Healthcare and Education are the two mind-boggling expensive things in the US. Many EU countries pay $2000 or less per year for a quality university education. I don't think $2000 would have covered my textbooks in the US.

Airbnb is great for short-term stays, but my best apartments have always come from local sources. The hardest part is finding those local sources.

Excellent article, exactly what I have been seaching for. Perhaps you can elaborate on airline for flights to Germany for the prices mentioned, I cannot seam to find the prices you mentioned.
Regards

Hi Natalia,

Check Pegasus and Corendon for options. Here is an example of what you could find for next month to Berlin, Dusseldorf, or Leipzig ($44 to $50 one-way tickets available).

Excellent insight. Thank you!2

Hi Fareen,

You are most welcome. Let me know if you have any questions.

Cheers,

Marco

Fantastic review bro! I am also moving to Turkey (Istanbul) in January 2022. I eventually plan to retire in the Mediterranean riviera…Kas was an amazing experience but I have yet to explore Antalya, Side, etc. If you are still there in January, maybe we can meet? Take care and thanks!1

Hi Alexander,

Glad you found the information useful. I have another post coming on the steps you need to take to apply for the TRP (Temporary Residence Permit) which is the visa you will need to retire in Turkey. Keep an eye out for it in the next 3-4 weeks.

If you haven't already seen it, here is my overview guide to expat life in Turkey.

Cheers,

Marco

I was in Istanbul for two months from the end of Aug to the end of Oct for three surgeries. Not cosmetic. I decided to go to Turkey after being told I would have to wait at least 2 years for surgery in the public system here in Canada. Private health care would have cost me over 200K CAD. My whole trip including hotel, meals, outings. and private hospitals in Turkey cost me $60K CAD. The people are really kind and generous, hotel staff would often offer me a second cup of tea on the house.
If I ever become single I would definitely consider going to live there for 6 months every year, perhaps strike some sort of arrangement with my daughter to have a room at her home for the other 6 months. But given the pension rules I would definitively not live outside of Canada for more than 6 months as my pension would be cut in half.
Also given the recent events in Antalya, are you okay ?
And is Izmir a safe city Earthquake wise ?

Hi Sena,

Thanks for reaching out. Pension is an important part of retirement planning. I didn't know that you couldn't choose to live outside of Canada full-time and still receive a full pension. I know with the US, it's very common for retirees to get their social security (our form of government pension) outside the US without issue.

But hey, 6-months a year on a Turkish beach or in Istanbul is not a bad thing.

PS- Thanks for your concern about my safety. I'm not currently in Turkey, but my heart goes out to the region and people affected. I saw they were hit with another quake last week. It's saddening to see the suffering.

Cheers,

Marco

Wish I'd found you a few years ago when I retired to Portugal thinking it was the best option. Rental prices and availability are going in opposite not-good directions here, so I'm seriously thinking of making the move to Turkey.
Any resources you could suggest specific to expats on pensions in Turkey would be much appreciated.

Hi Nicholas,

I was just in Porto and Braga to scout Portugal as a retirement destination late last year. Porto rental prices are through the roof! Braga was better, and Coimbra has potential, but Porto and Lisbon are hard cities to recommend for any cost of living value. Turkey is still cheaper, but prices are fluctuating wildly. The Turkish government is using some "interesting" monetary policy that is driving hyperinflation. Inflation in 2022 was over 60%. Before choosing Turkey as a retirement destination, rent for a year or two. Until there is some stability and inflation tapers off, it's hard to recommend Turkey as a home base.

Cheers,

Marco