Cost Comparison 2025

IstanbulvsDubai

Turkey

•

United Arab Emirates

Overall

💰

+66.7%

Istanbul is 66.7%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+167.9%

Housing is 167.9% higher

Dining

🍽️

+66.7%

Restaurants 66.7% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+66.7%

Food shopping 66.7% more

Comparing the cost of living between Istanbul, Turkey and Dubai, United Arab Emirates reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Istanbul is more expensive than Dubai by approximately 66.7%. 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 Dubai by 63%. A one-bedroom apartment in Istanbul's city center costs around TRY 25,000, while the same in Dubai is approximately AED 8,000.

Dining out in Istanbul offers significant savings compared to Dubai. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs TRY 150 in Istanbul versus AED 40 in Dubai.

Public transportation in Istanbul is more expensive, with monthly passes at TRY 1,100 compared to AED 350 in Dubai.

Purchasing power in Dubai 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 40%. 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 Dubai, the same lifestyle would cost around AED 2,334. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about TRY 24,710 monthly in Istanbul versus AED 8,169 in Dubai. 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

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center

TRY 25,000

AED 8,000

1BR Outside Center

TRY 15,000

AED 5,000

3BR City Center

TRY 50,000

AED 15,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

TRY 150

AED 40

Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant

TRY 700

AED 300

Cappuccino

TRY 80

AED 20

Domestic Beer (0.5L)

TRY 100

AED 50

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)

TRY 35

AED 6

Bread (500g)

TRY 10

AED 5

Eggs (12)

TRY 50

AED 10

Cheese (1kg)

TRY 200

AED 40

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket

TRY 18

AED 8

Monthly Pass

TRY 1,100

AED 350

Taxi Start

TRY 30

AED 12

Gasoline (1L)

TRY 40

AED 3

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)

TRY 2,000

AED 600

Internet (60 Mbps)

TRY 300

AED 400

Mobile Minute

TRY 2

AED 1

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Istanbul to Dubai, 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 Dubai 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

Dubai

Cost of Living Index80

Rent Index75

Purchasing Power Index110

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Istanbul more expensive than Dubai?

Yes, Istanbul is approximately 66.7% more expensive than Dubai overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.7x of your Dubai salary when living in Istanbul. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Dubai, you'd need about $83,333 in Istanbul for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Istanbul and Dubai?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 63%, 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?

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

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

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 Dubai, these figures are AED 7,334 for singles and AED 18,169 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Istanbul and Dubai 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.