Cost of Living in Istanbul

Istanbul's rental market is vast and varied, spanning two continents and dozens of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and price point. The European side commands higher rents due to its concentration of business districts, nightlife, and tourist infrastructure. Besiktas is one of the priciest areas, with furnished one-bedroom apartments averaging 35,000-55,000 TRY ($800-$1,250) monthly, though its vibrant cafe culture and Bosphorus proximity make it a top pick for nomads. Cihangir in Beyoglu is the classic expat hub with charming hillside streets and plentiful cafes, where a furnished 1+1 runs 25,000-45,000 TRY ($570-$1,025). Sisli offers a more business-oriented atmosphere with modern high-rises and excellent metro connections, averaging 30,000-50,000 TRY ($685-$1,140) for furnished units. Budget seekers can explore Fatih, the historic peninsula district, where rents drop to 18,000-30,000 TRY ($410-$685) though the area is more conservative and tourist-heavy.

Istanbul is a paradise for eating out on a budget, provided you know where to look. The backbone of affordable dining is the lokanta — a no-frills cafeteria-style restaurant where home-cooked Turkish dishes are displayed behind glass. At a typical lokanta in neighborhoods like Fatih, Kadikoy, or Besiktas, a generous plate of stew, rice, and salad runs 150-250 TRY ($3.40-$5.70). Lentil soup (mercimek corbasi) is a staple starter at just 40-70 TRY. Kebab houses serve Adana or Iskender kebabs for 200-350 TRY ($4.50-$8), while lahmacun (Turkish flatbread pizza) costs only 50-80 TRY. Always look for spots packed with local workers at lunchtime — that is your quality and price signal.

Grocery shopping in Istanbul is remarkably affordable, especially if you combine discount supermarkets with weekly neighborhood pazars (open-air markets). The big three budget chains — BIM, A101, and Sok — are on virtually every street and operate like Turkish versions of Aldi, offering private-label staples at rock-bottom prices. Expect to pay around 50 TRY ($1.14) for a liter of milk, 37 TRY ($0.85) for a loaf of bread, 100-110 TRY ($2.30-$2.50) for a dozen eggs, and 100 TRY ($2.28) for a kilo of white rice. Chicken breast runs about 265 TRY ($6) per kilo, while beef is pricier at 900+ TRY ($20.50) per kilo. For better selection and imported goods, Migros and CarrefourSA are the go-to mid-range supermarkets, though prices run 20-30% higher — signing up for the free Migros Money card is essential to avoid overpaying.

Istanbul's public transport network is extensive and affordable, anchored by the rechargeable Istanbulkart smartcard. The card itself costs around 130 TL and can be loaded at kiosks in any metro station. A single ride on the metro, tram, bus, or Metrobus costs 27 TL with the Istanbulkart, and transfers within a two-hour window are discounted. The system covers both the European and Asian sides, with the Marmaray undersea rail tunnel connecting the two continents in just four minutes beneath the Bosphorus. Ferries operated by Sehir Hatlari also link key waterfront districts like Eminonu, Karakoy, Kadikoy, and Uskudar, with fares ranging from 44 to 50 TL depending on the route. Dolmus minibuses fill in the gaps on shorter routes and charge 26-35 TL in cash only, as they do not accept the Istanbulkart.

Istanbul offers solid internet infrastructure that serves digital nomads well. Residential fiber broadband is widely available from providers like Turk Telekom, Turkcell Superonline, and TurkNet, with plans ranging from 100 Mbps up to 1 Gbps in well-connected neighborhoods such as Besiktas, Kadikoy, and Sisli. Real-world speeds in Istanbul average around 30-50 Mbps for downloads, though fiber connections in modern apartments can comfortably hit 100-200 Mbps. Cafe Wi-Fi is less reliable, often slow or requiring a Turkish phone number to connect, so most remote workers either tether from a local SIM or head to a dedicated coworking space for critical calls and uploads.

Istanbul offers digital nomads access to one of the most impressive private healthcare systems in the region, combining world-class medical facilities with prices that are typically 50-70% lower than Western Europe or the United States. The city is home to several internationally accredited hospital groups that cater specifically to foreign patients. The American Hospital, founded in 1920, is one of Turkey's most prestigious private institutions and holds JCI accreditation. Acibadem Healthcare Group operates multiple hospitals across Istanbul with cutting-edge equipment, while Memorial Sisli was the first hospital in Turkey to receive JCI accreditation. Florence Nightingale Hospital Group runs four major facilities with a combined capacity of over 800 beds and dedicated Centers of Excellence, treating 250,000 outpatients annually. All of these hospitals maintain international patient departments with multilingual coordinators who assist with appointments, translations, and insurance paperwork.

Most Western passport holders can enter Turkey visa-free or via an inexpensive e-visa obtained in minutes at evisa.gov.tr, allowing stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. For longer stays, Turkey launched a dedicated Digital Nomad Visa available to citizens of 36 eligible countries, requiring proof of at least $3,000 monthly income and a university degree. As of January 2025, short-term residence permits can no longer be renewed based solely on a rental agreement, so the digital nomad visa route is increasingly the preferred option for remote workers planning extended stays. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date.