Student living costs in Türkiye 2025: A detailed guide to a successful student’s budget

Student living costs in Türkiye 2025: A detailed guide to a successful student’s budget

Turkey is an attractive educational destination for international students, especially Arab students, thanks to its advanced universities, diverse programs, and rich cultural environment. However, aside from choosing a major and university, the most important question for many students and their parents remains: What are the living costs for students in Türkiye in 2025?

Understanding these costs accurately is key to sound financial planning and avoiding any unwanted surprises during your studies. Turkey generally boasts a reasonable cost of living compared to many European and American countries, making it an excellent economical choice. However, these costs are influenced by several key factors, which we will analyze in this comprehensive article to provide a clear and detailed picture.

Why is understanding the cost of living vital?

Planning a student budget in a foreign country requires careful consideration. Knowing the cost of living for students in Türkiye in 2025 enables you to:

• Setting the monthly budget: Developing a clear financial plan that covers all expenses.
• Choosing the right city: Costs vary greatly from city to city.
• Assessing the need for scholarships: Knowing whether the scholarship will cover your expenses fully or partially.
• Avoid financial stress: Focus on studying instead of worrying about money.
• Planning for the future: Understanding future expenses helps in making informed decisions.

Factors affecting the cost of living in Türkiye

The cost of living for students in Türkiye is greatly affected by many factors, the most important of which are:

1. The city you choose to study in: Istanbul is the most expensive, followed by Ankara and Izmir, while smaller cities such as Eskişehir, Bursa and Kayseri are much cheaper.
2. Your personal lifestyle: Do you prefer cooking at home or eating out? Do you engage in expensive recreational activities or do you prefer free activities?
3. Type of accommodation: Accommodation in university dormitories is cheaper than shared apartments, which in turn are cheaper than private apartments.
4. Academic specialization: Some specializations may require the purchase of more expensive supplies or books.
5. Inflation and exchange rate fluctuations: Due to economic conditions, it should be noted that these figures are estimates and may change. It is always advisable to check the latest prices and exchange rates.

A breakdown of monthly living costs for students in Türkiye in 2025 (estimated)

We will break down costs into main categories with average estimates for 2025 in US dollars (USD) and Turkish lira (TL). Please note that these figures are estimates and may vary based on the factors mentioned above and economic changes.

1. Accommodation

Accommodation is the largest part of a student’s budget.

• University dormitories (Dormitories):
  • Features: Safe, economical, excellent opportunity to meet other students, often close to the university, usually includes utility and internet bills.
  • Estimated cost (2025): Between $70 and $250 USD per month (approximately 2,300–8,200 Turkish Lira), depending on the university, city, and room type (single, double, quadruple). Public housing is cheaper than private housing.
• Shared Apartments:
  • Advantages: Greater independence, opportunity to split rent and bills with friends.
  • Estimated cost (2025): A student’s share can range from US$150–350 per month (approximately 4,900–11,500 Turkish Lira). The cost depends on the number of rooms, the area in the city, and the number of partners. Additionally, a security deposit (usually one or two months’ rent) may be required upon signing the contract.
• Private Apartments:
  • Features: Complete privacy, greater freedom.
  • Estimated cost (2025):
    • In major cities (Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir): A studio or one-bedroom apartment may cost between $250-$600 per month (approximately 8,200-19,700 Turkish Lira), and may cost more in central areas or luxury apartments.
    • In smaller cities: You may find a one-bedroom apartment starting from $150-$350 per month (approximately 4,900-11,500 Turkish Lira).

2. Food

Food costs in Türkiye are very reasonable, especially if you rely on cooking at home.

• Cooking at home:
  • Buying groceries from local markets (bazaars) or supermarkets (such as BIM, A101, Şok) saves a lot.
  • Estimated cost (2025): Between 80-150 US dollars per month (approximately 2,600-4,900 Turkish Lira) for a student who cooks their meals regularly.
• Eating out:
  • University restaurants (cafeterias): They offer meals at symbolic prices for students, with meals ranging between 1-3 US dollars (approximately 30-100 Turkish Lira).
  • Regular restaurants/fast food: A meal at an average restaurant ranges from 5-15 US dollars (approximately 160-500 Turkish lira).
  • Estimated cost (2025): If you rely on eating out frequently, the cost could reach $200-$400 per month (approximately 6,500-13,000 Turkish Lira).

3. Transportation

The public transportation system in Turkish cities is advanced and efficient, and most importantly, it is very economical for students.

• Student transportation card:
  • Students can obtain a special transportation card (such as İstanbulkart, Ankara Kart) that gives them significant discounts on all public transportation (buses, metro, tram, Metrobus, ferries).
  • Estimated cost (2025): ranges between 15-30US dollars per month (approximately 500 – 1,000 Turkish Lira) for regular use.
• Taxis/Dolmuş (Minibus): Higher cost but an option for short distances or in emergencies.

4. Utilities bills

If you live in a private or shared apartment, you will have to pay utility bills.

• Electricity, water, gas, internet:
  • Costs vary depending on the size of the apartment, the number of people, and consumption, as well as the season (heating consumption in winter increases the gas bill).
  • Estimated cost (2025): Overall, between 30-80 US dollars per month (approximately 1,000-2,600 Turkish Lira) per person in a shared apartment, and may increase if the apartment is private and you are paying alone.

5. Health Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory for international students to obtain student accommodation.

• State Health Insurance (SGK):
  • It provides good health services in government hospitals.
  • Estimated cost (2025): Approximately US$20-40 per month (approximately 650-1,300 Turkish Lira). Paid annually.
• Private health insurance:
  • It may offer broader coverage or the possibility of treatment in private hospitals.
  • Estimated cost (2025): Between 50 – 150 US dollars per year (approximately 1,600 – 4,900 Turkish Lira), i.e. approximately 4 – 13 US dollars per month.

6. Personal Expenses & Entertainment

This category depends heavily on your lifestyle.

• Communications (phone and internet): Mobile phone lines are affordable, and the basic package may range between 10-20 US dollars per month (approximately 330-650 Turkish Lira).
• Clothing and personal care: depends on your needs.
• Entertainment and social activities:
  • Cinema, cafes, restaurants, sports clubs, short trips.
  • Estimated cost (2025): ranges between 50 – 200 US dollars per month (approximately 1,600 – 6,500 Turkish Lira).

7. Study Materials

• Books and office supplies:
  • Many universities provide electronic resources, and some books may be available in libraries.
  • Estimated cost (2025): The cost is usually low, ranging between 10- 50 US dollars per month(Approximately 330 – 1,600 Turkish Lira), and may be higher at the beginning of each semester.

Average total monthly living costs in Türkiye 2025 (general estimates)

Based on the categories mentioned above, here is an estimate of the total monthly budget for a student in different Turkish cities (excluding tuition fees):

• Istanbul: Prices range between 400-800 US dollars (approximately 13,000-26,000 Turkish lira).
• Ankara/Izmir: Between 350 – 650 US dollars (approximately 11,500 – 21,500 Turkish lira).
• Smaller cities (such as Eskişehir, Bursa, Kayseri, Gaziantep): range between 250-500 US dollars (approximately 8,200-16,500 Turkish Lira).

Important notes:

• These figures are averages. A student with good financial awareness can live on a smaller budget, while others may need a larger budget depending on their lifestyle.
• These costs are affected by fluctuations in the exchange rate of the Turkish lira against foreign currencies.

Tips for saving money and reducing living costs

Although the cost of living for students in Türkiye is reasonable, there are always ways to save money:

1. Choose university accommodation or shared apartments: this is the biggest factor in reducing costs.
2. Cook your own meals: Buying groceries and cooking at home is much cheaper than eating out.
3. Take advantage of the Student Card: It offers discounts on public transportation, museum admissions, cinemas, and some shops and restaurants.
4. Use public transport: avoid taxis as much as possible.
5. Shop smart: Look for deals and discounts at the supermarket, and shop at local weekly markets (bazaars) for fresh fruits and vegetables at better prices.
6. Take advantage of the university’s facilities: libraries, gyms, cafes, and more, often free or at nominal prices for students.
7. Look for scholarships: If you qualify, scholarships (such as the Turkish government scholarship) can cover a large part or all of your expenses.
8. Part-time work (within limits): International students can work part-time after obtaining a work permit, but they should check the regulations and laws regarding this matter in Türkiye.

Additional costs to consider upon arrival

Don’t forget some of the initial costs you might need upon arrival in Türkiye:

• Visa fees: vary depending on your nationality.
• Student accommodation fees: A one-time payment to obtain a residence card.
• Housing deposit: If you are renting an apartment, you may be required to pay a security deposit (usually one or two months’ rent) which is refunded upon departure.
• Apartment setup costs: If you rent an unfurnished apartment, you may need to purchase some furniture or basic appliances.

The cost of living for students in Turkey in 2025 is considered reasonable and globally competitive, making it an excellent study destination for students with varying budgets. By planning ahead, choosing the right city and type of accommodation, and following some money-saving tips, international students can enjoy a rich and fulfilling academic and life experience in Turkey without significant financial strain. Always remember that the figures mentioned are estimates, and you should verify the most up-to-date information from official sources before making your final decision.