Education Costs Soar in Istanbul: University Fees Surge Over 80%

The latest report from the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO) for September 2025 has revealed a staggering rise in the cost of education, with private university tuition fees topping the list as the fastest-rising expense. Prices surged by 80.81%, placing unprecedented pressure on families already struggling with school and transportation costs. For low-income households, the start of the academic year has become a financial burden heavier than ever before.

According to the ITO’s monthly report tracking price movements across Istanbul, of the 336 items included in the retail price index, 195 saw increases while only 22 recorded declines. This imbalance underscores the deepening cost-of-living challenge in the city, where families are forced to stretch budgets further as education, food, clothing, and transport expenses all climb simultaneously.

Education Costs Dominate Price Hikes

The beginning of the school year drove the sharpest increases in spending categories. Private university tuition rose by 80.81%, marking the single largest price hike in the entire index. This was followed by equally steep increases across the education sector: private elementary school fees jumped 56.52%, private high school fees climbed 55.17%, and kindergarten and nursery costs spiked by 36.36%. The cumulative effect has turned education into one of the biggest financial challenges for parents, many of whom are voicing frustration over unchecked tuition increases.

Food Prices Add to the Burden

Education was not the only area seeing sharp hikes. Families visiting markets and grocery stores also faced significant price increases on basic food items. Lettuce surged 80.53%, becoming one of the most expensive staples on the list. Following that, green peppers rose by 45.33%, and cauliflower increased by 35.38%. These jumps highlight how seasonal fluctuations, supply chain costs, and inflationary pressures combine to hit essential foods that directly affect household nutrition.

Clothing and Transportation Costs

Adding to the strain, costs tied directly to schooling also rose sharply. School uniforms increased by 31.92%, while school bus services climbed by 29.62%. With tuition already surging, these additional expenses further tighten family budgets. Parents have been voicing concerns that the rising costs make education increasingly inaccessible, with middle- and low-income families bearing the brunt of the inflationary wave.

Travel Costs Decline as Summer Ends

Not all prices moved upward. In fact, the single biggest drop in September came in the transportation sector. With the summer season officially closing, airfare prices plunged 53.40%, making them the product with the steepest decline of the month. Seasonal adjustments also led to notable decreases in other categories: lemons fell by 37.36%, plums dropped 23.77%, and grapes declined by 17.68%. Intercity bus ticket prices also eased, down 10.98%, offering modest relief in an otherwise inflation-heavy month.

What the Data Means for Families

The overall picture painted by the ITO’s September figures is one of growing imbalance. While only 22 products recorded price drops, nearly 200 saw increases, led by sectors that directly impact education and daily living. For families with children in school, the combination of tuition hikes, uniform costs, food inflation, and transportation fees presents a multi-layered challenge. Experts warn that if unchecked, these increases could deepen inequality, leaving quality education increasingly out of reach for many households.

The ITO report serves as a barometer for everyday life in Istanbul, showing how broader economic pressures translate into daily expenses. With education leading the surge in costs, the debate over affordability and access to quality schooling is set to intensify in the coming months.