Side vs Konya: Which City Wins for Expats in 2026?
The two cities are closely matched — lifestyle preference and visa options are likely the deciding factors. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
Side is approximately 22% less expensive than Konya based on cost of living including rent. This makes Side a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
Side has a FIRE Score of N/A/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The city's safety index is 68, which is relatively safe.
Recommended profile: Side is well-suited for retirees seeking a balanced lifestyle.
About Side
Side is a small resort town of 14 thousand where the numbers do not behave: a 1-bedroom outside the center costs $560/mo while the same place in the center runs $418/mo, and a 3-bedroom in the center costs $448/mo against $336/mo outside. With an average monthly net salary of $650/mo, local wages cannot carry a comfortable tier of $877/mo, so this is a place you buy into with foreign income or not at all. The Turkey Digital Nomad Visa demands $3,000/mo, which is steep for a town this size, though the retiree score of 70/100 and 11 km hop to AYT make it a soft landing for beach-focused retirees. Come for the Mediterranean climate and low utilities of $77/mo, but do not expect a deep expat scene or local jobs to anchor you.
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.
$2,085/mo
Cost of Living (Without Rent)
Rent Per Month
Attractiveness
City Details
About Konya
Konya is a bargain hunter's dream, with a cost of living index of 29/100 and city center one-bedroom rent at just $508/mo, though the odd inversion where a three-bedroom outside the center costs $645/mo versus $569/mo in the center should make you think twice about the suburbs. The catch is the local average net salary of $935/mo, which means expats earning remotely or on a Western income will live like kings while anyone relying on local wages will feel the squeeze. Winters at 1020 m elevation are cold and snowy, English proficiency is limited, and the expat community is small, so come for the FIRE score of 87/100, not for easy social integration.
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.
$1,800/mo
Cost of Living (Without Rent)
Rent Per Month
Attractiveness
City Details
Which visa fits your move?
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| Metric | Side | Konya |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $417.58 | $508.1 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $559.87 | $254.05 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $447.89 | $569.07 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $335.92 | $645.29 |
| Safety Index | 68 | 72 |
| Internet Speed | 60Mbps | 45Mbps |
| Walkability Score | N/A | N/A |
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