.
Average architect salary: 262,430 Turkish liras.
Average IT specialist salary: 865,400 Turkish liras.
Average pharmacist salary: 158,924 Turkish liras.
Average accountant salary: 656,100 Turkish liras.
The average salary for a physical therapist is 712,300 Turkish liras.
The average salary for a graphic designer is 166,800 Turkish liras.
The average salary for a journalist is 404,900 Turkish liras.
The average salary for a nurse is 423,100 Turkish liras.
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There are some cities in the Eastern Anatolia and Southeastern Anatolia regions that are considered the cheapest in terms of living costs. In these cities, basic needs such as rent, food, transportation, education, and healthcare are available at relatively low costs. Here are some examples of these cities:
Diyarbakır.
Erzurum.
Gaziantep.
Urfa.
Ağrı.
Kars.
Iğdır.
Ardahan.
Mardin.
Batman.
Şırnak.
Hatay.
Siirt.
The average cost of living in Türkiye in 2025 is lower than in European countries.
English-language education is available.
The presence of a large Arab immigrant population in Turkey, numbering over 7 million, provides a sense of security for Arabs residing there, regardless of whether they study or work. This reduces the feeling of alienation and helps them adapt and coexist quickly.
Many Turkish customs and traditions are similar to those of Arabs from various countries, ensuring a familiar environment similar to what one is accustomed to in their own country.
Turkey has achieved remarkable success in the higher education sector, and its universities have gained international recognition in several countries around the world.
Nationally and internationally recognized universities.
Affordable tuition fees
Partial and total scholarships
Availability of studying in English
Safe student housing
Reasonable living costs in Türkiye
Using modern and applied technology in education.
Read also: Top 10 Private Universities In Turkey
Turkish language barrier.
High real estate prices in Turkey.
Transportation congestion in many Turkish cities, especially during rush hour, which is when work or university start times.
Shops, markets, and pharmacies also close early, around 8 p.m.
Most entertainment destinations also close early, forcing people to stay indoors rather than go out.
Make sure to use student transportation cards.
Look for university housing or shared apartments.
Always choose to cook at home, as this option will be more economical than eating out regularly.
Shop at local markets.
Take advantage of student discounts.
Create a monthly spending plan and stick to it to avoid excessive debt.
Take advantage of the many apps that help you adjust to living in Türkiye.
Learn about the various municipal services offered to students and other international students in Türkiye.
Contact us now for more information about studying in Turkey.
Providing a comprehensive system that includes all the important information about Turkish universities and the majors available to international students.
We have a highly organized website that provides you with the necessary information about every university and college in Turkey, including tuition fees and the average cost of living in Türkiye in 2025.
New Horizons provides you with a service to answer all your inquiries related to studying, the average cost of living in Türkiye in 2025, and working in Türkiye.
New Horizons provides logistical services to its clients, including: receiving students at the airport, providing suitable accommodation, translating certificates and preparing student files, registering a rental contract to ensure the student's legal rights, obtaining residency, and all legal procedures related to the student's residence and study in Turkey.
New Horizons also provides its clients with a private car transportation service during official and legal procedures at the authorities.
Read more: The best student services companies in Türkiye
We hope this article answers all your questions and inquiries regarding the average cost of living in Türkiye in 2025 and the standard of living there. If you have any other questions, please feel free to write or send them to us, and we will respond promptly.
Türkiye offers several types of residency permits:
Work residency, Humanitarian residency, Study residency and Tourist residency.
The most in-demand professions in Türkiye are medicine, engineering, accounting, and tour guiding.
Yes, you can buy or rent property in Türkiye, depending on your budget and purpose of travel to Türkiye.
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