Cost Comparison 2025

IstanbulvsVancouver

Turkey

•

Canada

Overall

💰

+66.7%

Istanbul is 66.7%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+185.7%

Housing is 185.7% higher

Dining

🍽️

+66.7%

Restaurants 66.7% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+90.5%

Food shopping 90.5% more

Comparing the cost of living between Istanbul, Turkey and Vancouver, Canada reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Istanbul is more expensive than Vancouver by approximately 66.7%. 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 Vancouver by 65%. A one-bedroom apartment in Istanbul's city center costs around TRY 25,000, while the same in Vancouver is approximately CA$2,600.

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

Public transportation in Istanbul is more expensive, with monthly passes at TRY 1,100 compared to CA$131 in Vancouver.

Purchasing power in Vancouver 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 Vancouver, the same lifestyle would cost around CA$698. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about TRY 24,710 monthly in Istanbul versus CA$2,443 in Vancouver. 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

Vancouver, Canada

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center

TRY 25,000

CA$2,600

1BR Outside Center

TRY 15,000

CA$2,100

3BR City Center

TRY 50,000

CA$4,500

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

TRY 150

CA$20

Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant

TRY 700

CA$100

Cappuccino

TRY 80

CA$6

Domestic Beer (0.5L)

TRY 100

CA$7

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)

TRY 35

CA$2

Bread (500g)

TRY 10

CA$4

Eggs (12)

TRY 50

CA$5

Cheese (1kg)

TRY 200

CA$18

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket

TRY 18

CA$3

Monthly Pass

TRY 1,100

CA$131

Taxi Start

TRY 30

CA$4

Gasoline (1L)

TRY 40

CA$2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)

TRY 2,000

CA$120

Internet (60 Mbps)

TRY 300

CA$85

Mobile Minute

TRY 2

CA$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Istanbul to Vancouver, 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 Vancouver 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

Vancouver

Cost of Living Index80

Rent Index80

Purchasing Power Index90

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Istanbul more expensive than Vancouver?

Yes, Istanbul is approximately 66.7% more expensive than Vancouver overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.7x of your Vancouver salary when living in Istanbul. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Vancouver, you'd need about $83,333 in Istanbul for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Istanbul and Vancouver?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 65%, 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?

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

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

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 Vancouver, these figures are CA$2,798 for singles and CA$5,943 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Istanbul and Vancouver 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.