Where to Live in Turkey as an Expat

Turkey has become one of the most preferred countries for expats in recent years. From retirees and students to digital nomads and professionals, this vibrant country offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking for the best place to live in Turkey for expats or curious about where do most expats live in Turkey, this guide will help you find your ideal destination.

Why Turkey Is a Top Choice for Expats

There are over 1.3 million foreigners living in Turkey today and the number is growing steadily. According to TÜİK and real estate data, foreign property purchases have increased in the past decade. So, how many expats live in Turkey? Enough to form strong communities in both coastal towns and bustling metropolises.

But what exactly makes Turkey such an attractive destination?

• Mild Mediterranean climate with over 300 sunny days in some regions
• Low cost of living – ideal for retirees and remote workers
• Proximity to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East
• Rich culture, cuisine, and natural beauty
• Expanding infrastructure and well-connected airports
• A wide range of real estate options for every budget

Best Places to Live in Turkey for Expats

Whether you're after coastal calm or urban energy, Turkey has you covered. Here are the most popular and best cities in Turkey for foreign residents, broken down by lifestyle preferences.

Istanbul – The Cultural and Economic Capital

There’s no place in Turkey quite like Istanbul. For expats, this city can feel overwhelming at first—but in the best way possible. The mix of history and modern life, East and West, chaos and beauty, is what makes it unforgettable. If you ask those who’ve made it their home, they’ll tell you that expat life in Istanbul is intense, inspiring, and constantly evolving.

It’s a magnet for professionals, artists, and entrepreneurs. Many choose the best neighborhoods in Istanbul for expats like Kadıköy, Cihangir, Beşiktaş, or Sarıyer, each with its own pace and personality. Some love the energy of the ferry rides and street cafés, while others escape to the green hills along the Bosphorus.

Sure, the cost of living is higher here than in other Turkish cities—but the city pays you back in opportunity. Whether it’s networking events, creative spaces, or international schools, Istanbul delivers. And for those wondering about language: it’s the best place to live in Turkey for English speakers, thanks to its global culture and openness to foreigners.

Real estate in Istanbul ranges from renovated Ottoman flats to sleek towers with sea views. No matter your lifestyle, Istanbul will challenge you—and change you.

Ankara – A Calm, Professional Hub

If Istanbul is energy, Ankara is structure. Turkey’s capital doesn’t have the sea or the flair of a resort town, but it has something else: balance. For many expats in Ankara, life feels calmer, more organized, and somewhat more predictable—something that can be refreshing after years of big-city chaos.

This is a city where diplomats, academics, and international workers feel at ease. Most settle in areas like Çankaya or Oran, where international schools, embassies, and green parks are close by. While it may not be the best place to live in Turkey for expats looking for beach life, it offers something equally valuable: safety, stability, and space to focus.

Living here also means lower living costs compared to Istanbul, plus a well-functioning metro system and cleaner air. For those who prioritize infrastructure and a quieter pace, Ankara is an underrated but reliable choice.

Antalya – Where the Sun Meets the Sea

For many expats, Antalya is where Turkey starts to feel like home. Life here slows down in all the right ways. The Mediterranean sun shines most of the year, and there’s always a spot to sit near the sea with a cup of Turkish tea in hand.

Expat life in Antalya is a mix of old and new: walkable city centers, ancient ruins nearby, and modern shopping malls just around the corner. Neighborhoods like Lara, Konyaaltı, Alanya, and Kemer are among the best neighborhoods in Antalya for expats, not just for the beaches, but for their relaxed atmosphere, safety, and access to everything you need.

Healthcare is reliable, schools are improving, and even though the city is growing, it still feels personal. Many foreigners have bought homes here, drawn by the fact that real estate in Antalya Turkey is still affordable compared to similar European coastal cities.

It’s no wonder this region is often listed among the best places to live in Turkey for expats, especially retirees and families who want both comfort and community.

İzmir – Modern, Relaxed, and Coastal

Often called one of Turkey’s most modern cities, Izmir has become a magnet for those who want European-style living without leaving the Aegean coast. From the cosmopolitan vibe of Alsancak to the family-oriented charm of Karşıyaka and the seaside flair of Bostanlı, the best neighborhoods in Izmir for expats are welcoming and full of life.

Real estate in Izmir Turkey is still reasonably priced, and the city offers a high quality of life with its modern transport, coastal parks, and cultural events. It’s a growing base for students, remote professionals, and retirees alike. With its open-minded atmosphere and accessible lifestyle, expat life in Izmir feels refreshingly easygoing, making it a top contender as the best city for foreigners to live in Turkey.

Bodrum – Luxury and Leisure by the Aegean

There’s something timeless about Bodrum, one of the crown jewels of Muğla Province in southwestern Turkey. Maybe it’s the whitewashed houses, the sailboats swaying in the harbor, or the slow summer evenings filled with music. Whatever it is, expat life in Bodrum feels like a well-earned pause from the noise of the world.

This isn’t the place for bargain living, real estate in Turkey Bodrum is among the highest in the country, but what you get in return is lifestyle. Neighborhoods like Yalıkavak, Bitez, and Turgutreis are peaceful yet stylish, with boutique shops, sea-view cafés, and a calm international scene.

Expats here are often creatives, semi-retired professionals, or those seeking a more refined version of coastal life. It’s not just a place to live—it’s a place to enjoy. For those who value elegance and ease, Bodrum might just be the best place to live in Turkey for expats who’ve “been there, done that” and now want something more meaningful.

Fethiye – Scenic Nature and Expat Community

Tucked between mountains and sea, Fethiye is a place where life gently flows. For many foreigners, especially from the UK, this is more than a holiday destination—it’s home. Here, mornings begin with sea views and end with sunsets over the harbor.

The British expat community in Fethiye is well-established, and areas like Çalış Beach, Ovacık, and Hisarönü offer affordable housing and easy access to healthcare and markets. Everything feels within reach, and the pace is exactly what many retirees and nature lovers are looking for.

Expat life in Fethiye is quiet, social, and surrounded by beauty. It’s also one of the cheapest cities in Turkey for expats to live, making it ideal for long-term stays without stress. If your dream life includes boat trips, mountain trails, and weekly markets, this might be the perfect fit.

Kuşadası – Coastal Charm Near Izmir

Kuşadası is a small Aegean town with a big heart. Close to Izmir but far from the city rush, it offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle that many expats—especially retirees—find appealing.

Its walkable streets, scenic marina, and growing foreign community make it one of the best places to live in Turkey for expats seeking peace and simplicity. English is widely spoken, and services are accessible, which also makes it a great option for those looking for the best place to live in Turkey for English speakers.

Life here moves at a gentle pace, with enough cafés, markets, and sunshine to keep it feeling like a permanent holiday.

Mersin – Affordable Living with Cultural Depth

Mersin doesn’t make the headlines like Antalya or Bodrum, but maybe that’s why it’s one of Turkey’s best-kept secrets. Located on the southeast Mediterranean coast, it offers an authentic slice of Turkish life—diverse, down-to-earth, and full of opportunity.

For many newcomers, the appeal lies in its affordability. Among the cheapest cities in Turkey for expats to live, Mersin has low housing prices, a great climate, and space to breathe. The city’s large port, lively food culture, and multicultural fabric make it feel surprisingly international.

Though its expat networks are still developing, Mersin draws those who prefer integration over insulation. It’s also a practical choice for families looking for the best place to live in Turkey for families, away from the noise but rich in local character.

Bursa & Trabzon – Green Cities with Local Charm

Bursa and Trabzon are great options for expats seeking a quiet, culturally rooted lifestyle. Bursa, close to Istanbul, combines Ottoman history with nature and is famous for Uludağ’s ski resorts. In recent years, it has also gained popularity among foreigners as a summer home destination thanks to its greenery and cooler climate.

Trabzon, on the Black Sea coast, offers lush landscapes and a slower pace of life. While more traditional, it appeals to expats looking for authenticity and peace. Like Bursa, Trabzon is also being used as a seasonal retreat by foreigners wanting to escape the southern heat.

So, is Turkey a safe place for expats to live? In cities like Bursa and Trabzon—definitely. They offer a calm and affordable lifestyle with a strong sense of local culture.

Which Turkish City Is Right for You?

Choosing the right city in Turkey depends on what you value most. Do you prefer the energy of a bustling metropolis like Istanbul, or the calm of a seaside town like Fethiye? Are you seeking career growth, cultural immersion, or a quiet retirement by the sea? From the artistic streets of Izmir to the luxurious bays of Bodrum, Turkey offers a lifestyle for every kind of expat. Take your time, explore different regions, and trust that the one that feels most like home to you.

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