Cost Comparison 2025

IstanbulvsBangkok

Turkey

•

Thailand

Overall

💰

+4.2%

Istanbul is 4.2%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+25.0%

Housing is 25.0% higher

Dining

🍽️

-22.2%

Restaurants 22.2% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

+31.0%

Food shopping 31.0% more

Comparing the cost of living between Istanbul, Turkey and Bangkok, Thailand reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Istanbul is more expensive than Bangkok by approximately 4.2%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Istanbul are lower than in Bangkok by 20%. A one-bedroom apartment in Istanbul's city center costs around TRY 25,000, while the same in Bangkok is approximately THB 20,000.

Dining out in Istanbul is notably more expensive compared to Bangkok. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs TRY 150 in Istanbul versus THB 80 in Bangkok.

Public transportation in Istanbul is more affordable, with monthly passes at TRY 1,100 compared to THB 1,200 in Bangkok.

Grocery shopping in Istanbul is more affordable by approximately 24%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show lower prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Istanbul can expect to spend approximately TRY 7,060 per month (excluding rent), while in Bangkok, the same lifestyle would cost around THB 8,710. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about TRY 24,710 monthly in Istanbul versus THB 30,485 in Bangkok. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item

Istanbul, Turkey

Bangkok, Thailand

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center

TRY 25,000

THB 20,000

1BR Outside Center

TRY 15,000

THB 10,000

3BR City Center

TRY 50,000

THB 50,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

TRY 150

THB 80

Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant

TRY 700

THB 800

Cappuccino

TRY 80

THB 80

Domestic Beer (0.5L)

TRY 100

THB 80

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)

TRY 35

THB 50

Bread (500g)

TRY 10

THB 40

Eggs (12)

TRY 50

THB 50

Cheese (1kg)

TRY 200

THB 350

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket

TRY 18

THB 30

Monthly Pass

TRY 1,100

THB 1,200

Taxi Start

TRY 30

THB 35

Gasoline (1L)

TRY 40

THB 40

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)

TRY 2,000

THB 2,500

Internet (60 Mbps)

TRY 300

THB 600

Mobile Minute

TRY 2

THB 2

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Istanbul to Bangkok, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Bangkok to Istanbul requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Istanbul

Cost of Living Index48

Rent Index28

Purchasing Power Index40

Bangkok

Cost of Living Index50

Rent Index35

Purchasing Power Index40

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Istanbul more expensive than Bangkok?

The cost of living in Istanbul and Bangkok is relatively similar, with only minor differences in specific categories. Your actual expenses will depend on your lifestyle choices.

How much salary do I need in Istanbul compared to Bangkok?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.0x of your Bangkok salary when living in Istanbul. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Bangkok, you'd need about $52,083 in Istanbul for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Istanbul and Bangkok?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 29%, which can significantly impact your entertainment budget. Transportation and utilities show smaller variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Bangkok offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Bangkok provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Istanbul if you prioritize cultural experiences, or Bangkok for affordability.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Istanbul vs Bangkok?

In Istanbul, a single person needs approximately TRY 22,060 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about TRY 54,710. In Bangkok, these figures are THB 18,710 for singles and THB 55,485 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Istanbul and Bangkok in 2025 shows moderate differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.