Cost of Living in Ankara

Ankara is the capital of Turkey but is by no means the country’s most expensive city. Ankara is a common choice for expats who want to live in a large city but are looking to avoid tourist and resort areas. Read on to learn more about the cost of living in Ankara.

• Housing
• Utilities
• Food
• Healthcare
• Transportation
• Education
• Entertainment

Housing

Real estate prices in Ankara depend on the property type, size, and location.

Small flats start from $62,000. A one-bedroom 60 square metre flat costs from $62,000 to $90,000. A two-bedroom 90 square metre flat starts from $93,000, while three-bedroom flats sell for around $100,000.

Villas start from $420,000. New four-bedroom houses with three bathrooms are on sale for $455,000. There are plenty more expensive options on the market for buyers with a higher budget.

Renting in Ankara is cheaper than in Istanbul. One-bedroom flats in the centre cost about $360 per month, while on the outskirts, rent goes down as low as $200. Larger residences (with two or three bedrooms) cost about $620 in the centre or $410 in other areas.

Rental prices change depending on the season and tend to be higher in the summer. Prices are usually set in the local currency (TRY). This is an advantage for tenants who get paid in USD or EUR because inflation in Turkey is high and Turkish laws prohibit homeowners from raising rental prices in TRY more than once a year. The maximum allowed raise is set by the state, and in 2023, it was 25%. If rent is paid in foreign currency, it cannot be raised for five years.

Utilities

Utility bills in Turkey are usually paid directly by the tenant, and Ankara is no exception. These include water, electricity, gas, aidat (house maintenance), and rubbish collection fees. Water and electricity bills are paid by meter readings.

The cost of electricity largely depends on consumption. Air conditioners often work around the clock during the summer months, greatly increasing the bill. The cost of water also depends on consumption. On average, one cubic metre costs 8 TRY ($0.30). Rubbish collection is 0.68 TRY per cubic metre. This is approximately 200 to 790 TRY ($7.40 to $29.40) per year.

Aidat is a monthly fee that covers the maintenance of communal infrastructure (lifts, CCTV cameras, swimming pools, gyms, playgrounds) and the salary of security guards and concierges. The amount depends on the amenities provided. In economy housing, it is about 150 to 500 TRY ($5 to $18) per month, and in premium complexes, about 2,000 TRY ($74) per month.

For an 85 square metre flat, the total monthly amount paid for utilities per month is usually between 1000 and 2500 TRY ($37 to 93).

There are three Internet providers: Superonline (Turkcell), TTNet (Türk Telekom) and Kablo (Türksat). Unlimited Wi-Fi costs between 170 and 300 TRY ($6.30 to $11.10) monthly. As for phone bills, residents usually prefer package deals. A plan of 750 mins of calls, 750 texts and 15 GB is around 200 TRY ($7.40) for all providers.

Food

In Ankara, as in any other place, your food expenses depend on your habits and preferences. You can buy food at the market and cook at home, or you can eat out. Ankara's markets and supermarkets sell high-quality produce at relatively low prices.

Approximate prices for some basic foods:

Milk, 1L — 27 TRY ($1)

12 eggs — 41 TRY ($1.50)

Tomatoes, 1 kg — 27 TRY ($1)

Potatoes, 1 kg — 17 TRY ($0.60)

Apples, 1 kg — 23 TRY ($0.85)

Cheese, 500 g — 100 TRY ($3.70)

Chicken fillet, 1 kg — 108 TRY ($4)

Bread — 8 to 10 TRY ($0.30 to $0.40)

Coca-Cola, 1L — 17 TRY ($0.60)

A bottle of wine — 307 TRY ($11.30)

A 0.5L bottle of beer — 49 TRY ($1.80)

A standard business lunch with a drink in the business district of Ankara costs about 550 TRY ($20.40). In fast food establishments, a combo set costs an average of 120 to 160 TRY ($4.40 to $5.90). In cafés and bars, a cappuccino costs between 34 and 78 TRY ($1.20 to $2.80), a 0.5L of draught beer is 40 to 90 TRY ($1.50 to $3.30), a 0.33 bottle of water is 5 to 20 TRY ($0.20 to $0.70).

Healthcare

Turkey has three types of health insurance: obligatory private, voluntary private, and public. New residents can only get private insurance in their first year in the country. The minimum yearly price is 2000 to 3000 TRY ($74 to $111). The public health insurance (SGK policy) costs about 600 TRY ($22.30) per month, covers treatment in public clinics and partially in private ones and also gives a discount at pharmacies. It also covers all family members.

Transportation

The minimum price of a litre of petrol in Ankara is 36 TRY ($1.30). One trip on public transport is 15 TRY ($0.60), a monthly pass costs 300 TRY ($11.10).

A trip in a taxi is 12 to 25 TRY ($0.40 to $0.90).

Education

Ankara has both public and private kindergartens. Public ones are only available to the children of Turkish citizens and long-term residents, and they cost 100 TRY ($3.70) per month. Private ones cost way more, about 2000 TRY ($74) per month.

Public schools in Ankara are free but require a residence permit. Private academies cost 50,000 to 100,000 TRY ($1800 to $3700) per year.

Entertainment

Two cinema tickets come in at 165 TRY ($6), and two of the best seats at the theatre cost 245 TRY ($9). A monthly fitness club membership is 1000 TRY ($37). A cocktail in a club or a bar is 160 TRY ($5.90), and a glass of beer is 99 TRY ($3.70).

In a Nutshell

Despite high inflation and rising prices for real estate and goods, Turkey continues to attract immigrants. The monthly living cost in Ankara depends on the size of the family and its needs, but in general, it is quite an affordable city.

Cover photo: LivinAWestLife