Retiring in Turkey: A Guide to Understanding the Benefits and Challenges of Living in the Mediterranean Country as a Retiree

Secondly, the living conditions determine the lifestyle quality. Thanks to its warm climate, clean environment, healthy cuisine, and way of living in European standards; Turkey offers a wonderful life full of comfort, ease, joy, and health.

Also, the advanced transportation network and advantageous location promote international connections. It is easier to travel to or from abroad anytime with well-connected routes and 35 international airports spread throughout the country.

Last but not least, the advanced healthcare system of Turkey provides the best quality treatments to retirees. Turkey is usually known as a major healthcare center among foreigners from medical treatments to aesthetic operations. The wide range of insurance options arranged especially for foreigners, an endless number of public and private health institutions, and well-trained medical professionals improve the quality of the healthcare system in Turkey.

Best Places to Retire in Turkey

Being surrounded by the four seas creates a significant privilege for Turkey in the geographical context. Foreign retirees mostly prefer living in coastal areas because of the decent environment, well-preserved natural setting, holiday-like lifestyle, and climate.

There are two types of cities where retirees choose to live in: Major city centers and small but well-developed districts.

The cities like Istanbul, the capital Ankara, or Antalya rank among the best places for retirees. It is effortless to reach any kind of necessity because of easy access to all amenities. Social life is quite vibrant, especially for pensioners. The multinational structure makes it easier to communicate and the advanced international connections promote travel to or from abroad.

However, the smaller southern settlements of big cities, for example, Alanya, Fethiye, Kalkan, or Bodrum, also has a lot to offer. Living in a refined environment intertwined with nature eases the adaptation of a healthy lifestyle. A decent environment would improve inner peace and support wellness. The calm, tranquil yet colorful lifestyle in the rural areas and coastal districts of Turkey combines peace, joy, and comfort altogether.

Cost of Living in Turkey as a Retiree

Turkey is a place where you can experience a quality lifestyle with European standards on a budget. “How much do i need to retire in Turkey?” is a major question in pensioners’ minds. Costs of daily needs, utility payments, personal expenses, and consumer prices are relatively lower in most Turkish cities in comparison to European countries.

While retiring cost of living in Turkey would be much much lower than in European countries with similar living standards. Here is an example. According to the statistics published by Numbeo, consumer prices are 154.0% higher in London rather than in Antalya. To live a comfortable life by providing their all daily and social needs, a retiree living in Antalya would need 1,683.26 GBP and 1,983.72 GBP in Istanbul whilst a pensioner in London needs 5,220.7 GBP and in Los Angeles needs 7,014.1 USD.

The average rent prices vary between 200 to 800 GBP depending on the location but buying a property in Turkey is always beneficial in terms of comfort and income opportunities. Monthly utility bills, including electricity, internet, and water subscriptions, cost around 50 – 60 GBP. This is less than half of the last amount that a retiree would’ve paid in Europe or the United States. Transportation is also cheaper. Public transportation costs around 8 – 10 TL for a one-way ticket in Turkey, which is approximately 0,40 GBP.