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Ankara vs Istanbul

Turkey vs Turkey · 349 km apart

Ankara

Turkey

₺19,722 ($580)

single / month

Cheaper overall
VS

Istanbul

Turkey

₺20,056 ($590)

single / month

Category Breakdown (USD)

ExpenseAnkaraIstanbulCheaper
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$5.76$5.85Ankara
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$23.04$23.40Ankara
Cappuccino$1.73$1.76Ankara
Monthly groceries (single person)$131$133Ankara
Monthly public transport pass$21.12$21.45Ankara
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$55.68$56.55Ankara
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$16.13$16.38Ankara
Fitness club membership$16.13$16.38Ankara
Cinema ticket$4.22$4.29Ankara
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$282$287Ankara
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$196$200Ankara
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$588$600Ankara
Total single-person budget$580$590Ankara
Average net salary$832$845

Verdict

Ankara is cheaper overall. A single-person monthly budget in Ankara runs about $580 versus $590 in Istanbul — a difference of roughly 2%.

Salary-adjusted, Istanbul leaves more disposable income after basic expenses. Both figures are model estimates — see each city page for local-currency detail.

Full cost of living in Ankara  ·  Full cost of living in Istanbul

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ankara cheaper than Istanbul?
Yes. A single person spends an estimated $580 per month in Ankara versus $590 in Istanbul — about 2% less.
How far is Ankara from Istanbul?
The straight-line distance between Ankara and Istanbul is approximately 349 km (217 miles).
Which city has better salaries, Ankara or Istanbul?
The estimated average net salary is $832 in Ankara and $845 in Istanbul. After living costs, a single person keeps roughly $252 in Ankara versus $255 in Istanbul per month.