Author: Luxury Estate Turkey
Viewed 24 times
11 October 2025
Turkey has become one of the most attractive countries for relocation, investment, and retirement. People are drawn by the mild climate, comfortable lifestyle, stability, and comparatively affordable real estate. Different groups of foreigners see different advantages. Europeans, including many from Russia and the CIS, appreciate the developed infrastructure, rich cultural scene, and a lower cost of living than in Western Europe. For residents of the Middle East, Turkey offers a stable and culturally familiar environment with modern service standards. Citizens of North America, especially digital nomads and remote specialists, value the balance of cost and quality, the reliability of fast internet, and the opportunity to live in a destination that feels both accessible and exotic.
The country is also known for its openness to foreigners. Turkey supports investors, offers a citizenship by investment program, and has a relatively straightforward process for obtaining a residence permit. Its popularity continues to grow thanks to a developed business environment, strong healthcare and education systems, and a reputation for hospitality.
Living in Turkey is noticeably less expensive than in other Mediterranean countries at a comparable quality level. According to Numbeo’s 2025 data, average monthly expenses for one person in Spain, excluding rent, are about €800–€1,000. In Turkey, a comfortable range is €500–€700. Even in the largest cities, such as Istanbul and Antalya, day-to-day spending remains well below the level of Southern Europe.
For comparison, consumer expenses in Madrid are about 38 percent higher than in Istanbul, while Turkey’s standards of service, healthcare, and infrastructure are solid. This difference is especially significant for retirees whose foreign-currency income stretches further here.
Housing is typically the largest cost when moving, yet property and rent in Turkey remain more affordable than on most of the Mediterranean coast in Europe. As of 2025, the average price per square meter nationwide is about €802. Prices on the coast are higher: in Antalya about €1,010 per m², and in new business-class projects from approximately €1,380 per m². In Istanbul, the average price per square meter is around 45,000 TL, or about €1,195. A 1+1 apartment in a good neighborhood starts around €78,000, while a 2+1 family apartment starts around €138,000.
Rents vary by region. Large cities are more expensive. A one-bedroom apartment in central Istanbul is about 42,000 TL, or roughly €1,100 per month, while a comparable apartment in Alanya is around 27,000 TL, or about €740.
Utility bills are moderate. Most households spend about €37–€92 per month for electricity, water, gas, and waste collection. Home internet is fast and inexpensive, with unlimited plans around 311 TL per month, which is less than €9.
Everyday expenses are also reasonable. A family of four spends around 8,000–10,000 TL, or about €212–€266, per month on groceries. Local produce is especially affordable. Apples are about 25 TL per kilogram, tomatoes are 20–25 TL per kilogram, and a loaf of bread is about 15 TL. Prices can be even lower at weekly farmers’ markets, especially during the harvest season.
Public transportation in Istanbul is inexpensive. A metro ride costs about 20 TL, or roughly €0.55. A cup of coffee is usually 40–60 TL, or €1–€1.40. Even considering resort pricing, a couple can live comfortably on about 50,000 TL, or around €1,330 per month, including rent.
Final costs depend on lifestyle. Imported goods, electronics, and cars are more expensive because of duties, and fuel prices, around 57 TL per liter or about €1.55, are similar to European levels. Alcohol and imported foods are taxed more heavily. Dinner for two in a good restaurant typically costs 600–1,200 TL, or €16–€33, and premium waterfront housing can be several times more expensive than standard options.
Even so, Turkey offers one of the best value propositions in the region. Daily costs for food, utilities, transport, and entertainment are significantly lower than in Italy, Spain, or Greece at a similar level of comfort.
By regional standards, Turkey is one of the safer and more comfortable countries for everyday life. Safety varies by province, but large cities and resort areas are under constant law enforcement supervision. Police are visible on the streets, and crimes against individuals are punished strictly.
Numbeo’s safety index for Turkey is around 60 out of 100, higher than many neighboring countries. For comparison, the United States is around 52. The issues foreigners most often encounter are petty fraud or pickpocketing, while serious crime is uncommon.
In popular resort cities such as Antalya, Alanya, Bodrum, and Fethiye, residents feel comfortable walking both during the day and in the evening. Street violence is less common than in many major European cities. Basic precautions still make sense, especially in crowded markets and on public transport. Do not leave belongings unattended, and keep documents separate from cash.
Turkey has a well-earned reputation as one of the more comfortable and safe places to live on the Mediterranean. Public order is a high priority, especially in major cities and tourist centers. Police patrols operate around the clock, and response times are generally fast.
Particularly calm locations include Antalya, the Aegean coast, and the central districts of Istanbul. Antalya regularly ranks among the safest cities in the country, with low crime, visible patrols, and attentive municipal services. Low seismic activity in the region adds to residents’ sense of stability and comfort.
Safety is closely connected to infrastructure. Over the past decades, Turkey has upgraded roads and interchanges, expanded expressways, and built modern airports. Large cities offer metro, trams, high-speed rail, and a dense network of intercity buses. Resort areas are well-maintained. Parks, waterfronts, and beaches are kept in excellent condition, and municipal services run year-round. Even in the resort city of Alanya, shops, cafés, schools, and hospitals remain open in winter, so daily life does not stop when the tourist season ends.
Modern residential complexes designed with international buyers in mind often provide gated grounds, video surveillance, controlled access, and on-site amenities, which further improve safety and convenience.
Digital public services add to everyday comfort. Through the e-Devlet portal, most administrative tasks can be completed online, from taxes to medical records. The language barrier is manageable in resort regions. Many people speak English, including the regions of Antalya and Alanya.
Foreigners tend to choose coastal regions with mild climates and developed infrastructure. Each area has its own character and lifestyle. The locations below are among the most popular.
Antalya is both the capital of Turkey’s Mediterranean coast and a metropolis of around 1.3 million people. For many foreigners, it represents the ideal combination of beach life and urban infrastructure. Clean beaches, warm water, palm-lined parks, and promenades sit alongside shopping centers, schools, hospitals, and an international airport.
According to the Turkish migration authority, more than 134,000 foreign residents with valid permits live in the city of Antalya. Alanya is also a leader, with almost 30,000 foreign residents, largely from Europe and the CIS.
Antalya functions year-round. Shops, restaurants, schools, and medical facilities remain open beyond the tourist season. The economy is supported not only by tourism but also by trade, education, and services. Foreigners often work in real estate, hospitality, education, and international companies.
Alanya, east of Antalya, is more compact and intimate, with a population of about 300,000. It is extremely popular among foreigners. The natural setting of sea and mountains, along with more than 330 sunny days per year, makes it ideal for permanent residence. Unlike many resort towns, Alanya remains active in winter, with supermarkets, hospitals, schools, and cafés all open.
A multilingual environment is one of Alanya’s strengths. Many locals speak English, Russian, German, and sometimes Farsi. Decades of welcoming overseas visitors have shaped a friendly international atmosphere. Newcomers who buy apartments in Alanya often feel at home from the first day. The city has English-language kindergartens and schools, as well as clubs for a wide range of interests, from beach yoga to cooking and photography.
Infrastructure continues to improve. New residential complexes are being built, schools are opening, hospitals are being updated, and parks and beaches are being upgraded. The municipality is known for attention to urban quality. The environmental situation is favorable as well. The city is surrounded by mountains, pine forests, and banana groves, with no heavy industry.
Izmir is Turkey’s third-largest city with a population of around three million and is considered the unofficial capital of the Aegean coast. It is often compared with Odessa or Naples for its independent spirit, creative environment, and distinctive southern charm.
Izmir’s climate is particularly comfortable. Winters are mild, and summers are warm without being oppressive, which many people find easier than the hotter conditions of Antalya. Sea breezes keep the coast pleasant throughout the year.
The city has a progressive, secular character, with openness and tolerance, a large student population, and many creative professionals and entrepreneurs. Cultural life is active. There are music festivals, exhibitions, theater performances, and concerts all year round.
Many foreigners choose not the city center but the surrounding resort towns, where the pace is more relaxed while still being within an hour of central Izmir:
Çesme is a high-end resort with fashionable beaches and is popular with Europeans and affluent residents of Istanbul
Kuşadası has long been favored by British buyers for its calm rhythm and fair prices
Foça offers scenic coves and an intimate atmosphere.
Izmir consistently ranks among Turkey’s best cities to live in and suits those who prefer a more European style of life.
Istanbul is a global metropolis and Turkey’s financial, cultural, and historical center, with around 16 million residents. Many expats choose it for the scale and diversity of its economy. Global corporations, banks, media groups, and technology companies all have offices here. Important sectors include IT, finance, education, fashion, and the startup ecosystem.
For remote specialists and freelancers, Istanbul is one of the region’s most convenient bases. The city has fast internet, numerous coworking spaces and cafés that welcome laptop work, and an active English-speaking community. In well-known districts such as Taksim, Beyoglu, Levent, and Kadikoy, English is widely spoken and services are geared to international residents.
Infrastructure is on par with major European capitals. The metro network is extensive, with additional services like Metrobus, ferries across the Bosphorus, the Marmaray rail link, and modern highways. Daily life is well supported by gyms, shopping centers, parks, and waterfront promenades.
Istanbul’s population is truly international. Europeans, North Americans, East Asians, and many residents from the CIS, the Middle East, and Central Asia all live here. Buying property in Istanbul suits ambitious professionals, remote workers, students, and young families.
Fethiye is a smaller city in Muğla Province on the southwest coast and a long-time favorite among British and other European buyers. The atmosphere is relaxed. The climate is mild, the sea is turquoise, the mountains are green, and life moves at an easy pace.
Nature is the area’s biggest advantage. Fethiye is surrounded by mountains and pine forests, and the coast is dotted with bays and beaches. The Ölüdeniz Lagoon, Butterfly Valley, and Saklıkent Canyon are known far beyond Turkey and appear in travel guides around the world.
Although summer brings many visitors, the city does not shut down in winter. Shops, cafés, restaurants, and local services remain open. The weather stays comfortable, with mild temperatures and plenty of sun. The city offers shopping centers and both public and private hospitals. Infrastructure continues to develop with new roads, upgraded waterfronts, and improved parks.
Fethiye has a strong international community. Foreigners, especially Britons, form a noticeable part of the population. Many live here permanently, and some run their own businesses, including pubs, boutique hotels, and travel agencies.
Turkey has modernized its healthcare system over the past two decades. In terms of service quality, technology, and equipment, it is comparable to European and American standards. The country has become a major center for medical tourism. More than 500,000 foreign patients come every year, many from Europe and North America, to receive treatment at a high level and at much lower cost than in their home markets.
Large hospitals use advanced methods, including Da Vinci robotic surgery in oncology, urology, cardiology, and other specialties. Many hospitals hold international accreditations such as JCI, and doctors frequently train in clinics in Europe and the United States.
Turkey’s healthcare system includes both public and private sectors. Public hospitals, or Devlet Hastanesi, provide free care to citizens under the SGK state insurance program, but most affluent locals and almost all foreigners prefer private clinics.
Private hospitals offer English-speaking staff, modern equipment, and hotel-like conditions. Prices are a fraction of those in Western Europe. A specialist consultation is typically 30–50 dollars, an MRI is around 100 dollars, and a complete blood count is 15–20 dollars.
Foreigners living in Turkey can choose one of three insurance paths:
SGK, the state plan, becomes available after one year of continuous residence with a valid permit. It covers up to 100 percent of costs in public hospitals and up to 80 percent in private ones.
Private health insurance is arranged immediately after arrival and is required for residence permit applications. These policies often exclude chronic conditions and expensive procedures.
Travel insurance is suitable for short stays, costs a few dollars per day, and covers emergencies and hospital transport.
Turkey’s education system meets the needs of international families at each stage, from preschool to university. Instruction in English and other foreign languages is increasingly common.
Both public and private kindergartens are available. Public kindergartens generally accept children from ages three to six and are almost free, with parents typically paying only for meals. Private kindergartens accept children from age two and are popular among foreign families for their smaller groups, longer hours, and English-speaking teachers.
School lasts twelve years and is divided into primary, middle, and high school. Public schools are free, but classes are in Turkish. Many international families choose private or international schools where instruction is in English, German, or French, and programs follow global standards such as IB, GCSE, A-Level, and SAT.
Turkey participates in the Bologna Process, so Turkish university degrees are recognized across Europe. Bachelor’s and master’s programs meet international standards. The country’s presence in global rankings continues to grow. In the Times Higher Education 2021 list, 44 Turkish universities were included among the world’s best, with Koç University in Istanbul and Çankaya University in Ankara in the top 500.
Programs are offered in both Turkish and English. For English-language study, international students typically need TOEFL or IELTS. For Turkish-language programs, C1 proficiency is required, often with an optional preparatory year.
For many people, buying property in Turkey becomes the key step toward a stable life in a new country. Turkish law allows foreigners to own real estate with full rights in almost all areas of the country, with certain exceptions for border and military zones. Ownership is recorded and protected under the same rules as for Turkish citizens. Owners can live in the property, rent it out, transfer it by inheritance, or sell it at their discretion.
Owning a home makes adaptation faster and easier. Homeowners get to know their neighbors, participate in community life, and pick up the language more quickly. Real estate is also a tangible asset with long-term value growth potential.
Turkish law allows buyers to obtain a short-term residence permit, or ikamet, on the basis of property ownership. Since October 2023, the minimum cadastral value required for this type of residence permit is 200,000 US dollars. A buyer who acquires property at or above this value can apply for a residence permit based on ownership.
The process is straightforward. After purchase and issuance of the title deed, or Tapu, you submit an online application through the migration service and then attend an in-person interview. Processing typically takes between two and eight weeks, after which you receive your residence card. The initial permit is usually issued for one year, and sometimes for two years, and it can be renewed indefinitely while you remain the owner. If the property is sold, a different legal basis will be needed for renewal. A family residence permit can also be issued on the basis of a single property for a spouse and minor children.
Turkey is one of the few countries where foreigners can obtain citizenship through real estate investment. The program is quick and transparent and includes benefits for the entire family. The Citizenship by Investment program launched in 2017 and has become one of the world’s most in-demand.
As of 2025, the minimum investment is 400,000 US dollars, or the equivalent in Turkish lira. The amount can be invested in one or several properties, including apartments, villas, and commercial premises. After the purchase, the investor receives an SPK valuation confirming the market value of the property and a Tapu with a three-year no-sale restriction, which is a mandatory condition of the program.
Applications are filed with specialized departments of the Ministry of Interior and the General Directorate of Land Registry, which oversee citizenship by investment. After the legality of the transaction and the applicant’s good standing are confirmed, a decision is made. Within six to eight months, the investor and family receive Turkish passports. Citizenship is granted to the spouse and to children under 18.
Compared with European programs that require from €500,000 to €2 million, Turkey’s threshold is more accessible.
A Turkish passport provides full rights of residence, work, and business, ownership of any real estate, and participation in elections. Internationally, it offers visa-free or simplified entry to more than 110 countries, including Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, and destinations across the Middle East, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.
A particularly valuable advantage is eligibility for the US E-2 long-term business visa, which is available to Turkish citizens under a bilateral treaty. Turkey allows dual citizenship, so you can retain your original passport while using the benefits of a second one. After three years, the no-sale restriction ends. Many investors choose to keep the property and rent it out for stable income.
Social and economic benefits
Turkish citizens have access to:
free education in public schools and universities
free medical care in public hospitals
pension coverage
preferential mortgage and lending programs in Turkish banks.
Business owners and investors benefit from access to EU markets through the Customs Union, simplified company formation and participation in tenders, and the ability to make business trips across Asia and the Middle East without visas or with simplified procedures.
If you are considering a move to Turkey or looking for a profitable real estate investment, Luxury Estate Turkey is ready to help. Our licensed agency was founded in 2015 in Alanya and now operates nationwide. We make buying property safe, comfortable, and efficient, whether you prefer an apartment in Alanya or Istanbul or a villa in Fethiye or Antalya.
We support you at every stage and in your language. Our services include familiarization tours, transfers, property viewings, document preparation, payment oversight, and Tapu registration. After the purchase, we stay with you, helping to furnish the home and organize your move.
If your goal is to obtain a residence permit or Turkish citizenship by investment, our legal team will prepare the necessary documentation and guide you through the process to the issuance of residence cards and passports for the entire family.
Turkish Citizenship 
YouTube
Instagram 
Facebook 
WhatsApp 
Telegram 
