Living costs in Turkey — city comparison and budget plan

Although Turkey is a relatively affordable study-abroad destination, living costs vary greatly from city to city. The same student can spend 700-900 USD per month in Istanbul, but live on 300-400 USD in Giresun or Trabzon. This difference shows up not only in rent, but also in food, transport and social costs. In this article we compare the main student cities of Turkey for 2026, show the breakdown of a monthly budget, explain dormitory choices, food and transport costs, hidden costs, and ways to save. The goal is to help you build a realistic budget plan together with your family.

For the overall Turkey study process and admission stages, see our complete guide:

City-by-city cost comparison

The table below shows the total monthly living costs for a student (dormitory + food + transport + social) for 2026. The figures are approximate and shown in USD, because the TRY exchange rate is volatile. The high column is for a more comfortable lifestyle, and the minimum column is for a simple lifestyle.

Monthly budget breakdown

The total monthly budget is divided into six main categories. The table below shows the cost breakdown for an average student life in Turkey. This is the typical structure for a good student and can shift up or down depending on the city.

As you can see, the biggest costs are dormitory and food — together they make up about 70-75% of the total budget. Therefore, it is more effective to build a savings strategy in these two categories first.

Dormitory choice — KYK, private or shared apartment?

The dormitory choice is the biggest budget decision. There are three main options for students in Turkey: a state dormitory (KYK), a private dormitory, and a shared apartment (with a flatmate). Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

KYK state dormitories

KYK (Gençlik ve Spor Bakanlığı) state dormitories are the cheapest option — 150-250 USD per month. This usually includes breakfast. Places are given to students who are citizens of the university, and the application is filled out on the university's and KYK's portal. The number of places is limited, so applying early is important. Rooms in KYK are for 2-4-6 people, and sometimes there can be heating or water issues, but the price/quality ratio is the best.

Private dormitories

Private dormitories cost 250-400 USD per month and offer better conditions: single or double rooms, internet, kitchen, washing machine, and 24-hour security. Some private dormitories include food, while others only provide the room. The price depends on the city and the dormitory's location — dormitories closer to the center are more expensive.

Shared apartment

Renting an apartment together with several students costs 200-400 USD per month (per person). This option gives more freedom and a kitchen. The rental agreement usually requires a 1-month deposit and 1 month paid in advance. It is easier to find an apartment in big cities, but in smaller cities private dormitories are more common.

Food costs — cooking vs eating out

Food costs 120-250 USD per month and depends on lifestyle. If you cook for yourself, 120-150 USD is enough. Eating out twice a day requires 250+ USD per month. The most effective approach: cook breakfast and dinner at home, and have lunch at the university cafeteria.

University cafeterias (yemekhane) are the cheapest option for students — a meal costs about 25-40 TL (2-3 USD). This usually includes a main dish, soup, and tea. Some universities offer a discount with a student card. Buying products from the market and bakkal (small shop) also helps save money.

Transport — student discounts

Students in Turkey get a significant transport discount — usually 50% of the full price. A student monthly card (aylık abone) costs about 300-400 TL in Istanbul and 150-250 TL in smaller cities. This covers the metrobus, metro, tram, and buses. For a student card, you apply to the municipality or transport authority together with your university student document and passport.

In the first weeks, using a taxi is possible, but it is expensive for the long term. An average taxi ride costs 60-100 TL, but a student monthly card pays for itself in 10-15 rides.

Phone and internet

Mobile phone costs in Turkey are relatively low. Student packages (Turkcell, Vodafone, Türk Telekom) cost 200-400 TL (10-20 USD) per month and include data, calls, and SMS. Home internet (fiber) costs 300-500 TL per month, but in dormitories the internet is usually free or included in the package.

When entering the country, you can use an Azerbaijani SIM card for a few days, but if it is not registered, it gets blocked after 60 days. To get a Turkish SIM card, you need a passport and ikamet, and some operators require a deposit.

Health insurance

Health insurance is mandatory for students in Turkey. There are two options: state insurance (SGK) or private insurance. You apply to SGK through the university, and it costs about 200-300 TL per month. With SGK, you can get treatment at state hospitals for free or at a low price.

Private insurance offers a wider network and faster service, but costs 400-800 TL per month. Many universities require an insurance document during registration — so it is important to start the process on time.

Hidden costs — what the family does not count on

• Residence permit (ikamet) fee — about 200-400 TL, annual
• Student card (öğrenci belgesi) — usually free, but at some universities 50-100 TL
• Textbooks and materials — 200-500 TL per semester
• Photos and translation for visa and ikamet — 100-200 TL
• Kitchen utensils and bedding for the first month — 300-600 TL
• University tuition (annual) — 400-1200 USD at state universities
• Deposit for the first rental agreement — 1 month's rent

To reduce the first month's costs, it is useful to bring kitchen utensils and bedding from Azerbaijan. In a KYK dormitory some of these items are already there, but in a private dormitory or apartment you have to buy everything from scratch. Sharing kitchen utensils with several students also reduces the cost.

Saving tips for students

With a few simple rules, you can reduce the monthly budget by 20-30%: use the cafeteria, take advantage of student discounts (some shops offer student discounts), do grocery shopping weekly, and buy a monthly transport card for the city.

Part-time work rules

Students in Turkey can work part-time, but a special permit is required. A student visa and ikamet do not automatically give the right to work — a work permit (Çalışma İzni) must be obtained through the employer or the university. A student can work a maximum of 24 hours per week in a part-time job. Getting a work permit in the first year is difficult, and it becomes easier from the second year.

Scholarships

Türkiye Bursları (Turkey Scholarships) is the most famous international scholarship program — it covers tuition, dormitory, food, and a monthly stipend. In addition, there are university scholarships and international student scholarships. Most scholarships are awarded based on academic performance — a high certificate GPA and good grades at the university are required.

Sample budget — Giresun vs Istanbul

The table below compares the costs for the same student in two different cities. As you can see, the monthly cost in Giresun is less than half of Istanbul — this means a saving of 4000+ USD per year.

How EduVix helps

EduVix is a study-abroad preparation center. As part of living costs and university selection in Turkey, we offer: city and university selection consultation (matched to your budget), dormitory and ikamet process guidance, and financial planning support. Our center is located on Baku-Shamakhi highway and offers in-person classes.

For a free consultation and budget planning, contact us:

For the complete Turkey study guide and country page:

This article is for informational purposes only. Costs and prices can change — for exact information, check the official sources of the university and the city. The TRY/USD exchange rate is volatile, so it is recommended to update the budget each semester.