Expert: Mehmet - 6/28/2009

Question
QUESTION: I am considering a treaching position in istanbul. the school provides the apartment but we are responsible for the utilites. what would the cost of utilities be for a 1 bedroom apt.? Do most apts. have air-conditioning?

ANSWER: Hi Katie,

Most of the apts do not have air-conditioning. You can expect monthly average cost of a one bedroom apt flat is around 100-150 USD.

for electricity around 20-25 USD,
for water around 15-20 USD,
for natural gas (heating system + hot water) 40-45 USD,
apartment monthly fee (for elevators, illumunating, cleaning and maintanence of building, quarding, etc) 40-60 USD

Kind regards,





---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Most people here in Lethbridge, Alberta Canada do have air-conditioning. The summers can be very warm...80 plus degrees F for several weeks. Do most people in Istanbul purchase their own air-conditioning? Are the summer temperatures mild enough that this is not necessary?

Answer
Hi Katie,

Generally we have a few months (June-Jully-August and very beginning of september) above 80+ degrees F in Istanbul. But most of the houses do not have air conditioning. You may have reach an agreement with your house owner either by increasing monthly rent or by contributing air condition price or you can buy it by yourself.

I believe that number of houses with air conditioning will be considerably increased during next decade in Turkey.

Kind regards,