Comparing life in Türkiye with Northern Cyprus
Deciding to move abroad, especially to a beautiful and sunny area like the Eastern Mediterranean, is exciting. But this decision can also be daunting. After all, you are going to change your life and you want to make sure that you make the best choice. Two popular destinations for expats in this region are Türkiye and Northern Cyprus. Both countries offer stunning beaches, rich culture and relatively low costs of living. But which country is more suitable for you? In this comprehensive article, we compare living in Turkey with Northern Cyprus to help you make an informed decision.
Comparing life in Türkiye with Northern Cyprus: lifestyle
The first step to choosing between these two countries is to consider your preferred lifestyle. Turkey is a large and vibrant country with a heavenly city like Istanbul, full of history, culture and job opportunities. At the same time, there are also quieter coastal towns and villages. Northern Cyprus is much smaller and offers a more relaxed and cozy atmosphere.
Comparing life in Türkiye with Northern Cyprus: climate
Both countries enjoy a Mediterranean climate, meaning they have hot, dry summers and mild winters. However, Turkey has a more varied climate, especially in the inland areas that experience colder winters. Northern Cyprus has a relatively constant climate and is ideal for those seeking constant sunshine.
Comparison of living in Türkiye with Northern Cyprus: cost of living
The cost of living in both countries is relatively low, especially compared to many European countries. However, Northern Cyprus is generally a bit cheaper, especially when it comes to accommodation and food. In Türkiye, costs can vary depending on the city and your lifestyle. Istanbul is more expensive than smaller coastal cities or rural areas.
Comparing Life in Türkiye with Northern Cyprus: Society and Culture
Türkiye is a Muslim-majority country, but it has a relatively secular society. The country also has a rich cultural heritage with influences from the Ottoman, Roman and Greek empires. Northern Cyprus also has a Muslim majority, but is also characterized by influences from Greek Cypriot culture. Society in Northern Cyprus is relatively more traditional.
Comparing life in Türkiye with Northern Cyprus: language
The official language of Türkiye is Turkish. Although English is widely spoken in tourist areas, learning some basic Turkish phrases will be helpful to communicate with the locals. The main language in Northern Cyprus is Turkish, but English is also widely spoken.
Health Cares
Both countries have health care systems that provide primary care. However, the Turkish healthcare system is generally considered more developed and offers a wider range of specialized treatments.
Studying in Türkiye with Northern Cyprus
Türkiye offers a wide range of public and private schools, including prestigious universities. Northern Cyprus also has several universities, but its educational system is generally smaller than that of Türkiye.
This was the first part comparing life in Türkiye with Northern Cyprus. In the next sections, we will cover more things like buying property, residence permit, job market and more. Read on to make an informed decision about which country is best for you.
Buying property
Türkiye and Northern Cyprus both offer attractive options for buying property abroad. In both countries, there is a wide range of apartments, villas and detached houses to choose from. Prices may vary depending on the location, type of property and facilities. In general, property in Northern Cyprus is slightly cheaper than in Türkiye.
Residence permit
There are different options for obtaining a residence permit in Türkiye and Northern Cyprus. In Türkiye, the most popular options are investment visa, retirement visa and property visa. In Northern Cyprus, you can get a residence permit by buying a property or registering a company.
Labor market
Türkiye’s economy is stronger and more diverse than that of Northern Cyprus. This means that there are more job opportunities in Türkiye, especially in big cities. However, Northern Cyprus has a lower unemployment rate and it is easier to find a job if you are fluent in Turkish.
a trip
Turkey is easier to access due to its numerous international airports and extensive air transport network. Northern Cyprus has only one international airport and fewer flights are made to it.
Things to consider
Ultimately, the best country for you to live in depends on your individual factors. If you’re looking for a vibrant urban lifestyle, plenty of job opportunities, and easy access to travel, Turkey might be a better choice. If you are looking for a more relaxed and cozy atmosphere, lower cost of living and more traditional culture, Northern Cyprus may be more suitable.
Advantages of living in Türkiye:
- Vibrant urban lifestyle
- Many job opportunities
- Easy access to travel
- Developed health care system
- A wide range of schools and universities
- Rich and diverse culture
Disadvantages of living in Türkiye:
- Higher cost of living than Northern Cyprus
- Traffic and congestion in big cities
- Language barriers (if you don’t know Turkish)
Advantages of living in Northern Cyprus:
- A quiet and cozy lifestyle
- Low cost of living
- Traditional culture
- Friendly community
- Great weather
- beautiful scenery
Disadvantages of living in Northern Cyprus:
- Limited job opportunities
- More difficult access to travel
- A smaller health care system
- Limited educational options
Kargar Consulting and Investment Company
With more than 14 years of successful experience in the field of investment and property purchase in North Cyprus, Kargar Consulting and Investment Company will help you to create your dream of Mediterranean life. We will be by your side by providing comprehensive services including consultation, property finding, residence permit and after sales support.
Contact our experienced experts for more information and free consultation.
More details comparing life in Türkiye with Northern Cyprus
In the previous sections, we generally compared life in Türkiye with Northern Cyprus. In this section, we go into more detail about each aspect to help you make your final decision.
Cost of Living:
- Housing: Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center in Turkey averages $500-$1,000 per month, compared to $300-$600 per month in Northern Cyprus. The price of buying an apartment is also significantly higher in Türkiye.
- Food: The cost of food is relatively similar in both countries. However, some imported items such as fruits and vegetables may be more expensive in Turkey.
Transportation: Public transportation is cheap in both countries. However, if you plan to have your own car, you should consider the cost of gas, insurance and repairs, which are a bit higher in Turkey. - Entertainment: The cost of leisure activities such as eating in restaurants, going to the cinema or theater and going to the club is more expensive in Turkey than in Northern Cyprus.
Comparing life in Türkiye with Northern Cyprus: climate
- Summer: Summer is hot and dry in both countries. The average temperature in July in Turkey is 28 degrees Celsius and in Northern Cyprus is 30 degrees Celsius.
- Winter: Winter in Turkey is mild and rainy, while in Northern Cyprus it is slightly cooler and drier. The average temperature in January in Turkey is 10 degrees Celsius and in Northern Cyprus is 12 degrees Celsius.
Comparing Life in Türkiye with Northern Cyprus: Society and Culture
- Türkiye: Turkish society is diverse and multicultural. The majority of people are Muslim, but there are also religious and ethnic minorities. Turkish culture is a mixture of eastern and western influences.
- Northern Cyprus: The society of Northern Cyprus is more homogenous and the majority of the people are Muslim Turkish Cypriots. The culture of Northern Cyprus is a combination of Turkish, Greek and Middle Eastern influences.
Comparing life in Türkiye with Northern Cyprus: language
- Türkiye: The official language of Türkiye is Turkish. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but learning some basic Turkish phrases will be helpful to communicate with the locals.
- Northern Cyprus: The main language in Northern Cyprus is Turkish, but English is also widely spoken.
Comparing life in Türkiye with Northern Cyprus: health care
Türkiye: Türkiye has a well-developed healthcare system with modern hospitals and clinics throughout the country. Public health care is generally free or low-cost, but private health care options are also available.
Northern Cyprus: Northern Cyprus’ health care system is smaller than Turkey’s, but still provides high-quality care. Public health care is generally free or low-cost, but private health care options are also available.
Comparing life in Türkiye with Northern Cyprus: study
Türkiye: Turkey offers a wide range of public and private schools, including prestigious universities. Education in public schools is free, but tuition is charged for university education.
Northern Cyprus: Northern Cyprus also has several universities, but its education system is generally smaller than that of Turkey. Education in public schools is free, but tuition is charged for university education.
Conclusion
Turkey is a large and diverse country with a paradise city like Istanbul that is full of history, culture and job opportunities. There are also quieter coastal towns and villages. The cost of living in Turkey is relatively low compared to Northern Cyprus, especially compared to many European countries.
Here are some frequently asked questions about living in Türkiye and Northern Cyprus:
1. When is the best time to move to Türkiye or Northern Cyprus?
The best time to move to these two countries depends on your preferences. If you’re looking for warm, sunny weather, spring and fall are ideal times to move. Winter in Turkey and Northern Cyprus is cooler and rainier, but can be a good time to visit or live if you’re looking for less crowds and lower prices.
2. How much does it cost to stay in Türkiye or Northern Cyprus?
The cost of living in both countries is relatively low, especially compared to many European countries. However, costs can vary depending on your city, lifestyle, and type of housing. In general, you can expect a lower cost of living in Northern Cyprus than in Turkey.
3. Can I work in Türkiye or Northern Cyprus in English?
While English is increasingly spoken in tourist areas, fluency in Turkish or Greek is essential for finding a job in Turkey or Northern Cyprus. However, there are opportunities to work in fields such as education, tourism and customer service where English may be sufficient.
4. Is healthcare free in Türkiye or Northern Cyprus?
Public health care in Turkey and Northern Cyprus is generally free or low-cost for citizens and permanent residents. However, there may be additional charges for some services. There are also private health care options available that you have to pay for yourself.
5. Do schools in Türkiye or Northern Cyprus teach in English?
Public schools in Türkiye and Northern Cyprus teach in Turkish or Greek. However, there are many private international schools that teach in English and other languages. These schools usually have high tuition fees.
6. Is buying a property in Türkiye or Northern Cyprus a good investment?
The real estate market in Türkiye and Northern Cyprus has been growing steadily in recent years. This has made them an attractive destination for investors. However, as with any investment, you should do your research and consult with an expert before purchasing property in any of these countries.
7. Can I get citizenship of Türkiye or Northern Cyprus?
Yes, under certain conditions, Turkish or Northern Cyprus citizenship can be obtained. One of the most common ways to obtain citizenship is to invest in property or start a business in these countries. You can also get citizenship by marrying a citizen or staying in the country for a long time.
8. How is the culture of Türkiye or Northern Cyprus?
The culture of Türkiye and Northern Cyprus is a mixture of Eastern and Western influences. The people of both countries are known for their hospitality and warmth. Family and society are very important in the culture of both countries.
9. How is the food in Türkiye or Northern Cyprus?
Food in Türkiye and Northern Cyprus is a combination of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Balkan cuisine. Foods are generally fresh, tasty and affordable. Some of the popular foods in these countries are kebabs, meatballs, falafel, hummus and baklava.
10. Can I drive in Türkiye or Northern Cyprus?
You need an international driving license to drive in Türkiye or Northern Cyprus. You can also apply for a local driver’s license in any of these countries. Driving rules in Türkiye and Northern Cyprus are similar to other European countries.
These were just some of the frequently asked questions about living in Türkiye and Northern Cyprus. If you have any other question, please ask in the comment section below.
With more than 14 years of successful experience in investing in North Cyprus and buying real estate in North Cyprus, Kargar Consulting and Investment Group will help you build your dream Mediterranean life.
We are here to help you in all stages of immigration and living in Northern Cyprus.
