Jonkoping vs. Gaziantep: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

This report provides a detailed comparison of the cost of living and quality of life between Jonkoping, Sweden, and Gaziantep, Turkey, based on available data. The analysis covers key aspects including housing, transportation, food, healthcare, safety, climate, and income levels to help understand the relative advantages and disadvantages of living in each city.

Jonkoping has significantly higher housing costs compared to Gaziantep. The average monthly rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in Jonkoping is approximately €1,000, while in Gaziantep, it is around €350. However, the purchase price per square meter in Jonkoping is higher at €1,038 compared to Gaziantep's €1,038 in the city center and €682 outside. Despite the lower purchase price in Gaziantep, the annual mortgage interest rate is substantially higher at 43% compared to Jonkoping's 2.5%, making homeownership considerably more expensive in Gaziantep.

Transportation costs differ significantly between the two cities. A monthly public transport pass in Jonkoping costs €90, while in Gaziantep, a taxi ride for one km costs €0.57, making local transport cheaper. However, owning a car in Jonkoping is more expensive, with a Volkswagen Golf costing approximately €32,000, compared to €46,849 in Gaziantep. Utilities for an 85 m² apartment are also lower in Gaziantep, costing €34 monthly compared to €119 in Jonkoping.

Gaziantep offers much lower daily expenses. A mid-range restaurant meal for two people costs €32 in Gaziantep compared to €104 in Jonkoping. Basic groceries, such as a loaf of bread, cost €0.94 in Gaziantep versus €3.36 in Jonkoping. While fast food meals are cheaper in Gaziantep (€6.82 for a combo meal), dining at mid-range restaurants is more affordable overall.

Safety is a major concern in Gaziantep, with a safety index of 50.2 compared to Jonkoping's 85.2. Healthcare quality is also lower in Gaziantep, with an index of 62.04 versus Jonkoping's 88.3. Although healthcare costs might be lower in Gaziantep, the quality is considerably inferior. The climate in Gaziantep is rated higher (73.21) due to its warmer, drier conditions, but pollution levels are a concern with an index of 60.77.

Jonkoping offers significantly higher income potential, with an average monthly net salary of €2,500 compared to €1,022 in Gaziantep. The GDP per capita in Jonkoping is €50,000, much higher than Gaziantep's €34,600. This indicates better economic opportunities and potentially higher job security in Jonkoping.

Jonkoping scores considerably higher across most quality of life indices. The overall cost of living index is 75% of Gaziantep's cost. Quality of life indices for healthcare, safety, and public services are substantially higher in Jonkoping, reflecting the generally higher standard of living in developed countries compared to Turkey.

While Gaziantep offers significantly lower costs for housing, food, and transportation, Jonkoping provides a higher quality of life in terms of safety, healthcare, and overall economic stability. The decision between the two cities depends on individual priorities regarding cost savings versus quality of life and safety factors.