Cost Comparison 2025

IstanbulvsBeijing

Turkey

•

China

Overall

💰

+29.2%

Istanbul is 29.2%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+78.6%

Housing is 78.6% higher

Dining

🍽️

-6.7%

Restaurants 6.7% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

+54.8%

Food shopping 54.8% more

Comparing the cost of living between Istanbul, Turkey and Beijing, China reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Istanbul is more expensive than Beijing by approximately 29.2%. 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 Beijing by 44%. A one-bedroom apartment in Istanbul's city center costs around TRY 25,000, while the same in Beijing is approximately CN¥7,500.

Dining out in Istanbul costs about the same compared to Beijing. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs TRY 150 in Istanbul versus CN¥30 in Beijing.

Public transportation in Istanbul is more expensive, with monthly passes at TRY 1,100 compared to CN¥200 in Beijing.

Purchasing power in Beijing is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to Istanbul.

Grocery shopping in Istanbul is more affordable by approximately 35%. 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 Beijing, the same lifestyle would cost around CN¥1,746. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about TRY 24,710 monthly in Istanbul versus CN¥6,111 in Beijing. 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

Beijing, China

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center

TRY 25,000

CN¥7,500

1BR Outside Center

TRY 15,000

CN¥4,000

3BR City Center

TRY 50,000

CN¥17,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

TRY 150

CN¥30

Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant

TRY 700

CN¥200

Cappuccino

TRY 80

CN¥25

Domestic Beer (0.5L)

TRY 100

CN¥8

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)

TRY 35

CN¥13

Bread (500g)

TRY 10

CN¥10

Eggs (12)

TRY 50

CN¥12

Cheese (1kg)

TRY 200

CN¥90

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket

TRY 18

CN¥3

Monthly Pass

TRY 1,100

CN¥200

Taxi Start

TRY 30

CN¥13

Gasoline (1L)

TRY 40

CN¥8

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)

TRY 2,000

CN¥350

Internet (60 Mbps)

TRY 300

CN¥100

Mobile Minute

TRY 2

CN¥0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Istanbul to Beijing, 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 Beijing 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

Beijing

Cost of Living Index62

Rent Index50

Purchasing Power Index65

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Istanbul more expensive than Beijing?

Yes, Istanbul is approximately 29.2% more expensive than Beijing overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.3x of your Beijing salary when living in Istanbul. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Beijing, you'd need about $64,583 in Istanbul for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Istanbul and Beijing?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 44%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

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

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

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 Beijing, these figures are CN¥5,746 for singles and CN¥15,111 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Istanbul and Beijing in 2025 shows significant 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.