Istanbul vs Aksaray: Which City Wins for Expats in 2026?
Aksaray costs roughly 5.5x less than Istanbul. Istanbul leads on digital nomad infrastructure, with faster average internet speeds. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
Istanbul is approximately 3.3x more expensive than Aksaray based on cost of living including rent. This makes Aksaray a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
Aksaray has a FIRE Score of 87/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The city's safety index is 68, which is relatively safe.
Recommended profile: Aksaray is ideal for GeoArbitragers and remote workers looking to maximize savings.
About Istanbul
Istanbul is a bargain for anyone earning in dollars, with a cost of living index of 47/100 against NYC and a one-bedroom in the center at $995/mo, though locals scraping by on an average net salary of $1,196/mo face a much harsher reality. The city rewards digital nomads in particular, scoring 79/100, and the large, active expat scene in Kadıköy, Beşiktaş, and Nişantaşı makes landing easy. Just brace for 16 million people, a safety index of 58/100, and an air quality index of 72 that will test your lungs on bad days. It is chaotic, crowded, and endlessly compelling, but come with remote income or a tolerance for tight budgets.
About Turkey
Best for digital nomads meeting the $3,000/mo income requirement for Turkey’s dedicated visa. COL is 61% lower than NYC with a single monthly budget of $646.20 excluding rent. However, internists and a moderate political stability score pose risks for long-term stays.
$1,844/mo
Cost of Living (Without Rent)
Rent Per Month
Attractiveness
City Details
About Aksaray
Aksaray is a cheap place to live, with a 1-bedroom city center apartment at $304/mo and a single adult's mid-range monthly total at $465/mo, but the average net salary of $811/mo means local wages stay modest. The 85/100 overall expat score and 87/100 FIRE score make it a strong pick for remote workers and savers, though the 62/100 digital nomad score and limited English proficiency are real drawbacks. Retirees get a 63/100 score, and the Turkey Short-Term Residence Permit requires $773/mo in income, which is nearly the entire local salary. Come for the low costs and safety index of 68/100, not for the social or professional scene.
About Turkey
Best for digital nomads meeting the $3,000/mo income requirement for Turkey’s dedicated visa. COL is 61% lower than NYC with a single monthly budget of $646.20 excluding rent. However, internists and a moderate political stability score pose risks for long-term stays.
$2,535/mo
Cost of Living (Without Rent)
Rent Per Month
Attractiveness
City Details
Which visa fits your move?
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| Metric | Istanbul | Aksaray |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $994.52 | $304.01 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $646.03 | $202.68 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $1986.75 | $608.03 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $1163.85 | $445.89 |
| Safety Index | 58 | 68 |
| Internet Speed | 68Mbps | 40Mbps |
| Walkability Score | N/A | N/A |
Monthly cost by categoryOne person, computed from each city's own average prices
| Category | Istanbul | Aksaray |
|---|---|---|
| Total (rent included) | $1,221/mo | $501/mo |
| Excluding rent | $575/mo | $298/mo |
| Rent | $646/mo | $203/mo |
| Groceries | $124/mo | $85.00/mo |
| Dining out | $122/mo | $61.00/mo |
| Entertainment & lifestyle | $144/mo | $72.00/mo |
| Utilities & connectivity | $118/mo | $80.00/mo |
| Transport | $67.00/mo | N/A |
Usage-based estimates from this city's own average prices. A row marked N/A means that city is missing data, so no figure is shown instead of a stale one.
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Istanbul vs Aksaray -- Frequently Asked Questions
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