How Much Does It Cost to Live In Izmir?
When people come to Turkey as tourists, they get amazed with the unique experience of this country with a rich cultural and historic heritage.
Some of them might fell in love with huge cities like Istanbul,, while others who prefer smaller but more pleasant cities would choose Izmir.
The climate in Izmir is mild and pleasant all year around and the benefits of living in Izmir are numerous, so people frequently choose it as their future permanent destination.
Turkey : Cost of Living by City
RESTAURANTS
The thing that needs to be included in the cost of living is definitely dining out in restaurants.
If you are fond of Turkish food, then the prices will be lower.
People who want to eat quality and international cuisine would have to pay much more so as to enjoy a delicious meal.
MARKETS
When you come to a place where food and culture are different than in your home country, it is important to follow the lifestyle of its residents so as to be able to adjust to the surrounding and do not spend a fortune on non-essential things.
Purchasing foodstuff in Izmir should be done at bazaars which offer more affordable prices.
TRANSPORTATION
Izmir has a good road infrastructure, but the driving here is hectic as in the whole country, so you are advised to take care on the roads and avoid driving if possible.
Since Izmir is a small city and you can easily get around, so you choose to use buses and trams which are not expensive.
UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
One of the most important things when moving somewhere is to rent an apartment for a living, but have in mind the fact that the rent price does not include the utilities which are considered affordable in Izmir.
Actually, paying $55 for all the basic services is very cheap compared to some other European cities.
SPORTS & LEISURE
Many foreigners may have doubts about moving to other countries, because they might not be able to lead the life they are used to.
This is especially important to sports people who would be very happy to find out that fitness club rents are affordable here and this can have a great impact on deciding to live in Izmir.
CLOTHING & SHOES
Izmir is a touristic place and crowds of tourists determine the clothing item prices, causing them to grow during summer season.
The prices of items are different in various stores and you should take a close look to see which of them can be really expensive and which are not.
RENT PER MONTH
There are certain areas in Izmir that are quite nice and in those areas rents can be a bit higher than elsewhere.
In general, it is less expensive than Istanbul and Ankara, and people with the average salary would be able to pay the one bedroom apartment at the price ranging from $150 to $250.
Cost of Living Averages Table for Izmir
*Note: All prices are indicated in USD.| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $3.78 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $2.84 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.31 | Average Market Prices |
| Milk (1 Liter) | $0.66 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $0.44 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.86 | Average Transport Prices |
| One Way Ticket | $0.57 |
| Monthly Pass | $30.75 |
| Gasoline | $1.21 | Average Utilities Prices |
| Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) | $55.08 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local | $0.12 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $15.27 | Average Leisure Prices |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $25.81 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | $17.30 |
| Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release | $3.78 | Average Clothing Prices |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) | $36.43 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) | $25.29 |
| 1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) | $60.98 | Average Rent Prices |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $249.30 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $155.71 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $439.82 |
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Izmir?
The cost of living in Izmir is low compared to both major Turkish and worldwide cities.
You should take advantage of rent, groceries and transportation which are cheaper than in Istanbul.
You can either drive or use a public transport system in Izmir, which is frequent and efficient here.
Taking a bus, tramway or metro would save you a lot of time and money, as traffic jams are commonplace.
The utilities and leisure activities are not so expensive, thus not much money is spent on them.
Average Costs Breakdown
Izmir: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
In general, things that are expensive in Izmir are equally expensive elsewhere in Turkey, so you cannot continue to live like you do at home if you are not earning that high amount of money.
So as to be able to easily get adjusted to your new life in Izmir, it is advisable to prepare yourself as much as possible before arriving.
Many things might come as a surprise so you should know that income lower than average would not satisfy basic newcomer’s needs, as you will have to pay the rent.
Izmir Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Izmir Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Cost of Living by City in Izmir
| City | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|
| Ankara | 34.77 |
| Antalya | 33.78 |
| Bursa | 33.72 |
| Istanbul | 28.1 |
