The Turkish Cypriot Public Servants’ Union (KTAMS) announced that as of July 31, 2026, the hunger threshold for a family of four is set at TL 45,389, while the poverty threshold is identified as TL 244,818. These figures serve as a significant warning under the current economic conditions.
Rising Food Costs
According to the report prepared by KTAMS, the monthly food expenditure necessary for a family of four to eat healthily is calculated to be TL 45,389. The report clearly outlines the average daily basic food expenditures as well. For instance, a female adult’s daily food expenditure is determined to be TL 400.45, amounting to TL 12,013.64 monthly; while a male adult’s daily cost is calculated at TL 408.88, resulting in a monthly total of TL 12,266.37. For children, the necessary daily food expenditure is TL 412.96 for those aged 13-18 and TL 290.68 for those aged 8-12.
Expenditure Items and the Effect of Inflation
KTAMS points out that the Turkish Statistical Institute reported an inflation rate of 2.90% as of July 2026. Moreover, the total living costs for a family of four reaching TL 244,818 is an important highlight. Within this expenditure figure, food and non-alcoholic beverages account for the largest share at TL 45,389, followed by transportation at TL 38,779 and housing expenses at TL 35,768. Other expenditure items such as entertainment, culture, and education also hold significant shares.
The union emphasizes the need to update the Consumer Price Index (CPI) data affecting living costs, arguing that the current basket does not reflect today’s necessities. KTAMS Chairman Güven Bengihan stated that the government’s policies deepen poverty and that families trying to survive on minimum wage are left resigned to poverty rather than seeking solutions. Bengihan noted that the necessity of TL 244,818 to meet a decent standard of living illustrates that the current economic system is not sustainable.
Source: www.yeniduzen.com
