🏙️

Istanbul, Turkey

Cost of living · 2023 · Middle East · Rent +6.8% vs 2022

1-Bed Rent TRY 30,080 per month
3-Bed Rent TRY 56,400 per month
Groceries TRY 7,990 per month
Transport Pass TRY 790 per month
Utilities TRY 2,444 per month
Restaurant Meal TRY 291 per person

Rent trend in Istanbul (2022–2026)

Cost breakdown in Istanbul (2023)

Advertisement

Estimated monthly budget in Istanbul

Based on 2023 data. Includes rent, groceries, transport, utilities and occasional dining out.

👤
Single person
TRY 43,635
🏠 Rent TRY 30,080
🛒 Groceries TRY 7,990
🚌 Transport TRY 790
💡 Utilities TRY 2,444
🍽️ Dining out TRY 2,331
👨‍👩‍👧
Family (3–4 people)
TRY 84,628
🏠 Rent 3-bed TRY 56,400
🛒 Groceries TRY 19,975
🚌 Transport ×2 TRY 1,579
💡 Utilities TRY 3,177
🍽️ Dining out TRY 3,497

Cost comparison — cities in Turkey (2023)

City 1-Bed Rent Groceries Transport Utilities vs Istanbul
Istanbul TRY 30,080 TRY 7,990 TRY 790 TRY 2,444
Ankara TRY 23,500 TRY 7,332 TRY 733 TRY 2,162 -21.9%
Antalya TRY 18,800 TRY 6,768 TRY 658 TRY 1,880 -37.5%
Izmir TRY 20,680 TRY 7,050 TRY 705 TRY 2,068 -31.3%

Frequently asked questions

What is the cost of living in Istanbul in 2023?

In 2023, a single person living in Istanbul needs approximately TRY 43,635/month, covering rent, groceries, transport and utilities. A family of 3–4 typically spends around TRY 84,628/month. Istanbul is considered a relatively expensive city by global standards.

How much is rent in Istanbul in 2023?

A 1-bedroom apartment in Istanbul costs approximately TRY 30,080/month in 2023. A 3-bedroom apartment runs around TRY 56,400/month. Rent has changed +6.8% vs 2022.

How much do groceries cost in Istanbul?

Monthly grocery costs for one person in Istanbul are approximately TRY 7,990 in 2023. This covers basic supermarket shopping including food and household essentials.

What does public transport cost in Istanbul?

A monthly public transport pass in Istanbul costs TRY 790 in 2023, covering unlimited bus, metro and tram travel within the city.

How much are utilities in Istanbul?

Monthly utility costs in Istanbul average TRY 2,444 in 2023, covering electricity, heating/cooling, water and internet for a standard apartment.

Is Istanbul expensive to live in?

Istanbul is located in Turkey (Middle East). With a 1-bed rent of TRY 30,080/month and total single-person expenses around TRY 43,635/month, it is relatively expensive by global standards.

How much does eating out cost in Istanbul?

A typical restaurant meal for one person in Istanbul costs approximately TRY 291 in 2023. Budget around TRY 2,331/month if dining out a few times a week.

How have living costs in Istanbul changed over time?

LifeIndexed tracks cost of living data for Istanbul from 2022 to 2026. 1-bed rent has increased by 106.5% over this period (from TRY 28,160 in 2022 to TRY 58,163 in 2026). Use the year tabs above to compare costs across years.

What is the monthly budget needed to live comfortably in Istanbul?

To live comfortably in Istanbul in 2023, a single person needs approximately TRY 43,635/month. This covers rent (TRY 30,080), groceries (TRY 7,990), transport (TRY 790), utilities (TRY 2,444) and dining out occasionally. A family of 3–4 should budget around TRY 84,628/month.

Advertisement