Türkiye Cost of Living 2026: Rent, Food, Healthcare Prices
Cost of Living in Türkiye in 2026: Real Numbers Without Illusions
Why it’s important to talk about real figures
In 2026, the question “how much does it cost to live in Türkiye?” sounds very different from a few years ago. Türkiye is no longer “very cheap,” but it still offers a strong balance between cost and quality of life—especially compared to Europe.
Below are the real expenses faced by families, couples, and single residents who live in Türkiye full-time.
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🏠 Housing: Apartment & Villa Rentals
Rent is the largest expense.
Average rental prices in 2026:
- 1+1 apartment: 20,000 – 30,000 TL
- 2+1 apartment: 35,000 – 40,000 TL
- 3+1 apartment: 40,000 – 85,000 TL
- Villas: 110,000 – 200,000 TL per month
📌 Prices depend on:
- District
- Quality/class of the complex
- On-site infrastructure
- Distance to the sea
Market Trend: That’s why in 2026 many residents conclude that buying property is often more advantageous than long-term renting.
🔌 Utilities (per month)
Utility bills depend on the season and lifestyle.
- Electricity: 1,200 – 2,200 TL
- Water: 600 – 1,000 TL
- Natural gas (winter): 1,000 – 2,500 TL
- Internet (fiber / ADSL): ~800 TL
- Mobile phone plans: 500 – 1,000 TL
Note: In residential complexes with facilities, a separate aidat (maintenance fee) is paid.
🛒 Food: Markets vs Supermarkets
Basic grocery prices:
- Bread: 15–25 TL
- Eggs (30 pcs): ~180 TL
- Chicken: 180–300 TL / kg
- Beef: 700–1,000 TL / kg
- Vegetables: 20–35 TL / kg
- Fruits: 40–80 TL / kg
- Olive oil: ~350 TL / liter
Quality Insight: Vegetables and fruits in Türkiye are fresher and higher quality than in many European countries—especially when bought at local markets.
☕ Cafés & Restaurants
Average prices:
- Breakfast in a café: 400 – 1,000 TL
- Casual lunch: 400 – 1,000 TL
- Dinner for two (mid-range restaurant): 1,600 – 2,600 TL
- Seafront restaurant: 2,000 – 4,000 TL
Spending Tip: Türkiye is a country of cafés and social life, but frequent dining out noticeably increases monthly expenses.
🚍 Transportation
- Bus fare: 41 TL
- Taxi: ~50 TL per km (minimum fare ~180 TL)
- Fuel: ~55 TL / liter
In tourist cities, public transport is well developed and owning a car is not essential.
🏥 Healthcare
Private healthcare (2026):
- Specialist appointment: 2,000 – 3,500 TL
- Professional dental cleaning: ~1,200 TL
- MRI (Antalya): 5,000 – 8,000 TL
Insurance:
- Private health insurance: from 1,100 to 12,000 TL per year (depending on age and coverage)
Common Choice: Most foreigners choose private healthcare—it’s faster and more comfortable.
🏋️ Lifestyle, Sports & Leisure
- Fitness club: 5,000 – 20,000 TL
- Yoga / Pilates: 1,500 – 2,000 TL
- Swimming pool: 1,000 – 2,000 TL
- Cinema ticket: 150–200 TL
- Children’s activity clubs: 1,000 – 2,000 TL
🎓 Education: Schools
Prices depend on the school level.
- International schools (British, American, IB): 250,000 – 500,000 TL per year
- Bilingual private schools: 200,000 – 400,000 TL per year
- School bus service: 25,000 – 40,000 TL per year
Important: With a valid residence permit, a foreign child has the right to free education in Turkish public schools, on the same basis as Turkish citizens.
💰 How Much Money Do You Really Need?
Economy lifestyle
35,000 – 50,000 TL per month
Suitable for: Single residents, no private schools, minimal restaurant visits.
Comfortable lifestyle
50,000 – 100,000 TL per month
Suitable for: Families, children, healthcare, sports, cafés.
🔗 Where Property Is Most Often Bought for Living
(Apartments, villas, duplexes, penthouses—in complexes and standalone properties)
Why Expenses Are Predictable with RestProperty
RestProperty
Licensed real estate agency founded in 2003.
We:
- Select properties based on budget and lifestyle
- Explain real expenses before purchase
- Have our own rental department
- Rent out only properties owned by our clients
- Guarantee legal and residency compliance
Our Promise: No “after-the-deal surprises.”
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