The cost of living in Turkey for students varies significantly across major cities depending on the level of services and property prices. International students studying in Turkey aim to understand these differences accurately to plan their student expenses in Turkey wisely. In this guide, we present an approximate comparison between Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Muğla in terms of accommodation (university dormitories vs. private apartments), food, transportation, internet, and other expenses based on recent sources. Our goal is to provide international students with accurate and up-to-date information that helps them save money and choose the most affordable cities for studying in Turkey while managing their budget efficiently.
Student Accommodation Costs in Turkey: University Dormitories vs. Private Apartments
Accommodation constitutes a large portion of student expenses in Turkey. Government university dormitories (KYK) are the most affordable option to reduce student housing costs in Turkey, as they are offered at symbolic rates subsidized by the state. Monthly government dormitory fees for students range approximately between 500 to 900 Turkish lira.
In contrast, private student housing (residential complexes managed by private entities or shared apartments) typically costs between $150 and $250 per month, which equals around 4,500–7,500 Turkish lira depending on the location and quality of services. These costs often include renting a furnished room shared among several students.
Regular private apartments in major cities vary by location. For instance, rental prices for a studio (1+0) apartment in Istanbul can reach about 15,000–25,000 Turkish lira per month, depending on location and services. In Ankara and Izmir, the rents are relatively lower, starting from around 12,000 lira for a one-bedroom (1+0) apartment.
In comparison, university dormitories (governmental or foundation-run) provide meals such as breakfast and lunch at symbolic prices, along with additional free services (internet, cleaning, and laundry). Therefore, students are advised to reserve a spot in a government dormitory early, which significantly reduces their monthly living expenses in Turkey.
Cost of Living Comparison Between Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Muğla
Istanbul is the most expensive in terms of living costs among the four cities. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in central Istanbul is about 24,000 lira per month, compared to approximately 17,000 lira in Ankara and Izmir for the same size. This reflects on the student's total expenses, where the average monthly expenses (excluding rent) in Istanbul are around 19,000 lira, while in Ankara they are about 16,000 lira, and 17,000 lira in Izmir. As for Muğla (including tourist cities like Bodrum and Marmaris), the cost of living is much lower. According to HikersBay, a website specializing in travel and accommodations, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in central Muğla is around 12,000 lira per month, significantly less than in the other three cities.
Food and shopping prices in Muğla are also generally lower compared to Istanbul. For example, a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs about 750 lira in Muğla, compared to 900 lira in Istanbul. In general, medium and smaller cities in Turkey offer a more moderate cost of living compared to the crowded Istanbul.
Transportation, Food, and Internet Costs for International Students
Food and transportation costs also vary depending on the city. In Istanbul, transportation costs and the price of the monthly public transportation card (bus, metro, and metrobus) are relatively higher compared to Ankara and Izmir. Thanks to discounted student cards, students can significantly reduce their transportation expenses.
Regarding food, meal prices are higher in Istanbul. For example, a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is about 900 lira in Istanbul, compared to 800 lira in Ankara and Izmir. In Muğla, restaurant meal prices are reasonable; for instance, a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs 750 lira and even less at local eateries.
As for internet, home subscriptions have become essential for students. Monthly home internet packages (ADSL or fiber optic) range between 300 and 700 Turkish lira, depending on speed and service provider. Typically, students have access to free or low-cost internet on campus. International students can also purchase data SIM cards for their phones at affordable rates to meet their monthly internet needs, making these expenses relatively moderate compared to telecom costs in some countries.
Tips to Reduce Monthly Expenses While Studying in Turkey
To help save money, there are several practical steps students can follow:
- Use student transportation cards: These offer significant discounts on public transport in most Turkish cities, noticeably lowering monthly travel costs.
- Share accommodation or opt for university dormitories: Renting a shared room with peers or staying in a government student dormitory saves a lot on rent and utility bills. University housing is subsidized and may include some services.
- Cook at home: Buying groceries from local markets and cooking at home is much cheaper than constantly eating out. Local bazaars often offer lower prices than supermarkets, especially for vegetables, fruits, and meats.
- Take advantage of student discounts: Turkey offers student discounts on metro tickets, museum entries, and entertainment activities. Students can plan visits to cultural sites on discounted days or use a student card to save even more.
- Control personal spending: Avoid unnecessary purchases or luxury items. Budget awareness (such as buying clothes from discount stores or waiting for sales) helps save significant amounts in the long term.
By following these tips and choosing the right place to live and shop, international students in Turkey can significantly reduce their monthly living expenses without compromising the quality of their educational experience.
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