Cost of Living for a Family of Four in Istanbul Nears ₺92,000 in May 2025

The cost of living in Istanbul continues its steep climb. According to a new report released by the Istanbul Planning Agency (IPA), the monthly cost of living for a family of four rose to ₺91,722 in May 2025, reflecting a 49.09% increase year-on-year.

The report emphasizes how daily life in Türkiye’s largest city is becoming increasingly unaffordable, especially for households with fixed incomes or high rental costs.

₺1,690 Monthly Increase in Just One Month

Compared to April 2025, when the average family expenditure stood at ₺90,032, costs increased by ₺1,690 in May alone—an additional 1.88% rise in just a month.

Near-50% Annual Increase Underscores Urban Cost Crisis

IPA’s data suggests that urban inflation in Istanbul far outpaces national inflation figures. The yearly increase in household costs reflects a broader economic pressure on essential services like food, housing, transport, and healthcare.

This surge in living expenses has sparked concerns over the sustainability of life in Istanbul, particularly for low and middle-income earners.

How Is the Cost of Living Calculated?

The IPA’s “Cost of Living in Istanbul” research is based on a comprehensive methodology, analyzing prices across 321 goods and services in 10 main categories, including:

• Food & beverages

• Housing & rent

• Transportation

• Health & personal care

• Education & entertainment

Data is sourced from 1,600 households across the city and cross-referenced with detailed market price assessments to provide an accurate picture of urban consumption patterns.