Cost of Living in Istanbul
Homes in Istanbul were valued at a rent of TRY 475.20 per m² a month in the third quarter of 2026, about TRY 47,520 for 100 m², according to TCMB appraisal data. Rents for new tenants were 35.5% higher in September 2026 than a year earlier. A full-fare monthly transport pass costs TRY 3,628.
This page covers what living in Istanbul costs, using official figures only: rents and house prices from the Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye (TCMB), household spending from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), and public transport fares from IETT, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality's transport operator. Where no official city figure exists, we say so or leave the item out.
Rent and housing in Istanbul
Public transport fares in Istanbul
Rent comes first
Homes in Istanbul were valued at a rent of TRY 475.20 per m² a month in the third quarter of 2026, up from TRY 334.58 a year earlier. For a 100 m² home, that is about TRY 47,520 a month. The Turkish level was TRY 275.37 per m², so Istanbul rents run at about 1.7 times the national figure, above Ankara (TRY 254.62) and Izmir (TRY 296.46). TCMB takes these values from rent valuations in the appraisal reports banks prepare for mortgages, so they reflect what a home could be let for, not rents sitting tenants pay.
The TCMB New Tenant Rent Index shows rents for new tenants in Istanbul 35.5% higher in September 2026 than a year earlier and 3.5% higher than in August. Across Turkey, the rise was 26.6% in a year, a fall of 2.4% after inflation. Istanbul had the fastest annual rise of any region. Housing and rent took 29.6% of household spending in Istanbul in 2025, the highest share of Turkey's main regions, while food took 14.2%, the lowest, according to TÜİK.
Buying a home
Appraised homes in Istanbul were valued at TRY 90,843.50 per m² in the third quarter of 2026, about 1.7 times the Turkish level of TRY 53,886.90. The TCMB house price index for Istanbul was 26.8% higher in September 2026 than a year earlier, against 22.3% for Turkey, which was a fall of 5.7% after inflation.
Getting around
A full-fare monthly subscription on the Istanbulkart, the Mavi Kart, costs TRY 3,628 and covers IETT buses, metro, tram and the Tunnel. Students pay TRY 653. A single ride with an Istanbulkart costs TRY 46.20 at full fare, with lower fares for transfers, while a single-ride electronic ticket costs TRY 65. On the Metrobüs, the fare depends on the number of stops, from TRY 33.08 to TRY 68.59. These fares apply from 20 July 2026.
TÜİK does not publish a rent level or consumer prices for Istanbul on the pages we read, so we do not show them. For employer costs and the labor market, see our Istanbul guide.
Hiring in Istanbul? The guide to hiring in Turkey covers the national rules. Need the right person? We place remote professionals across Europe, with a shortlist of 3 within 21 days. See how placement works.
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change and collective agreements can set different terms. Confirm with a local accountant or lawyer before you hire.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Istanbul?
Homes in Istanbul were valued at a rent of TRY 475.20 per m² a month in Q3 2026, about TRY 47,520 for 100 m², according to TCMB data from bank appraisal reports. TÜİK does not publish a rent level for the city.
How fast are rents rising in Istanbul?
The TCMB New Tenant Rent Index for Istanbul rose 35.5% in the year to September 2026, the fastest of any region, and 3.5% on the month before.
How much is a monthly transport pass in Istanbul?
A full-fare Mavi Kart monthly subscription costs TRY 3,628 from 20 July 2026. The student version costs TRY 653.
How much is a single ride in Istanbul?
A single ride with an Istanbulkart costs TRY 46.20 at full fare. A single-ride electronic ticket costs TRY 65.
How expensive are homes to buy in Istanbul?
Appraised homes were valued at TRY 90,843.50 per m² in Q3 2026, about 1.7 times the Turkish level, according to TCMB. Prices rose 26.8% in the year to September 2026.
Sources
- TCMB, Unit rents of appraised residential properties, quarterly. Checked 5 Nov 2026.
- TCMB, Housing unit prices, quarterly. Checked 5 Nov 2026.
- TCMB, Residential Property Price Index and New Tenant Rent Index. Checked 5 Nov 2026.
- TCMB, A new indicator for rents: the New Tenant Rent Index. Checked 5 Nov 2026.
- TÜİK, Household consumption expenditure (regional), 2025. Checked 5 Nov 2026.
- IETT, Public transport fare tariff. Checked 5 Nov 2026.
