Moving to Istanbul means stepping into a city where East meets West — literally and culturally. From historic mosques to buzzing rooftops, Istanbul offers affordable rents, a vibrant expat scene, and complex but doable residency options. Here’s how to make it your long-term home.
Istanbul is not for everyone — and that’s exactly why it’s unforgettable. Stretching across two continents, this city of 15+ million is noisy, crowded, and chaotic — but also magnetic, soulful, and alive. If you’re thinking about staying here for the long haul, prepare for contradictions — and deep rewards.
Key Facts About Istanbul (Turkey)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | ~16 million (city), ~20 million metro area |
| Language | Turkish (English in tourist, tech, and student areas) |
| Currency | Turkish Lira (TRY) |
| Average Rent | ₺9,000–20,000/month (~$250–650 USD) for 1-bedroom apartment |
| Average Net Salary | ₺18,000–25,000/month (~$600–850 USD) |
| Health Insurance | Public (SGK) or private (~$30–60/month) |
| Safety Level | Medium – safe in residential zones, lively and crowded in central areas |
| Public Transport | Metro, ferries, metrobus, buses. Monthly pass |
| Climate | Mild Mediterranean – humid summers, rainy winters |
| Residence Permit / Long Stay | Tourist residence permit, rental-based, freelance or business residence |
| Education | Many universities, English programs, international schools |
| Grocery Prices | Low to moderate – fresh and affordable local food |
| Access to Nature | Bosphorus, Princes’ Islands, parks, coastline |
| City Atmosphere | Energetic, historical, chaotic yet captivating — East meets West |
Renting in Istanbul: Affordable, but Do Your Homework
Compared to Europe’s capitals, Istanbul remains affordable — but the rental market is unregulated, competitive, and changing fast. Prices vary wildly by district, building condition, and negotiation skills.
Average monthly rent (2025):
- 1-bedroom in central area: ₺15,000–25,000 (≈€400–700)
- 2-bedroom with modern appliances: ₺25,000–40,000 (≈€700–1,100)
- Utilities: ₺3,000–5,000/month (electricity, gas, water, maintenance)
- Internet: ~₺300/month
Landlords often ask for 6–12 months upfront, especially for foreigners. To avoid scams or overpriced listings, browse long-term apartments in Istanbul — updated with reliable listings and filters.
Residency and Visas: Possible, But Not Instant
Turkey offers relatively straightforward residency options, but things have tightened in recent years — especially in popular Istanbul districts.
Most expats apply for a short-term residence permit (1 year), renewable annually. It’s available if you:
- Rent long-term housing
- Have sufficient income
- Get private Turkish health insurance
- Register your address within 1 month of arrival
Application is done through Göç İdaresi (Immigration Office). Be ready for multiple appointments and some patience — but the process is doable.
Language and Daily Life: English Gets You By, Turkish Gets You In
In areas like Kadıköy, Cihangir, or Beşiktaş, many locals speak basic English. But to truly integrate and access local life, you’ll need at least beginner Turkish.
Knowing the basics helps with:
- Rent negotiations
- Bureaucratic paperwork
- Shopping and taxis
- Building local friendships
Turkish is logical and phonetic — and learning a few phrases earns you real respect.
Where to Live in Istanbul
- Kadıköy (Asian side) – liberal, lively, lots of students and creatives
- Moda – coastal, chill cafés, vintage shops, green spaces
- Beşiktaş / Levent – central, active, near business hubs
- Şişli / Nişantaşı – upscale, historic apartments, urban life
- Cihangir / Galata – bohemian, charming, international
- Üsküdar / Ataşehir – family-friendly, quiet, great views
Istanbul has excellent public transport (metro, ferries, buses) — and many locals avoid driving because of traffic.
Top 5 Best Districts in Istanbul for Long-Term Living
| District | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|
| 1. Kadıköy | Vibrant, youthful, full of life. Indie cafés, bookshops, and seaside promenades. |
| 2. Beşiktaş | Lively yet local. Great food, ferry access, nightlife, and student-friendly. |
| 3. Üsküdar | Peaceful, traditional, family-oriented. Panoramic Bosphorus views and calm streets. |
| 4. Şişli / Bomonti | Central and well-connected. Modern flats, coworking spaces, and business hubs. |
| 5. Cihangir | Artsy, hipster-friendly, close to Taksim but quieter. Full of creatives and expats. |
Cost of Living in Istanbul
Inflation in Turkey is real — prices change monthly. But for now, Istanbul still offers a very livable lifestyle on a modest budget.
- Rent: €500–800/month
- Utilities: €100–180/month
- Groceries: €150–250/month
- Dining out:
- Local meal: €5–8
- Dinner for two: €20–35
- SIM card + data: €10–15/month
- Coworking: €80–150/month
- Gym: €25–40/month
Solo expats live well on €1,000–1,400/month, depending on area and habits.
Work and Income
Finding formal work as a foreigner can be hard, unless:
- You’re hired by a Turkish company with a work permit
- You’re teaching English or in IT/engineering
- You work remotely and apply for residence based on income
The digital nomad community in Istanbul is growing — especially in Kadıköy and Karaköy. Many freelancers register businesses abroad and live in Turkey on savings or remote income.
| Profession | Avg. Gross Salary per Month (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | €1,600 |
| IT Project Manager | €2,000 |
| UX/UI Designer | €1,400 |
| Architect | €1,300 |
| Mechanical Engineer | €1,500 |
| General Practitioner (Doctor) | €2,500 |
| Nurse | €1,200 |
| High School Teacher | €1,300 |
| Marketing Specialist | €1,400 |
| Accountant | €1,300 |
Healthcare: Good and Getting Better
Turkey has both public and private healthcare. Most expats opt for private insurance and clinics, especially during the first year.
- Private GP visit: €25–40
- Dental cleaning: €30–50
- Private insurance: €50–100/month (required for residency)
- Pharmacies: open late, accessible, and helpful
Large hospitals in Istanbul often have English-speaking staff and modern equipment.
Final Thoughts: Is Istanbul Right for You?
Istanbul doesn’t fit into neat categories. It’s loud, layered, unpredictable — and that’s what makes it extraordinary. It’s not an easy city, but it offers intensity, connection, and constant reinvention.
If you’re someone who loves edge, culture, and chaos — but also warm people, stunning views, and endless exploration — Istanbul might just change your life.
Also check out our article on Moving to Copenhagen