Fethiye vs Aksaray: Which City Wins for Expats in 2026?
Aksaray costs roughly 4.3x less than Fethiye. Fethiye leads on digital nomad infrastructure. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
Aksaray is approximately 144% less expensive than Fethiye based on cost of living including rent. This makes Aksaray a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
Aksaray has a FIRE Score of 87/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The city's safety index is 68, which is relatively safe.
Recommended profile: Aksaray is ideal for GeoArbitragers and remote workers looking to maximize savings.
About Fethiye
Fethiye is a solid pick for budget-minded expats who want Mediterranean weather without the Riviera price tag, but it is not a bargain basement. The numbers back that up: a single adult can live comfortably on $805/mo including rent, and even the comfortable tier at $1,133/mo beats most Western cities, though the local average salary of $1,391/mo means you will need remote income or savings to truly thrive. The large, active expat community and good healthcare are real draws, but the digital nomad visa's $3,000/mo income requirement is steep, and the 40 Mbps internet speed is nothing to brag about. If you can handle the summer heat and the tourist crowds, Fethiye offers a safe, affordable base, but retirees should note the modest 68/100 score and the short-term residence permit's $773/mo income threshold.
About Turkey
Best for digital nomads meeting the $3,000/mo income requirement for Turkey’s dedicated visa. COL is 61% lower than NYC with a single monthly budget of $646.20 excluding rent. However, internists and a moderate political stability score pose risks for long-term stays.
$2,195/mo
Cost of Living (Without Rent)
Rent Per Month
Attractiveness
City Details
About Aksaray
Aksaray is a cheap place to live, with a 1-bedroom city center apartment at $304/mo and a single adult's mid-range monthly total at $465/mo, but the average net salary of $811/mo means local wages stay modest. The 85/100 overall expat score and 87/100 FIRE score make it a strong pick for remote workers and savers, though the 62/100 digital nomad score and limited English proficiency are real drawbacks. Retirees get a 63/100 score, and the Turkey Short-Term Residence Permit requires $773/mo in income, which is nearly the entire local salary. Come for the low costs and safety index of 68/100, not for the social or professional scene.
About Turkey
Best for digital nomads meeting the $3,000/mo income requirement for Turkey’s dedicated visa. COL is 61% lower than NYC with a single monthly budget of $646.20 excluding rent. However, internists and a moderate political stability score pose risks for long-term stays.
$2,535/mo
Cost of Living (Without Rent)
Rent Per Month
Attractiveness
City Details
Which visa fits your move?
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| Metric | Fethiye | Aksaray |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $740.89 | $304.01 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $537.62 | $202.68 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $1021.91 | $608.03 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $745.39 | $445.89 |
| Safety Index | 68 | 68 |
| Internet Speed | 40Mbps | 40Mbps |
| Walkability Score | N/A | N/A |
Monthly cost by categoryOne person, computed from each city's own average prices
| Category | Fethiye | Aksaray |
|---|---|---|
| Total (rent included) | $1,010/mo | $501/mo |
| Excluding rent | $472/mo | $298/mo |
| Rent | $538/mo | $203/mo |
| Groceries | $138/mo | $85.00/mo |
| Dining out | $101/mo | $61.00/mo |
| Entertainment & lifestyle | $122/mo | $72.00/mo |
| Utilities & connectivity | $111/mo | $80.00/mo |
| Transport | N/A | N/A |
Usage-based estimates from this city's own average prices. A row marked N/A means that city is missing data, so no figure is shown instead of a stale one.
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Fethiye vs Aksaray -- Frequently Asked Questions
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