The average cost of living in Turkey is generally more affordable than the surrounding European destinations as it has yet to be accepted into the EU. However, we wouldn’t necessarily call it a cheap expat location.
As is the case with all destinations, bigger cities with more ammenities will cost more and the smaller, more rural towns will be more affordable.
Often overlooked in favor of more established Mediterranean destinations, Turkey has a vast array of choice and bundles of potential for anybody willing to do some homework.
Lief Simon is the managing editor of Global Property Advisor, Simon Letter, and Offshore Living Letter. He has purchased more than 45 properties, investing in 23 different countries around the world.
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Thankfully—given the sheer size of the country—you can narrow your search down to four unique regions: the Aegean coast, Mediterranean coast, Istanbul, and Cappadocia.
Many of the villages and port-towns of the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts have already become home to expats. Why? Warm seas, sunshine, and an affordable lifestyle aside, entire classical cities wait to be discovered among magnificent pine forests and olive groves—if you fancy a break from the beach, that is.
Along thousands of miles of coastline, you can find sleek resorts and modern medical facilities, just yards from the monumental remains of ancient Greece and Rome.
In short, it’s a country where the modern and the traditional are juxtaposed; at once familiar and excitingly different—and very affordable.
In fact, Turkey offers perhaps the most affordable lifestyle in Europe, available on a monthly budget of as little as $550. Its property is extremely affordable too—low enough that most people can afford to take a position here.
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Antalya Province on the Mediterranean coast of southwest Turkey, and specifically, the beach towns of Patara, Kalkan, and Kas along the Turquoise Coast, have our attention.
Turkey is not as cheap or affordable as it once was, but it’s still cheaper than other Mediterranean destinations and offers good value for money.
There are plenty of modern supermarkets and convenience stores, but by avoiding them and making time to shop around the local markets you can make big savings, and you can drastically curtail your costs by avoiding expensive imported goods, too.
For instance, Turkey produces massive amounts of fruit and vegetables and prices are low, while the quality is exceptional.
Ammenities are not always included in rental prices but these utilities are not particularly expensive here.
Imported goods, on the other hand, are pretty pricey. Most locals take advantage of the weekly markets to buy fruit, vegetables, cheese, eggs etc.
Gasoline is another pricey item which is why most cars in Turkey are diesel.
The country is also a big producer of household goods and electrical appliances, so these can be cheap. Shopping in the local markets and steering clear of expensive imported items can significantly reduce your bill.
Also, Turkey has the most affordable property in Europe right now—bargain prices compared to more well-known and visited destinations in the Mediterranean.
Let’s take a closer look at the cost of living on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey.
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| Expense | Monthly Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $1,270 | |
| Rent | $500 | Two-bedroom apartment in the city center. |
| Transportation | $40 | Monthly pass for a couple. |
| Utilities | $80 | Electricity, including heating and cooling, and water. Internet and Cable TV. |
| Cell Phone | Monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data. | |
| Entertainment | $200 | Eating out twice a week at a local restaurant. Beers twice a week at a local pub. Movie theatre trip twice a month. |
| Groceries | $300 | Monthly grocery haul. |
| Household Help | $100 | Twice per week. |
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Turkey has made major improvements to its health care provisions over the past few decades, and the country has seen life expectancy go up and infant mortality go down as a result.
For example, life expectancy in Turkey is now 78.6 years, putting it three places ahead of the United States.
Turkey has provided universal public health care since 2003, financed through Social Security. It comes in at number 70 on the WHO’s rankings.
However, the reason this country is one of the world’s top medical tourism destinations isn’t because of its public health care system.
People seek Turkey out for cosmetic surgery, dentistry, and fertility treatments. It offers high-quality, immediate access to these services at affordable rates—50% to 70% less than the cost of comparable treatments in the United States.
About 1.2 million people travelled to Turkey for medical tourism in 2022, according to the Turkish Statistical Institute.
And, in January 2024, Turkey relaxed one of its entry requirements: US, Canadian and Mexican travellers don’t need to obtain an e-visa for visits lasting fewer than 90 days.
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Lief Simon is the managing editor of Global Property Advisor, Simon Letter, and Offshore Living Letter. He has purchased more than 45 properties, investing in 23 different countries around the world.
We Value Your Privacy! We will not share your email address with anyone else, period.
Most of Turkey has a Mediterranean climate and enjoys four seasons that can be more and less harsh depending on the region.
Areas of Turkey nearer to the Black Sea experience the cooler Oceanic climate. However, areas of Turkey near the Sea of Marmara (this area includes Istanbul) have a transitional climate that straddles both Mediterranean and Oceanic climates.
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