The most livable cities in Turkey 2023

livable cities in Turkey

Due to the warming crisis in the world and Turkey is a cheap country, many people want to settle in Turkey. But in which city does it make sense to settle in Turkey? We have compiled the most livable cities in Turkey for you.

We will evaluate the most livable cities for foreigners in Turkey, such as rent, masts, nature, and culture. It may be helpful to read the basic information about living in Turkey beforehand.

If you are ready, let’s start in the cities.

Living in Istanbul

Istanbul is Turkey’s most important and most populous city with a population of 20 million. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the heart of Turkey beats in Istanbul.

Because Istanbul is crowded, people spend a lot of time in traffic. If you choose Istanbul to live in, it is very important that your home and workplace are close.

Istanbul has been the capital of Rome and the Ottoman Empire until today. You can find historical artifacts, palaces, and castles all over Istanbul. You can also find many nice cafes, restaurants, and bars in Istanbul. You will not understand how time passes in Istanbul.

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Is Istanbul good for foreigners?

Istanbul is the city where most foreigners live in Turkey. Since you are a foreigner in Istanbul, no one will find you strange and you can join daily life very quickly.

In addition to active business life in Istanbul, you can get enough entertainment and historical trips.

Istanbul is a little more expensive than other cities in Turkey. If your budget is high, you will not regret it in Istanbul.

Living in İstanbul
Living in İstanbul

How is the weather in Istanbul?

Istanbul is located northwest of Turkey. The air temperature in Istanbul varies between 4 and 32 degrees throughout the year. October – December is usually rainy. In summer, the air temperature is between 25 – 32 degrees. In rare cases, the air temperature rises to 36 degrees. In the spring months, the weather is sunny and the average temperature varies between 15 – 25 degrees.

How much is the rent in Istanbul?

The Bosphorus passes in the middle of Istanbul and both sides are on two different continents. European and Asian continents. Both sides of the Bosphorus are the central districts of Istanbul, where business life, nightlife, and historical areas are more concentrated.

Rents are slightly higher in these areas. Rents will get cheaper as you go to both ends of Istanbul. The districts of Kartal and Pendik on the Anatolian (Asian) side, and Sarıyer and Beylikdüzü on the European side are cheaper in terms of rent, but these are a bit far from important places.

The most popular and most beautiful districts of Istanbul are those located on both sides of the Bosphorus. These districts are Beşiktaş, Kadıköy, Üsküdar, Sarıyer, Beyoğlu and Fatih.

In the districts of Istanbul overlooking the Bosphorus, rents start from 15 thousand Turkish liras and can go up to 200 thousand Turkish liras. In the outer areas of Istanbul, rents start from 5 thousand Turkish liras. You can live in a secure residence in Kartal or Beylikdüzü for 6-7 thousand Turkish liras.

Is Istanbul safe for foreigners?

Except for a few places, everywhere in Istanbul is safe for everyone. Since Beyoğlu hosts thousands of tourists every year, scammers are abundant in this location. I would not recommend neighborhoods such as Tarlabaşı and Dolapdere, which are called the back streets of Beyoğlu.

In addition, since the Fatih region of Istanbul is a bit conservative in terms of religion, it may not be very suitable for European foreigners.

Many places other than these are safe both for foreigners who plan to live in Turkey and for Turks.

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Istanbul’s most preferred neighborhoods by foreigners

The districts most preferred by foreigners in Istanbul are Beşiktaş, Kadıköy, and Beyoğlu. Let’s talk briefly.

What is it like to live in Besiktas?

In particular, Beşiktaş stands out with its proximity to historical areas, lively nightlife, beautiful Bosphorus view, and close proximity to business centers. Therefore, house rents in Beşiktaş are slightly above the Istanbul average.

Average rents in Beşiktaş start from 15 thousand Turkish liras and this price is approximately 820 Euros. If you prefer more luxurious districts of Beşiktaş such as Bebek, Arvanutköy, and Ortaköy, the rents will increase to around 20 thousand Turkish liras (1100 Euros). Note that these are starting prices.

If you have an active nightlife or if you work on the European side of Istanbul, it may be logical to choose Beşiktaş. Beşiktaş is the most densely populated region in Turkey, especially for European foreigners.

What is it like to live in Kadikoy?

Kadıköy, like Beşiktaş, is one of the most preferred neighborhoods for Turkish youth to have fun. Kadikoy is located on the Anatolian side of Istanbul (in the Asian continent).

Kadıköy maintains the balance between calmness and transportation to everywhere/everything very well. The famous Bagdat street is in Kadikoy. You can find all kinds of world cuisine, luxury cafes, and luxury brands on Bağdat Street. Moda is the most popular neighborhood in the center of Kadıköy.

Rents in neighborhoods (Bostancı, Suadiye, Caddebostan) on Bağdat Caddesi start at 12.500 Turkish Lira (685 Euro). In Moda, house rents are around 18 thousand Turkish liras (980 Euros).

My favorite in Istanbul is definitely Kadikoy.

What is it like to live in Beyoglu?

Beyoğlu is one of the oldest districts of Istanbul. Popular places such as Taksim square, Karaköy harbor, and Galata tower are located in this neighborhood. It is also very close to Beşiktaş.

Beyoglu is a very preferred location with its fast nightlife and access to tourist areas.

There may be some security problems in the back streets of Beyoğlu. I recommend you choose Cihangir and Karaköy neighborhoods. The average rent in these two neighborhoods is around 35 thousand Turkish Liras (1900 euros). Frankly, Beşiktaş would be a better choice instead of paying such high rent to Beyoğlu. Of course, it’s your choice.

The streets of Beyoğlu are narrow and their houses are somewhat small. Many buildings are old and have been restored later.

Life in Istanbul for foreigners
Life in Istanbul for foreigners

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Living in Ankara

Ankara is the second largest city and also the capital of Turkey. Due to being the capital city, it is a densely secure city.

It has no coast to the sea and the terrestrial climate is dominant. It is located in the Central Anatolian region of Turkey. It is close to Eskişehir and Cappadocia in terms of tourism.

Living in Ankara
Living in Ankara

Is Ankara good for foreigners?

It’s about your expectations. If you think that you will be safe and peaceful, I will stay at home, Ankara may be for you. If you want to be hot or lively, Ankara may not be for you.

You can live comfortably in Ankara with only English. Compared to Istanbul, it rents more and life is cheaper.

How is the weather in Ankara?

Ankara is the capital city of Turkey, which is often preferred by foreigners to live. Since it has no coast to the sea, it has a terrestrial climate. Winters can be cold and snowy. The temperature is between -2 and 6 degrees in winter. In summer, the temperature is between 22 – 26 degrees.

How much are the rents and living costs in Ankara?

Ankara is the most suitable city in Turkey in terms of price and performance. In Ankara, you can live in a villa for 15 thousand Turkish Liras. Or you can rent a large apartment for 4 thousand liras (220 Euros).

Since Ankara will be cold in winter, you need natural gas. There are natural gas cards in Ankara and you can use them by depositing money in advance. In Ankara, all bills including natural gas will reach 1200 TL (60 Euro) in the winter months.

Living in Antalya

Antalya is Turkey’s largest tourist city. Every year, more than 20 million tourists come to Antalya for a holiday. You can enjoy living in Antalya with its sea, nature, historical cities, and active city life.

If you are a digital nomad or do not have an active job, there are many places to live in Antalya. Konyaaltı, Lara, Kemer, Alanya, Side, and Kas are places where you can both have a holiday and live.

Antalya is a warm city including winter and many foreigners live in Antalya. Foreigners living in Antalya are mostly Russians, Ukrainians, Germans, and British.

Living in Antalya
Living in Antalya

Is Antalya good for foreigners?

Antalya is perhaps one of the most ideal cities for foreigners who want to live in Turkey. Due to the tourists, the people of Antalya have learned to live together with foreigners. As a foreigner, you will not have any problems in Antalya and you will be included in daily life very quickly.

How is the weather in Antalya?

Antalya is one of the warmest cities in Turkey. The air temperature in Antalya varies between 12 – 20 degrees in winter and 32 – 42 degrees in summer. Spring months are usually 22 – 26 degrees.

How much do rents and living costs in Antalya cost?

In the center of Antalya, there are Konyaaltı and Lara districts. Rents here vary in proportion to their proximity to the sea. The houses in Konyaaltı or Lara within a 10-minute walking distance to the sea start from approximately 7 thousand Turkish Liras.

In Alanya, which is one of the most preferred places for foreigners, German citizens generally prefer to live. Rents start from 5 thousand Turkish liras. Alanya offers you the balance between vacation/life very well.

Russian tourists generally prefer to live in Kemer. The houses are generally villa-type and few in number. For this reason, the rent is a little more expensive. Rents in Kemer start from 10 thousand Turkish liras.

In Antalya, the weather is warm in winter and many people warm up with air conditioners or electric heaters in winter. Invoices will cost around 1000 Turkish Liras (54 Euros) on average.

Is Antalya safe for foreigners?

Antalya is an extremely safe place. Since Turks and foreigners are intertwined, you will not have any problems.

Advantages of life in Antalya for foreigners

For foreigners, life in Antalya will be like a holiday. With its wide streets, fresh air, and many resident foreigners, you can feel like you’ve been living here for years. You can go to places such as Olympos, Phaselis, Kemer, Side, and Kas close to the center of Antalya, and enjoy the whole of Antalya.

Living in Antalya
Advantages of life in Antalya for foreigners

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Living in Bodrum

Bodrum is the holiday resort that hosts the most foreign tourists after Antalya. It would not be wrong to say that it is the most luxurious holiday region in Turkey. Bodrum nightlife is also very popular among both locals and tourists.

Villa complexes built at the foot of the mountains are in the majority in Bodrum. If you live in Bodrum, you will be intertwined with nature and the sea.

Since Bodrum is a popular and partly small place, rent, grocery shopping and restaurants are a bit more expensive.

Living in Bodrum
Living in Bodrum

Is Bodrum good for foreigners?

Frankly, Bodrum is good for everyone. Since Bodrum is a touristic area, it is extra safe and, frankly, it has a high level of financial situation and culture. For foreigners who work from home or do not have an active business life, Bodrum is one of the ideal places to live in Turkey.

How is the weather in Bodrum?

Bodrum is in the Aegean region of Turkey. The average year in Bodrum varies between 9 and 35 degrees. The winters are rainy, but the weather is pretty good for the rest of the year.

How much are the rents and living costs in Bodrum?

Bodrum is one of the most expensive holiday regions in Turkey. House rents vary according to their proximity to the sea and their view. If you want to rent a seasonal home, you can find many options. House rents start from 10 thousand Turkish liras and their prices increase as they get closer to the sea. Villas start from 20 thousand Turkish liras.

In Bodrum, it is not too cold in winter, you can use air conditioning for heating. Your bills come in at around 1000 Turkish lira (54 Euro) on average throughout the year.

Is Bodrum Expensive for Foreigners?
Is Bodrum Expensive for Foreigners?

Comparison – Livable cities in Turkey

Choosing among Livable Cities in Turkey depends on your life expectancy and your business life. Istanbul is the most active city in terms of business life in Turkey and the company’s headquarters are in Istanbul.

If you do not plan to work in Turkey or if you have a job to work remotely, living in holiday regions such as Antalya, Bodrum, Fethiye, and Marmaris will make you happier and have a more affordable budget.

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Livable cities in Turkey frequently asked questions

There are many questions in the minds of foreigners who want to live in Turkey. We will try to answer them.

Is it safe for foreigners to live in Turkey?

Living in Turkey is safe for foreigners. You can’t live in Turkey more than a few events that you can do anywhere in the world. Some people see Turkey as a terrorist country, but this is wrong. The last terrorist attack in Turkey took place in 2012.

Is it expensive to live in Turkey?

If you earn dollars or euros, living in Turkey will be very cheap for you. 1 Turkish lira is equal to 18.5 Euros or dollars. You can live very comfortably in Turkey for 2000 Euros.

Which cities are recommended for living in Turkey?

The first choice of foreigners living in Turkey is usually Antalya. Then tourist areas such as Bodrum, Marmaris, and Fethiye. Since there are many foreigners living here and nature is beautiful, these places are preferred. This is our recommendation.

Which is the most expensive city to live in Turkey?

Istanbul is the most expensive city to live in Turkey. Rents are higher in Istanbul compared to other provinces and you have to spend more money on transportation.

Is eastern Turkey safe to live in?

Sometimes there can be problems as Turkey’s southeast borders Syria and Iraq. Also, as the cities in the east are more traditional, it takes time to get used to them as a foreigner.

Can I live in Cappadocia?

Cappadocia is one of the regions most visited by tourists in Turkey. It is famous for its nature and hot air balloons. But Cappadocia is a small region and you can get bored for long life.

How is Fethiye for foreigners?

Fethiye is one of the most preferred regions for foreigners to live. It is located in the Aegean region and has a warm climate. It is a region rich in nature and activities you can do. Fethiye and its surroundings are generally preferred by German citizens.

How is life in Marmaris for foreigners?

Marmaris is located in the Aegean and is close to areas such as Bodrum and Fethiye. It has a warm climate and is covered by the sea and forests. Many foreigners prefer Marmaris to live in Turkey. Marmaris is one of the ideal regions for foreigners.

Istanbul or Ankara to live in Turkey?

Ankara is the capital of Turkey and it is quite safe. It is cheaper than Istanbul, but the air is colder and there is no sea. There are more business opportunities, places to visit, and entertainment activities in Istanbul. Many people will prefer Istanbul.

Antalya or Fethiye to live in Turkey?

Antalya is one of the biggest cities in Turkey. Fethiye is a district of Muğla province. Although both of them are very beautiful, you can find more opportunities in Antalya for long-term life.

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