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The cost of living in Istanbul surged to an average of ₺91,722 ($2.334) for a family of four in May 2025, according to new data from the Istanbul Planning Agency (IPA).
This figure represents a 49.09% increase compared to the same month last year.
Compared to April, the average cost rose by ₺1,690, reflecting a monthly increase of 1.88%. Data from the first five months of the year show a consistent upward trend in living expenses, with monthly increases recorded at 7.10% in January, 3.10% in February, 2.38% in March, 2.91% in April, and 1.88% in May.
IPA attributes these increases primarily to rising prices in essential spending categories such as food, housing, and transportation.
While Türkiye’s nationwide annual inflation eased to 35.41% in May, the monthly inflation rate was recorded at 1.53%.
In comparison, inflation in Istanbul remained significantly higher. The Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ICOC) reported an annual rate of 46.57% and a monthly rate of 2.83%. The discrepancy in this situation is mostly attributed to Istanbul’s dense population and sustained demand pressures.
The growing cost of living is raising concerns over the widening economic strain on households, especially for those with limited incomes. According to the Confederation of Turkish Trade Unions (Turk-Is), a family of four living in Ankara needed to spend ₺25,092 in May solely on food to maintain a healthy, balanced, and adequate diet—a threshold referred to as the “hunger line.”
When essential needs beyond food are included, such as clothing, rent, utilities, transportation, education, and healthcare, the total monthly requirement rises to ₺81,734, which is referred to as the “poverty line.”
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