Cost of Living in Istanbul
The cost of living in Istanbul is lower than in many other european cities, but it is higher when compared to the rest of Turkey. There are much more social activities to spend money on in İstanbul compared to the other cities in Turkey.
Usually students in Istanbul spend around 1500 ₺ per month, including accomodation, food and transportation expenses. However, the amount of money you will need depends on your life style. For example, if you plan to travel to different parts of Turkey, you will definitely need more money.
| Restaurants | Cost | Price Range |
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | 30.00 TL | 22.00-40.00 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | 120.00 TL | 80.00-150.00 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | 11.99 TL | 10.00-15.00 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) | 4.17 TL | 2.50-8.00 |
| Water (0.5 liter bottle) | 1.58 TL | 1.00-4.00 |
| Markets | Cost | |
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | 4.43 TL | 3.25-5.77 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | 2.34 TL | 1.50-3.50 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | 8.53 TL | 5.00-12.00 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | 10.83 TL | 6.00-15.00 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | 33.85 TL | 23.00-45.00 |
| Chicken Breasts (Boneless, Skinless), (1kg) | 22.78 TL | 18.00-30.00 |
| Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) | 65.25 TL | 50.00-80.00 |
| Apples (1kg) | 5.59 TL | 4.00-8.00 |
| Banana (1kg) | 12.51 TL | 9.00-15.00 |
| Oranges (1kg) | 5.59 TL | 4.00-8.00 |
| Tomato (1kg) | 6.11 TL | 3.00-9.00 |
| Potato (1kg) | 4.53 TL | 3.00-7.00 |
| Onion (1kg) | 4.86 TL | 2.50-8.00 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | 4.26 TL | 3.00-6.00 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | 2.15 TL | 1.50-3.00 |
| Transportation | Cost | |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | 2.75 TL | 2.60-3.85 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | 205.00 TL | 180.00-205.00 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 5.00 TL | 4.00-6.00 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | 3.10 TL | 2.50-3.25 |
| Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | 23.10 TL | 20.00-30.00 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | 6.91 TL | 6.50-7.06 |
| Utilities (Monthly) | Cost | |
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment | 394.96 TL | 230.00-600.00 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) | 0.65 TL | 0.44-1.00 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | 92.35 TL | 65.00-150.00 |
| Clothing And Shoes | Cost | |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) | 241.09 TL | 150.00-350.00 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, …) | 162.56 TL | 86.60-250.00 |
| 1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | 409.60 TL | 300.00-577.35 |
| 1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes | 341.63 TL | 230.00-500.00 |