Living Costs in Turkey in 2025

Relocating to Turkey in 2025 offers the opportunity to live comfortably while maintaining a moderate budget. At a time when most European countries are experiencing significant price increases, Turkey remains one of the few destinations where the cost-to-quality-of-life ratio continues to be favorable.

Rent Costs in 2025

The most significant part of the budget is usually housing rent. In major cities, especially in Istanbul and its central and prestigious districts, prices are among the highest in the country. A furnished 2-bedroom apartment starts from 30,000 TL per month. Antalya, especially the Konyaaltı and Lara districts, offers furnished 2+1 apartments ranging from 20,000 to 28,000 TL. In Alanya, in areas popular with foreigners such as Mahmutlar, Oba, and the city center, a furnished 2-room apartment rents for 18,000–26,000 TL, typically in residential complexes with pools and security.

The closer the apartment is to the sea and the newer the building, the higher the rental price. During the off-season, more favorable rental conditions can often be found. In Istanbul, rent is more affordable in the Asian part and in outlying areas. In Antalya, prices are lower in districts without direct sea access. Alanya remains the most affordable among the three cities when comparing a similar level of comfort.

Utilities and Maintenance

Utility expenses in Turkey are lower than in most European countries. One of the more noticeable winter costs is heating (natural gas), with monthly bills reaching up to 2,000 TL. In Antalya and Alanya, heating is rarely needed, so utility expenses remain between 3,000 and 4,500 TL throughout the year. This amount includes electricity (0.85–1.5 TL per kWh), water (around 25 TL per m³), internet (250–350 TL), and aidat—the monthly maintenance fee for residential complexes, which typically ranges from 500 to 1,500 TL depending on available amenities.

Electricity is used mainly for air conditioning in Antalya and Alanya during the summer, and for electric heating in Istanbul during the winter. Solar water heaters in southern regions significantly reduce hot water costs for most of the year.

Food Prices and Eating Out

The cost of a standard grocery basket remains noticeably cheaper than in EU countries. In 2025, supermarket prices in Istanbul for meat, fish, and dairy products are approximately 10–15% higher than in the southern parts of the country. Thanks to their proximity to agricultural regions, Antalya and Alanya offer more affordable prices for fruits, vegetables, and dairy items.

For example, 1 kilogram of chicken breast costs around 90 TL. Bread is about 12.50 TL, a carton of 15 eggs is 90 TL, and cheese starts from 120 TL per kilogram. At farmers’ markets in Antalya and Alanya, seasonal fruits and vegetables are sold from 10 TL/kg, which is 1.5 to 2 times cheaper than in supermarkets.

Dining out is relatively inexpensive: a dinner at a mid-range restaurant starts from 500 TL per person.

Getting Around: Public and Private Transport

Turkey has a well-developed public transportation network, including metro, buses, trams, and ferries. The average fare for a one-way trip is around 30 TL.

Owning a private vehicle is a costly option. In 2025, gasoline prices are around 43–45 TL per liter. In southern cities, the shorter travel distances help compensate for this. An alternative would be a scooter, which starts at 25,000 TL, or an electric scooter.

Healthcare and Insurance

The SGK system (public health insurance) continues to be the most cost-effective solution. Monthly contributions are around 1,000 TL per family. Treatment at government hospitals is nearly free for those covered by SGK. Without insurance, a private doctor consultation costs between 1,500 and 2,000 TL. Lab tests, diagnostics, and dental services are two to three times cheaper than in EU countries.

To apply for a residence permit under the age of 65, private health insurance is required. For a 30-year-old, annual premiums start at 5,000 TL. Private clinics in Turkey are equipped with modern facilities and often employ English-speaking staff, which is convenient for expats.

Education, Kindergartens, and Leisure

Public schools in Turkey are free. Private school tuition costs around 150,000 TL per year in Istanbul, 80,000–120,000 TL in Antalya, and 60,000–90,000 TL in Alanya. Kindergarten fees average 10,000 TL per month. Clubs and extracurricular activities start from 500 TL in municipal programs and go up to 2,000 TL in private institutions. A gym membership costs from 1,000 TL per month, and a fitness center with a pool can charge up to 1,500 TL. Movie theater tickets start from 150 TL.

Apartment Prices in 2025

Average price per square meter:

• Istanbul (central areas): from 70,000 TL

• Antalya (Lara, Konyaaltı): 55,000–65,000 TL

• Alanya (city center, Mahmutlar): 40,000–50,000 TL

For a new one-bedroom apartment with interior finishing:

• Istanbul — from 2.5–3 million TL

• Antalya — from 2–2.5 million TL

• Alanya — from 2 million TL

Monthly Cost of Living by City

These figures are based on average estimates for 2025. Currency exchange rates are not taken into account.

At Luxury Estate Turkey, we not only provide figures—we share experience. We know what it means to live in Turkey day to day and base our information on facts you can trust.

If you are thinking about buying property in Turkey, our team is here to help you select the right apartment, plan your budget, and navigate the required paperwork. We know the market from the inside and work with accurate, verified data.