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The average monthly cost of living in Istanbul has climbed to ₺93,465 ($2,345) as of June 2025, reflecting a staggering 47.13% increase compared to the same month last year, the city's planning agency reported.
The rise translates to an additional burden of nearly ₺64,000 over the past two and a half years, underscoring the growing financial strain on families residing in Türkiye’s largest city.
In June alone, the cost of living in Istanbul rose by 1.90% compared to the previous month. This figure not only exceeded Türkiye’s national monthly inflation rate of 1.37% but also surpassed the Istanbul-specific inflation measure of 1.77% recorded by the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ICOC). Consequently, the city’s average living expenses increased by ₺1,743 month-on-month.
The data highlights a consistent upward trajectory in Istanbul’s living costs since 2023, with no reported monthly decreases over the period. This sustained increase signals deepening affordability challenges for residents, particularly amid broader national economic pressures.
The persistent rise in costs reflects deeper affordability challenges that cut across essential areas of household spending. Whether it’s food, housing, transportation, or utilities, Istanbulites are paying significantly more than they did just a year ago. According to the latest findings, the price hikes have become a defining feature of urban life in Türkiye’s largest metropolis, raising concerns about the sustainability of family budgets and living standards.
The figures come from the “Cost of Living in Istanbul” study conducted by the Istanbul Planning Agency, which tracked the daily expenditures of 1,600 households selected to reflect the city's demographic makeup. Using a comprehensive basket of 321 products—189 of which were actively monitored—experts calculated cost increases based on real spending across local shops, markets, and other retail channels. The results were standardized using per capita equivalence for a four-person household, allowing for accurate comparisons and a clear picture of the evolving financial burden faced by Istanbul’s residents.
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