Turkey hunger limit exceeds minimum wage as cost of living rises

According to the August 2026 report from the United Metalworkers Class Research Center (BİSAM), the hunger limit for a family of four in Turkey has risen to 37,203 TL. This represents an increase of 5,907 TL since the beginning of 2026. The hunger limit now exceeds the minimum wage of 28,075 TL by 9,128 TL.

When including essential expenses such as education, health, housing, transportation, and heating, the monthly total consumption expenditure for a family reaches 122,217 TL. This poverty line is approximately 3.3 times higher than the hunger limit. For a family of four, the minimum daily expenditure required for healthy nutrition is 1,240 TL, meaning a minimum wage covers only 22 days of food costs.

Retirees are also facing significant financial strain. A monthly pension of 23,552 TL covers only 19 days of food expenses for a family of four. The lowest pension remains 13,651 TL below the hunger limit. High costs in housing and food are forcing many retirees to reduce basic needs or seek support from family members to manage monthly expenses.