Living conditions for young people in Istanbul have worsened over the last 20 years

A comprehensive report published by IPA Urban Agenda Research in April 2025 revealed that the living conditions of young people aged 18-30 living in Istanbul have become significantly more difficult over the last 20 years. The research shows that increasing financial hardship, uncertainty about the future, difficulties in the transition from education to employment, and a narrowing of social life have become the primary problems for young people. The findings also reveal that more than half of young people are considering moving abroad.

WHAT KIND OF LIFE IS A YOUNG PERSON TRYING TO COPE WITH?

The research, which focuses on the 18-30 age group covering more than 3 million young people in Istanbul (20.63% of the population), was conducted using surveys, focus group interviews, public data, and expert opinions. The research sought to answer the question, "What kind of life was a young person living in Istanbul 20 years ago, and what kind of life is a young person trying to cope with today?" 

KEY FINDINGS:

• Deepening Financial Hardship: The vast majority of young people participating in the research (77.6%) state that young people are living in more difficult conditions compared to the past. The purchasing power of KYK scholarships has decreased by 84.5% against gold and by 84.4% against basic products like tea and simit since 2005. While young people struggle to meet their basic needs such as housing and access to quality food, housing was seen as a "choice" 20 years ago, whereas today it is seen as a "crisis".

• Education Does Not Translate into Jobs, Diplomas Are Devalued: A university degree no longer means job security. 41% of young people work in jobs below their education level, while 1 in every 4 young people between the ages of 15-29 (25.9%) are neither in education nor in employment (NEET). There is a widespread perception that references are more effective than merit in employment. This situation drives young people toward jobs outside their field, precarious, and low-wage positions.

• Restricted Social and Cultural Life: Increasing living costs severely limit young people's participation in social and cultural activities. While a vibrant campus life and accessible cultural events were common 20 years ago, today young people struggle to go to the theater (with a 15.3% scholarship rate, 6 times a month) or to a concert (with a 46.5% scholarship rate, 2 times a month). The public spaces of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) stand out as rare places where young people can "catch their breath."

• Increasing Anxiety About the Future and Postponed Dreams: The primary concerns of young people are financial hardship at 49.2% and uncertainty about the future at 47.9%. Basic life steps such as taking the step toward independent living (78.8% find it difficult) and getting married (81.8% find it difficult) are being postponed due to financial reasons. Goals such as owning a house or a car are not even seen as a "distant possibility." This situation causes the period of youth to effectively extend.

• Moving Abroad as a "Mandatory Alternative": Today, half of young people (50.4%) are considering moving abroad; this rate was 35.1% for those who were young 20 years ago. The idea of going abroad, which was focused on curiosity and experience in the past, has today become a "necessity" stemming more from a search for merit, justice, receiving the rewards of one's labor, and better living conditions. This trend has even descended to the high school level.

The report by Urban Agenda Research draws attention to the structural problems and increasing vulnerabilities faced by young people in Istanbul, emphasizing the urgent need for holistic policies that will support the economic, social, and psychological well-being of young people.