Cost Comparison 2025

IstanbulvsMumbai

Turkey

•

India

Overall

💰

-27.1%

Istanbul is 27.1%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-10.7%

Housing is 10.7% lower

Dining

🍽️

-33.3%

Restaurants 33.3% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-16.7%

Food shopping 16.7% less

Comparing the cost of living between Istanbul, Turkey and Mumbai, India reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Istanbul is more affordable than Mumbai by approximately 27.1%. 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 higher than in Mumbai by 12%. A one-bedroom apartment in Istanbul's city center costs around TRY 25,000, while the same in Mumbai is approximately ₹35,000.

Dining out in Istanbul is notably more expensive compared to Mumbai. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs TRY 150 in Istanbul versus ₹200 in Mumbai.

Public transportation in Istanbul is more affordable, with monthly passes at TRY 1,100 compared to ₹1,500 in Mumbai.

Grocery shopping in Istanbul is more expensive by approximately 20%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show higher 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 Mumbai, the same lifestyle would cost around ₹12,260. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about TRY 24,710 monthly in Istanbul versus ₹42,910 in Mumbai. 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

Mumbai, India

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center

TRY 25,000

₹35,000

1BR Outside Center

TRY 15,000

₹20,000

3BR City Center

TRY 50,000

₹100,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

TRY 150

₹200

Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant

TRY 700

₹1,500

Cappuccino

TRY 80

₹150

Domestic Beer (0.5L)

TRY 100

₹200

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)

TRY 35

₹55

Bread (500g)

TRY 10

₹35

Eggs (12)

TRY 50

₹80

Cheese (1kg)

TRY 200

₹400

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket

TRY 18

₹10

Monthly Pass

TRY 1,100

₹1,500

Taxi Start

TRY 30

₹25

Gasoline (1L)

TRY 40

₹105

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)

TRY 2,000

₹3,000

Internet (60 Mbps)

TRY 300

₹1,000

Mobile Minute

TRY 2

₹1

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Mumbai to Istanbul, 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 Istanbul to Mumbai 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

Mumbai

Cost of Living Index35

Rent Index25

Purchasing Power Index40

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Istanbul more expensive than Mumbai?

No, Istanbul is approximately 27.1% cheaper than Mumbai. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 79% of your Mumbai salary when living in Istanbul. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Mumbai, you'd need about $39,344 in Istanbul for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Istanbul and Mumbai?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 50%, which can significantly impact your entertainment budget. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

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

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

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 Mumbai, these figures are ₹32,260 for singles and ₹92,910 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Istanbul and Mumbai 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.