The Real Cost of Utilities and Bills in Diyarbakır: What the Hurt?!

so, i finally sat down to crunch the numbers on what it actually costs to live in diyar bakır, and let me tell ya, it's a trip. i've been here for a minute now, and every time i look at my bills, i'm like, "whaaaaat?"

first off, let's talk rent. as a freelance photographer, i'm always ballin' on a budget, and living in the old city? yeah, that'll set you back a cool 1,200 lira a month for a decent one-bedroom. that's about $150 USD, and that's if you're lucky. visit TripAdvisor's Diyarbakır page for some local perspective.

now, onto those pesky utilities. we're talkin' electricity, water, and gas here. expect to shell out about 200-250 lira a month, depending on how much you blast that AC. and trust me, with the summer heat, you'll be blasting it. check out this subreddit for more chit-chat

then there's internet. in this day and age, it's a must, right? well, buckle up, because that'll cost you another 150 lira a month. but hey, at least you can stream your favorite show while you're stress eating over those bills.

let's not forget groceries. for two people, you're looking at about 800-1,000 lira a month if you're cooking at home. and trust me, with the quality of street food here, you'll be tempted to eat out all the time. find some tasty spots on Yelp

oh, and if you're into nightlife, be prepared to drop some cash. a night out can easily set you back 200 lira, especially if you're hitting up theancier spots. Local bars and clubs

now, let's talk safety. diyar bakır's got its moments, but overall, i feel pretty secure. the locals are friendly, and crime rates are pretty low. but, you know, always keep your wits about ya, especially if you're out late.

weather's been a bit bipolar lately. one day it's sunny, next it's raining like a madman. but hey, that's life in the big city, right? and if you're feeling adventurous, anಾಚkirsi's just a short drive away. check out this map for a better look

so, there you have it. living in diyar bakır ain't cheap, but it's worth it for the culture and the people. just be prepared to watch your wallet like a hawk.

*pro-tip: always negotiate with landlords. they're usually down to cut a deal, especially if you're willing to sign a longer lease.

overheard gossip: "did you hear about the new cafe on Si? they're serving up some mean lattes, and the vibe is on point."

something a local warned me about:* "watch out for the market on saturdays. it's a madhouse, and prices are way higher than usual."

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