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Turkey's most affordable popular coastal city — where Scandinavian retirees live well on state pensions.
Quick Answer
How much does it cost to live in Alanya?
From €550/month. Alanya is Turkey's most affordable popular coastal city. A 1-bedroom apartment costs €180–320/month. Scandinavian retirees consistently live comfortably on their state pensions here. A couple can live well on €800–1,100/month.
Estimates for a single person. Couples typically add 30–40% for rent-related costs.
| Area | Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Mahmutlar | € | Scandinavian expat hub, most affordable |
| Kestel | € | Quiet residential, sea views, budget-friendly |
| Alanya Centre | €€ | Central, amenities, slightly higher rent |
| Oba | €€ | Modern, value-focused, local mix |
| Cikcilli | €€ | Established residential neighbourhood |
| Konakli | € | West of Alanya, quiet, resort feel, cheap |
Alanya is noticeably cheaper than Antalya city centre and significantly cheaper than Bodrum or Fethiye's premium areas. In Mahmutlar — the heart of the Scandinavian expat community — furnished 1BR apartments start at €170–200/month. Modern complexes with pool and gym run €220–320/month.
Alanya Centre commands slightly more (€220–350/month) due to proximity to the castle area, beach, and amenities. The best value-to-quality ratio is found in Oba and Kestel.
Studio
€130–200/mo
1BR Apartment
€180–320/mo
2BR Apartment
€250–450/mo
BIM and A101 discount supermarkets keep weekly grocery bills very low — €20–35/week for one person shopping locally. Migros offers more variety including imported Scandinavian and European products at higher prices. The Alanya bazaar (Wednesday market) is excellent for fresh produce.
Norwegian, Swedish, and Finnish state pensions go far in Alanya
The Norwegian state pension (alderspensjon) averages NOK 18,000–25,000/month (roughly €1,600–2,200). This comfortably covers premium Alanya living with money to spare. Swedish pensioners on SEK 12,000–18,000/month (€1,050–1,580) live very well here.
Unlike the UK pension, Scandinavian state pensions are not frozen abroad. They continue to receive inflation adjustments regardless of where you live.
Private health insurance is required for your Turkish residence permit. Basic Turkish policies start at €35/month for under-45s. Alanya Yaşam Hastanesi and other private hospitals accept international insurance. See our Alanya healthcare guide and Turkey insurance guide for full details.
For complex medical needs, Antalya is 1.5 hours from Alanya. Medical evacuation cover is advisable for older retirees.
Alanya
€550–1,000
Most affordable popular coastal city
Fethiye
€600–1,100
Slightly more expensive; British-focused
Antalya city
€700–1,200
Larger city, better facilities