Turkey has a wide variety of people and places to offer, from busy cities to peaceful seaside resorts. Out of these, Istanbul has been considered the most expensive city in the country many times which draws its attention because of the excessive costs, rich history, different cultures, and lifestyles. But some other Turkish places like Bodrum, Izmir, or even Ankara come with their challenges and luxuries regarding expenses as well. This article examines the reasons that justify Istanbul as the most expensive city in Turkey and other prominent cities as well in a few different ways and why they are too expensive for the people residing or visiting them.
1. Istanbul: The Most Expensive City in Turkey
Istanbul is a city where anyone can find their circle and that’s why it’s called the economic and cultural center of Turkey. This colorful city is rich in history, contemporary infrastructure, and lifestyle, but all these have their price.
Housing Costs
Housing is one of the primary factors attributed to the high cost of living in Istanbul. Having said that central regions such as Beyoglu, Sisli, Kadikoy, and Besiktas attract a premium because they are within the city center which is rich in history and services. Renting a furnished house in the districts can go up to 40-50% more than any other city in Turkey. For instance, a one-bedroom apartment in the area residents would like to live in can be procurable at a price range of $700-$1200 a month depending on its location and what the house offers in terms of services.
Apart from the rents, the concentration of the population and the hysteresis of housing investors have also driven up real estate prices in İstanbul. When it comes to purchasing real estate, apartments in the most expensive neighborhoods start from over $300.000, and comparable luxuries located on the Bosphorus may cost millions.
Food and Dining
Food and dining in Istanbul are not the same because they still belong to different classes. There is a plethora of restaurants and cafes in Istanbul catering to a diverse range of customers which makes dishing out a fine dining experience rather expensive, especially when it comes to international cuisine. In the case of a fine dining restaurant in Istanbul, the average costs per person tend to range from $20 to $50 depending on the class of the restaurant and where it is located.
Expensive restaurants do however dominate popular areas of the city such as Nisantasi and Ortakoy making it one of the cities with having high cost of living. For those who look after their pockets, cheap fast food joints are serving light meals, however, food and dining are still to some extent higher in this place as compared to most of the cities in Turkey.
2. Bodrum, A Coastal Town Of Class
Bodrum, located in the southwestern part of Turkey, also ranks high in cities where the cost of living is expensive. The coastal town of Bodrum is funny in that it attracts many tourists and foreigners but also, boasts of particularly high living standards with its Yalikavak and Gundogan.
Prices Of Houses And Other Properties
Investment and resort development among other things has made the coastline of Bodrum more or less high-priced. In most cases, waterfront villas and luxury apartments in sought-after locations go above $ 500,000 with some reaching crazy million-dollar figures. Renting out a villa or an apartment in Bodrum is expensive, especially during the crucial holiday factors. Central one-bedroom apartments may range from 800 to 1200 dollars per month depending on the location of the building.
Why is Bodrum So Pricy?
Bodrum has become very expensive because it is a very luxurious place. Many resorts and expensive houses are being built, hence, the people who can afford to live in those places are quite many which has also contributed to Bodrum being one of the areas with high real estate prices, high prices of eating out, and over by entertainment. Sultry summer stretches with sandy beaches in abundance, this picturesque seaside settlement guarantees its inhabitants a taste of life far above the ordinary.
3. Izmir: A Low-Income High-Cost City
Whenever one thinks of Izmir, one tends to imagine an ancient city with modern simple elements. The rising level of life in the city, however, has led to increased costs in the areas and especially in the suburbs in recent years.
Housing Costs
There are areas in between such as Alsancak and Karsiyaka where property prices are on the rise after the property bubble almost burst thanks to demand. It is certainly cheaper than Istanbul but still, a one-bedroom apartment in the center of Izmir's rental rate would range from $500 to $800 a month or thereabouts. Properties in the beachfront sectors mainly Urla are highly priced because they provide great ocean views and a resort kind of life.
What Is Raising The Cost Of Izmir?
With the increase in the number of people who prefer moving to Izmir due to its climate, cultural ambiance, and better lifestyle, it is bound to be expensive. Coastal areas and high-end property development projects make Izmir an attractive but expensive option for some.
4. Ankara
Ankara is normally regarded as cheaper than Istanbul. Although it still hampers cost location-wise. Organized, and having quality education and government services, Ankara is another home to many professionals and families, including diplomats.
Settlements and Cost of Living
In general, living expenses in Ankara are reasonably priced but certain areas such as Cankaya or Gaziosmanpasa are high priced in terms of property renting and buying due to the presence of embassies and government offices. One should note that the rent for a one-bedroom apartment in these districts ranges from 600 to 900 dollars per month. Nevertheless, other more affordable apartments can be found in other regions.
Reasons for the Fluctuation in Ankara's Costs
Ankara's standard of living is principally affected by one's way of life and geographical position within the city. While civil servants and other professionals may consider Ankara's living expenses as reasonable, higher expenses are incurred by people residing in affluent areas.
Conclusion: Which City is More Expensive in Turkey?
Generally, Istanbul is the most expensive city in Turkey due to its property rates, cost of eating out, and recreational activities. Other cities such as Bodrum and Izmir are also prone to high costs, especially for people who want to settle in the expensive coastal areas. In contrast to these cities, Ankara is considered the least expensive city, especially for working class and families, but certain up-market districts can be expensive.
If you are planning to stay in Turkey, it is good to keep in mind the cost components of each city, as it would make a difference when it comes to choosing a suitable destination. It could be the bustling atmosphere of Istanbul, the beach resorts in Bodrum, or even the quieter pace of life in Izmir. Turkey is a country with diverse tastes and budgets.
