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Samsun, Turkey
Capital City

Follows Turkey Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$770
Retiree Score
79.0
Safety Index
70.2
Healthcare
10 facilities

With a population of just 350,000, Samsun is a far cry from the bustling metropolis some might expect. The coastal city serves as a regional hub, but its slow economic growth and heavy bureaucracy can make daily life a persistent headache. Winters are cool and wet, while summers are warm - though the mild Black Sea climate is a step up from the biting cold of inland Anatolia. Politically, the city leans right, with right-wing parties dominating local and national elections for decades. Overall, Samsun offers a more relaxed pace of life than Turkey's mega-cities, but newcomers should brace for a heavy dose of red tape.

Can I afford Samsun?

$

Samsun

You could save

2,230/mo

Savings Rate74%

Monthly Costs

Rent $320
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$450

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
74/100
Retiree Score
(i)
79/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
40/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Turkey Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
70
Safety
10
Healthcare
100
Walkability
100
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $1
Bread (loaf) *$1
Eggs (12) $2
Rice (1kg) *$2
Chicken (1kg) *$5

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$7
Meal (Mid-range) $79
Cappuccino $3
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $70
Mobile Plan (mo) $12
Gym (mo) *$57
Cinema Ticket $5

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $256
1BR Outside (mo) *$336
3BR Center (mo) $520
3BR Outside (mo) *$538

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Limited
Expat Community
Very Few
Top Neighborhoods
Atakum
Best For
students, teachers

Expat Life Notes

A major port on the Black Sea. Atakum is a modern, student-heavy district that is more expat-friendly than the center.

Pros

  • ✓ Beautiful coastline
  • ✓ Low cost of living
  • ✓ Friendly student vibe

Cons

  • ✗ Limited English spoken
  • ✗ Traditional social norms in parts
  • ✗ Isolated from other major hubs

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
—
Annual Rainfall
—
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Samsun

Click any question to expand the answer.

Samsun has a population of approximately 350,000 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $800 per month in Samsun, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $320/month.

The nearest airport to Samsun is ASR, approximately 289km away.

Samsun is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 70.2. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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