Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)
Turkey

Turkey
For digital nomads choosing between Ankara and İzmir, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
İzmir
$1,061/mo
Best Internet
Ankara
80 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Ankara
7.1/10
Our Recommendation: Choose İzmir if budget is your top priority, or Ankara if you need the fastest internet for remote work.
When comparing Ankara and İzmir for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: İzmir is the more budget-friendly option at $1,061/month versus Ankara's $1,133/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Ankara leads with 80 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. İzmir offers 55 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 6.7/10, İzmir offers better security than Ankara (6.1/10).
Overall: Ankara earns a higher NomadIQ score of 7.1/10, making it slightly more suited for the digital nomad lifestyle.
İzmir is 6% cheaper than Ankara.
İzmir has a higher safety score (6.7/10) compared to Ankara (6.1/10).
6.1/10
Ankara
6.7/10
İzmir
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Ankara offers faster internet at 80 Mbps vs 55 Mbps.
80 Mbps
Ankara
55 Mbps
İzmir
Both cities are excellent choices for expats, with each having unique strengths.
Ankara: Best for those prioritizing amenities
İzmir: Best for budget-conscious expats
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