Cost of Living and Salaries in Turkey: A General Overview
Cost of Living and Salaries in Turkey: A General Overview
For foreigners considering living or working in Turkey, one of the most important topics is the cost of living and income levels in the country. While Turkey generally offers a more affordable life compared to many Western countries, costs can vary significantly between cities and depending on your personal lifestyle. Istanbul, in particular, is the country’s most expensive city.
Cost of Living in Turkey, and Especially in Istanbul
You can plan your budget by examining the main components of the cost of living.
- Housing: Housing costs make up the largest part of the cost of living. Renting an apartment in Istanbul varies greatly depending on the neighborhood. Rents are much higher in central or popular districts. In Turkey’s inland regions, housing costs are significantly lower than in Istanbul.
- Transportation: Public transportation in major cities like Istanbul is quite extensive and affordable. You can travel cheaply using the metro, tram, metrobus, and buses with a monthly travel card.
- Food and Dining: Grocery shopping and eating at home are generally very affordable. Shopping at local markets and eating at
esnaf lokantası(tradesmen’s restaurants) are budget-friendly options. Dining at luxury restaurants, however, will increase your costs. - Entertainment and Social Life: The prices for movie tickets, a cup of coffee, or a beer are at more affordable levels compared to European cities. However, popular nightclubs and high-end bars can be more expensive.
Salaries and Income Levels in Turkey
Salaries in Turkey vary significantly depending on the sector, company size (multinational vs. local), job experience, and location.
- Minimum Wage: The minimum wage in Turkey sets a baseline income and serves as a reference point for entry-level positions in many sectors.
- Sectoral Differences: Qualified professionals working in fields such as information technology (IT), finance, engineering, and medicine earn higher salaries than those in other sectors.
- Foreign Employees: Foreign nationals and professionals with specific expertise can often find jobs with higher salaries than local employees, especially in international companies or on special projects.
The balance between the cost of living and salaries depends on your individual goals and lifestyle. Before moving to Turkey, it’s important to do detailed research on the cost of living in the city you choose and your salary expectations in your field.
