TÜİK data reveals a striking picture: Turkey is more expensive in automobiles and technology

According to the price level index data for 2025 released by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), consumer goods and services in the country are generally offered at more affordable prices compared to European Union (EU) countries. In Turkey, where the index is calculated at 60, while Europeans spend 100 Euros for a basket of products and services at the EU average, Turkish consumers can purchase this same basket for the equivalent of 60 Euros in Turkish Lira.

In a comparison with EU candidate countries and members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), it was noted that Turkey exceeds the EU average in certain sub-categories. The price level index reflects the purchasing power of countries' local currencies against foreign exchange, revealing whether they are "cheap" or "expensive" relative to one another. If this index is below 100, the country is considered cheap; if it is above 100, it is considered expensive.

Among 36 European countries, Iceland was the most expensive with an index of 174 points, while North Macedonia was the most affordable with 55 points.

When looking at different categories in Turkey, the personal transport vehicles index reached 156 points, significantly above the average for EU countries. It was revealed that higher expenditures are made for automobiles, motorcycles, and other personal transport vehicles compared to Europe. In the information and communication equipment category, the index was calculated at 118, meaning Turkey also has higher prices than the EU in this area. On the other hand, the alcoholic beverages and tobacco group remained below the European average in Turkey at 59.

In the food and non-alcoholic beverages category, the index was 77, while it was 62 for clothing and 78 for restaurants and hotels. These results show that for a wide range of consumer items, Turkey often offers prices below the EU average.

TÜİK's data indicates that although Turkey is generally in the category of affordable countries, prices in specific areas such as transportation and technology remain higher compared to European consumers.

News Source: 12punto