One question I am often asked is how I support myself financially while living in Turkey. Those who ask are usually young women who have met someone here on holiday and want to stay, or middle-aged couples eager to enjoy life in the sun before retirement. They want practical, realistic options for covering living costs during a summer or longer stay.
I don’t have a lottery windfall, a wealthy benefactor, or a magic money trick. What I do have is personal experience and examples from friends and acquaintances who manage their finances in Turkey. Below I describe the cost of living and a range of realistic ways foreigners fund life here.
Funding a Life in Turkey: Cost of Living
Costs vary considerably from east to west. Istanbul is the most expensive city: rents are high and dining out or shopping costs more than in most of the country. In smaller coastal resorts on the Aegean, you can live comfortably on a modest budget. In the town where I live, a pleasant lifestyle is possible for roughly 1500 Turkish lira per month, and less if you keep expenses low. Key expenses to consider include:
- Rent: In places like Didim, a fully furnished apartment can average around 500 lira a month, though prices vary by location and season.
- Smoking and drinking: A packet of cigarettes is about 7 lira and beer typically costs 8–12 lira depending on the venue.
- Petrol: Fuel prices in Turkey are relatively high; choosing a diesel car or relying less on private transport helps reduce costs.
- Meat: Beef and lamb can be expensive, which is one reason fish and chicken are common choices in local diets.
Other routine expenses are generally inexpensive. My average monthly household bills are approximately:
- Electricity – 120 lira
- Water – 20 lira
- Internet – 44 lira
- Telephone – 35 lira
As a self-employed person, my largest costs are business-related: taxes, an accountant, health insurance and pension contributions. If you set up a business or work independently in Turkey expect these to take a significant portion of your budget. Overall, where you live will have the biggest impact on your monthly needs.
5 Ways to Fund Living in Turkey as a Foreigner
Live off Savings Interest
Some expats cover their living costs using interest from Turkish lira savings accounts. Interest rates can be attractive compared to other countries, but they fluctuate over time and exchange rate movements can affect your purchasing power if your capital was converted from another currency. If you plan to rely on savings, monitor rates and currency trends carefully.
Teach English
Teaching English remains a common way for foreigners to live in Turkey. Private language schools, universities and conversation classes hire native speakers, and having a TEFL or TESOL qualification increases your chances of finding steady work. Courses that lead to these qualifications are internationally recognised and typically require around 100 hours of study.
Wages depend on the employer and experience; a typical salary can be around $800 a month, which converts to an average Turkish wage. Reputable schools often arrange work permits and contribute to health insurance; accommodation policies vary. Many teachers supplement their income by offering private lessons, sometimes charging around 100 lira per hour.
Volunteer in Exchange for Accommodation
If you want to travel or keep costs low, volunteering in exchange for room and board is a practical short-term option. Programs and platforms list opportunities where hosts provide accommodation (and sometimes meals) in return for a small daily commitment of work, typically 4–5 hours. Tasks range from farm work to helping at hostels or tourist retreats.
House Sitting
If rent is your main expense and you are flexible, house sitting can eliminate that cost entirely. Homeowners who travel often need someone to care for their property and pets. Assignments vary in length from weeks to several months, and they can be a great way to stay in desirable locations without paying rent.
Buy-to-Let Property Investment
Turkey’s construction boom and relatively affordable property in many areas make buy-to-let a popular option for investors with spare capital. City apartments in business districts attract long-term renters, while coastal properties can generate strong seasonal holiday rental income if you can achieve high occupancy during peak months.
This route requires careful research: rental income must be declared for tax, popular resort areas can become saturated with holiday lets that push prices down, and you’ll need to consider management costs if you’re not on site. Treat property as a long-term financial commitment and run the numbers before buying.
Working Legally and Residency Considerations
If you plan to work in Turkey, apply for the correct work permit. Working without authorization carries significant fines and the risk of deportation. If you intend to stay longer than 90 days, you will need a residence permit, which typically requires proof of financial means and health insurance. For that reason many expats split their time between Turkey and their home country, or combine part-time work with savings or investments.
