Moving to Turkey
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Before & after arrival
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Week-by-week what to expect
Cost of Living
Budgets across major cities
Healthcare in Turkey
Insurance, SGK, hospitals
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Cost of Living Comparison
Turkey vs UK
Cost of Living (2026)
Category-by-category comparison — Turkey is 55–70% cheaper than the UK overall. Real numbers for British expats considering the move.
Quick Answer
Turkey is 55–70% cheaper than the UK overall. Rent is 70–80% cheaper. Groceries are 50–60% cheaper. Eating out is 60–70% cheaper. The full UK State Pension (around £960/month) covers a comfortable Turkish coastal retirement — the equivalent of £3,500+/month of purchasing power in UK terms.
Category Comparison
| Category | UK | Turkey (coastal) | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent — 1-bed city centre | £1,200–2,000/mo | €200–450/mo | 70–80% cheaper |
| Rent — 1-bed outside centre | £900–1,400/mo | €150–320/mo | 75–80% cheaper |
| Monthly groceries | £350–500 | €150–250 | 50–60% cheaper |
| Meal at mid-range restaurant | £15–30 | €5–12 | 60–70% cheaper |
| Coffee at café | £3–5 | €1.50–3 | 50–60% cheaper |
| Monthly transport pass | £80–200 | €25–60 | 60–70% cheaper |
| Internet (home broadband) | £25–50/mo | €10–20/mo | 60% cheaper |
| Private health insurance | £100–300/mo | €35–80/mo | 65–75% cheaper |
| Utilities (electric, water, gas) | £150–300/mo | €60–120/mo | 55–65% cheaper |
| Gym membership | £30–80/mo | €15–35/mo | 50–60% cheaper |
Monthly Budget Summary
UK (London, comfortable)
£2,500–3,500
Turkey (Antalya, comfortable)
€650–950
Frequently Asked Questions
How much cheaper is Turkey than the UK overall?
A comfortable lifestyle in Turkey's coastal cities (Antalya, Fethiye, İzmir) costs 55–70% less than the equivalent lifestyle in UK cities. The biggest savings are on rent (70–80% cheaper) and eating out (60–70% cheaper). Groceries are 50–60% cheaper. The overall cost of living differential is striking.
Is it worth moving from the UK to Turkey for cost savings?
For UK remote workers and retirees, the cost arbitrage is substantial. A UK remote worker earning £3,500/month spending £2,800/month in London can achieve the same or better lifestyle in Antalya on £700–900/month — saving £1,900–2,100/month. Over 5 years, that's £115,000–126,000 in cumulative savings, plus better weather and beach access.
What does the UK State Pension buy in Turkey?
The full UK State Pension (£221.20/week = approximately £958/month = €1,100/month) covers a genuinely comfortable single-person lifestyle in Turkey's most affordable coastal cities. In the UK, the same amount barely covers rent in most areas. This is a core reason why Turkey appeals to British retirees.
Are Turkish prices rising?
In Turkish lira terms, yes — Turkey has had high inflation. For UK income earners, however, the GBP has strengthened against TRY over the same period, meaning the real cost in GBP terms has often remained stable or declined. Short-term exchange rate fluctuations create volatility but the long-term trend has favoured GBP/EUR earners living in Turkey.
What is more expensive in Turkey than the UK?
Electronics (Apple products, laptops), imported branded goods, new cars, and alcohol are generally more expensive in Turkey than in the UK due to import taxes. Some high-end Western food products (certain cheeses, wines) are also more expensive. Turkish-produced equivalents are significantly cheaper.