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A single worker in Türkiye now needs at least ₺42,234 ($1,020.87) per month to cover basic living expenses as of August, the Research Center of the United Metal Workers’ Union (BISAM) reported.
For comparison, the poverty threshold for a family of four climbed to ₺90,450 ($2,186.33) in August, while the hunger threshold—the minimum required for a balanced diet—reached ₺26,149.
These calculations include essential spending such as housing, health, transport, and education.
According to the report, daily food expenses averaged more than ₺871 ($21.05).
Fruits and vegetables made up the largest share at ₺272 per day, followed by dairy products at ₺219, meat-poultry-fish at ₺164, and bread at ₺78.
Smaller shares went to oils (₺43), eggs (₺14), and sugar products (₺21).
Vegetables and fruits accounted for 31.2% of daily food spending. Meat, eggs, legumes, and dairy combined made up 25.1%, while bread and grains stood at 11.2%. Other food items accounted for 7.3%.
The cost of living in Türkiye continues to rise each month, as the annual inflation rate remains high at 32.95% despite extending its downward trend for the 15th consecutive month in August.
According to the Confederation of Turkish Trade Unions (Turk-Is), the hunger threshold rose to ₺27,111, the poverty line for a family of four climbed to ₺88,309, and the monthly cost of living for a single worker was calculated at ₺34,981 in August.
The surge is felt more strongly in Istanbul, Europe’s largest city, where the cost of living for a family of four climbed to ₺98,735 ($2,393) in August, up 43.2% year-over-year and ₺2,136 ($52), or 2.2%, from the previous month, the Istanbul Planning Agency reported.
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