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Istanbul vs Ankara

Turkey vs Turkey · 349 km apart

Istanbul

Turkey

₺20,056 ($590)

single / month

VS

Ankara

Turkey

₺19,722 ($580)

single / month

Cheaper overall

Category Breakdown (USD)

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

Verdict

Ankara is cheaper overall. A single-person monthly budget in Istanbul runs about $590 versus $580 in Ankara — 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 Istanbul  ·  Full cost of living in Ankara

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Istanbul cheaper than Ankara?
No. Istanbul costs an estimated $590 per month for a single person, about 2% more than Ankara at $580.
How far is Istanbul from Ankara?
The straight-line distance between Istanbul and Ankara is approximately 349 km (217 miles).
Which city has better salaries, Istanbul or Ankara?
The estimated average net salary is $845 in Istanbul and $832 in Ankara. After living costs, a single person keeps roughly $255 in Istanbul versus $252 in Ankara per month.