Izmir
Istanbul

Izmir vs Istanbul — Cost of Living Comparison

Izmir
Turkey
VS
Istanbul
Turkey
Estimated average living costs are ~71% lower in Izmir

Izmir

$850

avg. monthly cost

Population

4,400,000

Safety

64/100

Quality

58/100

Cost
30
Safety
64
Life
58

Istanbul

$1,450

avg. monthly cost

Population

15,840,000

Safety

60/100

Quality

55/100

Cost
35
Safety
60
Life
55

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~71% lower in Izmir

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Izmir

$850

estimated per month

Istanbul

$1,450

estimated per month

Difference

+70.6%

Monthly savings

$600

Yearly savings

$7,200

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)

$127,941

+$52,941/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

ItemIzmirIstanbulDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$300.00$450.00
+50.0%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$185.00$280.00
+51.4%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$600.00$900.00
+50.0%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$380.00$550.00
+44.7%
ItemIzmirIstanbulDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$3.80$3.50
-7.9%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$20.00$20.00
0.0%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$5.20$4.50
-13.5%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$0.95$1.00
+5.3%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$0.35$0.40
+14.3%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.15$1.20
+4.3%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$1.70$1.80
+5.9%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$4.20$4.00
-4.8%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.10$1.20
+9.1%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.30$1.50
+15.4%
ItemIzmirIstanbulDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$25.00$25.00
0.0%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$0.40$0.50
+25.0%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$0.75$0.80
+6.7%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$0.45$0.45
0.0%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.10$1.15
+4.5%
ItemIzmirIstanbulDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$65.00$65.00
0.0%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$7.50$8.00
+6.7%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$11.00$12.00
+9.1%
ItemIzmirIstanbulDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$14.00$15.00
+7.1%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$18.00$20.00
+11.1%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$4.50$5.00
+11.1%
ItemIzmirIstanbulDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$22.00$25.00
+13.6%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$3.80$4.00
+5.3%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$2.00$2.00
0.0%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$3.20$3.50
+9.4%
ItemIzmirIstanbulDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$38.00$35.00
-7.9%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$20.00$20.00
0.0%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$62.00$60.00
-3.2%

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

Frequently asked questions: Izmir vs Istanbul

Is Izmir or Istanbul more expensive?
Istanbul is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 35 compared with 30 for Izmir.
How much cheaper is Izmir than Istanbul?
Living in Izmir is around 14% cheaper than Istanbul, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Izmir and Istanbul?
Izmir scores 30 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Istanbul scores 35 — where New York City equals 100.