Hunger threshold in Türkiye exceeds minimum wage in January: Turk-Is report

The Confederation of Turkish Trade Unions (Turk-Is) announced that the hunger threshold in Türkiye has surpassed the new minimum wage, reaching ₺22,131.06 ($617) in January 2025.

The report also highlighted that the poverty threshold rose to ₺72,088.14, while the monthly cost of living for a single worker increased to ₺28,756.29.

The findings reflect ongoing economic challenges as high inflation continues to impact workers and retirees, despite wage increases.

Rising costs: Hunger and poverty thresholds

According to Turk-Is, a four-person household in Ankara requires at least ₺22,131.06 per month for adequate and balanced nutrition. This figure, known as the hunger threshold, represents the minimum cost of food expenditures.

Meanwhile, the poverty threshold, which includes housing, transportation, education, health, and other essential expenses, has been calculated at ₺72,088.14.

For single workers, the monthly cost of living has reached ₺28,756.29, emphasizing the increasing difficulty of making ends meet.

Sharp increase in food inflation

The report detailed significant inflationary pressures on food prices:

• The monthly increase in food costs was 4.97%.
• The 12-month inflation rate for food reached 47.06%.
• The annual average increase in food prices was 60.30%.

Turk-Is: Living conditions remain a major issue

Turk-Is emphasized that economic hardships remain a key issue for workers, “Living conditions continue to be the primary concern for workers. Despite wage increases, minimum-wage earners and retirees living below this level have not seen an improvement in their quality of life.”

The organization regularly conducts cost-of-living research to assess how price fluctuations in basic goods affect household budgets.

Economic outlook and wage concerns

The findings raise concerns about the real purchasing power of workers, as the minimum wage fails to keep pace with rising expenses. With food and living costs increasing at double-digit rates, economists warn of further financial strain on low- and middle-income families.