How Much Does It Cost to Live in Bursa?
What is so interesting in Bursa that makes it so attractive to both tourists and newcomers is not determined yet, but its closeness to Istanbul, combined with the rent prices lower than they are in Istanbul, certainly affect the rising number of people settling there.
Another advantage of choosing Bursa rather than Istanbul is the size of the city, as it is on one hand always easier to get around the smaller city, and on the other hand the cost of living in general is more affordable.
Cost of Living Breakdown in Bursa
RESTAURANTS
The prices in restaurants vary, depending on the location, quality of food and prominence.
Meat lovers will be disappointed to find out that the prices of red meet are quite high, while chicken is pretty affordable.
Alcohol is expensive due to the heavy taxation.
| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $3.79 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $2.47 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.23 |
MARKETS
The most expensive food stuff in Bursa, as well as in the whole country, is the meat.
You will find out that beef and pork are not easily available, and if you manage to find them, the prices are unresaonable.
Groceries should be purchased wisely, at local markets and on discounts.
| Average Market Prices | |
|---|---|
| Milk (1 Liter) | $0.83 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $0.44 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.71 |
TRANSPORTATION
Among the most expensive daily cost in Bursa is driving.
Even though the price of gasoline is not too high, many other expenses should be taken into account.
For a newcomer, driving is the last means of commuting that is suggested here.
| Average Transport Prices | |
|---|---|
| One Way Ticket | $0.49 |
| Monthly Pass | $29.88 |
| Gasoline | $1.25 |
UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
Unlike the rest of Turkey, especially the places like Ankara and Antalya, where the utilities prices are almost negligible, services in Bursa are higher.
It can be added to the closeness to Istanbul where all the costs are more expensive.
You will need to devote around $100 per month for basic utilities including the Internet access.
| Average Utilities Prices | |
|---|---|
| Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) | $70.54 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local | $0.15 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $13.53 |
SPORTS & LEISURE
Bursa offers proximity to a ski center and this can be attractive to lovers of the outdoor activities, thus affecting the price of fitness clubs and tennis courts.
In general, it can be said that those prices are quite reasonable and affordable, and sports people will be satisfied with them.
| Average Leisure Prices | |
|---|---|
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $23.27 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | $9.91 |
| Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release | $2.85 |
CLOTHING & SHOES
The least money is given for clothing, as it is a category which can be easily avoided even though the prices are not so high as in many European countries.
However, buying designer clothes here is not a custom, as people do not earn too much to be able to afford it.
| Average Clothing Prices | |
|---|---|
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) | $34.39 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) | $20.12 |
| 1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) | $67.26 |
RENT PER MONTH
Bursa is ideal for people who want to be close to Istanbul and get easily there, while do not have to pay the huge amount of money for accommodation.
The rent prices in Bursa are around the average for Turkey, and it is possible to afford a decent living space with the average salary.
| Average Rent Prices | |
|---|---|
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $173.70 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $117.38 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $330.95 |
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Bursa?
As in the majority of cities in Turkey, food is the greatest expense.
It is not the price of food that affects this situation, but the need of people to spend more on this necessary thing of the utmost importance for a living.
The second most expensive cost here is transportation rather than the rent, which is not a frequent case in other countries.
Quite a lot is spent on utilities, which are more expensive here than in Antalya and Ankara.
Average Costs Breakdown
Bursa: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
Even though rent prices are not high, owning your own place of living is a great way of putting some money aside or spending it on other expenses.
However, the mortgage interest rates in Bursa are extremely high, exceeding 22%, so a newcomer seeking for a better place to live would not be suggested to purchase it.
If you get the chance of negotiating your salary with your employer, make sure to get at least the average, so as to be able to manage a decent life here, especially if you are coming with your family.
Bursa Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Bursa Safety Review
| OVERALL RISK | MEDIUM |
|---|---|
| TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK | MEDIUM |
| PICKPOCKETS RISK | MEDIUM |
| NATURAL DISASTERS RISK | MEDIUM |
| MUGGING RISK | LOW |
| TERRORISM RISK | MEDIUM |
| SCAMS RISK | MEDIUM |
| WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK | MEDIUM |
| TAP WATER RISK | MEDIUM |
Cost of Living by City in Turkey
| City | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|
 Ankara |
34.77 |
| Antalya |
33.78 |
| Istanbul |
28.1 |
| Izmir |
34.03 |
It’s really eye-opening to see how much of a difference those rental prices can make in someone’s life. Choosing a place that feels more manageable and won’t break the bank is such a big deal, especially in today’s world. Bursa sounds like a lovely option for those looking for a balance between life and affordability.
Looks like Bursa is winning the battle of the wallets! With those lower rent prices, it’s hard not to imagine swapping the chaos of Istanbul for a more budget-friendly vibe. Who knew saving money could be this scenic?