Cost of living in Trabzon for a family: 2026 budget items

Cost of living for a family in Trabzon: how to build your monthly budget

In short

The biggest items in a family budget in Trabzon are housing (rent, or maintenance fees and tax if you own), then food, then bills, which rise in winter because of heating, then private schools and health insurance if you need them. Trabzon is cheaper than Istanbul, especially for housing, and electricity and gas tariffs are almost uniform across Turkey. For comparison, the 2026 net minimum wage is 28,075.50 lira a month. Prices change with inflation, so build your budget item by item and review it every few months.

Written by Abdulhadi Bukhari, Real estate consultant

Last reviewed October 7, 2026

“How much do we need each month to live in Trabzon?” It is an important question before moving. Because prices in Turkey change with inflation, we give you here a method for building your budget and its items, not figures that may be out of date within months.

A reference point

Turkey’s net minimum wage for 2026 is 28,075.50 lira a month. It gives you an idea of local income levels and the prices linked to them.

Budget items

1. Housing

If you rent: rent is the biggest item. See the long-term rental guide.
If you own: maintenance fees, annual property tax and insurance. See the maintenance fees guide and the property tax guide.

2. Bills

Electricity and gas: tariffs are almost uniform across Turkey; consumption makes the difference. Gas rises in winter. See the winter and heating guide.
Water: the municipal tariff.
Internet and phone.

3. Food

Weekly markets are cheaper than shops for fruit and vegetables, and cooking at home saves a lot. See the food and markets guide.

4. Transport

Minibuses and buses are economical; a car adds fuel, insurance and maintenance. See the guide to getting around Trabzon.

5. Education

State schools are free; private schools charge annual fees that vary widely. See the Trabzon schools guide.

6. Health

Health insurance is a residence requirement. See the health insurance guide.

7. Leisure and trips

Restaurants and trips to the highland plateaus and lakes. See the day trips guide.

How to build your budget

Write down the items above with current prices, which we can send you on request.
Add winter seasonality for heating.
Add a reserve for inflation and unexpected expenses.
Review the budget every few months.

Money-saving tips

Living near a minibus line spares you a second car.
A well-insulated flat lowers the winter bill.
Weekly markets for fruit and vegetables.
A state school with extra language lessons instead of a private school, if it suits your children.

Summary

Trabzon is a reasonably priced city, especially for housing compared with Istanbul. Build your budget item by item, add winter seasonality and an inflation reserve, and review it regularly. To compare the two cities, read the Istanbul vs Trabzon cost of living guide.

Cost of living for a family in Trabzon: how to build your monthly budget

A reference point