Turkey’s Average Rent Climbs to 22,475 TL

Turkey’s housing market has entered a new phase as the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey (TCMB) released detailed city-based rental statistics for the first time. The report, titled “Değerlemesi Yapılan Konutların Birim Kiraları,” provides a comprehensive map of rental prices across the country, calculated on a per-square-meter basis. The findings reveal a sharp rise in housing costs nationwide, with striking regional differences and record-breaking long-term increases.

National Average Rent Climbs to 22,475 TL

According to newly published data, the average rent for a 100-square-meter apartment in Turkey is 22,475 TL. This figure underscores the rapid transformation of the rental market over recent years. The calculation method uses unit prices per square meter, enabling standardized comparisons across cities regardless of property size.

The release of these figures marks a significant step toward greater transparency in the housing sector. By presenting rental data in a structured, measurable format, the Central Bank provides policymakers, investors, and citizens with clearer insights into urban affordability dynamics.

The upward trajectory of rents reflects broader economic trends, including inflationary pressures, construction costs, migration patterns, and shifts in housing demand. Yet while the national average paints a broad picture, city-level data reveals even more dramatic contrasts.

Istanbul Remains the Most Expensive City

When it comes to rental prices, Istanbul continues to dominate the list by a wide margin. With an average of 367.86 TL per square meter, a standard 100-square-meter apartment in the city now commands 36,786 TL per month.

This figure cements Istanbul’s status as the country’s most expensive rental market. As Turkey’s largest metropolis and economic powerhouse, Istanbul consistently attracts both domestic and international migration. Its combination of business activity, cultural life, and global connectivity sustains high housing demand, pushing rental prices above all other provinces.

Following Istanbul, several coastal and metropolitan areas rank among the priciest cities:

Istanbul: 36,786 TL
Muğla: 32,582 TL
İzmir: 25,218 TL
Çanakkale: 23,550 TL
Antalya: 23,090 TL

Tourism-driven regions such as Muğla and Antalya demonstrate how seasonal demand and international interest can significantly elevate local rental markets. Meanwhile, İzmir and Çanakkale show how population growth and urban expansion contribute to sustained price pressure.

At the opposite end of the spectrum stands Mardin, the only province where the average 100-square-meter rent remains below 10,000 TL. With a recorded average of 9,400 TL, the market is the most affordable in the country, according to the report’s findings.

Eight-Year Rental Explosion: Diyarbakır Leads the Surge

Perhaps the most eye-catching section of the report focuses on long-term changes between 2018 and the end of 2025. Over this eight-year period, rental increases have been extraordinary across many provinces, but one city stands out dramatically.

Diyarbakır recorded a staggering 3,109.9% increase in rents, the highest in Turkey. This means rental prices increased more than 32-fold over eight years. Such a rise highlights how emerging regional markets can experience explosive growth when economic activity, population shifts, and market adjustments converge.

Following Diyarbakır, other provinces also posted remarkable increases:

Nevşehir: 2,900%
Edirne: 2,848%

These figures indicate that while Istanbul remains the most expensive city in absolute terms, it does not top the list in percentage growth. Due to what economists often describe as a “base effect,” cities that already had high rental levels in 2018 experienced comparatively lower percentage increases. In contrast, provinces starting from a lower base saw more dramatic proportional jumps.

Regional Shifts and Market Dynamics

The data suggests that the rental boom is not confined to traditional metropolitan centers. Instead, Southeastern Anatolia and several mid-sized provinces have emerged as new hotspots for rapid rental growth.

This transformation may be influenced by several factors, including urban redevelopment projects, demographic shifts, infrastructure investments, and internal migration. As economic opportunities expand beyond established hubs, housing markets in previously overlooked cities are adjusting accordingly.

At the same time, tourism remains a powerful driver in coastal regions. Cities such as Muğla and Antalya benefit from strong seasonal demand, foreign property interest, and short-term rental activity, all of which contribute to upward pricing pressure.

What the Data Means for Tenants and Investors

The publication of these statistics provides valuable guidance for multiple stakeholders. For tenants, the figures offer a clearer benchmark when negotiating rents or evaluating relocation options. For investors and developers, the data highlights emerging regions with strong upward momentum.

Most importantly, the report emphasizes the growing challenge of housing affordability in Turkey. With the national average rent surpassing 22,000 TL and major cities approaching or exceeding 30,000 TL, the financial burden on households has intensified.

The Central Bank’s decision to release structured rental data signals a broader commitment to transparency in the real estate market. As housing remains one of the most critical components of household expenditure, detailed and accessible information will likely play an increasingly important role in economic analysis and policymaking.

The numbers tell a clear story: while Istanbul continues to command the highest rents, the most dramatic shifts are unfolding elsewhere. Diyarbakır’s 3,100% increase stands as a striking reminder that Turkey’s housing transformation is nationwide, reshaping both established metropolises and rising provincial centers.