After spending time traveling the world, I wanted to find a new city to call home. After all, I’m a big city girl who’s lived in both Los Angeles and New York City — though I’d definitely prefer somewhere more affordable.
About nine months ago, a friend suggested I visit Istanbul. It didn’t take me long to figure out why.
The city is stunning and bustling — and I find that my American dollars go far here. I’ve officially fallen in love with this ancient and modern metropolis.
I was able to extend my tourist visa, but my time here is almost up, and I don’t want to leave. Here’s why.
It’s East meets West — perfect for someone who appreciates history and culture
Maria Mocerino
One of the most beautiful parts of Istanbul is how it blends Asian and European cultures in everything from its cuisine to its architecture.
I feel like I can see, taste, and experience parts of Central Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean when walking around.
And as a former New Yorker, living somewhere that feels like a real blend of cultures is important to me. Istanbul feels a little familiar and foreign, ancient and modern — I get the best of many worlds here.
Living here has been incredibly affordable for me
The local currency, the lira, has weakened against the US dollar over recent months, which has allowed my American cash to go far.
For example, I’m living in a digital-nomad hotel in Kadikoy, one of the hippest neighborhoods on the Asian side, right by the water.
A cool neighborhood like this would be far out of my budget in NYC or LA, but here, I only pay about $400 for my room — and this fee includes internet, electricity, and other utilities.
Maria Mocerino
I only spend about $100 a month on groceries, if that. I also regularly get delicious meals for a low cost.
Recently, I got an artisanal kombucha and a salmon meal for $12 at a restaurant. That price wouldn’t get me much when dining out back home.
I also recently went to a concert and got some of the best seats in the house for under $5.
Overall, I’m spending about $1,500 a month to live very comfortably. I’m able to save money each month, which I always found challenging to do while living in NYC.
Still, foreign debit-card fees add up, and Istanbul’s ATMs often charge hefty 6% to 8% withdrawal fees. I pay cash when I can and try to withdraw larger amounts from my bank to get me through the month.
Istanbul’s status as a beauty and health mecca means I can take care of myself, too
Istanbul is famously a destination for medical tourism.
People travel to Istanbul to get procedures done because the prices are quite cheap for things like Botox, facials, dental work, and microneedling procedures.
The affordable prices mean I’ve been able to put my self-care first in a way that I haven’t been able to when I lived in the US.
For example, I’ve gotten massages for $30 a pop in Istanbul. I couldn’t find one for less than $75 when I lived in the US. Because I can now afford massages, I treat myself to one a month.
I also now have a personal trainer who costs me $10 an hour for 10 sessions — less than half of the lowest prices I’ve seen while living in the US.
It’s a super social city
Maria Mocerino
As a sprawling metropolis, every neighborhood feels like its own not-so-little world to discover, with alleyways overflowing with bars, shops, restaurants, bazaars, and cafés.
In my experience, Istanbul has a vibrant nightlife, and many people here love to be outside and socialize. Terraces are often crowded with people as soon as the sun begins to set.
Many neighborhoods are so lively and welcoming that I feel like I’m being social even when I’m by myself.
I almost exclusively travel by ferry
Istanbul is a major port city along the Bosporus that straddles Europe and Asia. Fortunately, my proximity to the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara — which the Bosporus connects — means I can take the ferry almost anywhere.
Broad ferry access is probably the coolest part about living here. It’s a quick way to get around, the views are gorgeous, and a ride costs me less than $1.
I think Istanbul’s elevated trains, buses, and subways are pretty efficient and well-designed, too.
Stunning art and architecture is everywhere
Maria Mocerino
I feel so lucky I can visit the Hagia Sophia at sunset and watch the Blue Mosque glow at night. The iconic monuments alone are worth a return trip to the Sultanahmet district, no matter the hour.
Plus, there are ancient ruins and over 3,000 mosques throughout the city.
I also enjoy the museum and gallery scene, whether I’m exploring contemporary art galleries in Beyoğlu or visiting modern museums on the seaport.
I find great coffee and food everywhere I go
Maria Mocerino
Turkey’s coffee culture is incredible, and I love enjoying the delicious drink and rituals around it all over Istanbul.
Delicious and grainy, Turkish coffee is often served in real china, and can be ordered from carts on the street that prepare it the traditional way using hot sand.
When it comes to food in Istanbul, I especially love mezes — selections of small appetizers such as orzo, salad, stuffed grape leaves, and yogurt-based spreads served together as an appetizer.
The street food I’ve had has been tasty and affordable, too. I’ve had chestnuts, corn, and mussels stuffed with spiced rice and topped with fresh lemon juice for just a few dollars.
And, of course, the desserts are dreamy. Turkish delight is chewy and flavorful, and I get baklava stuffed with pistachios, walnuts, and almonds every night.
