Many travelers to Turkey wonder which city is better, Istanbul or Ankara. Each city has its pros and cons that may appeal to some and not to others. In this article, Skyline Real Estate provides a comprehensive comparison between Istanbul and Ankara in terms of location, general characteristics, landmarks, job opportunities, living costs, various services, facilities, education, investment opportunities, and more. We wish you an informative read. Stay with us.

Which is Better: Istanbul or Ankara – A Comparison

Here are the key details about the cities of Istanbul and Ankara:

City of Ankara in Turkey

Ankara is the political capital of Turkey, and the third largest Turkish province by area, covering 30,000 square kilometers. It is the second most populous city with over 5 million residents. Ankara is one of Turkey’s most developed and modern cities, receiving significant attention from the government in terms of infrastructure. It hosts the Turkish president’s residence, government ministers, and parliament members, as well as most embassies and consulates. Ankara attracts thousands of tourists annually and is also a notable destination for investors, both in real estate and other sectors. Official statistics consistently place Ankara second in the number of foreign property buyers in Turkey, indicating its importance to both Turks and foreigners alike.

City of Istanbul in Turkey

Although Ankara is Turkey’s political capital, Istanbul is its economic, tourist, and cultural capital. Located in the far northwest of Turkey, Istanbul boasts a unique geographical position that connects two continents, with half of the city in Asia and the other half in Europe, separated by the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits. Istanbul is Turkey’s most populous city, with over 5.5 million residents, and covers a large area of 5,461 square kilometers. The Turkish government heavily invests in Istanbul, making it the primary destination for foreign investments, particularly in real estate. The city is home to many international companies, luxurious buildings, and towering skyscrapers, along with numerous historical neighborhoods and tourist attractions.

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Istanbul vs. Ankara: A Detailed Comparison

Determining which city is better depends on various comparisons from different aspects and varies from person to person and taste to taste. Instead of definitively declaring one city better than the other, we will compare Istanbul and Ankara across multiple dimensions, allowing you to draw your own conclusions based on your goals, preferences, and areas of interest:

Landmarks

Istanbul is renowned for its natural beauty, unique terrain, and green spaces, though urban development has significantly reduced its green areas. The city is characterized by modern architecture, contemporary designs, and towering skyscrapers, giving it a European city feel. Istanbul also offers numerous beach attractions that draw tourists from around the world, along with a considerable number of historical neighborhoods, ancient buildings, and Ottoman palaces.

Ankara, on the other hand, prioritizes natural beauty over architectural aesthetics, featuring many parks, gardens, and green spaces alongside modern buildings, unique designs, and large commercial markets. Ankara is more organized and quieter than Istanbul but lacks beaches and distinctive marine views.

Employment

For job seekers, Istanbul is the better city. It is the first choice for investors in all sectors and Turkey’s top tourist destination, housing the largest number of companies, restaurants, malls, and commercial markets. Istanbul’s diverse population also allows for job opportunities in languages other than Turkish, such as Arabic and English. Although Ankara offers employment opportunities, it does not match the volume found in Istanbul, and Turkish is predominantly used for communication.

Investment

Istanbul is the go-to city for major investors from around the world, leading to fierce competition in the investment market. The high number of investment applications can cause delays in obtaining necessary approvals. However, Istanbul offers numerous investment opportunities due to its tourist appeal, dense population, and attraction of wealthy individuals and celebrities. In contrast, investment in Ankara is simpler in terms of procedures, less competitive, and cheaper, though it also offers lower returns.

Education

Both cities provide high-quality education, but living and study costs are higher in Istanbul. The city’s many tourist and entertainment spots can distract students, and traffic congestion can waste significant time. Ankara, being relatively quieter, offers a more conducive environment for study.

Services

Both cities receive substantial government investment in infrastructure development, transportation network expansion, and high-quality educational services, commercial markets, entertainment centers, and healthcare services. However, Ankara has the edge in this aspect due to its lower population density.

Cost of Living

Living costs in Istanbul are undoubtedly higher than in Ankara. Istanbul has a wide range of neighborhoods with varying living costs, from relatively affordable to very expensive. In contrast, Ankara’s living costs are more stable and generally lower than those in Istanbul.

Also read: Properties for Sale in Şişli, Istanbul

In conclusion, we have provided a comprehensive comparison between Istanbul and Ankara, covering location, general characteristics, landmarks, services, education, investment opportunities, job prospects, and living costs. This comparison will help you determine which city suits your needs and preferences better.