Cost of Living In Turkey

Cost Of Living In Turkey

Reviewed by Lief Simon

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.

Sunny day and old trabzon houses in Turkey
AdobeStock/murat

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.

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.

Click here for currency conversion at today’s exchange rate.

Start Your New Life Today, Overseas

A world full of fun, adventure, and profit awaits! Sign up for our free daily e-letter, Overseas Opportunity Letter, and we'll send you a FREE report on the 10 Best Places To Retire In Style Overseas In

What About Health Care?

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.

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.

Turkey - FAQs

What Is The Weather In Turkey Like?

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.

Popular Articles

Turkey Articles

The Top Healthiest Places To Live And Retire In 2023

Health is a key consideration when shopping the world map for the ideal place to reinvent your life overseas. Indeed, one of the greatest benefits of retiring overseas can be a healthier lifestyle. For certain, your health costs will be reduced. The United States is the most expensive place on Earth both to seek medical care and to insure against the expense. Where specifically should you consider if access to health care is a number-one concern? The following countries stand...

Read more

Sign up to receive the FREE daily e-letter, Overseas Opportunity Letter and we’ll immediately email you our editors’ latest research report…

RETIRE OVERSEAS AND LIVE LIKE ROYALTY