Forum Istanbul

[f1maniac]

Hi Folks!
I currently live in Seattle, USA and have been offered a job in Istanbul. I am a software architect and my salary here is 140K USD plus bonuses. I wanted to understand what an equivalent salary in Istanbul would be.

I have looked at some salary websites but was hoping for some advice from real people on what would be the cost of a comfortable lifestyle in Istanbul?

Thanks!

[deniz]

Hi,

If you're moving here with the same salary - then you'll have an above average life style - Istanbul is very widely spread and depending on the neighborhood rent can be quite cheap or around 2-3,000 liras...
If you tell me where your office is, and which neighborhood you plan on living - i should be able to give you more accurate info
When it comes to day to day life...food is certainly cheaper than the US, nightlife (if you're into it) can be more expensive compared to the US
Monthly utility bills come to approx 300 liras...cabs are around the same as NYC
cell phones...they do have your typical monthly plans i.e. 1000 minutes per month costs around 70 liras - but dont have perks like 7pm to 7am free sort of deals
so if you have around 2000 liras left after you've paid rent - then you'll have a comfortable life style
thats all i can think of so far, feel free to let me know if you have any other questions

cheers,
Deniz

[f1maniac]

Thanks Deniz. I have basically been offered a total package (including salary + bonuses + stock + housing) which matches my total package in the US. It's just over 300K liras per year. Based on your reply my wife and I should be pretty comfortable there?

[deniz]

Certainly - good luck with everything!

[Dominique Atay]

Good morning ,

How are you ?

I am french and living in İstanbul for 14 years and I set up my company of Relocation services ( including moving services & home search .. ) .
Do not hesitate to contact me if you decide to work in Turkey , istanbul ?

Best Regards

Mrs Dominique Atay

[texkourgan]

The Expat Guide to Istanbul is a great resource for people moving to Turkey. You should also consider checking out the expat network to find people in your area, or expat blogs in Turkey.

f1maniac -It has been some time since you posted. Have you completed your move? How have you found Istanbul?