Cities in Turkey: Area, Population & Cost of Living
Officially known as the Republic of Türkiye, Turkey is a stunning country located in the Anatolian Peninsula in West Asia. The rich culture and history of the country have made it popular among tourists.
They visit this country every year to experience the natural beauty across Turkey and the remains of its historical architecture.
Read along to know more about the cities in Turkey.
Currency – The standard currency is Turkish Lira. As on 22nd September 2023, ₺1 is measured at 03.06 INR.
List of Cities in Turkey
Turkey currently has about 81 cities across seven regions. Knowing about the major cities in Turkey is always a good idea if you are visiting the country, as it can be a challenge to find the perfect place to stay without this knowledge.
The following table highlights some of the top cities in Turkey along with their details like population and cost of living:
| Name of the City | Area | Population (Subject to Change) | Cost of Living (Without Rent) |
| Istanbul | 2,576.85 km2 | 15,190,000 | $368 (One Person) / $1142 (Family of four) |
| Ankara | 24,521 km2 | 5,397,000 | $328 (One Person) / $1029 (Family of four) |
| Izmir | 12,012 km2 | 2,993,000 | $300 (One Person) / $901 (Family of four) |
| Gaziantep | 6,819 km2 | 2,154,051 | $207 (One Person) / $593 (Family of four) |
| Bursa | 10,422 km2 | 2,086,000 | $288 (One Person) / $886 (Family of four) |
| Adana | 2,280 km2 | 1,771,000 | $241 (One Person) / $737 (Family of four) |
| Konya | 38,873km2 | 1,365,287 | $238 (One Person) / $714 (Family of four) |
| Antalya | 20,591 km2 | 1,347,000 | $295 (One Person) / $894 (Family of four) |
| Diyarbakir | 15,058 km2 | 1,039,000 | $217 (One Person) / $632 (Family of four) |
| Kayseri | 17,043 km2 | 974,000 | $262 (One Person) / $776 (Family of four) |
| Eskişehir | 13,842 km2 | 906,617 | $259 (One Person) / $790 (Family of four) |
| Trabzon | 188.85 km2 | 818,023 | $186 (One Person) / $654 (Family of four) |
| Şanlıurfa (Urfa) | 3,668.76 km2 | 591,000 | $167 (One Person) / $500 (Family of four) |
| Malatya | 922.16 km2 | 519,000 | $169 (One Person) / $498 (Family of four) |
| Edirne | 6,074 km2 | 414,714 | $185 (One Person) / $594 (Family of four) |
| Alanya | 1,817 km2 | 364,180 | $241 (One Person) / $765 (Family of four) |
| Amasya | 5,690 km2 | 338,267 | $204 (One Person) / $626 (Family of four) |
| Kars | 10,127 km2 | 274,829 | $162 (One Person) / $503 (Family of four) |
| Fethiye | 1,023 km2 | 177,702 | $229 (One Person) / $705 (Family of four) |
| Kusadasi | 285.3 km2 | 130,835 | $258 (One Person) / $789 (Family of four) |
Disclaimer: The data provided for each city can vary according to the sources and is subject to change with time. The list is for general purposes and contains the names of the most popular cities in Turkey.
Interesting Facts About the Cities in Turkey
Now that you know about the major cities in Turkey, here are some of the lesser-known interesting facts about these cities:
- Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is the oldest and largest market worldwide with more than 4,000 shops across 64 streets for stunning souvenirs.
- The story of Santa Claus developed in Turkey, as Saint Nicholas was actually born in Patara. He started helping the poor, particularly children, after receiving a large amount of wealth from parents.
- Almost half of the country in this country is filled with agricultural land. The country also accounts for 75% of the total production of hazelnuts worldwide.
- Turkey is a diverse country with more than 30 different ethnic languages including Arabic, Zazaki, Kurmanji, etc.
- There are about 13 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Turkey along with around 62 more sites in the tentative list of UNESCO.
- An interesting fact about Istanbul is that it spans across two continents, Asia and Europe, connected with the Galata Bridge.
- Operational since 1875, Tünel funicular in Istanbul is the oldest running underground railway in Europe, connecting the districts of Karaköy and Beyoğlu with a 600 m uphill tunnel.
- The coastline of the Black Sea in Turkey is about 1,175 km, which makes it one of the longest coastlines in the world.
FAQs About the Cities in Turkey
Which cities in Turkey have the best tourist destinations?
Some of the Turkish cities with the best tourist destinations are Istanbul, Anatolia, Fethiye,Bodrum, Patara, etc. Tourists usually prefer staying in such cities to make sure that they are closer to such destinations.
Which is the safest city in Turkey for tourists?
Turkey is mostly a safe country. However, cities like Izmir, Bursa and Adana are considered safest. It will be ideal for tourists to stay in these cities to avoid any possibilities of travel scams or fraud.
Is Turkey an expensive country?
No, Turkey is not very expensive for tourists. It is, in fact, much less expensive than most European countries, making it easier for people to travel or move here to explore its beauty.
Do I need currency exchange in the cities of Turkey?
Yes, the cities of Turkey require the official currency, which is the Turkish Lira. Hence, you must visit a currency exchange kiosk and change your currency upon arriving here.