Cost Comparison 2025

IstanbulvsMelbourne

Turkey

•

Australia

Overall

💰

+77.1%

Istanbul is 77.1%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+132.1%

Housing is 132.1% higher

Dining

🍽️

+88.9%

Restaurants 88.9% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+90.5%

Food shopping 90.5% more

Comparing the cost of living between Istanbul, Turkey and Melbourne, Australia reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Istanbul is more expensive than Melbourne 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 Melbourne by 57%. A one-bedroom apartment in Istanbul's city center costs around TRY 25,000, while the same in Melbourne is approximately A$2,200.

Dining out in Istanbul offers significant savings compared to Melbourne. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs TRY 150 in Istanbul versus A$20 in Melbourne.

Public transportation in Istanbul is more expensive, with monthly passes at TRY 1,100 compared to A$170 in Melbourne.

Purchasing power in Melbourne 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 48%. 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 Melbourne, the same lifestyle would cost around A$786. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about TRY 24,710 monthly in Istanbul versus A$2,750 in Melbourne. 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

Melbourne, Australia

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center

TRY 25,000

A$2,200

1BR Outside Center

TRY 15,000

A$1,700

3BR City Center

TRY 50,000

A$4,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

TRY 150

A$20

Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant

TRY 700

A$110

Cappuccino

TRY 80

A$5

Domestic Beer (0.5L)

TRY 100

A$10

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)

TRY 35

A$2

Bread (500g)

TRY 10

A$3

Eggs (12)

TRY 50

A$5

Cheese (1kg)

TRY 200

A$11

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket

TRY 18

A$5

Monthly Pass

TRY 1,100

A$170

Taxi Start

TRY 30

A$5

Gasoline (1L)

TRY 40

A$2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)

TRY 2,000

A$180

Internet (60 Mbps)

TRY 300

A$75

Mobile Minute

TRY 2

A$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Istanbul to Melbourne, 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 Melbourne 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

Melbourne

Cost of Living Index85

Rent Index65

Purchasing Power Index100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Istanbul more expensive than Melbourne?

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

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

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

What are the biggest cost differences between Istanbul and Melbourne?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 57%, 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?

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

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

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 Melbourne, these figures are A$2,486 for singles and A$5,550 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Istanbul and Melbourne 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.