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

After years as an expat, tight schedules, and stressed-out afternoons, it is fair that you would want the best place for your retirement. So, if the refreshing Mediterranean air, the mesmerizing sight of blue waters, and the littering of monumental antiquities are to your fancy, well, Antalya might be the place you are looking for.

As regards its beauty, assertive display of earth’s natural wonders, beaches, and luxurious hotels: several thousands of expats have made Antalya their resting place, and it is no surprise why.

Antalya is the largest city that lines Turkish’s Mediterranean coasts. A pinnacle of tourist attraction and the 5th most populous Turkish city. Antalya prides itself on its beautiful beaches and top-notch hotels. A frequently recommended vacation location—Antalya is never short of tourists.

More so, traditional Turkey has been much depicted in Antalya. It houses some of the most valued antiquities in Turkey and is considered a venerable historic site. Nonetheless, there are countless reasons why you should pick Antalya as your retirement location.

As we go further into this article, you would have a fair share of insight on the retirement packages and Visa information, cost of living, accommodations, and what you stand to gain. I am sure all of these sounds like something ripped out of a fantasy book. Well, you will have to read further to know more about our Turkish Narnia.

Plus, we would walk you thoroughly through why Antalya is a good enough choice. Apart from that, we would go further to explore the frequently asked questions that come with Antalya. Read below.

Why Retiring Expats Should Pick Antalya

Trying to find a resting place in a foreign country can be a challenging process. As an expat, several foreign countries might be to your fancy, but here are some reasons why picking Antalya is a fabulous choice.

Weather and Climate

Hot summers and not-so-chilly winters—Antalya is known for its exceptional climate and boisterous outdoor lifestyle. All through the year, you can get the best out of the Mediterranean seas, enjoy a chill stroll round the pack and not worry about the weather. Also, compared to other notable cities such as—Aegean, Black Sea, and Istanbul —Antalya’s climate fares better. Those who prefer exquisite outdoors and hate harsh winters are sure to love it here.

Cost of Living

For expats from foreign countries, there has to be an exchange in currency. However, it is more to your benefit as the Turkey lira has gotten an improvement in its quality recently. Comparatively, too, Antalya’s cost of living is miles below what you would see in other prominent countries and cities, yet Antalya offers similar quality. You can rent houses half as cheap in Antalya as you would in Istanbul.

Antalya rent for a one-bedroom flat is between 900 – 1300 Turkish lira. Considering other expenses, such as utilities and feeding as well, 4,500 Turkish lira a month is enough to keep you up. That being said, Antalya’s influence on your bank account, with proper money management, is a bit mild.

Beaches

Who doesn’t love the cool sea breeze, warm sand, and lovely summer sun that comes with beaches? Antalya is the home of Turkey’s most luxurious beaches. Lined with over 200 certified beaches, you are free to swim and have an excellent time in all of its resorts.

Lifestyle

The lifestyle in Antalya is one of the best in Turkey. There is no shortage of magnificent places to visit. There are waterfalls, beaches, canyons—and also there are sporting and other leisure activities to do.

Apart from the fact that Antalya is known as the golf city in Turkey, there are also skiing and whitewater rafting. Additionally, there are tourist activities all year round—an awesome opportunity for foreign speakers—English speakers—to monetize.

Transportation

In a vast city such as Antalya, transportation is an interesting factor in determining if Antalya is worth it. And to answer squarely, its transportation is one of the best. Free from traffic jams, it is considerably easy to get around the city on either foot or by bus. Plus, the transportation here is cheaper when compared to other big Turkish cities.

History and Culture

This city is littered with monumental antiquities that paint an eventful past. There are the Hadrian Gate, Phaselis, Patara, Roman theater of Aspendos, and Termessos. If you have a fancy for history, there are a lot of things to explore here.

Food

Hands-on! Antalya restaurants are one of the best in Turkey. They have restaurants that cut across different spending capacities. Apart from the restaurants, however, the prices of foodstuffs are also low. When compared to countries such as the United States, Antalya’s food is affordable.

Security and Safety

Antalya is one of the safest cities. It has over 74% of the safe index and an incredibly low crime rate. In fact, generally, the country—Turkey—is safe with regard to crime. However, its most viable security risks stem from political scenarios and terrorism. Although, that’s rarely the case.

Nevertheless, it is still important you maintain the usual security precautions as if you are in another city.

Healthcare Facilities

Although Antalya is a resort/tourist city, it is stocked with several hospitals and clinics that provide quality health services to the masses. There are private and public health centers that are dedicated to combating all sorts of diseases, and the clinics here also get involved in cosmetic surgeries.

These hospitals provide services in accordance with Mediterranean and Turkey standards. Nonetheless, in the past years, their healthcare services have drastically improved.

And Antakya healthcare services have become something to be reckoned with. Plus, it is now seen by too many foreigners as a city that has its healthcare dedication system fortified with advanced use of technology. 

Friendly Locals

Locals here are cool and relaxed. Many of them are tourists and expats like you who are willing to help you navigate. When the locals of a city or a country are friendly, it is easy to fit in. So, no need to bother about getting around. You can always ask people around you for guidance.

Cost of Retirement in Antalya

If you have dreamt of this particular Turkish Narnia, the cool sea breeze, blue waters, and warm beach sands, it is important, as a retiring expat, to know the cost of living.

Antalya is known for its excellent climate, warm summers, and mild winters, be it Kalkan, Alanya, Lara beach, or Konyaalti beach; you can live in any of them. However, conditions to live in a city go beyond its fine weather and boisterous outdoor lifestyle; there are also money concerns.

The prices of primary products in Antalya are way lower than what you would pay in the USA. For instance, you will spend 2.75 times lower in Antalya than in the US while shopping.

Antalya’s cost of living is:

• 3.5 times lower than in New York
• 3.3 times lower than in Washington.
• 2.4 times lower than in Jacksonville and Houston.
• 2.57 times lower than in Oklahoma

Though it would be largely helpful to get a professional financial advisor, this article gives a rough sketch of what to expect.

Goods and Services in Antalya and their costs

1.    Accommodation

This depends gravely on which form you want, but as a retiring expat, hostels are off the lists. However, flats aren’t. For renting an average single bedroom, the price ranges between 900 – 1300 TRY ($158).

2.    Transport

In Antalya, for buses, a one-way ticket costs 0.42US dollars (3.82TRY). However, just as many people do, you might prefer a taxi. The price of Taxi costs varies with several factors. Nonetheless, the price starts at 6.50 TRY(0.70US dollars). It can be more depending on the length of the ride and your destination.

 Moreover, renting cars comes with a  bit of a price. To rent a car in Antalya, either a Toyota Corolla or a Golf, $22,000 (211,000TRY) would do the trick.

3.    Food

Food is comparatively cheap in Antalya.  Here are some prices of necessary commodities:

• 1kg of yellow cheese:52 TRY ($5.60)
•  A bottle of beer:  18 TRY ($2)
• 1kg of sausage: 6.10 USD (56 TRY)
• A mid-range wine (one bottle): 4.70 USD (44 TRY)
• Bottle or carton of milk (1 liter): 0.53 USD (4.90 TRY)
• 1 kg of Apples: 0.81 US dollars
• Gin: 10 Us dollars.
• Onions(1000 grams): 0.16 US dollars.
• 1kg of Chicken Breasts: 2.90 Us dollars.

4. Restaurants

If you fancy the thought of eating out, Antalya has you well covered. The restaurants in Antalya are all to suit various needs. The prices for a meal ranges from 27 TRY to over 130 TRY—all depending on the restaurant and the type of meal.

Best Places To Retire To In Antalya

Antalya is a large city, and it has several towns in it. To be able to move into Antalya successfully, you have to compare the towns and pick according to how well they suit your taste. From Cirali village to Alanya, either you seek to rent or to buy property; below are some of the exotic towns and beaches you can live in Antalya.

1.    Konyaalti Beach

Just a few minutes ride from Antalya airport. Konyaati tops the list of top, sandy havens in Turkey. Plus, it is also the second most well-known place to enquire about land and rent in the whole of Antalya.

Moreover, apart from the interests, It has garnered from property investors, Konyaati is set to have a world-class marina in it soon. Acclaimed to be one of the greatest Turkish Rivera, the fact that it can host many mega yachts would make it a recognized sailing…

Furthermore, Konyaati is blessed with many of the top-class primary amenities. There are restaurants, resorts, bars, and shops. Plus, a helpful transport link. You can easily get around Antalya from here.

2.    The Lara Beach at Antalya’s Centre

As Antalya’s oldest tourist location, Lara beach has earned the eyes and hearts of many foreigners who stay there all year round. The Beaches and the cool Mediterranean blue sea are the two main attractions. Trip Advisor has this beach ranked 8th in Turkey. Nonetheless, there is more to what Lara is made of than that.

If you have a flair for a social environment, you will feel comfy with the numerous bars and restaurants Lara has. The added point to Lara, though, is that when flights end October, and in other places, tourists go back home, the fun still trudges on in Lara. Plus, Lara is the closest to Antalya’s airport—one of the top air hubs in Turkey.

You might think all of this boisterousness would tamper with the serenity I’m Lara, but that’s not the case. There are much gentler neighbors that give a feel of tranquillity with its mesmerizing mountain views and stunny blue seas.

3.   Alanya

An all-rounder, home for young and old alike. This town has gotten almost all of the attention from expats who seek to move to Antalya. Since the Gazipaşa airport opened, Alanya has become an outstanding choice for holidays and expats’ retirement with many side attractions. More so, all of the basic amenities you need are within Antalya; you don’t ever need to leave.

4.   Belek: Antalya’s Sporting Centre

In a word you can describe Belek, and that word is golf! Belek houses over 15 world-class golf courses and has witnessed the appearance of Tiger Woods and Barack Obama. Also, Belek has the best golf courses in Turkey; they supersede several in Spain and other European countries. If you ever want to actualize your golfing dream, there is no better place.

However, if swinging a golf club isn’t really to your taste, there are other attractions. While it may not have all of the big halls that Antalya center has, there are more than enough resorts you can reach out to. And if you want to broaden your reach, Antalya’s center is a 40-minute drive away.

5.    Kalkan

If luxury as a place had a name, Kalkan would be its name. Though Kalkan isn’t as talked about as the other towns and villages, foreigners do have a thing for Kalkan.

Kalkan also differs from others because all of the houses and property put out for rent or sale are big exotic villas. Kalkan landscapes and buildings are awe-inspiring. Anyone who has taken an interest in Kalkan should note that there are nine neighborhoods to pick from.

Retiring in Antalya Visa Requirements

There is no specific Visa for retirement in Turkey; instead, you would have to apply for a residence permit. This applies to anyone interested in staying in the country for more than three months.

To get a Visa for retirement, you have to do the following:

• Get a short-term residence permit within the first month of arrival in Antalya.

N.B: You can apply online on the Turkish Ministry of Interior’s Website. After doing this, you would set an appointment with the DGMM office near you to further the process and pay the deeds attached to the Visa.

• A short-term residence permit has a two-year duration. After you have lived in Antalya for eight years with no interruption, then you can go to get a long-term residency permit. This permit extends indefinitely.

Moreover, while applying for these visas, you have to prove that you own sufficient assets. As proving this can decide if you would have people depending on you or not. However, if you are coming alone, all you need is assets equivalent to Turkey’s monthly minimum wage, which was about $400 earlier this year.

More so, here is a brief guide to getting a residence permit. There are documents that you would need to submit. Below are the documents:

• Proof of a capable income. An original and photocopy of your current savings.

You need to prove that you have at least Turkey’s minimum wage(1,400TRY/400 Us dollars) in your possession. And if you wish to bring dependents along, you would need to have ⅓ of Turkey’s minimum monthly wage for each dependent.

• Six recently taken passports.
• Original copy of your Turkish health insurance from a veritable Turkey health center.
• An evidence/proof that you own a property in Turkey, or an agreement from where you rented or the hostel you choose to stay in. And if it’s a private house you decide to stay in, a letter from the householder is needed.
• The two filled application forms.

After your application, it is likely to take up to six weeks before the immigration office issues your Visa. But that’s only because you filled up your forms and provided the all right and veritable documents.

After you have submitted your documents, you will have to go to the payment office to pay for the official Visa card and admin fee of the Visa. A 6-month and 12-month Visa currently cost US$50 and US$80, respectively.

Frequently Asked Questions on Antalya

Here are some of the questions that are often asked by foreigners who seek to relocate to Antalya. To fully grasp what Antalya is all about, this part of the article is more than necessary.

Which currency is used in Antalya, and what are the conversation rates?

The currency used in Turkey, as well as Antalya, is the Turkish lira (TRY). One lira is equivalent to 100 kurus(kr). Additionally, there are six coins with the equivalent value of one, five, ten, twenty-five, and fifty. Likewise, there are six banknotes:- Same as those of the coins, except that it doesn’t have a banknote with 25 as its value, instead 20, and it has 100 and 200 deals too.

Furthermore, the current exchange rates are:

• One US dollar is equivalent to 9.24 Turkish lira.
• One Euro is equal to 10.75 Turkish lira.
• One British Pound is equivalent to 12.77 TRY.
• One Nigerian naira is equivalent to 0.023 TRY.
• One Canadian dollar would get you 7.50 TRY.
• And One Russian ruble would get you 0.123 TRY.

Do retired expats pay taxes in Antalya?

As seen in other countries, the taxes residents and non-residents pay are different. The residents pay their tax based on their whole income, while non-residents pay taxes on incomes sourced by Turkey. Plus, Turkey uses a progressive tax system; taxes range between 15% to 35%, solely dependent on how much you collect.

Can I Live In Antalya, Turkey Permanently?

Yes! It is possible to reside in Antalya permanently. Nonetheless, you would have to follow the Retiring In Antalya’s Visa Requirements above. Follow all of the instructions to the letter, and you can stay in Antalya for as long as you want.

What Is The Most Challenging Side To Living In Antalya?

It’s language. It isn’t easy to learn Turkish. It takes time and could be frustrating. Nonetheless, a large number of Turks speak English. However, they are mainly around the center of Antalya.

Retiring In Antalya Tips for Expat

• Get a good financial advisor. Retiring is challenging, even worse, if you are going abroad to do it. Hence, a professional that would help you put your financial affairs in order is essential.

• Ensure that you fit all the requirements perfectly before taking any steps.

Conclusion

Antalya is truly the Turkish Narnia adorned with mountains and a blue view of the Mediterranean sea. Moreover, retiring in this beautiful and historic place requires scrupulous inspection of the processes you are to take, and that’s what this article has provided.

A thorough guide that seeks to help you fulfill your Antalya dream. If all of the information in this article is taken as it should be, you would be on that white sand enjoying the cool ocean breeze in no time.

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.