Istanbul
Ankara

Istanbul vs Ankara — Cost of Living Comparison

Istanbul
Turkey
VS
Ankara
Turkey
Estimated average living costs are ~38% lower in Ankara

Istanbul

$1,450

avg. monthly cost

Population

15,840,000

Safety

60/100

Quality

55/100

Cost
35
Safety
60
Life
55

Ankara

$900

avg. monthly cost

Population

5,750,000

Safety

62/100

Quality

55/100

Cost
32
Safety
62
Life
55

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~38% lower in Ankara

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Istanbul

$1,450

estimated per month

Ankara

$900

estimated per month

Difference

-37.9%

Monthly savings

$550

Yearly savings

$6,600

Figures shown are estimated averages for general comparison purposes only and may not reflect individual spending patterns.

Cost Comparison by Category

Monthly averages side by side

Estimated Salary Equivalency (Informational)

What you'd need to earn for the same lifestyle

This calculation provides an estimated comparison based on average living costs and does not represent financial or employment advice.

$/year (USD)

$46,552

-$28,448/year (USD)

Salary equivalency figures are illustrative estimates only and should not be used for employment, negotiation, or financial planning decisions.

Detailed Category Breakdown

Item-by-item price comparison across 7 categories

ItemIstanbulAnkaraDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$450.00$320.00
-28.9%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$280.00$200.00
-28.6%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$900.00$650.00
-27.8%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$550.00$400.00
-27.3%
ItemIstanbulAnkaraDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$3.50$4.00
+14.3%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$20.00$22.00
+10.0%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$4.50$5.50
+22.2%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.00$1.00
0.0%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$0.40$0.40
0.0%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.20$1.20
0.0%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$1.80$1.80
0.0%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$4.00$4.50
+12.5%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.20$1.20
0.0%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.50$1.40
-6.7%
ItemIstanbulAnkaraDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$25.00$28.00
+12.0%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$0.50$0.45
-10.0%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$0.80$0.80
0.0%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$0.45$0.50
+11.1%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.15$1.10
-4.3%
ItemIstanbulAnkaraDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$65.00$70.00
+7.7%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$8.00$8.00
0.0%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$12.00$12.00
0.0%
ItemIstanbulAnkaraDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$15.00$15.00
0.0%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$20.00$20.00
0.0%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$5.00$5.00
0.0%
ItemIstanbulAnkaraDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$25.00$25.00
0.0%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$4.00$4.00
0.0%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$2.00$2.20
+10.0%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$3.50$3.50
0.0%
ItemIstanbulAnkaraDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$35.00$40.00
+14.3%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$20.00$22.00
+10.0%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$60.00$65.00
+8.3%

Category values are aggregated estimates and may vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and market conditions.

Frequently asked questions: Istanbul vs Ankara

Is Istanbul or Ankara more expensive?
Istanbul is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 35 compared with 32 for Ankara.
How much cheaper is Ankara than Istanbul?
Living in Ankara is around 9% cheaper than Istanbul, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Istanbul and Ankara?
Istanbul scores 35 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Ankara scores 32 — where New York City equals 100.