There are several reasons why remote worker life in Istanbul appeals to so many. Lots of international travelers, expats and regional resident have chosen Turkey’s biggest city because of its strong and colorful culture, as well as its global outlook at a convergence points between two continents. Certainly, remote workers in Istanbul enjoy also the city’s easy access to beautiful Mediterranean beaches, as well as other exciting destinations not too far from the city.

Yet beyond the city’s physical and cultural beauties, it is really the existing networks among expats and remote workers that makes life in Istanbul so rewarding and comfortable. Here, you can expect to always have something to do and someone to do it with, in a city that is safe, welcoming and vibrant.

Undoubtedly, the city’s affordability is one of the most attractive aspects of remote worker life in Istanbul. For less than 800USD you can secure a modern, central and fully-furnished 1-bedroom apartment in one of the city’s main neighborhoods, with studios and rooms in shared houses going for much lower monthly prices. Indeed, eating out is also cheap in Istanbul, with lots of street food options and affordable offers at local markets around the city. Equally, the city’s extensive public transport network makes it easy for remote workers to get around town without having to spend much on taxis or having to rent a car. General lifestyle amenities such as yoga/gym memberships, massages and coworking spaces are also much cheaper in Istanbul than in major western European cities.

You can also count on remote worker life in Istanbul being filled with culture and history. Indeed, one of the most attractive aspects of this global city is its place as a unique point of convergence for cultures, religions and ways of life. At local markets, you are likely to find goods from across the region and much further. The Egyptian Market, Fatih Market and the Grand Bazaar are some of the unmissable spots where you can experience local culture at its best. Of course, you’ll also find some of Istanbul’s long and diverse history in its architecture - from Roman to Byzantine to Ottoman structures, the city’s buildings chart this country’s tumultuous history. Equally, with so many fantastic museums in Istanbul, you can count on always having easy access to the city’s best art collections illuminating the region’s fascinating visual culture.

Despite the low cost of life here, you can expect remote worker life in Istanbul to be safe and comfortable. Indeed, the city offers fantastic amenities in terms of transport and security infrastructure. Roads are generally safe and basic services readily provided. Remote workers can also count on good surveillance systems aimed at protecting the city from terrorism and natural disasters. In terms of housing, remote workers can also expect to be able to find modern apartments which are well-equipped and fully furnished with great internet connectivity. There is also a strong expat and remote worker community here, meaning it should be relatively easy to make friends and get to know the city with other like-minded individuals.

With so many cultures and a strong community of foreigners living in the city, remote worker life in Istanbul will feel international and dynamic. Istanbul is a global city, home to major companies across Turkey and the region. In addition to this, the city’s many coworking and coliving spaces give the remote worker and international community life here in Istanbul - great social and professional networking opportunities are often available across town. For frequent travelers, this welcoming city is perfectly located and daily flights operate out of the main airport to destinations across Africa, North America, Europe and Asia.

For more information about living in Istanbul as a remote worker, check out our complete Istanbul guide.