Turkey Istanbul vs Ankara Jobs - Where is Salary Higher? 2026 Complete Guide

Planning to work in Turkey? The biggest question every Pakistani worker asks is: Should I choose Istanbul or Ankara? Both cities offer different salaries, living costs, and job opportunities. At Abdul Ghaffar & Sons (BEOE License No. HRD/3182/RWP, Est. 1986), with 38 years of overseas recruitment experience, we are giving you the real 2026 comparison.Turkey increased its work permit (Calisma Izni) quota for Pakistani workers in 2026. From January to May 2026, over 3,200 Pakistanis moved to Turkey for jobs, with 65% choosing Istanbul and 35% choosing Ankara.

Istanbul vs Ankara - Salary Comparison 2026 (Verified Data)

table

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Istanbul - Monthly Expenses:

• Shared Room Rent: TRY 6,000 - 8,000 (Esenyurt, Zeytinburnu)
• Food: TRY 4,500
• Transportation: TRY 1,200 (Istanbulkart)
• Total Expense: TRY 11,700

Ankara - Monthly Expenses:

• Shared Room Rent: TRY 3,500 - 5,000 (Ulubey, OSTIM)
• Food: TRY 3,500
• Transportation: TRY 800 (EGO Card)
• Total Expense: TRY 7,800

Net Savings Calculation:

Istanbul: Salary TRY 22,000 - Expense TRY 11,700 = Saving TRY 10,300 (PKR 78,000)

Ankara: Salary TRY 18,000 - Expense TRY 7,800 = Saving TRY 10,200 (PKR 77,000)

The net savings are almost identical. Istanbul pays more, but Ankara costs 33% less.

CURRENT LIVE JOBS IN TURKEY VIA ABDUL GHAFFAR & SONS

We are currently hiring for both cities as per BEOE permissions. These are the exact jobs advertised for Ankara & Istanbul:

For ANKARA - OSTIM Industrial Zone & Ankara Metro Project:

Check our dedicated page: https://ghaffarsons.com/turkey/ankara

Active Demands (May 2024 - 2026 Cycle):

• Truck Mechanic, Mobile Crane Operator, Bulldozer Operator, Loader Operator - Salary TRY 19,000-24,000 + OT
• Dumper Truck Driver, Excavator Operator, Grader Operator, Steel Fixer, Shuttering Carpenter, HV Network Electrician - Salary TRY 18,000-23,000
• General Construction Worker, Mason Plaster, Welder, Overhead Crane Operator

Facilities: Accommodation, Transport, Medical provided by company

For ISTANBUL - Tuzla Shipyard & Gebze Industrial Zone:

Check our dedicated page: https://ghaffarsons.com/turkey/istanbul

Active Demands:

Shipyard Welder, Fabricator, Pipe FitterFactory Workers for Garments & Manufacturing

Electricians & Plumbers for Construction ProjectsTruck & Trailer Drivers for Logistics

How to Apply: All these jobs require Matric, DAE, or Intermediate with relevant experience. Trade test will be conducted at our Rawalpindi center. Salary packages include overtime.

All Turkey jobs are processed via: BEOE Protector + GAMCA Medical + Turkish Work Permit (Calisma Izni).

Where Should You Apply?

Choose Istanbul If: You want 15-25% higher salary, have shipyard or hospitality experience, and want more overtime.

Choose Ankara If: You are a first-time worker, want lower living cost (TRY 7,800 vs 11,700), and want faster TRC approval (85% in Ankara vs 60% in Istanbul). Ankara's OSTIM zone has 6,000+ factories with stable jobs.

AGS Recommendation: Start with Ankara for 1 year, then shift to Istanbul. 70% of our candidates follow this successful path.

How to Apply via Abdul Ghaffar & Sons?

Abdul Ghaffar & Sons, based in Rawalpindi (License HRD/3182/RWP), is a BEOE-licensed Overseas Employment Promoter for Turkey, authorized since 1986. We are currently hiring for both Istanbul and Ankara.

Required Documents:

Required Documents:

• Passport (minimum 1-year validity)
• CNIC Copy
• Experience Certificates
• 4 Photos with white background

Contact: Office #21-23, 2nd Floor, Satellite Shopping Centre, 6th Road, Rawalpindi.

WhatsApp: +92-345-6261274

Important Note: Turkey work permit costs TRY 15,000-20,000 which the employer pays. As per BEOE rules, no OEP can charge more than Rs 150,000-200,000 from the worker. If any agent asks for more, report to BEOE.