Cost of Living in Istanbul 2026 — Rent, Food, Transport and Monthly Budget Guide

Cost of Living in Istanbul 2026

Istanbul is one of the world's great cities straddling Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait, and in 2026 it sits in an interesting economic position. Turkey's high inflation of recent years has pushed local prices upward significantly in Turkish lira terms, but the currency's depreciation against AUD and USD has actually made Istanbul relatively affordable for earners in hard currencies. The city's enormous size (17+ million people) means costs vary dramatically by neighbourhood: Beyoglu and Nisantasi on the European side are upscale, while Kadikoy on the Asian side offers strong value with excellent food and culture. This guide covers the realistic cost of living in Istanbul in 2026.

Rent and Housing

• 1-bedroom apartment, Beyoglu/Cihangir/Galata (central European side): TRY 25,000-50,000/month (AUD 1,100-2,200); 1-bedroom apartment, Kadikoy/Moda (Asian side, vibrant neighbourhood): TRY 20,000-40,000/month (AUD 880-1,760); 1-bedroom apartment, Besiktas/Ortakoy (Bosphorus views): TRY 35,000-70,000/month (AUD 1,540-3,080); 1-bedroom apartment, outer districts (Bagcilar, Esenyurt): TRY 12,000-22,000/month (AUD 528-968); shared room, central Istanbul: TRY 8,000-18,000/month (AUD 352-792); note: 1 AUD ≈ 22-25 TRY at mid-2026 approximate rate — verify current rate as TRY can fluctuate

Food and Eating Out

• Simit (sesame bread ring) from a street cart: TRY 10-20 (AUD 0.44-0.88); lahmacun (Turkish flatbread pizza): TRY 50-90 (AUD 2.20-3.96); iskender kebab (classic Istanbul dish): TRY 200-400 (AUD 8.80-17.60); mid-range Bosphorus-view restaurant for two: TRY 800-2,000 (AUD 35.20-88.00); Turkish tea (cay) at a tea house: TRY 10-20 (AUD 0.44-0.88); weekly grocery shop (BIM, Migros): TRY 1,500-3,000 (AUD 66.00-132.00); fresh fish at Karakoy fish market: TRY 200-600/kg (AUD 8.80-26.40)

Transport

• Istanbulkart single journey (metro, tram, ferry, bus): TRY 25-35 (AUD 1.10-1.54); monthly Istanbulkart refill (unlimited): TRY 600-1,200 (AUD 26.40-52.80); Bosphorus ferry (vapur): TRY 25-35 (AUD 1.10-1.54) per crossing; taxi (short-medium trip): TRY 150-400 (AUD 6.60-17.60)

Utilities

• Monthly electricity (BEDAS): TRY 500-1,500 (AUD 22.00-66.00); internet (Turkcell, Turk Telekom 100Mbps): TRY 400-700/month (AUD 17.60-30.80); mobile plan: TRY 200-500/month (AUD 8.80-22.00)

Monthly Budget Summary

• Frugal lifestyle (shared flat, local food): TRY 15,000-25,000/month (AUD 660-1,100); comfortable expat (own flat Kadikoy, mix dining): TRY 35,000-65,000/month (AUD 1,540-2,860); generous Istanbul lifestyle: TRY 80,000-150,000/month (AUD 3,520-6,600); Istanbul offers extraordinary value for digital nomads and remote workers earning in AUD or USD, with world-class food, culture, and the unique experience of living across two continents

This article was compiled by AI and screened before publishing. See our editorial standards.