Izmir vs Jeddah
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Izmir is ~25% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Izmir
Turkey
COL+Rent
20.2
Rent Index
8.2
Groceries
32.1
Restaurant
28.2
Jeddah
Saudi Arabia
COL+Rent
27
Rent Index
12.2
Groceries
39.1
Restaurant
32.3
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Izmir | Jeddah | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $344 | $455 | $111 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $226 | $320 | $94 |
| Groceries | $205 | $276 | $71 |
| Restaurant Meal | $8 | $12 | $4 |
| Transit Pass | $20 | $29 | $9 |
| Utilities | $49 | $73 | $24 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Izmir | Jeddah |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $471/mo | $663/mo |
| Typical | $738/mo | $1,013/mo |
| Comfortable | $951/mo | $1,316/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Izmir | ≈ in Jeddah | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $2,005/mo | +$505 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,673/mo | +$673 |
| $3,000/mo | $4,010/mo | +$1,010 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Izmir vs Jeddah for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Izmir is approximately 25% more affordable than Jeddah when combining rent and daily living costs. Izmir's COL+Rent Index of 20.2 vs Jeddah's 27 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a relatively small gap, meaning the decision between these cities often comes down to lifestyle preferences rather than pure cost.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Izmir costs $344/month versus $455/month in Jeddah — giving Izmir a $111/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, the rent difference is modest and may be offset by other cost categories.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Izmir ($205/mo) vs Jeddah ($276/mo) reflect Izmir's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $8 vs $12 show Izmir is the better value for dining out. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.
Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, Izmir offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $738 buys a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.