Job Discussion Forums

[gadfly]

I am starting a new job in Turkey soon. I was wondering what the average wage for teaching in Turkey is. What are considered good wages and benefits there? In addition I was wondering about the cost of living the city I am working in is not Istanbul.It is a fair sized city but not one of the biggest. Also I was wondering what the average cost of a furnished apartment is. I know it varies a little from city to city and the best way to get an apartment is. I just wanted a ball park figure I have heard various quotes from 300-700 dollars. Any information on any of these topics would be helpful.

[yaramaz]

Prices have been rising a lot in the past few years so Istanbul is a bit daunting on a teacher's salary (to me, anyway-- in Kayseri,a decent 2 or 3 bedroom flat in the city center, unfurnished, went for 1000-1500 Euros per YEAR ).

I'll be taking over a 2 bedroom apartment in Suadiye, 10 min walk from the water, all mod cons and fully/tastefully furnished for 500 million tl/month. I think that's about $300. However, I'm really miffed because it is currently 400 million, and last year it was 300 million... seems like the landlords are really trying to up the rents. My 500 million was with a lot of negotiation too-- they wanted 650 (gasp). Still, compared to similar flats in the area (quite a nice, leafy, affluent area) it's a bargain. Other teachers were quoting rents of 600 or 700 million tl.

Prices in Europe tend to be higher than in Asia, but it's not a given. I was looking around for places in Besiktas and they started around 450-500 for one bedroom basement deals. I guess it's just a matter of looking around.

Note that this is just for rent-- not utilities etc, which vary.

[Bogazicibaby]

Costs of apartments really depend on the location. When I was in Sisli in Istanbul, I was paying 450 per month for a 2 bedroom place. It was nice but nothing fabulous.

My current apartment is 3 bedrooms + salon (just had to put that in) and a fantastic balcony. I'm paying 240 per month. However, it is located in south eastern Turkey. I'm really going to miss this apartment next year when I move back to Istanbul.

A friend of mine just ended up with a 2 bedroom apartment in Taksim and is paying 950 per month.

Location matters!

[Mike_2003]

As Yaramaz says, prices are going up. I had the same situation with my current apartment (3 bedrooms, living room, 2 balconies in Bakirkoy). It was 300mTL for the first year, 400mTL for the second and now 500mTL. Wages certainly haven't increased so dramatically.

Mike