Mass Exodus from Istanbul: Nearly One Million People Leave the City

WISE NEWS PRESS / ISTANBUL, TÜRKİYE — 02 JANUARY 2026

Istanbul is currently experiencing one of the largest outward migration waves in its history, as skyrocketing rents, the looming threat of a major earthquake, and the heavy burden of living costs transform the megacity from a center of attraction into a city in decline.

According to data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) and recent field research, Istanbul is no longer just becoming unaffordable for low-income earners but also for middle and highly educated professionals. Official records indicate that the pace of departures has reached alarming levels. In 2023, approximately 581,000 people left the megacity, followed by another 369,000 in 2024. Over the last two years, Istanbul’s total population loss has been recorded at 950,783 people.

The Rent Trap: Average Rents Surpass 33,000 TL

The most concrete driver behind this mass migration is the deepening housing crisis. According to Endeksa’s 2025 data, the average rent in Istanbul has exceeded the 33,000 TL threshold. This represents an increase of more than 30% compared to the previous year, when the average was 25,000 TL. This financial pressure makes it nearly impossible for fixed-income earners and retirees to survive in the city. While alternative cities like Antalya have seen rents rise to the 25,000–26,000 TL range, the lower costs of transportation and food outside of Istanbul make relocation a viable survival strategy.

From Hustle to Living: New Life Stories

For those fleeing Istanbul, this change is more than just a change of address; it is a search for a "more humane life".

• Ali H. (Relocated to Tunceli): He noted that even simple activities like going out for tea or dinner in Istanbul had turned into a major logistical operation. He found peace in his hometown after the crowds of the megacity lost their meaning.

  
  

• Şule B. (Settled in Antalya): She described a life previously trapped in a constant rush between work and home. Now, she feels they have finally found the time to actually experience life.

The Sociological Profile of Migration

According to TÜİK’s "Inter-Provincial Migration" data, the primary motivation for moving is the desire for better housing and living conditions, accounting for 19% of cases, followed by education at 18%. A striking detail of this trend is that a large portion of those leaving consists of the "qualified workforce," including high school and university graduates. While major cities like Ankara, Izmir, Antalya, and Bursa remain top destinations, smaller, quieter cities are increasingly becoming the new choice for those seeking tranquility.

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