How affordable is living in Istanbul when earning in US dollars?

First of all, earning in US Dollars is a huge benefit as it is in Turkey. As the Turkish Lira has weakened against the US Dollar, luckily you will not be in that position where your purchasing power is seriously diminished.

I do feel sorry for the locals who earn in Turkish Liras, but if you earn in US Dollars, thank your lucky stars. The cost of living in Istanbul? Let’s compare it to a few cities in the world:

• Cost of Living Between Istanbul and Dubai: Cost of Living Comparison Between
• Cost of Living Between Istanbul and London: Cost of Living Comparison Between
• Cost of Living Between Istanbul and Toronto: Cost of Living Comparison Between
• Cost of Living Between Istanbul and Austin: Cost of Living Comparison Between
• Cost of Living Between Istanbul and Singapore: Cost of Living Comparison Between
• Cost of Living Between Istanbul and Doha: Cost of Living Comparison Between
• Cost of Living Between Istanbul and Kuala Lumpur: Cost of Living Comparison Between
• Cost of Living Between Istanbul and Bangkok: Cost of Living Comparison Between
• Cost of Living Between Istanbul and Delhi: Cost of Living Comparison Between

As you can see, it is quite economical for a city to live in. If you move to a neighborhood slightly outside of Istanbul (or on the outskirts), the cost goes down even further.