Retire in Turkey 2026: Cost, Visas & Best Coastal Towns

Quick Answer Quick Answer: A comfortable retirement in coastal Turkey in 2026 costs USD 1,600–2,600 / month for a couple, including rent in a nice 2+1 apartment. Residency is via a short-term residence permit (renewable annually) and healthcare is either private insurance (USD 400–1,200 / year) or the SGK public system after 1 year of legal residence. Monthly Budget for Two Rent (nice 2+1 in Antalya/Fethiye, long-term): USD 550–900 Utilities + internet: USD 120–180 Groceries: USD 400–600 Eating out (10–15 times/month): USD 250–400 Health insurance: USD 60–100 Transport (mostly bus + occasional taxi): USD 80–120 Total: USD 1,600–2,600 / month Residence Permit Retirees typically use the short-term residence permit based on property ownership or long-term rental. First permit is 1–2 years, then renewable. Requires health insurance and proof of income (~USD 500/month per person, indicative). Best Towns for Foreign Retirees Antalya (Konyaaltı): big-city amenities, direct flights, best year-round weather. Fethiye / Ovacık / Hisarönü: strong British expat community, calmer pace. Kalkan: premium, walkable, sea-view lifestyle. Alanya: most affordable, large Nordic and German community. Bodrum peninsula (Türkbükü, Gündoğan): luxury lifestyle. Çeşme / Alaçatı: upscale, near Izmir airport and hospitals. Healthcare Private hospitals in coastal cities (Medical Park, Acıbadem, Memorial) offer English-speaking specialists at 20–30% of Western European prices. After 1 year of legal residence you can opt into SGK, the public system, for ~USD 60/month per person. Retirement Discovery Tour Spend a week testing your top 2–3 coastal towns before signing a lease. Our retirement scouting tours introduce you to expat communities, doctors, English-speaking accountants and long-term rental agents. Plan a retirement discovery week →