Cost Comparison 2025

IstanbulvsEdmonton

Turkey
Canada

Overall

💰

+41.7%

Istanbul is 41.7%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+60.7%

Housing is 60.7% higher

Dining

🍽️

+55.6%

Restaurants 55.6% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+85.7%

Food shopping 85.7% more

Comparing the cost of living between Istanbul, Turkey and Edmonton, Canada reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Istanbul is more expensive than Edmonton by approximately 41.7%. 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 Edmonton by 38%. A one-bedroom apartment in Istanbul's city center costs around TRY 25,000, while the same in Edmonton is approximately CA$1,400.

Dining out in Istanbul offers significant savings compared to Edmonton. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs TRY 150 in Istanbul versus CA$18 in Edmonton.

Public transportation in Istanbul is more expensive, with monthly passes at TRY 1,100 compared to CA$100 in Edmonton.

Purchasing power in Edmonton 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 46%. 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 Edmonton, the same lifestyle would cost around CA$695. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about TRY 24,710 monthly in Istanbul versus CA$2,431 in Edmonton. 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
Edmonton, Canada

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
TRY 25,000
CA$1,400
1BR Outside Center
TRY 15,000
CA$1,100
3BR City Center
TRY 50,000
CA$2,400

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
TRY 150
CA$18
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
TRY 700
CA$80
Cappuccino
TRY 80
CA$5
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
TRY 100
CA$6

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
TRY 35
CA$2
Bread (500g)
TRY 10
CA$3
Eggs (12)
TRY 50
CA$4
Cheese (1kg)
TRY 200
CA$14

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
TRY 18
CA$4
Monthly Pass
TRY 1,100
CA$100
Taxi Start
TRY 30
CA$4
Gasoline (1L)
TRY 40
CA$1

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
TRY 2,000
CA$200
Internet (60 Mbps)
TRY 300
CA$75
Mobile Minute
TRY 2
CA$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Istanbul to Edmonton, 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 Edmonton 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

Edmonton

Cost of Living Index68
Rent Index45
Purchasing Power Index95

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Istanbul more expensive than Edmonton?

Yes, Istanbul is approximately 41.7% more expensive than Edmonton overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.4x of your Edmonton salary when living in Istanbul. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Edmonton, you'd need about $70,833 in Istanbul for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Istanbul and Edmonton?

The most significant cost difference is in groceries. Grocery costs differ by roughly 46%, affecting your daily shopping expenses. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

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

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

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 Edmonton, these figures are CA$1,795 for singles and CA$4,331 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Istanbul and Edmonton 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.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Edmonton to maintain your lifestyle from Istanbul

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-28 • Data sourced from multiple providers