Pros And Cons Of Living In Turkey 

Looking for the pros and cons of living in Turkey? Now, more than ever, people realize that not all of us are conditioned to work the traditional 9-5 for the rest of our lives.

While there is no shame in spending your working years in an office, many people want more freedom, relaxation, and time with their loved ones. 

The best thing about becoming a digital nomad is that you can have it all. You don’t need to sacrifice your salary or your time; just like a bird, you can up sticks and fly across the world at a moment’s notice to achieve your dream lifestyle. 

If leaving your hometown and spending your days swimming in the ocean, soaking in the sunshine, and eating bread with EVERYTHING sounds like what you’re seeking, read these advantages and disadvantages of living in Turkey.

Pros Of Living In Turkey

There are unlimited advantages to living in Turkey. From its sunny shores to its modern cities, there is truly something for everyone. We’ll be exploring six of the main benefits that you can expect to experience by living in this country that fuses the east and the west.

Wonderful Climate

Turkey is blessed with some of the best weather in the world. The country experiences scorching hot summers with average temperatures of 33 degrees Celsius in August. However, it’s not uncommon to see temperatures skyrocket to above 40 degrees Celsius occasionally. 

Turkey has four seasons, so you can enjoy the roasting summer days, knowing that you’ll catch a little respite from it as fall approaches. 

You can experience a chilly or mild winter, depending on the area you choose to stay in. Much of Turkey experiences cold conditions from December to March and even snows in most of the country. 

If you’re not a cold-weather person, head to the southwest coast, where you can expect clement weather that sits around 10 degrees Celsius throughout the winter months.

Low Cost Of Living

It is approximately 60% cheaper to live in Turkey than to live in the United States. The amount you pay on rent depends on the area you live in. In some places, you can rent a studio apartment for less than $200.

On the other hand, one that lies in an expensive area, such as Bishektash in Istanbul, may cost you upwards of $1,000.

Household bills such as internet and electricity are incredibly cheap, and you can expect to pay less than $80 on these utilities.

Eating out will cost you between $2 and $10 depending on the type of restaurant you dine in, and you can get a public transport pass for around $15 per month.

In total, expect to live comfortably in Turkey for approximately $1,000 to $1,500 per month.

Thriving Expat Community

Another of the pros of living in Turkey is that you won’t find it challenging to make friends. Several destinations within the country are expat and nomad hubs. These include:

• Istanbul
• Antalya
• Fethiye
• Bodrum
• Ankara

Those who love the hustle and bustle of the city will be most at home in Istanbul or Ankara, while those seeking a more relaxed lifestyle will feel more grounded in Bodrum or Antalya.

Outdoor Lifestyle

If you’re looking to escape the city’s smog and step foot out of the office, Turkey is the perfect place to do so. Because of its incredible weather, the Turkish lifestyle is centered around being outside. You can find many outdoor activities, including paragliding, scuba diving, white water rafting, and even skiing in the winter.

There are ample scenic spots that are perfect for hiking, and if you choose to live by the sea, you’ll find it impossible to resist the white sand beaches that lace the coast.

Regardless of whether it’s adrenaline-spiking activities you’re seeking or you just want to soak up some more vitamin D, you’ll find that the lifestyle in Turkey is perfect for reconnecting with mother nature.

Healthy Cuisine 

Another of the advantages of living in Turkey is its healthy and delicious cuisine. The country’s climate is ideal for growing a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, which form the basis of many Turkish dishes.

Meals are typically served with fresh bread and yogurt and feature a wide variety of colors and flavors.

As the country straddles both Europe and Asia, you’ll find that its cuisine reflects its diverse influences. For example, Turkish coffee is a popular beverage that has its origins in the Middle East, while baklava is a sweet pastry that is popular throughout the Balkans.

Although fast food outlets are dotted about throughout the country, the majority of the Turkish diet is made up of fresh and healthful dishes. Kebap’s (kebabs) are the most widely known national dish.

However, an authentic kebab is vastly different from the type you get at a fast food joint at 2 AM after a night out. Chicken or lamb meat is skewered and roasted on a rotisserie, and served with a variety of sides such as rice, bread, or vegetables.

Rich History

In Turkey, there is ancient culture weaved in with modern-day living everywhere you look. You won’t have to travel far to find Ottoman mosques and Byzantine ruins.

You’ll even find one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World in Bodrum — the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, which dates back to the fourth century BC.

Regardless of where you decide to settle in Turkey, its fascinating history will be on display for you to see.

Cons Of Living In Turkey

Alongside the numerous benefits, there are also a few disadvantages of living in Turkey. You should consider all angles before deciding to lay roots in a country.

Language Barriers

Unsurprisingly, the most common language spoken in Turkey is…Turkish! Although there is some English spoken, especially in tourist havens such as Bodrum, Marmaris, and Istanbul, it is still a preference of residents to speak in Turkish.

You’ll also find that if you wish to do any official business, such as buying a house or car, you’ll need to grasp the local language.

However, Turkish is a Latin-derived language with a slightly modified version of the English alphabet, which makes it easier to understand words and phrases.

There are also several online programs and apps that help make learning Turkish a breeze.

Culture Shock

One of the disadvantages of moving to Turkey is that you may be in for a bit of a culture shock. If you’ve visited the country on vacation and fallen in love, you may be heading to Istanbul or Antalya on a one-way ticket, expecting your lifestyle to be the same as it was on holiday. 

However, some ex-pats find it a little difficult to adapt to the lifestyle in Turkey. There is a relaxed approach to timekeeping in the country, which can be frustrating for westerners who like to live life by the clock.

It is not unusual to arrange to meet a friend at 10 and for them to show their face around 11. 

Also, you may not be used to haggling for a better price for your dinner or strangers wanting to know your business. Don’t get us started on the toilet situation.

Many westerners don’t know that squat toilets are common across many parts of the world, and if you’ve never witnessed one, you may be in for an unpleasant surprise that has you crossing your legs out in public.

Paperwork Difficulties

From applying for a work visa to buying a car, house, and everything in between, there are a LOT of forms to fill in and hoops to jump through. Pair this with the fact that often, official buildings are open for just an hour or two a day, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for frustration. 

When it comes to visas, there is no dedicated digital nomad visa. Most remote workers can enter the country visa-free for 90 days. However, it is illegal to work in Turkey, either in person or online, without the correct visa.

It’s possible to get a short-term residence visa which allows you to stay in the country for up to two years for a variety of reasons. These include:

• For tourism
• For education or student exchange programs
• For Turkish learning programs
• To establish commercial connections or a business 

It can take a little time to figure out which visa you qualify for, but once you’ve navigated all of the paperwork, it’s worth the extra time you’ll be able to stay in the country.

Final Thoughts On Living In Turkey

Now you know the pros and cons of living in Turkey, let’s summarise.

Turkey is an excellent choice for most ex-pats. Provided you can figure out the visa situation, you’ll enjoy beautiful weather, varied landscapes, historical culture, and a relaxed lifestyle.

Those who aren’t prepared to learn the local language would be better off choosing an English-speaking country to reside in. 

If you’re still deciding where to live, check out these posts:

• Pros and cons of living in France
• Pros and cons of living in Thailand
• Pros and cons of living in Vietnam