Home to unspoiled beaches, ancient cities with origins lost to time and breathtaking nature, and being much cheaper than just about every competing country in the Mediterranean basin, Türkiye is one of the leading digital nomad destinations in the world.
Due to its year-round warmer weather and budget-friendliness, it draws in millions of remote workers every year, and it’s bound to surge even further in popularity now that its long-anticipated Digital Nomad Visa has been announced.
If you’re considering the Middle Eastern gem now that a residence visa is in the cards, you may be wondering which Turkish cities are the cheapest (and most incredible) to relocate to, and thanks to Nomad List, we could narrow it down to five:
Bodrum
The jewel of the Turkish Riviera, Bodrum is both a resort town and a nomad hub in the making.
It unfolds along the Aegean Sea, a stone’s throw from the Greek island of Kos, and boasts a high concentration of luxury hotels and budget-friendly guesthouses.
With its whitewashed Old Town, streets adorned by bougainvillea, and historic charm—Bodrum Castle was partly built with stones taken from the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—it is definitely not somewhere you’ll want to rush through exploring.
It is probably the most expensive beach destination in Türkiye, but it is still remarkably affordable by European standards: fully-furnished Airbnbs with dedicated workspaces are available to rent for only $972, and overall expenses total $2,001 per month.
Istanbul
Coming in at number four, Istanbul is the largest city – only the largest, not the capital – and most cosmopolitan offer in Türkiye, straddling the natural sea border between Europe and Asia and boasting a rich Ottoman and Byzantine heritage.
It is where some of the most iconic Turkish sights are located, including the monumental Blue Mosque, the Roman-cathedral-turned-mosque Hagia Sophia, the impressive Genoese architectural feat that is Galata Tower, and a palatial Dolmabahçe that could easily put Versailles to shame.
Other than the cultural aspect, Istanbul is as packed with work-friendly cafes as it is with cats, not to mention Asian-side Kadıköy’s ample selection of affordable five-dollar eateries: in fact, you’ll find that nomad-living here on under $1,868 per month is not only feasible but very comfortable.
Alanya
Moving back down to the Mediterranean shoreline, Alanya is the type of laid-back beach town you’d escape to if Bodrum’s year-round busy yachting scene and Istanbul’s sprawling urban mess do not sound all too appealing.
It is steeped in history, with a fortified harborside and a largely car-free historic center dotted with storied listings and Ottoman-era gems, yet contrastingly, a short half-hour walk from town, white-sand Keopatra Beach is your reminder this is still a leisure destination of the first order.
With its casual vibes, affordable restaurants where meals can be as cheap as $7, surprisingly economical rent (around 60% cheaper than places like Paris and London), and monthly costs totaling $1,228, Alanya is the next digital nomad hotspot waiting to happen.
Izmir
The largest city on the Aegean side, Izmir is a vibrant coastal metropolis with an accumulated two millennia of History. It is littered with Hellenic ruins, including the partially preserved Agora of Smyrna, and is best represented by its elegant Ottoman clock tower.
It is a favorite among nomads for its temperate climate—even in the off season, it’s rarely colder than 60 degrees in the daytime—and carefree social attitudes. This is still a Muslim-majority country, but you’d be surprised by the level of liberalism you can find in Izmir.
Based on travelers’ past expenses during month-long stays in town, you are expected to budget around $1,223 to relocate to Izmir. Low prices are observed for consumer goods, groceries, restaurants, and rent, possibly helped by the seriously devalued Turkish lira.
Antalya
The undisputed winner, Antalya is Southern Türkiye’s strongest offer and a storied Old Queen that once held the status of a powerful Eastern Mediterranean port in the Roman era: now, it’s a thriving coastal resort combining high-rises, modern architecture, and ancient wonders.
Whether it’s the picturesque, cafe-lined Old Town Kaleiçi, or the trendy Konyaaltı, with its elongated beach bounded by mountains and city, and modern promenade that unfolds along bright-blue waters, nomads will find Antalya is an endless source of fascination.
Luckily for those who become enamored with it, it’s currently the cheapest major nomad destination in Türkiye: it has Greece’s historic appeal, local cuisine as delectable and flavorful as Spain’s, and Italy’s balmy weather, and it costs only $1,186 to live per month.
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