Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

The cost of living in Turkey is one of the reasons a lot of expats have moved permanently to the country. Thanks to the exchange rate, foreigners have considerable purchasing power. Pair that with a high-interest savings account and the comfort of living in Turkey; it’s no wonder the nation is a household of immigrants or tourists. With an average financial literacy knowledge, many people can afford to live comfortably and within their budget.

Before we proceed, it should be noted that we have compiled this article to meet your requirements. Here, we will walk you through an in-depth explanation of the cost of living in turkey. Not only is that, but we have compiled the things to know above residing in Turkey.

Thus, let’s consider six factors that play major roles in your cost of living. It is also worth noting that these prices are not set in stone and will differ depending on your region within the country.

1.    Location and Environment

If you are looking for an affordable place to pitch your tent, we suggest avoiding big cities. Contemporary cities are often expensive, as is the case with Istanbul, Ankara, and İzmir. So, for those looking to save some money, you are better off in suburban and rural areas.

Although according to Number, a system for calculating the cost of living, staying in central Istanbul is about 150% cheaper than living in London, and we’d say that is a considerable gap. If you can afford it, you should absolutely take advantage of this opportunity.

One benefit of living in Istanbul is the rent. The average cost of rent per month for a studio apartment is about 2000 TL on the outskirts of town. However, in a bigger neighborhood closer to the central location can set you back about 5000 TL. To put this in perspective, you can find a 1 bedroom on sale for about $45,000.

Compare this to Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, where an apartment can cost between 900TL to 1000 TL, depending on certain factors like the age of the building, condition, and neighborhood. All prices are in the Turkish Lira (TL), and expats should convert to their local currency using current exchange rates, but as of writing this article, 1000TL is $105.

On the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, renting an apartment starts at roughly 900TL, depending on condition, age, and upkeep. For living costs and expenses, the examples used below focus on Altinkum, which offers reasonable prices. All quotes are in Turkish lira (TL), and foreigners should convert to their currency utilizing the day’s exchange rate.

2.    Goods, Services and Home Costs

As stated before, you can rent a furnished apartment for about 900 TL. For those who decide to purchase property in Turkey, you will need to consider maintenance costs, taxes, maintain a good standard of living and feed well. Some things to factor include:

• Council and Rubbish Tax: According to Turkish law, the number of people on a title deed has to make a yearly payment. The average tax for a two-bedroom is about 200 TL/year.
• Insurance: Due to Turkey being an earthquake region, homeowners must pay Earthquake insurance. The amount paid is based on the square meters in question. For example, a one-bedroom flat can cost about 275 TL/year; this does not include fire, theft, and damages.

3.    Utilities

One other thing to consider is household utilities like gas, electricity, and water. Gas is sold in bottles in small shops across cities for about 120T, and this is enough to last a single person for more than a year. Additionally, you do not have to worry about television bills. This allows you to focus on other bills like water, telephone, and internet.

• Electricity Bills: Turkey’s electricity is run by private companies, with each company in charge of different regions. Therefore, electric bills may differ, and spending time at home will consume a lot more electricity and shoot the bill higher. The average electric bill in a quiet neighborhood on the outskirts should be about 250 TL/month.

• Water: Many residents make use of prepaid water meters, and others prefer the monthly bill system. Shockingly, in Turkey, your average bill a year could be about 200 TL.

• Internet and Telephone: Turkey has several network providers, but the nation’s favorite is  Telecom. They provide internet, phone services, and TV satellites in various packages.  Unlimited monthly packages can cost you about 90TL, while phone calls abroad go for about 50 TL.

4.    Food and Groceries

One of the biggest supermarkets and a customer favorite because of their reputation for low prices and affordable food is Bim. There are two other supermarkets Migros and Carrefour, whichever you find closest to you is a good choice to cut down on grocery shopping costs.

Alternatively, you could also go the route of the local farmers market, where you can get fruit, cheeses, and vegetables at much lower prices and far greater quality than in supermarkets.

For our meat lovers, you might be disappointed to know that beef and lamb are quite on the costly side, and you should probably go for the chicken. A kilogram of lamb can cost as much as 150 TL compared to 12 TL for a kilo of chicken. It’s no wonder chicken is the main ingredient of many recipes and a staple in many Turkish households. A milk bottle will cost about 4 TL, and half a crate of eggs will set you back 15 TL.

For those who love dining out or want to explore Turkish cuisine, expect to spend 70TL on steaks and 40TL on pasta meals. Turkey has a wide range of foods and even accommodates foods from other cultures. You can find an old-fashioned English breakfast for 25TL.

If you love to spend time on the beach, be prepared to spend more money on food at the beach. It is because the rent on the beach is higher, so they charge more to make money. You can save money by eating at home or in places away from the beachfront.

There’s no such thing as cheap alcohol anymore. In places like Altinkum, you can get a beer for 20 TL, whereas in Istanbul, double or even triple that price. A glass of fine wine will set you back 25 TL, and that’s in a town like Altinkum, while spirits are about 30 TL.

5.    Driving

Petroleum is quite expensive, so if you can stick to public transport and local busses instead of driving, then you should be good. Large cities also offer Metro services, and they are relatively inexpensive.

6.    Healthcare and Permanent Residency

For residency applicants, fees differ depending on nationality. However, the average cost is 80 USD for first-time applications. For countries that don’t require e-visas, you will need to pay 658in taxes plus 110TL for your documents. Permits have one year before they need to be renewed; your next renewal, however, will cost 60 USD and not 80.

Health insurance is compulsory for anyone under the age of 65. The cost of the insurance varies depending on your medical health plan and what it covers. Although many expats sign up for the monthly state SGK health coverage, so look into that if it interests you.

How much money do I need to live comfortably in Turkey?

The answer to this question depends on a lot of factors, such as where you want to live, are you renting or do you own property in the country, will you be staying alone or are you supporting a family, and finally, what is your definition of living comfortably?

If you decide to stay in Istanbul, be prepared to cough up the dough because it is an expensive place to live. You will need a minimum of 10,000 TL/month to live comfortably, and that is if you own property and don’t have to pay rent. Nevertheless, move to a cheaper place in Turkey, and the cost of living drops considerably. Instead of 10,000 TL, you’ll be fine with 7,000 a month.

When choosing a place to live in Turkey and deciding your budget, certain factors make all the difference. Check them out below.

1.    Exchange Rate

If your income is paid in a foreign currency, you will need to factor in the exchange rate. It is essential because the exchange rate is high, and although the Turkish government is hard at work to lower it, we will probably not see much change in the next couple of years, according to experts. Unfortunately, the exchange rate of the Turkish lira goes up and down like a swing set every week, so remember this fluctuation when creating your budget.

2.    Rent Vs. Owning property

Many people who move to Turkey to retire end up owning or buying property. This eases the stress of constantly having to deal with changes in rent rates. They often vary from place to place, but one thing is for sure, they rise every year. Rent rates can range from 2000 to 6000 TL in sub-urban areas. Therefore, it is vital to research extensively and plan your budget if you intend to rent and not buy property in Turkey.

3.    High-Interest Savings Accounts

This is a major plus for you as an Expat, and we suggest you take hold of this opportunity. Many foreigners put large sums of money into such accounts and receive up to 19% back. After a month, they withdraw, pay taxes and boost their income. However, we remind you that the Turkish government is on a mission to reduce the interest rates. So, keep it in mind when drafting your budget.

Where do most expats live in Turkey?

In recent times, retiring abroad has become the trend, and a lot of people turn an eye to Turkey as one of the places they can call a second home, permanently or temporarily. But as with human beings, there’s always the urge to stay close to home, so we gravitate towards people of the same tribe and nationalities.

Expat travel destinations is often influenced by the nationalities that live there and are nothing like the villages you’ll find featured on the guide books. Sure, people visit those places, but nobody has ever moved their family to live on a farm in the mountains from a different country or retired on a beaten track in the mountains. They prefer to take advantage of the relationships they will build with other expats and get advice on settling in the country.

There are several regions where expats settle in Turkey; a lot of them are on the coasts of the Mediterranean Sea and the Aegean coast. Not a lot of expats live in East Turkey because it’s more conservative than West Turkey. Working Expats often live in big cities like Ankara but Istanbul. However, retirees and those who can pay for it live on the coastlines, which are some of the most comfortable expat communities.

Below are some regions where you can find expat communities.

●     The Bodrum Region

The Bodrum peninsula is set on the west coast, not too far from the Island of Los, Greece. Statistics have shown that it is one of the biggest holiday destinations in Turkey; expats have been flocking there since the 1950s,  although it didn’t become a hotspot until the turn of the century when it became legal for foreigners to own property.

Move to the town center and explore the beautiful scenic waterside that attracts sailors and nautical enthusiasts because of the Turkish Rivera’s reputation in gulet boat cruising. Other than that location, expats love the resort in Yalikavak. It is because, in the last year, it has risen to a place of fame and prestige because of the multi billionaire Palmarina welcoming mega yachts.

●     Kusadasi: An all Year-round Destination

The Irish folk, on the other hand, prefer the Kusadasi as their getaway location. Still, since the expat influx at the turn of the century, more and more nationalities have settled and even bought properties there. One of Kusadasi’s major pluses is that it is an all-year location open all year to everyone; pair that with cruise ships from all over Turkey, and you have an influx of more expats. Over the years, this place has transformed from a village to a hotspot town on its way to becoming a city.

●     Altinkum: Little Britain

Altinkum is also called “Little Britain” because of the size of the British Expat population in the area. They live there all year round, and the area is one of the cheapest locations in Turkey for foreigners, so if you are on a budget and looking to lower your cost of living, we recommend Little Britain.

Beautiful bars and restaurants influenced and highlighted by British culture advertise food and entertainment, welcoming everyone to participate and enjoy. Although, in Didim, an old traditional Turkish town, Turkish culture and cuisine are on full display. Offering expats the best of both worlds, letting them enjoy the beauty of Turkey but allowing them to enjoy the warm feeling of home.

●     The Antalya Region

Antalya, located on the eastern tip of the Mediterranean coast, has a more European feel than any destination on this list. Unlike Altinkum that attracts just British Expats and a few others, Antalya attracts Russians, Germans, French, and other East European countries.

Antalya is quite popular among tourists and takes second place with the most properties sold to foreigners. Expats have made their tent and settled in many coastal resorts in the area.

●     Istanbul: Turkey’s largest city.

As we stated above, Istanbul is famed for attracting working expats, although, over the years, retirees have begun to settle on the outskirts of the city as well. According to recent reports, the city is planning many new developments in its infrastructure, including a bigger airport to increase its travel capacity. This news has attracted the attention of many investors hoping to get their own slice of the cake.

Expats considering a move to Turkey will naturally have many concerns about life in this culturally rich country. From their safety and security to healthcare and schooling concerns, here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about expat life in Turkey.

Frequently Asked Questions about Turkey

For expats who plan to move to Turkey, there are bound to be several concerns about life in Turkey. Several questions about safety, security, healthcare, and schooling. We can’t answer all of those questions in this guide, but we can answer some of the frequently asked questions about expat living in Turkey.

Is Turkey safe for expat?

This is usually the first question on any intending expats mind. We’d say yes, and Turkey is generally a safe place to live for expats, although they have been several issues with terrorism that have raised an eyebrow or two.

There have been attacks by regional and local terrorist groups in some places in the county. However, the attacks have drastically reduced since the government has begun to crack down on these groups and set up operations to prevent these groups from causing harm.

Government authorities act decisively to stamp such attacks, and the protection of foreign residents and tourists is viewed as the first priority. Expats in Turkey are advised to stay updated on local issues and always take steps to ensure their safety when moving around.

Does Turkey have international schools?

There are several international schools in the country. However, a lot of them are based in Ankara or Istanbul. Some of these schools use the foreign curriculum, the likes of International Baccalaureate, American and British.

Turkey boasts of good British, German, and French schools. However, school tuition fees are quite expensive due to the demand. There is limited space, and parents have to plan ahead to save a spot.

Even though expat children are allowed to school in Turkish Public schools, it seems expat parents prefer their children attend international schools. For expats with young children who intend on staying in Turkey for a long time, we advise you to send them to local schools. Your children can make more friends, learn the language and the culture while getting an education.

Does Turkey offer good healthcare facilities?

The country offers both private and public healthcare facilities. However, healthcare quality varies, but doctors are adequately trained, and the hospitals get the job. Turkey has bagged a reputation as a medical tourism destination, especially in cosmetic surgery, fertility treatment, and dentistry.

This could be attributed to the fact that healthcare services in Turkey are inexpensive compared to other parts of Europe. There’s an overflow of pharmacies in towns, suburban areas, and cities. So, as an Expat, you shouldn’t struggle to find a lot of medications.

Is it hard to import my car into Turkey?

If you decide to move to Turkey, you will need to consider if it’s worth it to have your car imported. The process is complex, exhausting, and quite expensive. Expats need to submit several documents, which may take months to process, and then wait for Alien Vehicles. Temporary entrance to Carnet to import the car. All of these areas are opposed to buying a new car.

Is it hard to get a work permit in Turkey?

Yes. It is unfortunate, and the process can be quite difficult because there are several restrictions and laws for what jobs a foreigner can apply for, and even with that, the employer has to prove that no local/citizen has the skills they are looking for. We highly recommend you get the job, apply for a work permit, and before you arrive in Turkey.

The application process involves a lot of paperwork and helps from your employer to work out. Expats will have to send a request to the nearest Turkish embassy; then, the employer applies to the Turkish Ministry of Labour and Social security. Both proposals must be submitted ten days from one another no later and can take at least 30 days before you get a response.

Conclusion

The Cost of living in Turkey depends on several factors, as we have stated in this article. For a single man looking for work in the outskirts of Istanbul, it will vary when compared to a family of four living on the coastline. We advise you to plan your budget accordingly, and we hope this guide aids your decision.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

Clear beaches, beautiful mountains, and mysterious caves are some of the wonders Antalya promises. With a unique history and love for Turkish tradition, it is no wonder why many foreigners wish to relocate to this tourist city permanently. To make the process easier and well-informed, we have provided a complete guide for living in Antalya as an expat.

Why It Is An Expat Destination

There are tons of reasons why one of the largest foreigners living in Turkey can be found in the expat community in Antalya. As far as foreign property purchases go, Antalya is only second to Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city. Here are a few reasons why Antalya is a top choice for expats.

1.    Affordable Cost of Living

Living in Antalya is significantly cheaper than living in most European countries and even some places in Turkey. Compared to Istanbul, life in Antalya is 12% cheaper. Compared to other locations in Europe, like London, the cost of living is 43% cheaper. The utilities and daily needs of Antalya residents are low-cost but still high quality.

Food is relatively cheap, but you might have to pay extra for the nonessentials. Also, the USD, Euro, and Pounds exchange rate tilt in favor of the Turkish Lira. Therefore, if you’re relocating with those currencies, you’ll find one bill covering for more things than you could imagine. Overall, it’s the promise of living a good life on less money,

2.    Year-Round International And Domestic Flights

Antalya is Turkey’s foremost international coastal district. It is also one of its most prominent holiday destinations. Since a lot of movement occurs in the area, it is only essential to have great transport options. Antalya ensures this by having an ultra-modern airport from which they grant domestic and international flights that run all year.

This allows expats to easily access different parts of the country and even Europe any time they please. During winter, it is typical for the other major holiday airports to close shop, but Antalya never does.

3.    Investing In Real Estate Is Easy

To encourage foreign investment in real estate, the process of finding, applying, paying, and acquiring real estate in Antalya has been made seamless. If it’s a cheap studio apartment that catches your fancy, you’ll find enough options.

If state-of-the-art, luxurious edifices are your thing, then there are several options to choose from. Due to the exchange rates, you can pay cash outright for a house. A great property by the seaside would start from $40,000 and could be yours in less than two weeks if you do all the right things.

4.    There’s A Great Lifestyle Shift

The cool evening air, beautiful seasides, nightclubs, good company, and good vibes make Antalya a great place to lay back and enjoy your life. If you’re relocating from a demanding, tense, and bustling life that constantly pushes your anxiety to the brink, then Antalya might just be the therapy you need.

5.    The Weather Is Fantastic

Antalya has a famous saying that you could experience all the seasons at once in the beautiful city. This saying is popular because Antalya weather provides warm Mediterranean summer and winters with little or no rain. It’s the ideal weather for a holiday destination.

6.    Shopping Is Much Easier And Fun

Unlike many other holiday resorts, Antalya is not ‘closed-off or ‘removed’ from the rest of the world. You are provided with endless shopping choices from some of your best stores, the biggest to the smallest.

The city’s center boasts of giant all-inclusive shopping malls that allow you to satisfy your every shopping need – from food shopping to clothes and even household items. Away from the city’s center, you’ll still find major supermarkets where you can complete your shopping under one roof. And some of the prices are even cheaper.

7.    There’s a Big Expat Community

Like we mentioned in this section’s introduction, the largest group of foreigners you’ll find throughout Turkey are residents in Antalya. As an expat, you’ll not feel isolated or culturally confused for a long time. If you can locate the spots where most of the expats frequent (like pubs, dinners, parties, etc.), you’ll make enough friends that would be all too willing to help you navigate the new experience.

Cons Of Living In Antalya As An Expat

Granted, Antalya is a great place to live, but there are a few factors that may be absolute deal breakers for a few people. On that note, here are a few cons of living in Antalya as an expat.

1.    There’s A Language Barrier

Many expats have confessed to having a hard time learning Turkish. In their defense, Turkish is one of the most complex languages to learn. Without understanding and learning how to speak it, you’ll be unable to make any new friends or successfully engage in social discourse.

Although living in tourist resorts where there are English-speaking locals might be comforting, you won’t learn the language quickly enough, and this will affect other areas during your stay. Surrounding yourself with Turks and allowing them to correct your mistakes will help you learn the language faster.

2.    You’ll Experience A Culture Shock

Turkish culture is so distinct from many other European cultures, talks less of American culture. Therefore, it is only typical that you experience some degree of culture shock. The whole of Turkey is deeply religious, conservative, and very traditional.

You might, unfortunately, find that there’s not much room for you to ‘be yourself, especially when it defies the tradition. Your presentation in public, dressing and even cuisine might need to adjust if you want to blend in and live there permanently. It is also important to note that there are not many black people in Turkey.

Most locals might make a black person feel conscious of their ‘separateness,’ which might become a problem. As a tourist location, this issue might not be as intense in Antalya, but it is still something that should not be completely ruled out. Regardless, if you open your mind to learn new and exciting things about Turkish culture, you’ll find many locals willing to teach you.

3.    Income is Relatively Low

For expats who still wish to engage in paid labor, the process is not exactly seamless. A good majority of the expat population in Antalya are retirees and are not expected to continue to earn an income. You cannot earn payment with a tourist visa; else, you’ll attract fines or even deportation.

Getting a work permit is not a walk in the park either, as strict procedures are laid out. But if you do not mind teaching English in the schools or becoming a holiday representative, then you’ll find more than enough work. It doesn’t pay much, though.

Interesting Facts About Antalya

There are a few facts about Antalya that would help you see just how enchanting the city truly is. Without further ado, check it out below.

1. Although the population of Antalya is pegged at one million inhabitants, it drives up to more than twice its size during tourist seasons.

2. Regardless of the weather, season, or destination, the ultra-modern airport in Antalya runs domestic and international flights all year round.

3. Antalya is ancient. Although there is no accurate account of how many years this city has stood, the earliest mentions of its existence go as far back as 159BC.

4. Antalya is considered a very safe city. However, the greatest danger to a tourist or expat is from the local swindlers who try to sell fake and overpriced handmade crafts by convincing them that the crafts are exclusive pieces from ancient artisans. Unfortunately, many foreigners fall for it.

5. Turks are obsessed with tea. The average local drinks tea at least ten times a day.

6. Antalya is divided into two – the Old and New Cities. The Old City houses more historic and family-centered sights. The New City, on the other hand, is a metropolis with modern infrastructure and sights.

7. One of the three largest archeological museums in the world is in Antalya.

8. Antalya is the gateway to the Turkish Riviera.

9. Antalya has been renamed four times before finally settling for its current name. Its old names are Attaleia, Attalia, Satalia, and Antalya.

10. One major attraction in Antalya is the burning flames of Chimera that never go out. There have been several attempts to put out the fire, and nothing has worked. In ancient times, the flame served as a guiding light to ships and helped them not crash on the rocks. Till now, the flame continues to burn every single second of every day.

11. You’ll find the world’s most extensive tunnel housing different species of fish in Antalya. It is called the Antalya Aquarium.

12. Antalya is Turkey’s fifth-most populous city.

13. Kaleici, the old preserved Roman city, lies in Antalya. There, you’ll find relics of Roman civilization and even Roman ancient-style buildings.

14. Antalya has been controlled by three major empires in the past – the Greek, Byzantines, and Romans. As a result, you’ll find architectural monuments from these three cultures in the old era

15. The city of Antalya was once considered a Christian city. This was before the Byzantine empire fell.

Traveling To Antalya Today

To enter Antalya, you need a Turkish visa which will allow you to enter Turkey and stay for a specified period of time. The type of visa you apply for will also determine which activities you can engage in and to what degree.

The E-Visa and Sticker Visa

Turkey generally offers two types of visas, the e-visa, and the sticker visa. The e-visa allows you to apply directly online and get your visa within thirty minutes of your application. Turkey is not a part of the Schengen agreement, so not all countries (even European) are eligible for an e-visa. Therefore, you’ll have to check their website to know if you meet the eligibility requirements.

With an e-visa, you have 30 to 90 days to stay in Turkey, and the visa is only valid 180 days from when it is granted. If you find your country ineligible for an e-visa, then the sticker visa is your next available option. To do this, you’ll need to set up an appointment with the Turkish Embassy, drop your passport, and then wait until you’re told to come to collect it.

Moreover, you’ll also need to sit through an interview to help the Embassy conclude giving you the visa. The sticker visa takes more time and money to process, but it’s as good as an e-visa once it is granted. Whether you apply for an e-visa or a sticker visa depends on 1) your nationality and 2) the purpose of your visit. Also, a few nationals are exempted from applying for a ticket, but they can only stay 30-90 days.1

Staying Longer in Antalya

If you entered Turkey with a tourist visa over the time specified, you’d need to get a Turkey Residence Permanent ID Card that allows you to stay in Antalya for longer. You can apply for this ID card online with all the correct details. With this legal ID, you are entitled to a few benefits;

• You can stay longer
• You can work in international companies
• You can marry a Turkish spouse
• You can open a Turkish bank account
• You can obtain a Turkish driver’s license
• You can make personal or corporate investments
• You can buy, sell, and invest in real estate
• You can build your startup
• You can travel in and out of Turkey.

And many other benefits.

Your short-term residence permit will need to be constantly renewed until the eighth year when you can then turn it into a long-term residence permit which comes with an infinitive work permit. If it pleases you and meets all the requirements, you can apply for Turkish citizenship and a passport.

Here are a few things you should note;

1. You should apply for a work permit or longer residence within 30 days of your arrival.

2. Also, if you want to apply for a work permit, make sure you visit the local police station to verify your address within 30 days of your arrival.

3. Always keep your passport and authorization handy in case of random police checks. This is particularly for those who want to stay permanently.

Cost Of Living In Antalya

Living the ideal, sun-kissed life in this Mediterranean city is surprisingly not as expensive as most people would assume, especially given the price of the same amenities in neighboring countries. Life in Antalya is amazingly cheap, and some of its best experiences come with no price tag at all!

Accommodation in Antalya

Antalya’s home prices are easily some of the cheapest you’ll find on that side of Europe. Due to the exchange rates, you can buy a house for as low as $35,000. Among foreign real estate investors in 2020, Antalya was the second top destination after Istanbul. Apartments (studio, 1+1, 2+1) range from $30,000-$55,000.

While the rent for villas could range from $865 to $3,750, you can simply buy one if you have anything from $64,000 to $150,000. You can, of course, find decent and spacious apartments where you’ll pay rent ranging from $200 to $500. It all depends on the area, the appliances you want to be installed, and your budget.

It might also interest you to know which areas have been marked as the best places for foreigners to live in Antalya.  Lara beach neighborhood which is one of Antalya’s oldest tourist neighborhoods, is a great place to live if you want an active social scene.

Apart from the obvious allure of the sandy, clear beaches, this area provides other amenities like bars, restaurants, sophisticated blogs, shopping malls, and many more. Even Antlaya’s ultra-modern airport is a stone’s throw away.

There is also Konyaalti Beach. One reason why this area is a great place to invest in real estate is because of the upcoming Bogacy Development that will turn the area into a world-class marina. There’s also Alanya, Belek, and Kalkan, which are also great areas.

Utilities in Antalya

In Antalya, your rent does not cover your utility cost. You have to pay separately for it. Electricity is supplied privately and costs between $26 to $52. Turkish local municipalities provide water, and it would cost $63 to $73. Private companies supply internet connectivity, and the charge depends on which provider you decide to work with. Private companies also provide gas and typically cost around $126.

Food in Antalya

Traditional Turkish food is one of the blessings living in Antalya affords you. Turkish food is rich in protein, delicious, and amazingly cheap. You can find fresh produce, vegetables, fruits, and seafood to make delicacies at home. A lot of them are homegrown and, as such, very cheap and high quality.

You can spend an average of $250 monthly on home-cooked meals.

Being a tourist destination, there are many local and international restaurants available to satisfy most of your cravings. How much you spend at these spots depends largely on your budget. You can get fast, street food for as low as $1 and food at a high-end, sit-down restaurant for as low as $8.

Transportation in Antalya

Many of the places you need to be are within walkable distance, and you might find that a vehicle might not be used often. A one-way ticket costs $0.42, while the regular price for the monthly pass is around $27. A taxi ride could cost anything from $0.42 to $3, depending on the distance. There’s no Uber in Antalya. The flights are inexpensive too. Traveling within the country is $20, while one-way flights to the United Kingdom or Germany range from $30 to $40.

Health Care in Antalya

Health care in Antalya is of high quality with state-of-the-art medical infrastructure and personnel. As a tourist, your travel health insurance should be sufficient to cover you, but as an expat, you can apply for the Temporary Residence Permit, which requires you to subscribe to Turkish Health Care. The insurance company and the package you subscribe to determine how much you would have to pay monthly. For expats, it usually ranges from $35 to $45.

Entertainment and Leisure in Antalya

In a tourist spot like Antalya, there’s more than enough fun to be had in every corner of the town. From shopping sprees to dining in local and international restaurants, visiting historic sites, exploring the archaeological museums, surfing the beaches, lounging in the bars, going out with friends, etc., there are so many avenues through which you can derive pleasure. How much you spend depends on how much entertainment you’re willing to subscribe to.

Some Extra Tips For Living In Antalya As An Expat

1. A high-paying job is very difficult to find in Antalya. Therefore, if you plan to relocate and continue working, it’ll be wise to find a job before you move.

2. The relatively cheaper costs of buying a house may tempt a few people to dive into the offer, but many expats advise that you live in rented housing before making that decision. This is so that you can explore your options, get to know the city, and buy a home you’d really love.

3. Your first year as an expat will be very challenging. First, you might deal with loneliness and being away from everyone you know. You’ll have a lot of free time and not nearly enough friends to spend it with. As you socialize more, it’ll get better.

4. Before making your move, enroll in a few Turkish courses that will help you improve in the language. Watch free online resources on platforms like Youtube and practice consistently until you, at least, have a basic understanding.

5. Do not make only expat friends. This will limit your understanding of the culture and your new environment. Although they’ll help you settle down quickly, Turkish friends will provide a fresh and beneficial perspective of your experiences.

Conclusion

The number one rule for thriving as an expat is always to maintain an open and teachable spirit that is not adverse to learning and growth. This way, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the beauty that is Antalya. Refer to this guide for more information about Antalya and many others.