Cost Comparison 2025

IstanbulvsLuxembourg

Turkey
Luxembourg

Overall

💰

+77.1%

Istanbul is 77.1%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+167.9%

Housing is 167.9% higher

Dining

🍽️

+100.0%

Restaurants 100.0% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+95.2%

Food shopping 95.2% more

Comparing the cost of living between Istanbul, Turkey and Luxembourg, Luxembourg reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Istanbul is more expensive than Luxembourg by approximately 77.1%. 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 Luxembourg by 63%. A one-bedroom apartment in Istanbul's city center costs around TRY 25,000, while the same in Luxembourg is approximately €2,000.

Dining out in Istanbul offers significant savings compared to Luxembourg. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs TRY 150 in Istanbul versus €20 in Luxembourg.

Public transportation in Istanbul is more expensive, with monthly passes at TRY 1,100 compared to €0 in Luxembourg.

Purchasing power in Luxembourg 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 49%. 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 Luxembourg, the same lifestyle would cost around €600. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about TRY 24,710 monthly in Istanbul versus €2,101 in Luxembourg. 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
Luxembourg, Luxembourg

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
TRY 25,000
€2,000
1BR Outside Center
TRY 15,000
€1,600
3BR City Center
TRY 50,000
€3,800

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
TRY 150
€20
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
TRY 700
€90
Cappuccino
TRY 80
€4
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
TRY 100
€5

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
TRY 35
€1
Bread (500g)
TRY 10
€2
Eggs (12)
TRY 50
€4
Cheese (1kg)
TRY 200
€18

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
TRY 18
€0
Monthly Pass
TRY 1,100
€0
Taxi Start
TRY 30
€5
Gasoline (1L)
TRY 40
€2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
TRY 2,000
€200
Internet (60 Mbps)
TRY 300
€50
Mobile Minute
TRY 2
€0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Istanbul to Luxembourg, 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 Luxembourg 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

Luxembourg

Cost of Living Index85
Rent Index75
Purchasing Power Index120

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Istanbul more expensive than Luxembourg?

Yes, Istanbul is approximately 77.1% more expensive than Luxembourg overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.8x of your Luxembourg salary when living in Istanbul. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Luxembourg, you'd need about $88,542 in Istanbul for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Istanbul and Luxembourg?

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?

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

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

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 Luxembourg, these figures are €2,200 for singles and €4,901 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Istanbul and Luxembourg 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 Luxembourg to maintain your lifestyle from Istanbul

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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