Very interesting thread. I have worked out that my wife and I + 20 year old son's living costs - house and pool, small car and all living expenses total about 15,000 ytl pa.For us the ideal solution would be, like Stoop, to have a place in uk and a place here.Turkey is NOT that cheap, food shopping and car expenses higher here. Utilities about same as uk. Big saving is on mortgage and community charge. Amazed at how few people have health insurance here. A hospital stay for a week or 2 is not cheap. Also, house prices are falling as is the real value of your money in the bank as inflation here takes its toll. THINK VERY SERIOUSLY BEFORE TAKING THE PLUNGE! Unlike many people here, including us, at least you are asking all the right questions.