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

Living in Turkey is a good choice for many expatriates. Thanks to its modern infrastructure, low cost of living, and simple procedure of applying for a work or resident permit.

Turkey, located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, holds a critical position between East and West. The country’s economy is characterized by vitality, with a burgeoning tertiary sector that provides expats chances.

This country is a large and diverse land rich in drama, history, tradition, and culture. It’s also becoming a popular location for those looking to escape their daily routine and explore something a little more exotic. Many people have been afraid in the past because of misconceptions about Turkey’s religious or political position. Nonetheless, things are changing and will continue to change rapidly.

Turkey boasts a modern infrastructural system, a solid social security system, and a reasonable cost of living. Aside from the business environment, the country is exceptionally business-friendly, with a sound tax system and a broad market stretching from Asia to Europe.

Turkey is well-known for its people’s friendliness toward foreigners who come to live and work there. Living in Turkey might be considered a very advantageous alternative for families seeking second citizenship.

In big cities, you may find anything you want to do: theatre performances, sports of any type, trekking, fishing, horseback riding, nightlife, museums, festivals, and so on. There is almost nothing in the inland countries, and time appears to have stopped.

In this article, we will walk you through the pros and cons of living in Turkey as an expat. Not only that, but we have compiled this article to explain the cost of living, interesting facts about this country and many others to mention a few.

Interesting Facts About Living in Turkey

Living Expenses

While the cost of living in Turkey has risen year after year, it is still feasible to get fantastic deals. You can get good deals on real estate, pay inexpensive rentals, and buy cheap, high-quality fresh food.

Living a high-quality, low-cost lifestyle, especially compared to many Number nations. A new apartment on the South Western shore can still be purchased for less than £20,000 (€25,000 or $32,000). However, there is a drawback.

It is difficult for a self-sufficient non-Turkish citizen to obtain a work permit. If the law is broken, there are severe penalties (including immediate deportation). Many foreigners who reside in Turkey without being sponsored by an employer will have to rely on their savings: Turkish banks have meager interest rates (around 10 percent as of June 2012).

Even in Istanbul, the country’s commercial and financial center, the cost of living in Turkey remains significantly lower than in the United States and Europe.

The cost of living in Turkey for a family will vary depending on their size, level of demand, and the geographical area in which they live.

Although Istanbul is the most expensive city in Turkey, living here is still significantly lower than other major cities in the United States and Europe.

Because a family of four may live comfortably in Istanbul on $1,000 without renting a home or paying a mortgage.

Other locations in Istanbul will have roughly 20% lower costs. In Fethiye, for example, 500 USD is sufficient to cover the demands of a middle-class family.

Immigrant families who already own homes. The costs of housing, transportation, and food in Turkey are acceptable and cheap, even for new immigrant families, compared to what they pay for comparable quality in the US and Europe. Renting a house in Turkey is far less expensive than in the United States and Europe.

Social Security and Health Care

In Turkey, a thorough health reform program has been implemented during the previous decade. This raises the ratio of private to state health supply and makes comprehensive health care available to all.

As a result, anyone relocating to Turkey can join the state healthcare system (by paying regular contributions) or use the expanding network of great private hospitals and clinics.

A growing number of health tourists are flocking to Turkey’s coasts, drawn by high-quality service and low pricing.

Anyone who participates in the Naturalization Investment program and becomes a Turkish citizen is eligible for state healthcare. Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu is the Turkish government’s healthcare initiative (SGK). After registering for this scheme, residents will obtain a textbook of health insurance cards to use some services at public hospitals.

Private hospitals and clinics with more lavish facilities, well-trained staff, and fluency in English. Turkish people are entitled to free public education from preschool to high school.

High  Exchange Rate and Savings Interest Rate

Many expats currently get pensions from their home countries in currencies such as pounds, euros, and dollars. It can be changed to Turkish TL at a favorable exchange rate and used to live a more comfortable life in Turkey.

Many expatriates also put their money in a savings account to get high-interest rates (8 to 10%) and live off the interest they earn each month. This is a terrific technique for anyone with a substantial personal fortune to cover living expenditures on a budget.

Furthermore, savings interest rates in Turkey are incredibly high (8-10% per year). Immigrants can ultimately enjoy a pleasant and plentiful life in Turkey with income from abroad in valuable foreign currencies (USD, EUR, or GBP) and high-interest rates on savings.

Culture and Language

Turkey is a tourist destination that everyone should visit at least once in their lives. The Turkish people are really polite and welcoming. As a country with an established tourism sector, most tourist attractions have people who can speak various languages, including English, German, French, and Russian… On the other hand, knowing Turkish will enable local immigrant families to assimilate and adapt to life rapidly.

Turkish is a dynamic language, yet it is tough to master. Many Turks in more developed places are fluent in English. Others speak various languages (German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Russian), but don’t expect the proprietor of the downstairs shop to know more than a few words of English.

So, plan to reside in Turkey for an extended period. It may be beneficial to begin studying Turkish because you will undoubtedly need it at some point.

 Wide Range of Doods

The majority of Turkish cuisine is based on meat: beef, lamb, and chicken. Typically, the garnish is served with beans, vegetables, rice, bread, and greens. Pork is not technically prohibited, yet it is not available in stores. Animal entrails are eaten, including stomachs, brains, intestines, and livers. Finely diced offal is used to make soups. Doner kebab, which is similar to shawarma, is a popular dish.

Turkey’s Religion

Religion is accessible throughout the country. Islam was legally separated from the state in 1928. Turkey was declared a secular country by Kemal Ataturk, but Muslims outnumber other religions in the country.

Muslims in Turkey do not follow as stringent restrictions as Muslims in other countries: instead of five prayers and prayers, just two are required; women are allowed to wear trousers and remove their burqas (although headscarves must cover their heads); moderate alcohol consumption is permitted.

Turkey Offers an Excellent Investment Opportunity

The Turkish citizenship by investment program provides health/educational/business benefits and freedom of movement.

Visa-free travel to more than 110 countries. Turkish citizens can quickly come to the United States, thanks to the E2 Treaty. The E2 visa allows you to travel to the United States to study and work.

Simply invest a minimum of 250,000 EUR in any Turkish real estate project over three years. Investors are entitled to a refund after three years.

To market real estate (Among naturalization investment plans, this is the lowest investment). The investor needs to be at least 18 years old and is accompanied by a spouse and minor children.

Important Categories of Living Expenses in Turkey

Household Expenditures

The Turkish government compensates for the high cost of rent by granting meager household expenses. The monthly fee covers the following services: power, water, sewer, phone, internet, gas, and cable TV.

People who live in apartment buildings with six or more apartments must also pay an additional flat fee for communal services. To keep your household running smoothly, budget 400 to 600 TL every month (equal to 57.02 to 87.73 USD) to cover all of your household’s needs.

Insurance and Council Tax

These annual charges may no longer startle expats because they are included in fees in countries like the United Kingdom.

The official price range for your house, as well as the number of persons who own the property where you live, are used to compute council tax.

Earthquake insurance is also necessary and is based on the square footage of your home. You can also add theft and fire protection to your insurance policy. The average is between 400 and 700 TL per year (equal to 57.02 to 100.89 USD).

Food and Drink

A simple dinner costs 25 Turkish Lira (equivalent to 84,000 and). The price of a meal in a middle-class restaurant will be roughly 100 TL (equal to 14.82 USD).

Beer prices in supermarkets range from 10 to 15 TL (equal to 1.49–2.19 USD), but in a bar, it can cost up to 20 TL (similar to 2.98 USD).

A mid-range bottle of wine will cost 50 TL (equivalent to 7.41 USD).

Smoking and Consuming Alcoholic Beverages

If you smoke a pack of cigarettes and drink a glass of alcohol every day, you will pay between 900 and 1,000 TL per month, depending on the type of tobacco and alcohol used.

Transport

Moving to Istanbul will be expensive, and using public transportation would cost you roughly TL205 per month (equivalent to 30.48 USD).

Driving and Automobile Maintenance

Although gasoline prices are not as high as in European countries such as Greece or Portugal, they are still twice as high as in the United States and other countries. As a result, many Turks prefer to drive diesel automobiles because they are less expensive.

On the other hand, vehicle owners should budget around 5,000 TL per year (equal to 745.72 USD) for maintenance, insurance, and inspection by the Ministry of Transport.

Buying Groceries

Singles and couples on a tight budget might save a lot of money in this aspect. Shop at local booths rather than large stores for commodities such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. It will be less expensive. The average weekly expenditure is around 100 TL (equivalent to 14.87 USD).

Prices of Groceries and Other Necessities

Food in tourist centers is more expensive than in rural places. Market prices are typically 20% lower than supermarket pricing, and the quality of goods is higher.

The following are the average prices for the essential products:

Lunch at a low-cost cafe will cost roughly 2.5 euros, and supper at a restaurant costs around 13 euros. A Turkish meal always consists of at least three courses.

Residency and Healthcare

To stay in Turkey for more than 90 days, you must get a residency permit. If you are under 65, you must also participate in the mandatory health care regime.

A foreign couple purchasing a long-term residency permit and enrolling in the Turkish state health insurance plan will be required to pay approximately TL 7,000 per year (equivalent to nearly 1,052.79 USD).

Working in Turkey

The good news is that working legally in Turkey is entirely doable; all you need is a work visa. The bad news is that they are challenging to obtain. There are numerous limits and requirements to be aware of. Some irresponsible folks don’t bother. There are far too many examples of foreign nationals who either do not grasp the regulations or bend them to their advantage.

There are several limitations on the kinds of jobs that foreign nationals can perform. There is a massive list of vocations that are simply out of reach. Doctors, nurses, midwives, dentists, veterinarians, pharmacists, opticians, judges, lawyers, security guards, notaries, and most other ‘professional’ activities fall under this category. Working as a travel company’s executive director is likewise illegal, as is anything linked to diving, maritime navigation, or working on ships.

Other restrictions must be completed if a foreign national wants to work in Turkey, which relates to quotas for employing Turkish nationals in the same business. As an example:

“At least five Republic of Turkey residents must be employed at the workplace for which a work permit is requested.

additionally:

“For foreigners employed by enterprises operating in the entertainment and tourist sectors…there will be no separate quota application provided that at least 10 Turkish citizens are engaged in these firms.”

Expect your application to be handled in about two months. Once you have received the all-clear, you will be required to visit your consulate to collect the all-important work visa stamp. When in doubt about your eligibility, consult with an expert; please get guidance before beginning.

Job Seeking

Employers in Turkey tend to prefer applications from Turkish nationals. At the same time, there are some apparent exceptions, particularly when English is required. Most people find work before moving to Turkey. However, vacancies can be found by searching internet job listings, English-language media, college websites, and classified advertisements.

Major international corporations that do business in Turkey frequently seek foreigners to join their overseas staff and are primarily swayed by submitting resumes from recent grads.

Take, for example, Unilever and Microsoft have operations in Turkey. Several major clothing stores such as Hennes, Marks & Spencer, and Next. When it comes to finding potential jobs, online trade directories can be valuable. The British Chamber of Commerce in Turkey’s online membership directory is a great place to start.

 Before opting to relocate to an eastern country, consider all of the benefits and drawbacks. Because life in real Turkey is different from a short holiday, you may have a mistaken view of it while vacationing at a nearby resort. To adapt to the new norms, it is vital to comprehend the characteristics of the local mentality, customs, cultural, economic, and political spheres of life.

The Turkish Way of Life

Turks welcome foreigners and value other people’s cultures. The Turkish people are generally generous, good-natured, and welcoming. Only when they’re behind the wheel, do the Turks transform into savage creatures.

Turks are much friendlier and more civilized than many individuals in Western countries. Hospitality is one of the characteristics shared by all Turks.

It’s simple to create new acquaintances. You’ll quickly become friends with your neighbors and local shops. Neighborhoods in Turkey are small communities where everyone looks out for and assists one another.

Superstitions derived from pre-Islamic heritage are still prevalent in Turkey. As a result, the Turks protect themselves from ill-luck by wearing a boncuk, a blue eye symbol.

In addition to secular holidays (such as Republic Day on October 29 or Labor Day on May 1), One of the most popular pastimes among Turks is simply conversing with friends and neighbors over tea, a hookah, or a plate of tea. Dedikodu (gossip) is a national sport, according to a playful mind.

The hammam (a steam bath with various body treatments) has long been a meeting and socializing venue for women.

The Benefits of Living in Turkey

People migrate to Turkey for the following reasons:

1. Favorable climate: warm air, clear water, and plenty of sunlight

2. Inexpensive housing: the average price per square meter is 1000 euros.

3. The government spends money to enhance air quality by promoting tourism.

4. All-year-round fresh produce: vegetables, fruits, milk, and meat; established infrastructure and transportation networks.

5. Residents follow decency norms, and there are no drunks on the streets.

6. People are sincere, courteous, and warm; medical care is of high quality

7. Living expenses are low.
8. Excellent cuisine.
9. Opportunities for starting your own business, a straightforward procedure for forming an individual entrepreneur, and a limited liability company (LLC) for foreigners

10. The Local factories make low-cost clothing, shoes, cosmetics, and home products. Local manufacturers manufacture clothing, footwear, cosmetics, and home items

11. A simple method exists for acquiring a residency permit.

Disadvantages of Living in Turkey

The following are the drawbacks of living in Turkey, which you need to take into consideration;

1. Finding work in Turkey might be challenging. To get a successful job, you must be a specialist in your subject and fluent in the language. There are few low-skilled openings, and preference is given to local applicants.

2.  Since Turks do not follow traffic laws, there are many highways, and the traffic flow is chaotic.

3. Exotic regional food, a scarcity of pork, Russian cereals, and other familiar things, and exorbitant alcohol prices

4. Turkish learning challenges

5. In Turkey, privacy and private life are non-existent. A challenging existence for the reserved

6. A dictatorship with obvious dictatorial tendencies

7. The economy is in decline, while inflation is on the rise.
8. Corruption

5 Tips to Survive in Turkey

To swiftly adjust to life in turkey, I recommend that you;

1. Learn to speak Turkish. It aids communication in normal circumstances and a short talk.

2. Spend more time with locals. Visit cafes, eateries, and so on.

3. Join the community of your original language in Turkey. There, you can share your experiences, get advice, and make new friends.

4. Make acquaintances with your neighbors. They will aid in recognition of local traditions.

5. Investigate local legislation, history, culture, and customs.

6. Choose a tourist city as a place to live. Foreigners are treated with more courtesy. You can work in the tourism sector.

7. Before entering houses, remove your shoes. The Islamic religion is the source of this tradition.

8. Eat everything on the table so as not to anger the hostess.

9. Prepare to eat at the table while seated on the floor.

10. You can help the hostess clean the dishes after supper.

Conclusion

Turkey has much to offer foreigners who are planning to live and reside in the country. While there are big cities to live an exorbitant lifestyle, you can see multiple cities where you can live on $1,000 monthly. Nonetheless, refer to this guide for more information about moving to Turkey.

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.