Cost of Living for International Students in Turkey 2024

Turkey is becoming an increasingly popular destination for international students due to its affordable living costs, high-quality education, and vibrant cultural experience. Compared to other study destinations such as the U.S., U.K., and Australia, the cost of living in Turkey is significantly lower, making it an ideal option for students seeking a budget-friendly study abroad experience.

In this guide, we’ll break down the cost of living for international students in Turkey in 2024, covering key expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, healthcare, and more.

1. Accommodation Costs

Accommodation is one of the biggest expenses for international students. The cost of housing in Turkey varies depending on the city, the type of accommodation, and whether you choose to live on-campus or off-campus.

On-Campus Housing

Many Turkish universities offer on-campus dormitories for international students, which are usually the most affordable option. Dormitories may be shared or single rooms, and they often include utilities such as electricity, water, and internet.

Cost of On-Campus Dormitories: Approximately $150 to $300 per month.
Dormitory costs are lower in cities like Ankara and Izmir, while Istanbul tends to be more expensive.

Off-Campus Housing

If you prefer more privacy or independence, you can opt for off-campus housing, such as renting an apartment or sharing a flat with other students. The cost of off-campus housing depends on the city, location, and apartment size.

Private Apartment (1 bedroom): $300 to $700 per month depending on the city and proximity to the university.
Shared Apartment: You can reduce costs by sharing an apartment with other students, bringing the rent down to around $200 to $400 per person.

Utilities

If you rent off-campus, you will also need to budget for utilities such as electricity, heating, water, and internet.

Average Monthly Utility Costs: $50 to $100 per month depending on usage and the season (winter heating costs can be higher).

Key Takeaways:

On-Campus Dormitories: $150–$300 per month
Off-Campus Housing (Private Apartment): $300–$700 per month
Shared Apartment: $200–$400 per person
Utilities: $50–$100 per month

2. Food and Groceries

Food in Turkey is both delicious and affordable, with plenty of options for students to fit their budget. You can choose between eating out at local eateries, dining at university cafeterias, or cooking your own meals.

Eating Out

Turkey has a rich culinary tradition, and eating out is often very affordable, especially at local restaurants and cafes.

Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $2 to $5 for local dishes like kebabs, döner, or pide (Turkish pizza).
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: Around $20 to $30.

University cafeterias also provide budget-friendly meals, with prices for a full meal (including a main course, salad, and dessert) ranging from $1 to $3.

Groceries

For those who prefer cooking, buying groceries is affordable and can help save money. Popular grocery stores like Migros, Carrefour, and local markets offer fresh produce, meats, dairy, and other essentials at reasonable prices.

Monthly grocery budget: Around $100 to $200 depending on eating habits and preferences.

Key Takeaways:

Eating Out (Inexpensive Meal): $2–$5 per meal
University Cafeteria: $1–$3 per meal
Groceries (Monthly Budget): $100–$200

3. Transportation Costs

Turkey’s public transportation system is efficient and affordable, especially for students. Major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Antalya have well-developed networks of buses, trams, metros, and ferries.

Public Transportation

International students can apply for discounted student transportation cards (available for buses, metros, trams, and ferries), significantly lowering their daily travel expenses.

Monthly transportation pass (student discount): $10 to $30, depending on the city.
Single ride (with student discount): $0.30 to $0.50.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing services like BiTaksi and Uber are also available but are more expensive than public transportation. However, they are still relatively affordable compared to Western countries.

Taxi fare: $0.50 per km, with starting rates around $1.50.

Intercity Travel

If you plan to explore Turkey during your studies, intercity buses and domestic flights are budget-friendly.

Bus travel: $10 to $30 depending on the distance.
Domestic flights: Can range from $20 to $60 for a one-way ticket, particularly between major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir.

Key Takeaways:

Student Public Transportation Pass: $10–$30 per month
Taxi Fare: $0.50 per km
Intercity Bus: $10–$30 per trip
Domestic Flight: $20–$60 per ticket

4. Healthcare and Insurance

As an international student, you are required to have health insurance during your stay in Turkey. Many universities offer health insurance packages for international students, or you can purchase private insurance.

Health Insurance Costs

University-provided health insurance: $30 to $60 per year.
Private health insurance: Costs vary but typically range from $100 to $300 per year depending on the coverage.

Healthcare Costs

Turkey’s healthcare system is relatively affordable compared to Western countries. If you need to visit a doctor or hospital, you’ll find that the costs are manageable, especially if you have insurance.

Doctor’s visit (without insurance): $20 to $50.
Prescription medication: Varies but is generally affordable, with many common medications costing $5 to $20.

Key Takeaways:

Health Insurance: $30–$300 per year
Doctor’s Visit: $20–$50 (without insurance)

5. Other Monthly Expenses

In addition to the major expenses of accommodation, food, and transportation, there are other day-to-day costs that students should budget for.

Phone and Internet

SIM card with data plan: $5 to $15 per month, depending on the provider and data plan.
Home internet: If not included in your accommodation, expect to pay around $10 to $20 per month for internet service.

Leisure and Entertainment

Turkey offers a wide range of entertainment options, including cinemas, theaters, museums, and more. Student discounts are often available, making it easy to enjoy the local culture without spending too much.

Movie ticket: $3 to $5 (with student discount).
Museum ticket: $2 to $10, depending on the museum.
Gym membership: $20 to $50 per month.

Personal Expenses

Budget for personal items like toiletries, clothing, and other miscellaneous expenses.

Monthly personal expenses: $50 to $100 depending on lifestyle and spending habits.

Key Takeaways:

Phone Plan: $5–$15 per month
Internet: $10–$20 per month
Movie Ticket: $3–$5 (with student discount)
Gym Membership: $20–$50 per month

6. Overall Monthly Budget for International Students

To give you a clear idea of the total cost of living in Turkey, here’s an estimated monthly budget breakdown for an international student living in Turkey in 2024:

Expense	Estimated Monthly Cost
Accommodation (Dormitory)	$150–$300
Food and Groceries	$100–$200
Transportation	$10–$30
Utilities	$50–$100
Health Insurance	$3–$25 (Monthly Avg.)
Phone and Internet	$15–$35
Leisure/Entertainment	$30–$50
Personal Expenses	$50–$100
Total Estimated Cost	$400–$850 per month

This budget will vary depending on the city, your lifestyle, and whether you live on-campus or off-campus. Istanbul tends to be on the higher end of this range, while smaller cities like Ankara, Izmir, and Antalya are more affordable.

Conclusion

Living in Turkey as an international student in 2024 offers a high-quality, affordable lifestyle compared to other study destinations. With low tuition fees, reasonable living costs, and access to modern amenities, students can enjoy a rich academic and cultural experience without breaking the bank. By budgeting carefully and taking advantage of student discounts, you can live comfortably and focus on making the most of your time studying in Turkey.