Exploring the Cost of Living for International Students in Turkey in 2025

Introduction to the Cost of Living in Turkey

Turkey is known for offering a high-quality education at an affordable price for international students, and the cost of living plays a crucial role in making the country an attractive destination for higher education. The cost of living in Turkey in 2025 remains relatively affordable when compared to other popular study-abroad destinations like the United States, United Kingdom, or Australia. This guide will give international students a breakdown of key expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment to help them better plan their budgets.

Accommodation Costs for Students

Accommodation is often the largest expense for international students, and the cost of housing in Turkey can vary based on the city, type of accommodation, and whether students choose to live on or off campus.

On-Campus Dormitories

Most Turkish universities offer on-campus dormitories, which are generally more affordable and conveniently located near academic buildings. Dormitory prices typically include utilities such as water, electricity, and internet.

Average Cost: On-campus dormitories cost between $150 to $300 per month, depending on the university and room type (single or shared). Cities like Istanbul may have slightly higher dormitory fees compared to cities like Ankara or Izmir.

Private Accommodation

For students who prefer more independence or privacy, renting a private apartment is an option. Rental prices can vary significantly based on location and whether the apartment is shared or individual.

Average Cost: Rent for a private apartment typically ranges from $300 to $700 per month in cities like Istanbul and Ankara, with shared apartments on the lower end of the price scale. Smaller cities and towns usually offer lower rents.
Shared Housing: Many students reduce costs by sharing an apartment with other students. Sharing a flat can bring rent down to around $200 to $400 per person.

Food and Grocery Costs

Food is generally affordable in Turkey, especially if you buy groceries and cook at home. Supermarkets and local markets offer a variety of fresh produce, dairy products, and meats at reasonable prices.

Grocery Costs

Weekly Grocery Budget: International students can expect to spend around $30 to $50 per week on groceries, depending on their dietary habits. Popular supermarkets like BIM, Carrefour, and Migros offer affordable grocery options.
Local Markets: Shopping at local farmers’ markets, or bazars, for fruits, vegetables, and spices can help students save even more on food costs.

Eating Out

Eating out in Turkey is relatively cheap, especially at local restaurants or university canteens. Turkish cuisine offers a variety of affordable options, including kebabs, pide, meze, and doner.

Average Cost: A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs between $3 to $6, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant typically costs around $10 to $15 per person.

Transportation Costs

Public transportation in Turkey’s major cities is efficient, affordable, and well-suited for students. Cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir have extensive metro, tram, bus, and ferry systems, all of which offer student discounts.

Public Transportation

Istanbul: In Istanbul, students can get an IstanbulKart, which provides discounted fares for metro, tram, buses, and ferries. Monthly transportation costs for students are approximately $20 to $30.
Ankara: Ankara’s metro system is also affordable for students, with fares typically costing around $0.50 to $1 per trip with a student card.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing

While public transportation is generally the most economical option, taxis and ride-sharing services like BiTaksi and Uber are also available, although more expensive. A short taxi ride can cost around $5 to $10 in most cities.

Entertainment and Leisure Costs

Turkey offers plenty of affordable entertainment options, from visiting historical sites to enjoying local festivals and cultural events.

Cultural Activities

Turkey is rich in cultural and historical attractions, many of which are free or offer discounted rates for students. Museums, palaces, and historical sites often provide special discounts for students.

Museums and Historical Sites: Entry fees for museums or historical landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia or Topkapi Palace can range from $5 to $10 with a student discount.
Cinema and Events: Movie tickets generally cost between $5 to $7. Turkey also hosts various festivals and cultural events throughout the year that are often free to attend.

Fitness and Recreation

Many universities have on-campus gyms and sports facilities that are free or highly discounted for students. For those interested in joining a private gym, membership fees typically range from $15 to $50 per month depending on the location and amenities.

Miscellaneous Expenses

In addition to housing, food, and transportation, students should budget for personal expenses such as clothing, health insurance, and mobile phone bills.

Health Insurance

International students in Turkey are required to have health insurance. Some universities provide health coverage as part of their tuition fees, while others require students to purchase a private policy.

Cost: Private health insurance costs around $30 to $50 per month, depending on the coverage.

Mobile and Internet Costs

Mobile phone plans in Turkey are affordable, with several providers offering competitive packages that include calls, texts, and data.

Mobile Plans: Basic mobile plans cost around $10 to $20 per month for 4GB to 10GB of data, depending on the provider.
Internet: For those living in private apartments, internet service costs range from $10 to $20 per month.

Conclusion

The cost of living for international students in Turkey is relatively affordable compared to other major study destinations. With careful planning and budgeting, students can enjoy a high-quality lifestyle while staying within their means. From affordable housing and food to low-cost transportation and entertainment options, Turkey provides international students with a well-rounded and enriching study experience at a reasonable cost.