Samsun, Turkey
A major Black Sea port city where Atatürk started the Turkish War of Independence, with a long seaside promenade.
Overview
Samsun is a city in Samsun with a population of 1,335,000. A major Black Sea port city where Atatürk started the Turkish War of Independence, with a long seaside promenade. Housing is more affordable than the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6a growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. The population skews young, with a median age of 33.0.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Below Average vs Turkey Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Samsun vs Turkey Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 18.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: TRY 155,000
- Unemployment: 10.0%
- Population: 1,335,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 220/year
- Summer High: 78°F
- Winter Low: 38°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a
Housing
- Median Home: ₺1,600,000
- 1BR Rent: ₺5000/mo
Cost of Living
Samsun's cost of living index is 84 (Turkey average = 100).
| Category | Samsun | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 84 | 100 | -16.0% |
| Housing | 82 | 100 | -18.0% |
Data source: TÜİK / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | ₺1,600,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | ₺5000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | ₺6,250/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | ₺1,066 |
Data source: Sahibinden / Numbeo, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Samsun:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | ₺400 | |
| Heating & Cooling | ₺273 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | ₺150 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | ₺200 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | ₺1023 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: EPDK, TEDAŞ, Türk Telekom 2025
Remote Work Score
Samsun scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Samsun has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 58°F | 38°F | 2.5" |
| April | 63°F | 53°F | 2.8" |
| July | 78°F | 53°F | 1.5" |
| October | 58°F | 56°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Samsun faces the following natural hazards:
Active seismic zone with significant earthquake risk.
Mediterranean and Aegean regions with wildfires.
Mountainous and hilly terrain with landslides.
Extreme summer heat in southern and central regions.
Eastern Anatolia and Pontic mountains with avalanches.
Mediterranean and Aegean coasts with tsunami risk.
Eastern and central Anatolia experience severe winter.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 0% (None)
- Sales Tax: 18%
- Property Tax: ~0.2% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 10.0%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Samsun per 100,000 residents:
City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: Eurostat
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Semester break in late January/early February. National holidays include Republic Day and Children's Day.
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Samsun is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) (2021)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Samsun, Turkey?
The cost of living index in Samsun is 84, which is Lower the Turkey national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Samsun?
The median home price in Samsun is ₺1,600,000. The housing index is 82.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Samsun is approximately ₺5000/mo.
Does Samsun, Samsun have income tax?
Samsun is in Samsun, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Samsun?
Samsun enjoys approximately 220 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 78°F, while winter lows can drop to around 38°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: TÜİK / Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: Sahibinden / Numbeo, 2026
- Income & Employment: TÜİK Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities EPDK, TEDAŞ, Türk Telekom 2025
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.