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London vs Istanbul

Istanbul runs about 65% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 2,634 USD a month.

Palace of Westminster, Big Ben, and Westminster Bridge as seen from the south bank of the River Thames.
London
$4,050/month · United Kingdom
Terry Ott from Washington, DC Metro Area, United States of America · CC BY 2.0
drone photo of Istanbul panorama
Istanbul
$1,416/month · Türkiye
Hunanuk · CC0
London monthly
$4,050
Index 63 (NYC = 100)
Istanbul monthly
$1,416
Index 22 (NYC = 100)
Difference
-65%
Istanbul relative to London
Rent gap
$1,900
London costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

LondonIstanbul
  • Housing
    Housing: London $2,600, Istanbul $700. Cheaper in Istanbul.
  • Food
    Food: London $617, Istanbul $384. Cheaper in Istanbul.
  • Transport
    Transport: London $282, Istanbul $67. Cheaper in Istanbul.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: London $267, Istanbul $112. Cheaper in Istanbul.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: London $8.03, Istanbul $16. Cheaper in London.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: London $169, Istanbul $84. Cheaper in Istanbul.
  • Other
    Other: London $107, Istanbul $53. Cheaper in Istanbul.
Each row is one category priced in both cities for the same household. The bar is the gap; exact figures are in the table below.
Interactive — adjust the household

Full comparison

MetricLondonIstanbul
Cost
Total monthly cost4,050 USD1,416 USD✓
Cost index (New York = 100)6322✓
Housing2,600 USD700 USD✓
Utilities267 USD112 USD✓
Food617 USD384 USD✓
Transport282 USD67 USD✓
Healthcare8 USD✓16 USD
Lifestyle169 USD84 USD✓
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr5,953 USD✓4,269 USD
Effective tax + social rate28.6%✓48.8%
Left over each month1,902 USD2,853 USD✓
Average local net salary3,600 USD✓800 USD
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre2,600 USD700 USD✓
3-bed rent, city centre5,200 USD1,400 USD✓
Buy price per m², centre15,000 USD3,200 USD✓
Quality of life
Safety66/100✓54/100
Healthcare84/100✓66/100
Air quality60/100✓42/100
Public transport92/100✓76/100
Walkability90/100✓70/100
English proficiency100/100✓42/100
Nightlife94/100✓84/100
Family friendliness72/100✓66/100
Median broadband90 Mbps90 Mbps
Climate
Average temperature12°C✓15°C
Summer high23°C✓29°C
Winter low3°C3°C
Sunshine hours per year1,480 h2,350 h✓
Annual rainfall600 mm✓840 mm
Practicalities
Remote-work visaNoYes✓
Beach access90 min30 min✓
CurrencyGBPTRY
Time zoneEurope/LondonEurope/Istanbul

Istanbul runs about 65% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 2,634 USD a month.

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Cost of living in LondonCost of living in IstanbulConvert a salary between themFlip the comparison
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FAQ

Frequently asked

Is London or Istanbul cheaper?

Istanbul runs about 65% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 2,634 USD a month.

What salary do you need in Istanbul compared with London?

On a $100,000 gross salary you would take home $5,953 a month in London and $4,269 in Istanbul, before local costs. Use the salary converter for an exact equivalent.

Which has better quality of life, London or Istanbul?

London scores 66/100 on safety and 84/100 on healthcare; Istanbul scores 54 and 66. London averages 12°C against 15°C in Istanbul.