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With its cultural heritage, affordable cost of living, scenic coastal areas, and strategic location, Turkey is a great choice for American expats looking for a higher quality of life at a lower price point. Learn about the moving costs, top removal companies, visa options, and what it’s like to live and work in Turkey.
The prices of moving internationally to Turkey can vary by approximately $1,000, depending on whether you move to Turkey from the East or West Coast. The costs are also affected by seasonal price fluctuations and extra services, such as packaging or storage.
The estimates below are based on sea freight and account for container rental, port charges, customs clearance, and shipping insurance.
| Volume | Average cost |
| One-bedroom | $3,500 – $5,500 |
| Three-bedroom house | $7,500 – $11,000 |
Disclaimer: The prices above are estimates.
Are you looking for exact quotes for your move to Turkey from the US? Calculate below:
Estimate Costs to Move to TurkeyWhen moving household goods to Turkey from the US, you want to work with a trusted removal company. Look for reputable moving companies with the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) licensing, as they offer protections for international moves and ensure compliance with US and international regulations.
Sirelo shows you the services, licensing, and reviews for hundreds of moving companies in the US. Here are our top 5 international moving companies to Turkey from the US:
If you’re looking to leave the States and begin a new adventure in Turkey, there are several visa options for permanent and temporary stays:
To enter Turkey, US citizens need a visa and passport that’s valid for at least six months. For short-term stays that do not exceed 90 days within 180 days, you can apply for an e-visa. If you plan to move to Turkey for work or to study, you’ll need a residency or long-term visa.
You can apply for a long-term visa through the Turkish consulate in your region. You’ll need to provide documents such as a valid passport, completed visa application form, proof of financial resources, and health insurance coverage. Specific visas can also require additional documents, like an employment contract or proof of sponsorship.
You’ll need a permit to be employed, but how do you get a work permit in Turkey? A Turkish employer has to sponsor you by applying to the Turkish Ministry of Labor and Social Security on your behalf. Once approved, you can apply for a work visa and residency permit at a Turkish consulate.
Moving to Turkey with pets involves a few steps to ensure the animals meet the country’s health and entry requirements. As most Americans bring their dog, we’ve prepared a checklist for moving with a dog to Turkey.
You’re in for a treat, especially when moving from one of the more expensive cities in the USA. If you’re moving from New York to Istanbul, you can save as much as 60% on the cost of living. Rent prices, groceries, and restaurants are significantly cheaper in Turkey compared to the US.
Below, we’ve compared the living costs in Turkey versus the US. To give you the full picture, we’ve looked at the prices of different items and expenses in Istanbul, New York, and Houston.
| Item | Istanbul, Turkey | New York, USA | Houston, USA |
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $11.65 | $30.00 | $18.00 |
| Regular Cappuccino | $3.38 | $5.95 | $5.25 |
| Eggs (dozen) | $1.91 | $3.49 | $5.06 |
| Single Transport Ticket | $0.58 | $2.90 | $2.25 |
| Monthly Rent (1-bed, City Centre) | $918.63 | $1,589.62 | $4,083.56 |
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $844.67 | $4,414.7 | $5,563.31 |
Source: Numbeo
If you’re planning to work in Turkey as an American, you’re probably curious about the work culture and potential communication issues when working in Turkey.
The Turkish work culture is known to be more hierarchical, with structured management roles and seniority respect. The official workweek is 45 hours, generally from Monday to Friday. Some industries might require additional hours on Saturday, although it’s not common.
In Turkey, punctuality is valued and networking is the key to success. It’s common for colleagues to engage socially after working hours.
While many multinational and tech firms operate in English, American expats find the language barrier challenging. You’ll be at an advantage if you know the language. The labor market can be competitive, especially in technology, education, and business development.
What is it really like living in Turkey as an expat? Many American emigrants love the hospitality, scenic beauty, and interesting culture. The historical sites are mixed with modern conveniences. Most expats settle in larger cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. While many Turks speak English, learning the language can make your life much easier.
Safety is generally not a major concern, with many expats reporting that they feel safe in most areas. Take the same precautions as you would in any other major city. The political dynamics in Turkey differ from those in the US, so it is advised to stay informed and aware of local norms.
Moving to Turkey from the US is an exciting and scary decision, so you want to be well-informed. Here are the pros and cons of living in Turkey as an American citizen.
Before you embark on this new adventure, there are some things to know about moving to Turkey. We’ve written down all the steps and tips for moving to Turkey in the checklist below.
