Wondering how far your salary goes in Istanbul? Here’s what everyday life costs, in local prices — the numbers that matter when you’re deciding to move or negotiating a package.
What things cost
Furnished 1-bed, central (expat)US$500-1,000 / mo
Meal, mid-range restaurantUS$8-15
Simit (street sesame bagel)under US$0.50
Çay (glass of tea)US$0.30-0.70
Transit ride (İstanbulkart)under US$0.50
Est. single-person monthlyUS$700-1,000 (excl. rent)
Good to know
Population
~15.7 million (metro) — Türkiye's largest city
Language
Turkish (English common in expat/tourist areas)
Currency
Turkish Lira (TRY, ₺) — high inflation
Time zone
TRT (GMT+3), no daylight saving
Power plug
Types C/F, 230V
Geography
Straddles Europe & Asia across the Bosphorus
A note on budgeting
Rent is usually the swing factor — location and whether bills are included move the number most. Build your estimate from the rent band above, add a monthly living figure, and keep a buffer for one-off setup costs (deposits, a residence permit, a local SIM, first-month transport). Globe Quest turns this into a personalized Istanbul checklist so nothing setup-related catches you off guard.
Plan your move to Istanbul
A free, AI-personalized plan — the language, culture, and setup steps timed to your move date.