Cost Comparison 2025

IstanbulvsSantiago

Turkey

•

Chile

Overall

💰

+14.6%

Istanbul is 14.6%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+25.0%

Housing is 25.0% higher

Dining

🍽️

+11.1%

Restaurants 11.1% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+31.0%

Food shopping 31.0% more

Comparing the cost of living between Istanbul, Turkey and Santiago, Chile reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Istanbul is more expensive than Santiago by approximately 14.6%. 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 Santiago by 20%. A one-bedroom apartment in Istanbul's city center costs around TRY 25,000, while the same in Santiago is approximately CLP 500,000.

Dining out in Istanbul costs about the same compared to Santiago. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs TRY 150 in Istanbul versus CLP 7,000 in Santiago.

Public transportation in Istanbul is more affordable, with monthly passes at TRY 1,100 compared to CLP 33,000 in Santiago.

Grocery shopping in Istanbul is more affordable by approximately 24%. 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 Santiago, the same lifestyle would cost around CLP 286,600. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about TRY 24,710 monthly in Istanbul versus CLP 1,003,100 in Santiago. 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

Santiago, Chile

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center

TRY 25,000

CLP 500,000

1BR Outside Center

TRY 15,000

CLP 350,000

3BR City Center

TRY 50,000

CLP 900,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

TRY 150

CLP 7,000

Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant

TRY 700

CLP 40,000

Cappuccino

TRY 80

CLP 3,000

Domestic Beer (0.5L)

TRY 100

CLP 3,000

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)

TRY 35

CLP 900

Bread (500g)

TRY 10

CLP 1,000

Eggs (12)

TRY 50

CLP 2,500

Cheese (1kg)

TRY 200

CLP 8,000

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket

TRY 18

CLP 800

Monthly Pass

TRY 1,100

CLP 33,000

Taxi Start

TRY 30

CLP 700

Gasoline (1L)

TRY 40

CLP 1,200

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)

TRY 2,000

CLP 80,000

Internet (60 Mbps)

TRY 300

CLP 20,000

Mobile Minute

TRY 2

CLP 100

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Istanbul to Santiago, 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 Santiago 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

Santiago

Cost of Living Index55

Rent Index35

Purchasing Power Index50

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Istanbul more expensive than Santiago?

Yes, Istanbul is approximately 14.6% more expensive than Santiago overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.1x of your Santiago salary when living in Istanbul. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Santiago, you'd need about $57,292 in Istanbul for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Istanbul and Santiago?

The most significant cost difference is in groceries. Grocery costs differ by roughly 24%, affecting your daily shopping expenses. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

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

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

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 Santiago, these figures are CLP 636,600 for singles and CLP 1,653,100 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Istanbul and Santiago in 2025 shows notable 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.