Is Turkey expensive to live in?
Updated May 2026· By Net Life Value Editorial
AI Answer
No, Turkey is not expensive to live in, especially compared to the US. Prices are roughly 55% lower on average. The price index is 45 (US = 100), meaning everyday goods and services cost less than in the United States.
For example, a decent one-bedroom apartment in a city like Istanbul can be rented for around $400-$600 per month, while outside major cities, it's even less. Groceries for a single person might run you about $150-$200 monthly.
Healthcare in Turkey is also very affordable. Private health insurance can be as low as $30-$50 per month, offering excellent coverage. Public transportation is extensive and cheap, with monthly passes often costing under $30.
Turkey's quality of life score is 119.5 (US = 143.2), with high scores for climate and purchasing power. While taxes can be a bit higher for certain income brackets, the significantly lower cost of living more than compensates. You can easily live comfortably in Turkey on $1,000-$1,500 per month.