Seven years ago, my wife and I were living a typical middle-class lifestyle in the United States. I (Ryan) was a high school math and science teacher, and my wife (Emily) worked in healthcare.
We always enjoyed international travel and tried to take at least one week-long vacation to destinations around the world each year. However, my vacation time was mostly limited to the summer months, which was also the most challenging time for Emily to get time off work. While we managed a few international trips, it was not as frequent as we had hoped. We dreamed of the day when we could travel more freely.
In our mid-40s, we began exploring the possibility of early retirement. Emily had grown disillusioned with her stressful career, and I experienced a health scare that made us reconsider our future. We were eager to travel while we were still relatively young. After reviewing our finances, we realized early retirement was feasible if we substantially reduced our cost of living. This realization led us to leave the expensive U.S. behind in search of new adventures. In 2018, we set off on our journey.
Our first year was spent in South America, where we explored Peru, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil, spending about a month in each city. Our second year took us to Southeast Asia, where we continued our low-cost lifestyle. (We documented our experiences on our YouTube channel, Snail Travelers—check it out here.)
While we enjoyed full-time travel, we eventually realized we wanted to settle down for a while and experience life as expats. In 2022, we arrived in Türkiye and quickly recognized it as the perfect place to call home. After exploring four different cities, we chose Izmir, Türkiye’s third-largest city, as our new base.
How To Move Out of the U.S.
How To Move Out of the U.S.
The policy implications of this election will impact your retirement funds, taxes, healthcare, and more. But you can protect yourself, your family, your future. In lots of safe, warm, friendly spots abroad, you can live comfortably on a budget from $2,000-$3,800 a month (all-in—housing and extras included). We’ll show you how—and where—to go.
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Why Izmir?
One of the highlights of Izmir is its stunning waterfront. A walking path stretches along the bay, encircling much of the city. Emily and I take daily walks here, enjoying the sight of fishermen at work, families spending quality time together, and the breathtaking views of the water and skyline.
The city’s public transportation system is another feature we’ve come to appreciate. With trains, trams, buses, and taxis, it’s easy to navigate without owning a car. Our favorite way to travel, however, is by ferry. Multiple ferry ports are dotted along the bay, and every trip feels like a mini-cruise, offering a relaxing way to get around.
When we moved to Türkiye, one of our first goals was to build connections with the local community. This turned out to be much easier than we anticipated. Shortly after moving in, a neighbor across the street waved us over from her balcony and invited us to her apartment. That day, we experienced the true meaning of Turkish hospitality. She has since become our closest friend, and we’ve developed meaningful relationships with many other Turkish people.
Although Izmir’s expat community is relatively small, it is wonderfully diverse. We’ve had the pleasure of meeting people from the U.S., the U.K., Canada, Korea, Iran, Madagascar, Egypt, and many other countries. Online expat groups have been invaluable in helping us connect with others, and Emily joined an international women’s group that organizes excursions and activities, making it easy to meet like-minded friends.
One of our favorite ways to start the day is with a traditional Turkish breakfast. When we visit a restaurant, our table is quickly filled with small plates of tomatoes, cucumbers, bread, honey, jam, eggs, olives, cheese, and more. After a feast like this, we’re often full for the rest of the day! Izmir is also home to some unique local delicacies. For example, kumru is a delicious sandwich made with salami, fried cheese, tomatoes, and pickles on chickpea sourdough bread. My personal favorite treat is lokma—golden, crispy pastries often shared as an act of kindness. During funerals, families frequently distribute freshly prepared lokma to neighbors and community members as a gesture of gratitude and remembrance, embodying the generosity and warmth of Turkish culture.
Our lifestyle in Izmir is far healthier than it was in the United States, both physically and mentally. The fresh, flavorful fruits and vegetables make healthy eating a pleasure, not a challenge. With abundant sunshine and a refreshing sea breeze, it’s easy to stay active and spend time outdoors. Life here is less stressful, and we feel a profound sense of well-being compared to our former lives in the U.S.
Izmir also offers a wide range of activities, many of which connect us to the region’s rich history. A must-see is Ephesus (Efes), one of the world’s most significant archaeological sites, just an hour south of the city. Stunning beaches are also within an hour’s drive to the north and west. We’ve enjoyed symphony concerts, patriotic celebrations on national holidays, and even birdwatching tours in the bay.
Healthcare in Izmir is another major asset. The city has two highly rated private international hospitals, Medical Point and Medicana. A friend who had an emergency appendectomy at Medicana described his experience as excellent. Emily recently saw an orthopedic specialist at Medical Point and was equally impressed. However, private hospital costs can be steep. For instance, two MRIs recommended by Emily’s doctor would have cost $1,200 at Medical Point, but after shopping around, she found a medical imaging clinic that charged just $150.
The Cost of Living in Izmir
One of the most compelling reasons to choose Izmir is its affordability. Last month, our total expenses amounted to just $607 for the two of us! Here’s a breakdown:
| Utilities | $76 | We didn’t need air conditioning or heating last month, and our electric bill was only $9. Each utility bill (water, internet, electricity, natural gas, cell phone, etc.) is usually between $5 and $15. |
| Food | $374 | We go out to eat once or twice per week, spending about $6 per person per meal. Otherwise, we buy food at the market to prepare at home. A loaf of freshly baked bread is only $0.15, and we can get ten small oranges for about $1. |
| Transport | $12 | It costs about $0.60 to travel around Izmir by train, tram, bus, or ferry. |
| Miscellaneous | $145 | We bought some new shoes, a few kitchen items at IKEA, a new broom, etc. |
A few notes: Our spending does not include rent (we own our apartment) or healthcare costs. Rent for a similar apartment would likely add $400 to $600 to the total. Despite the low costs, we recognize that most expats here spend more than we do.
Challenges in Izmir
No major life change is without its hurdles. Here are some of the challenges we’ve faced:
Language Barrier: Learning Turkish has been a slow and challenging process.
Immigration: Residency requirements have become stricter since we arrived.
Inflation: Türkiye experiences some of the world’s highest inflation rates, though the favorable exchange rate with the U.S. dollar mitigates its impact on us.
Summer Heat: The weather in Izmir is generally fabulous for nine months of the year. But in June, July, and August, temperatures rise above 100 F or 40 C almost every day. At least the humidity isn’t too high.
Earthquakes: Although infrequent, they are a potential concern in this region.
Would We Choose Izmir Again?
If we had to do it all over again, would we still choose Izmir as the place to start our new life as expats? Absolutely! Having visited over 75 countries, I can confidently say there’s nowhere else we’d rather live right now. Izmir’s affordability allowed us to retire 20 years earlier than the typical American, and its excellent transportation system, scenic waterfront, and vibrant activities create a lifestyle that’s both comfortable and enriching. And, of course, who can resist the delights of Turkish cuisine?
While we thoroughly enjoy life as expats, our love for travel hasn’t waned. Thankfully, Türkiye's strategic location makes it easy to explore almost anywhere in the world.
Like any major life transition, this journey has come with its challenges. But the benefits to our quality of life far outweigh the obstacles. So, are you ready to embrace a life of adventure? If so, come join us in Izmir, Türkiye!
How To Move Out of the U.S.
How To Move Out of the U.S.
The policy implications of this election will impact your retirement funds, taxes, healthcare, and more. But you can protect yourself, your family, your future. In lots of safe, warm, friendly spots abroad, you can live comfortably on a budget from $2,000-$3,800 a month (all-in—housing and extras included). We’ll show you how—and where—to go.
By submitting your email address, you will receive a free subscription to IL Postcards and special offers from International Living and our affiliates. You can unsubscribe at any time, and we encourage you to read more about our Privacy Policy.