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Cost of living in Istanbul: Food, transport, and more
Ready to spend some time in Istanbul? Before arriving in Turkey's capital, find out about the cost of living in Istanbul here.
Istanbul attracts a wide range of travelers, especially digital nomads and expats, thanks to its remarkable architecture, deep rooted history, and appealing balance between quality of life and affordability. However, before packing your bags and booking a flight to this vibrant city, it is important to understand the cost of living in Istanbul and get a clear idea of the basic expenses you can expect when settling into Turkey’s largest metropolis.
In this guide, we have gathered everything from the prices of different types of accommodation to the typical costs of healthcare, transportation, and groceries. We also know that enjoying your free time matters, so throughout this article you will find the average prices of popular leisure activities as well. Let’s get started!
Average cost of staying in Istanbul
In Istanbul, you will find a wide variety of accommodation options suited for both short and long stays, making it easy for all kinds of travelers, whether digital nomads, students, backpackers, or expats, to find something that fits their needs. In this section, we will walk you through the average prices of the most common types of housing in the city.
| Type of accommodation | Prices in USD |
| Furnished apartments | Between $750 and $1,100 |
| Coliving | Between $385 and $660 |
| Airbnb | From $105 per night |
| Studios | Between $550 and $880 |
Keep in mind that you can find all of these options throughout the city, but prices may vary moderately or even significantly depending on the neighborhood you choose and the lifestyle you plan to maintain.
Keep in mind that Turkey spans two continents, with one part in Europe and the other in Asia. If you decide to live in a neighborhood on the European side, you will generally encounter slightly higher prices and a different pace of life compared to what you will find on the Asian side.
In addition, rental prices usually do not include maintenance or building fees, so it is important to factor them in when searching for your next place in the city, as they can add anywhere from $50 to $100 to your monthly housing costs.
Cost of food
When it comes to food expenses, the best way to keep your budget under control is by cooking at home and choosing local products, which are usually more affordable and still high in quality. That said, we will share a list of average prices for some common items, though keep in mind that these amounts can vary depending on the supermarket and the specific brands or products you select.
The following list is based on the prices you are likely to find at international supermarket chains in Istanbul, such as Switzerland’s Migros and CarrefourSA, the French retailer operating in partnership with Turkey’s Sabancı Group.
- Milk (1 liter): $1.45
- Eggs (12): $3.25
- Chicken breast (1 kg): $6.90
- Beef (1 kg / stewing cuts): $24
- White rice (1 kg): $3
- Pasta (500 g): $1.10
- Fresh white bread (traditional loaf): $0.90
- Fruit and vegetables (average per kg): $1.20–2.50
- Coffee (250g ground): $5.50
- Chocolate (100g bar): $1.80
You can also enjoy Ottoman cuisine at a variety of restaurants offering both local and international dishes at different price points. For example, breakfast for two typically ranges from $19-36.
Meanwhile, a lunch (daily menu) usually costs between $8 and $12, while a dinner for two, which can include up to three courses, typically ranges from $41 to $47.
Transportation prices in Istanbul
The city offers a variety of transportation options that can take you across all neighborhoods of Istanbul. You can get around by metro, tram, ferry, bus, taxi, or private ride-hailing services like Uber.
Below, we’ve provided the updated 2026 prices for each type of transportation, including bike rental services. We’ll also cover the typical cost of owning a car in Istanbul, as well as fuel prices and electricity charges for electric vehicles.
First, you should know that using public transportation requires an Istanbulkart, which is mandatory. The card itself costs $4.80, not including any rides.
- Public transportation: A standard ride costs $1.02, while transfers are $0.73. Nighttime fares on weekends are double, coming to $2.04 per trip.
- Taxis or ride-hailing services: The cost per kilometer is $0.81, but keep in mind that the minimum fare is $5.08.
- Bicycle rental: There are several options for renting a bike in Istanbul. For example, the average cost is $1.15 per hour. A one-day pass costs around $2.15, while an annual subscription is approximately $20.
Price of a new vehicle in Istanbul and its costs
If buying a car is a better option for you, the most popular model in Istanbul right now is the Fiat Egea, which can cost around $23,500. On top of that, you’ll need to factor in mandatory and comprehensive insurance, which can range from about $250 to $800 per year.
Another important expense if you plan to own a car is fuel. Gasoline costs around $1.27 per liter, according to Global Petrol Prices. If you choose an electric vehicle instead, charging at home costs about $0.13 per kWh, while public charging stations charge around $0.35 per kWh.
Healthcare costs
Istanbul is known for offering high-quality, modern healthcare at reasonable prices. In 2026, the city remains a leading choice for medical tourism, with private clinics providing treatments that are often more affordable than in many European countries.
For example, a public health insurance plan for foreigners who aren’t working in the country costs around $30 per month, though the exact price can change based on annual adjustments to the minimum wage. In contrast, private health insurance for young adults typically ranges from $20 to $50 per month.
However, if you don’t have any health insurance, medical expenses can be quite high. Below, we’ve outlined the typical price ranges for some common medical services.
| Medical Services | Costs in USD |
| General medical consultation | $15-45 |
| Dental consultation | $25-50 |
| Appendectomy | $600 to $1,500 |
| Cosmetic surgery such as rhinoplasty | Between $2,200 and $4,400 |
| Hair transplant | Between $1,500 and $6,000 |
On the other hand, if you need over-the-counter medications, the city has plenty of well-stocked pharmacies. Common medicines, like a box of paracetamol, typically cost between $3.50 and $6.
Prescription antibiotics usually cost between $10 and $15, while sunscreen ranges from $12 to $18. However, if you have public health insurance, the government covers 80% of the cost of medications.
Internet and calling plan prices
The city has a reliable phone and fixed internet infrastructure, so you’ll find fast and stable fiber-optic connections in most areas of Istanbul. Popular providers include Turkcell Superonline and Türk Telekom.
For home internet, installation and the router are usually included at no extra cost, with two main plans depending on the speed you need. For example, a 100 Mbps plan typically costs between $20 and $30 per month, while a 1 Gbps plan ranges from $45 to $70 monthly.
For mobile service with either of these providers, basic plans start at $15 to $20 per month for 10 GB of data and 500 minutes. More advanced plans, offering 50 GB and 1,000 minutes, typically cost between $30 and $45 per month.
Another way to stay connected
For longer stays in Istanbul, Holafly offers monthly subscription plans with 25 GB or unlimited data that you can share with other devices. They also provide coverage in over 160 destinations worldwide, so if you continue traveling, you won’t need to switch plans.
If you’ll be in Istanbul for less than a month, Holafly’s eSIM for the city is the best choice. It gives you unlimited data for only the days you need, helping you avoid international roaming charges and the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards.
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
Cost of leisure activities in Istanbul
Istanbul is full of cultural and entertainment options, so you can enjoy concerts, performances, and tourist spots throughout the year. At the same time, you can stay in and enjoy movies and series from the local streaming platforms.
- Going to the movies: Between $4.30 and $8.60.
- Visiting zoos and aquariums: Between $16.20 and $27.
- Going to the theater: Between $5.40 and $10.80.
- Visiting Topkapi Palace and the Harem: From $70.
- Visiting the Galata Tower: Around $32.50.
- Buying an Istanbul E-pass that allows you to enter different tourist sites with guided tours for two days: $178.
- Cost of platforms such as Netflix, Disney, or Amazon Prime: From $5.40 to $11.90.
- Cable TV costs: Between $10 and $20.
How much does it cost to live in Istanbul?
Ultimately, figuring out the cost of living in a city like Istanbul depends on your personal lifestyle and budget. While we’ve provided general prices for healthcare, transportation, food, and entertainment, your actual monthly expenses will vary based on your choices.
That said, a rough estimate for a single person’s monthly expenses in Istanbul would be between $1,100 and $1,500. For a couple, monthly costs could range from $1,710 to $2,850, covering all the factors we’ve discussed throughout this guide.
Frequently asked questions about the cost of living in Istanbul
Yes, although you must have private insurance for the first year in order to obtain a residence permit in Turkey.
It all depends on your needs, but factors like heavy traffic during peak hours can make owning a car less practical. On the other hand, Istanbul’s public transportation system is efficient, which might make having a car feel unnecessary.
In addition to the major supermarket chains, which offer daily, weekly, or seasonal discounts, local neighborhood markets are also a great option for saving money while still enjoying fresh, affordable food.
Only medicines such as antibiotics, psychotropic drugs, and strong medicines are regulated, so you will need a prescription.
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Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍
