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Depends on what you to consider to be great, you mention USD 1500 pm (is this for couple or single). Also I smoke and drink a lot, theaters and restaurants are also part of a great life. I tend to dismiss the USD 1500 for a great life. (Situation is different for all).
Why are (income) taxes not mentioned? (also for pensioners)
For me what is presented is a bit too simplistic.

In general I agree, Turkey (especially Alanya and surroundings) is probably a good place to live, but giving more complete pictures on cost is also important.

So if $1500 is not the correct amount then what is your suggestion(complete picture.)? Thank You!!

Even without rent I count for USD 3000 pm for a carefree life.
We intend to move for full time residence.
Major items I am missing are (income taxes), counting USD 400
(Mandatory) and voluntary health insurance for a couple, USD 150 pm, but can be a bit cheaper.
Electricity up to USD .. as mentioned above in my view is too high (summer months with extensive use of airco can be expensive, but winter and months just before and after I think would be much cheaper (just requirements can vary)
I miss alcohol and cigarettes, I count USD 400 pm
Restaurant visits are planned for us minimum 5 times per week (lunch or dinner), not expensive and it will save on shopping as well, still I count on a net basis USD 400 pm
Paying off on things which will go bad, fridge, electricty, general tips for care takers etc, I count USD 100 pm, it works everywhere.
Depreciation of TV, furniture, car maintenance, replacing computer, netflix, .... (USD 100 minimum pm)
Food shopping in my view far too low I count USD 400 minimum (even considering the above). Then again some might not drink or smoke.
Comfortable  life for me also includes attending concerts, dancing performances etc (USD 80 pm)

Dentist, medicines of course depending on various factors, still USD 100 pm for a couple. (not refunded by insurer).
Many other expenses as indicated in a post above.
In general I expect to be ripped off, this is fine as long as extra payment can buy you comfort and good service.

Thank You!

By the way, even if you spend $3000 per month in Turkey.. it is still way cheaper than living anywhere in  the Western world.. I used to spend $6000 per month in the USA to live comfortable.   on the otherhand, i would spend around 7,500 Euro if I was living in Europe.   


i have been leaving in Turkey for the past 2 years, total of husband wife and daughter.
$1500 is more than enough for us that is around  9700  lira per month back then.. but now, the same $1500 is equal to 11,750 lira per month.  now if you can't live great and better in Turkey with 11,750 lira per month.  then stay in England, USA, France, Italy Germany, Russia or where ever you're coming from and see if you can make it there with $3,000 a month compared to Turkey.  $2,000 per month does not pay for a good apartment rental in a nice and safe area  in any Major City in the USA.. .. Turkey is Great all aound.   if it is not your cup of tea, then keep looking for another country that will meet your expectaions. 

Interesting post, things very much depend on lifesytyle, I prefer a very comfortable lifestyle and I totally agree I think Turkey (in my case Alanya) would be a very good choice. I have to say Batumi (Georgia) is also on my list.
Still I believe that USD 1500 is insufficient considering the fixed cost (Insurance, Health, Maintenance, Day-to-Day shopping, Smoking (even if cheap), Drinking (not so cheap), Restaurants, .....), it would amaze me if a budget of USD 1500 would be sufficient (which is fine I count (admittedly conservative on USD 3000 (should really be sufficient).
Considerations for me which can tip the balance is the (lack of) Russian Orthodox churches (for my wife) although there seems to be the occasional service, for me personally the lack of International (and especially Indian) restaurants. Also no real center (apart from Alanya itself), but that is fine although distance is a topic.
I have to see how things stand in March when I think a vaccine should become avalailable.

We are moving! (admittedly only in 2021)
Lets see how things work out!