Is the Cost of Living High in Turkey?

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Is the Cost of Living High in Turkey?

Is Turkey’s cost of living high? Recently, a lot of individuals have started asking about this topic. But the solution is not that easy. Your search and financial situation will determine what you find. Let’s take a closer look at the cost of living in Turkey to see if it is right for you.

What Is The Average Rent In Turkey?

Undoubtedly, the cost of living is a deciding element that influences our decisions about where in the world we want to travel.

Because of this, the quality of life in Turkey determines whether or not we should settle there permanently. Turkey can also be surprisingly affordable.

The busiest centres of commerce, tourism, and industry are the most costly areas to reside everywhere, including Turkey.

The average rent in Turkey is almost:

  • Apartment in City Center with 1 bedroom $255
  • One-bedroom Apartment Outside the Center is $345
  • Apartment in City Center for $160

A family of four should budget $1,254 per month, excluding rent. The estimated monthly costs for a single person, excluding rent, are $358.

What’s A Good Salary In Turkey?

You can live contentedly in Turkey if your monthly salary is more than $3000. If your monthly salary is from $1500 to $3000, you can find it difficult to live comfortably in Turkey. If your monthly salary is less than $1500, you might experience stress and sadness while living in Turkey.

Is Turkey Cheap To Live In?

In Turkey, utilities are not expensive and maintaining a home is incredibly affordable. Basic services cost no more than $70 a month, and an Internet connection costs no more than $16. However, these costs would rise as more individuals moved into larger apartments.

Is It More Expensive To Live In Turkey Or The US?

Both countries vary significantly in terms of cost of living, rental prices, and wages. However, it is commonly believed that the US is more expensive overall than Turkey. Living expenses in the US are 4.4 times higher than those in Turkey. This is due to a number of factors, including higher wages, lower taxes on goods and services, and less restrictive zoning laws.

That said, there are some areas where living in Turkey may be cheaper than living in the US. For example, property taxes and other housing-related expenses are often much lower in Turkey compared to the US. Turkey’s food costs also tend to be lower due to its proximity to agricultural areas and abundant fresh produce.

Is It Worth It To Live In Turkey?

Turkey offers outstanding value for money; many visitors find that their money buys more and gets further compared to their home countries. This is due to the fact that, on average, Turkey has a lower cost of living than the majority of Western nations, and Turkish prices are a pleasant surprise to migrants.

How Many Hours Do You Work In Turkey?

Turkey is considerably different from other nations in terms of work hours. On average, workers in Turkey typically put in about 45 hours per week, which is a little longer than the typical working week in Europe and the US.

How Much Is Per Hour Of Work In Turkey?

The degree of education, occupation, and area are some of the variables that affect the average hourly salary in Turkey. On average, workers in the country earn between 1.6 and 2.4 USD per hour. Those with lower levels of education or with more technical or manual jobs tend to earn closer to 1.6 USD per hour, while those with more advanced degrees or higher-level professional positions tend to earn closer to 2.4 USD per hour.

How Much Money Is Needed To Live In Turkey Comfortably?

When it comes to living comfortably in Turkey, it is generally believed that you need at least 1500 USD per month to cover all of your expenses. This includes things like housing costs, utilities, food, transportation, and entertainment. Of course, this amount varies depending on where you live in the country. For example, if you live in a major city like Istanbul or Ankara, you will likely need more than 1500 USD significantly in order to afford all of your basic necessities. However, you might be able to get by with less if you reside in a smaller town.

In general, the cost of living in Turkey is not as high as expected. Of course, this all depends on your searched area and financial situation. Most importantly, you enjoy the quality of life Turkey has to offer!

  • Article based on personal opinion, experience and research.
  • Photos from Unsplash & canva.

How to make Dolma: Vegetarian Delicacy

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Dolma is a traditional vegetarian delicacy enjoyed throughout Turkey and nearby countries. It is a healthy dish with vegetables containing veggie broth, extra-virgin olive oil, onion, cumin, cinnamon, lemons, pine nuts, etc. Here is the list of ingredients and instructions to make Dolma. Read on!

Ingredients

  • One jar of grape leaves
  • Four tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
  • One yellow onion – diced
  • ¼ teaspoon of ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon or allspice
  • One cup of long-grain white rice
  • Three cups of vegetable broth
  • A half cup of fresh herbs, such as
    • Marjoram
    • Parsley or
    • Oregano
  • Three lemons – juiced
  • Black pepper and kosher salt
  • Toasted pine nuts – optional
  • Three tablespoons of dried currants

Instructions

  1. Wash and rinse each grape leaf
  2. Use a paring knife to remove the stems
  3. “pat” dry these leaves with paper towels
  4. Now set aside the dried leaves
  5. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium-high heat
  6. Add cumin, onions, and allspice to the pot
  7. Season the ingredients with salt and pepper
  8. Cook to soften and caramelize the onions
  9. Add the chopped herbs and rice
  10. Stir to combine these ingredients for 3-5 minutes
  11. Add 50% of vegetable broth and bring to the boil
  12. Now reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for ten minutes
  13. Add lemon juice, currants, and toasted pine nuts
  14. Remove the pot from the heat and set aside
  15. It is time to assemble Dolma
  16. So, lay each grape leaf on a cutting board
  17. Now, place the rice mixture at the leaf’s lower end
  18. Fold the right and left edges and roll from top to bottom
  19. Make sure you keep the ingredients tight inside the leaf
  20. Repeat the process with other grape leaves
  21. Place all dolmas in a large skillet or pot
  22. Drizzle the Dolma with olive oil and lemon juice
  23. Now add the remaining broth and simmer for 45 minutes
  24. Remove each Dolma using a tong and transfer to the serving plate
  25. Now use some olive oil and lemon juice for drizzling
  26. Serve at room temperature and enjoy the delicious Dolma

Yaprak Sarma: A Healthy Snack

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Yaprak Sarma is one of the most authentic Turkish dishes made from grape leaves. You will stuff the grape leaves with spices, herbs, and aromatic rice. Most households in Turkey make this dish on special occasions or when serving guests. Here is the list of ingredients and instructions to make Yaprak Sarma. Read on!

Ingredients

  • You need the following ingredients for stuffing grape leaves
    • Two cups of rice
    • One cup of tomatoes finely chopped
    • Two cups of onion finely chopped
    • A half cup of parsley finely chopped
    • Four cloves of garlic finely chopped
    • One teaspoon of cayenne pepper
    • Two teaspoons of dried mint
    • One or two teaspoons of ground black pepper
    • One teaspoon of sumac
    • Two teaspoons of salt
    • 2/3 cup of olive oil and ¼ cup for drizzling
    • One lemon – squeezed
    • One pound of grape leaves
    • One tablespoon of tomato paste
    • One or two cups of water
  • You will need these ingredients to make tomato sauce for serving
    • One tablespoon of olive oil
    • One tablespoon of tomato paste
    • One teaspoon of fresh or dried mint
    • One large, diced tomato
    • Two cloves of minced garlic
    • One tablespoon of lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowel except for grape leaves, water, and olive oil
  2. Cut off the leaves stems and place a leaf on the cutting board
  3. Place one tablespoon of filling near the end
  4. Next, fold and roll the leaf up
  5. Now place the stuffed/rolled leaves into a pan
  6. Pour one or two cups of water and ¼ cup of olive oil over the leaf rolls
  7. Cook over low heat for 45 minutes to ensure the rice is tender
  8. Remove from heat and set aside to cool
  9. Squeeze lemon over the rolls
  10. Next, prepare the tomato sauce for serving
    1. Heat olive oil over low heat in a small saucepan
    2. Add tomato paste and dried mint to the saucepan
    3. Cook for one to two minutes
    4. Add minced garlic and diced tomatoes with lemon juice
    5. Cook these ingredients for ten minutes
    6. Pour the prepared sauce over the stuffed leaves
  11. Serve the delicious Yaprak Sarma to your guests
  12. Enjoy the unique Turkish snack

How to make Pilav (Pilaf): Turkish Pulao

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Unlike regular rice, pilaf has a different flavor and taste because it contains toasted butter. Thus, the Turkish pulao has a nutty flavor and mouthwatering taste, thanks to the vegetable oil and lemon juice. Here are the ingredients and instructions to make pilaf. Read on!

Ingredients

  • One cup of rice
  • 50 grams of butter
  • One tablespoon of vegetable oil
  • One or two cups of boiling water
  • Three drops of lemon juice
  • Salt

Instructions

  1. Wash the rice under hot water
  2. Drain the rice and set aside
  3. Now melt butter in a saucepan
  4. Make sure the heat is low
  5. Next, add olive oil to the saucepan
  6. Add the rice to a saucepan and salt based on your taste
  7. Add boiling water and lemon juice to the saucepan
  8. Cover the saucepan and simmer
  9. Make sure the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid
  10. Remove from saucepan and place on the serving plate
  11. Garnish with melted butter and lemon drops
  12. Enjoy the delicious Turkish pilaf

How to make Çiğ Köfte: Spicy Balls

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Turkish spicy balls contain fat-free beef minced and kneaded with garlic, onion, tomato paste, pepper, and fine bulgur. It also includes a mixture of Turkish spices. Here is the list of ingredients and instructions to make spicy balls in your kitchen. Read on!

Ingredients

  • 200 grams of meat – minced
  • Two to three cups of fine brown bulgur
  • One cup of boiled water
  • One bunch of parsley leaves – finely chopped
  • One medium onion – finely chopped
  • Three sprigs of onions – finely chopped
  • Four tablespoons of red pepper flakes
  • Two tablespoons of tomato paste
  • Two teaspoons of salt
  • Two tablespoons of pepper paste
  • Two tablespoons of pomegranate molasses
  • A half-fresh lemon – juiced
  • Two tablespoons of vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Place the fine bulgur in a cup and add boiling water
  2. Close the top with a kitchen towel and wait for five minutes
  3. Rinse the bulgur and add it to onions, and red pepper flakes, in a large baking tray
  4. Knead the mixture for 5-10 minutes using your palm
  5. Add the minced meat, tomato paste, molasses, pepper paste, lemon juice, and salt and mix for 20 minutes
  6. Add chopped onions, parsley leaves, and two tablespoons of vegetable oil and knead for 10-15 minutes
  7. Once the mixture is ready, grab a walnut size mixture to make a spicy ball
  8. Repeat step number seven until you are done with the rest of the mixture
  9. Line the balls on a serving plate
  10. Serve with lettuce leaves, and enjoy

How to make Meze: Dish With A Fish

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Meze is a small Turkish dish and is eaten as a snack. You can eat it with drinks, including cold or hot beverages, based on your preferences. Meze usually includes dips, cheeses, veggies, rusks, seafood, and pita bread. Here are the ingredients and instructions to make Meze. Read on!

Ingredients

  • One cup of cheese
  • Two tablespoons of olive oil
  • A half teaspoon of black pepper – grated
  • One teaspoon of oregano–dried
  • One cup of Greek fava or hummus
  • Three boiled eggs
  • A half cup of kalamata olives
  • One cup of cucumber – sliced
  • One cup of cherry tomatoes – sliced
  • Five ounces of yellow cheese
  • ¼ cups of nuts, such as pistachios, walnuts, and almonds
  • Two or three red bell peppers – roasted
  • Two pita bread – sliced
  • Ten breadsticks
  • ¼ cup of anchovies
  • Extra virgin olive oil, black pepper, and oregano for serving
  • One to two tablespoons of capers – optional

Instructions

  1. Mix the cheese with oregano, olive oil, and black pepper
  2. Arrange the rest of the ingredients on a platter
  3. Now drizzle with olive oil
  4. Sprinkle with black pepper and oregano
  5. Serve with a cold drink or white wine
  6. Enjoy the delicious Meze

How to make Pide: Turkish Patty

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Pide is a Turkish recipe with minced meat and other ingredients, making it one of the most delicious and flavorful dishes. Although you can find Turkish patty in various restaurants, you can make them in your kitchen. Here are the ingredients and instructions to make Pide. Read on!

Ingredients

  • 650 grams of flour
  • 200 ml of warm milk
  • 200 ml of warm water
  • 50 ml of oil
  • Two tablespoons of yogurt
  • One tablespoon of vinegar
  • One tablespoon of sugar–granulated
  • One teaspoon of salt
  • One teaspoon of powdered yeast
  • 260 grams of ground beef
  • One finely chopped red pepper
  • One finely chopped onion
  • One tomato – thinly sliced
  • One pinch of parsley – finely chopped
  • Two green peppers – finely chopped
  • One teaspoon of tomato paste
  • One teaspoon of red pepper
  • One teaspoon of black pepper
  • Two tablespoons of oil
  • One teaspoon of salt
  • One egg yolk

Instructions

  1. Add water, milk, yogurt, oil, vinegar, sugar, salt, and yeast
  2. Mix these ingredients and then add 650 grams of flour
  3. Start the kneading process and get a dough
  4. Cover the dough and set aside for 15 minutes
  5. Take the dough and roll it into walnut-size pieces
  6. Cover again and set aside for 15 minutes
  7. Add 250 grams of ground beef, onion, red pepper, tomato, green peppers, and parsley
  8. Now add tomato paste, black pepper, salt, and oil and mix well
  9. Take the dough and roll them out by sprinkling the flour
  10. Put one tablespoon of filling and then combine the ends
  11. Apply egg yolk on the edges and put them on the baking tray
  12. Line the tray on the paper and bake for 25 minutes at 200 Celsius
  13. The dish is ready to serve
  14. Enjoy it with your family or friends

How to make Kuzu Tandir: Lamb Delicacy

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Kuzu Tandir is a lamb delicacy and one of the most delicious foods in Turkish cuisine. The reason is that the lamb is tender, fragrant, and melts in your mouth like cotton candy. So, let us tell you how to make this mouthwatering lamb delicacy.

Ingredients

  • One leg of lamb
  • ¼ cup of olive oil
  • One or two tablespoons of lemon juice – freshly squeezed
  • One teaspoon of salt
  • A half teaspoon of ground black pepper
  • Five bay leaves
  • Three sprigs of fresh rosemary
  • A half cup of hot water

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 285 degrees Fahrenheit
  2. Place the lamb in a metal oven tray
  3. Whisk olive oil, spices, and lemon juice in a bowl
  4. Apply the mixture to the lamb
  5. Rub the mixture over the lamb
  6. Add rosemary springs and bay leaves
  7. Place the tray in the oven
  8. Cook the lamb at low heat for two hours
  9. Turn the lamb pieces over after 30 minutes
  10. Pour a half cup of hot water over the lamb
  11. Use aluminum foil to close the roasting pan
  12. Turn the oven heat to 365 degrees and let the meat roast for one hour
  13. Remove from the pan and set aside for five minutes
  14. Remove the foil and use two forks to remove meat from the bones
  15. Remove rosemary and bay leaves
  16. Serve the dish with potato puree

How to make Corba: Turkish Soup

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Corba is a Turkish lentil soup with hearty, flavorful, and aromatic ingredients. Most people consume Turkish soup on a chilly day to keep their bodies warm and resist the cold winter. Here are the ingredients and instructions to make Corba, a delicious, warm, and flavorful Turkish soup. Read on!

Ingredients

  • Two tablespoons of olive oil
  • One medium yellow onion – diced
  • One large carrot – diced
  • One medium russet potato – diced
  • Two cloves of garlic – sliced
  • One tablespoon of tomato paste
  • One teaspoon of kosher salt
  • One teaspoon of cumin
  • A half teaspoon of paprika
  • A half teaspoon of dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon of cayenne or Aleppo pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
  • Five cups of chicken or vegetable broth
  • One cup of red lentils
  • One teaspoon of dried mint
  • One lemon – sliced

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot
  2. Add the onion and cook for four minutes
  3. Add diced carrot and potato to the pot
  4. Cook for four minutes
  5. Add cloves of garlic and stir for 30 seconds
  6. Now, add tomato paste, salt, cumin, oregano, paprika, cayenne, and black pepper
  7. Stir these ingredients for 30 seconds
  8. Deglaze the pot with vegetable or chicken stock
  9. Add the lentils and remaining stock
  10. Heat the soup and simmer for 30 minutes
  11. Add one cup of water if the soup is thicker
  12. Remove the soup from heat and add dried mint
  13. Blend the soup to incorporate all ingredients
  14. Serve with lemon wedges and sprinkle chopped parsley

How to make İskender Kebab: Strips Of Lamb

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Iskender Kebab is one of Turkey’s most delicious and flavorful dishes because it has meat, bread, tomato sauce, and yogurt to satisfy your taste buds. Although this dish is not easy to prepare and cook, following the instructions in this post can streamline the entire process. Read on!

Ingredients

  • Two brown onions – grated
  • 60 ml of fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ cup of olive oil
  • 800 grams of lamb backstrap – cut it into 3cm pieces
  • 260 grams or one cup of yogurt
  • Two cloves of garlic – crushed
  • Two teaspoons of sweet paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon of chili powder
  • 375 ml of tomato passata
  • 125 ml of water
  • One 400 grams of Turkish bread
  • Two tomatoes – halved
  • Four long fresh green chilies
  • Shredded lettuce to serve
  • Tabouli to serve

Instructions

  1. Combine lemon juice, onion, and oil in a bowl
  2. Add lamb to the bowl and coat
  3. Cover with plastic wrap and put in the fridge for two hours
  4. Combine yogurt with garlic in a small bowl
  5. Cover these ingredients and place them in the fridge
  6. Heat the remaining oil in a saucepan over medium heat
  7. Add the remaining garlic and stir for one minute
  8. Add chili and paprika and cook for 30 seconds
  9. Add water and passata and simmer for 20 minutes
  10. Remove the lamb and season with salt and pepper
  11. Now put the lamb into four metal skewers
  12. Preheat a large chargrill or barbeque
  13. Add the lamb and cook for ten minutes
  14. Transfer to the plate and keep warm
  15. Cut the bread into five pieces
  16. Add the bread, chilies, and tomato to the barbecue and cook for two minutes
  17. Cut the bread into 2cm pieces
  18. Dive the bread, chilies, tomato, tabouli, and lettuce among serving plates
  19. Top the plates with lamb skewers and drizzle the passata mixture
  20. Serve with the yogurt sauce