Hunger threshold in Türkiye reaches $621, above minimum wage
A traditional Turkish simit cart stands in front of the historic Blue Mosque in Istanbul, accessed on Mar. 28, 2025. (Adobe Stock Photo)
The monthly cost of maintaining a healthy and balanced diet for a family of four in Türkiye has risen to ₺23,615 (approximately $621), according to data released Friday by the Confederation of Turkish Trade Unions (Turk-Is).
This figure, commonly referred to as the “hunger threshold,” reflects the minimum amount of money needed for essential food expenses.
Turk-Is also reported that the total monthly cost of living — including expenses such as clothing, rent, electricity, water, transportation, education, and healthcare — has reached ₺76,922, which is referred to as the “poverty threshold.”
Food inflation surpasses 40%
According to Turk-Is’ March 2025 “Hunger and Poverty Threshold” report, the monthly cost of living for a single worker has climbed to ₺30,617, while the net minimum wage remains at ₺22,104. The confederation emphasized that this discrepancy is widely recognized and called for urgent action to boost workers’ purchasing power.
The report also highlighted a sharp rise in food prices, indicating that as of March 2025, the monthly increase in kitchen-related expenses stood at 1.25%, while the annual increase reached 40.62%. In the first three months of 2025 alone, food prices rose by 12%. The average annual food inflation rate was recorded at 54.87%.
