The cost of living in Turkey for international students is one of the main reasons why the country attracts thousands of applicants every year. Compared to Europe and North America, Turkey offers significantly lower daily expenses while maintaining modern universities and recognized degrees.
If you are planning to study in Turkey, understanding your monthly budget in advance will help you choose the right city and university.
For a complete overview of the education system, admission process, and tuition fees, read our Study in Turkey for International Students 2026 guide.
Average Monthly Living Cost in Turkey
On average, international students spend between $400 and $700 per month depending on the city and lifestyle.
Estimated monthly budget:
- Accommodation: $150 – $400
- Food & groceries: $120 – $250
- Transportation: $10 – $30
- Internet & mobile: $8 – $20
- Social expenses: $50 – $150
Students living in Istanbul usually spend more, while cities like Konya, Karabük, Trabzon, or smaller regions offer lower living costs.
Accommodation Costs in Turkey
Accommodation is the biggest monthly expense for most students.
Student Dormitories (Public – KYK):
$70 – $150 per month
Private Dormitories:
$150 – $300 per month
Shared Apartments (Most Common Choice):
$200 – $350 per person
Private Studio Apartment:
$350 – $700 depending on city
Students who share apartments significantly reduce their overall living expenses.
Food and Grocery Prices
Food in Turkey is relatively affordable thanks to local production.
Average monthly food cost:
- Cooking at home: $120 – $180
- Mixed lifestyle: $180 – $250
Typical prices:
- Bread: $0.40
- Milk (1L): $0.90 – $1.20
- Chicken (1kg): $3 – $4
- University cafeteria meal: $1.5 – $2.5
Most campuses offer subsidized meals, which helps international students manage their budget.
Student Transportation Expenses
Students benefit from discounted public transportation cards.
Monthly transport cost:
- Small cities: $8 – $15
- Ankara / Izmir: $12 – $20
- Istanbul: $20 – $30
Public transport networks are modern and widely accessible.
Internet and Mobile Phone Costs
Staying connected in Turkey is affordable.
- Student mobile package: $8 – $15
- Shared home internet: $6 – $10 per person
Most universities provide free campus Wi-Fi.
Is Turkey Cheaper Than Europe?
Yes. When comparing monthly student expenses:
- Germany: $1,100 – $1,400
- Italy: $900 – $1,300
- UK: $1,400 – $1,900
- Turkey: $400 – $700
This makes Turkey one of the most affordable countries for international higher education.
Tips to Reduce Living Costs in Turkey
Students can reduce expenses by:
- Choosing cities outside central Istanbul
- Sharing apartments
- Using university cafeterias
- Applying for student transport cards
- Benefiting from student discounts
With proper planning, living in Turkey as a student is financially manageable.
Final Thoughts
The cost of living in Turkey for international students remains one of the country’s strongest advantages. Students can receive quality education, live in safe cities, and manage expenses without extreme financial pressure.
If you are planning to apply without language exams, you can also read our guide on Study in Turkey Without IELTS or SAT 2026 to understand flexible admission options.