Moving to Turkey
Complete relocation guide
Moving Checklist
Before & after arrival
Relocation Timeline
Week-by-week what to expect
Cost of Living
Budgets across major cities
Healthcare in Turkey
Insurance, SGK, hospitals
From the UK
From Germany
From the Netherlands
From Belgium
From France
From Sweden
From Norway
From Switzerland
From Austria
From the USA
From Canada
From Australia
From the UAE
City Comparisons
Ankara vs Izmir
for Expats
Turkey's capital versus its most livable city. Ankara is formal, landlocked, and cheaper; Izmir is laid-back, coastal, and often described as Turkey's best city to live in. Here's how they compare.
Quick Answer
Ankara or Izmir — which is better for expats?
Izmir wins for most expats — better climate, Aegean coast access, more liberal atmosphere, and higher overall livability. Ankara suits those working in government, diplomacy, defence, or Turkish universities where capital proximity is essential. Izmir is widely considered Turkey's most livable city.
- ›Izmir: Mediterranean climate, Aegean coast, liberal atmosphere, most livable city
- ›Ankara: Capital city, cheaper, better for government/diplomatic/academic workers
- ›Climate gap: Izmir has mild winters; Ankara has cold, snowy Continental winters
- ›Livability: Izmir consistently rated top among Turkish cities
10-Factor Comparison
Cost of living
Ankara ✓
Moderate — slightly cheaper overall
Izmir
Moderate — similar to Ankara, higher near coast
1BR rent (centre)
Ankara ✓
€250–500
Izmir
€300–600
Climate
Ankara
Continental — cold winters, hot dry summers
Izmir ✓
Mediterranean — mild winters, hot dry summers
Coastline access
Ankara
Landlocked — no coast
Izmir ✓
Direct Aegean coast — beaches 30 min from centre
Social atmosphere
Ankara
Conservative, formal, diplomatic
Izmir ✓
Liberal, relaxed, progressive, café culture
Expat community
Ankara
Small — mainly diplomatic and military
Izmir ✓
Medium — NATO base, professionals, diverse
International airport
Ankara
Esenboğa (ESB) — good but fewer routes
Izmir
Adnan Menderes (ADB) — good international routes
— Tie —
University & academic life
Ankara ✓
Excellent — Bilkent, METU, Hacettepe
Izmir
Good — Ege University, Izmir Tech, DEU
Government & diplomacy
Ankara ✓
Capital city — all embassies and ministries here
Izmir
No diplomatic quarter; business and trade focus
Livability
Ankara
Good but under-loved
Izmir ✓
Often rated Turkey's most livable city
Choose Ankara if...
- ›You work in diplomacy, government, or the military
- ›You're an academic at a Turkish university
- ›You want lower costs and don't mind no coast
- ›You prefer a quieter, more conservative city atmosphere
- ›Your work requires access to government ministries
Choose Izmir if...
- ›You want Mediterranean climate and Aegean beach access
- ›You prefer a liberal, cosmopolitan city atmosphere
- ›You're a NATO military employee at the Izmir base
- ›You want Turkey's most livable city
- ›You want a walkable waterfront and café culture lifestyle
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ankara or Izmir better for expats?
For most expats, Izmir offers a more enjoyable daily life — better climate, direct Aegean coast access, more liberal social atmosphere, and a higher livability rating. Ankara is the better choice for those working in government, diplomacy, defence, or Turkish universities, where proximity to the capital's institutions is essential.
What is Izmir's climate like compared to Ankara?
Significantly better for those seeking warmth. Izmir has a classic Mediterranean climate: mild winters (January averages 10–12°C, rarely below 3°C), hot dry summers (30–36°C), and approximately 300 days of sunshine. Ankara has continental extremes: cold, snowy winters (January averages 3°C with regular -10°C nights) and hot summers (35°C+). Izmir is one of the best-climate cities in Turkey.
Is Izmir safe for expats?
Izmir is consistently rated one of Turkey's safest cities. It has lower crime rates than Istanbul and Ankara, a liberal, open social atmosphere, and a well-developed public safety infrastructure. The Alsancak and Konak waterfront areas are busy and safe. General expat consensus is that Izmir is very comfortable and safe for solo expats, families, and women.
Can I live in Izmir without speaking Turkish?
Better than most Turkish cities. Izmir's university population, NATO base, and international business community mean relatively high English prevalence, especially in Alsancak, Bornova, and Balçova. The Kordon waterfront café culture operates largely in Turkish, but service staff in tourist and expat areas generally speak functional English.