Is Istanbul a good place to live in 2024? How is the quality of life?

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While quality of life is something of an elusive or ill-defined concept, it can be boiled down to "Is Istanbul a good place to live?" or "Is Istanbul a bad place to live?" Here's what three local experts had to say about quality of life and overall happiness in Istanbul.

Everyone living in Istanbul knows that we have heavy traffic daily. It is difficult for people to get used to it if they weren’t born in the city. There are other cities in the world with traffic similar to Istanbul, but the stress level this city offers is much higher. I previously lived in Canada and I noticed that the way we live in Istanbul is challenging for people from a place like Canada. There is absolutely no stress there. Here we get bored without stressful living.

HELPFUL REPORT

Before moving to Istanbul, be aware that this city is very crowded. The official reports say the population is about 15 million people, but the actual number is closer to 20 million. It’s easier to live here if you earn your salary in dollars because the city is also quite expensive, especially now that the lira is essentially worthless. I do not think that Istanbul is a great place; however, it is a wonderful place. Please consider that its magnificent architecture and historic buildings lose their appeal once you’ve visited them once or twice. I’d suggest you plan an extended holiday in Istanbul before making your final decision.

I recommend people who want to move to Istanbul to consider three things. the expenses of living here are high. Second, traffic jam is one of the daily problem you have to get used to it. Finally, learning Turkish is of grave importance if you want to start your own career here.

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Is Istanbul a good place to live? How is the quality of life?

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