Istanbul Car Rentals Are 47% Cheaper Than Berlin

LenaCars study shows that vehicle ownership has become a luxury in Turkey, while renting is now the rational choice. Vehicle ownership costs in Turkey have reached record highs in recent years, driven by rising exchange rates and heavy taxation.

According to a comparative study conducted by LenaCars between Turkey and Germany, new car purchase prices in Turkey are on average 38% higher, while a seven-day economy car rental in Istanbul is 47% cheaper than in Berlin.

Selçuk Nazik, General Manager of LenaCars, commented on the findings:

“Buying has become a luxury, while renting — particularly in the economy class — has turned into a rational mobility solution. The results clearly show that vehicle ownership in Turkey is increasingly costly, and short-term rentals are emerging as a more economical alternative.”

Average Purchase Price Gap: 38%

Across eight popular models analyzed, the average price difference was calculated at 38% (based on DE=100 basket median methodology).Model-specific comparisons revealed that Dacia Sandero Stepway is 82%, Škoda Superb 75%, and Mercedes EQB 51% more expensive in Turkey. Even the locally produced TOGG T10X is priced 13% higher than in Germany.

Nazik attributed this disparity to taxation (ÖTV, VAT), currency effects, supply chain differences, and distributor mark-ups, stating:

“Owning a vehicle in Turkey has ceased to be a basic mobility right as it is in Europe; it has become a symbol of luxury. Rising ownership costs are pushing consumers toward rental solutions.”

Istanbul’s Advantage in Car Rentals

The Istanbul–Berlin comparison shows Istanbul’s advantage across most segments: 47% cheaper in the economy class, 37% in B-SUVs, 23% in C-SUVs, and 10% in minivans/vans.

According to Nazik, “The economy segment in Istanbul is extremely competitive. Rental companies focus on occupancy and fleet turnover rather than high pricing.”

The pricing gap stems from factors such as strong vehicle supply, local manufacturing advantages, fast service networks, intense platform competition, and aggressive pricing strategies.

Premium Segment Reverses the Trend

In the premium category, the trend shifts: Istanbul is between 50% and 159% more expensive than Berlin.Nazik explained, “Limited availability and high insurance and deposit risks in premium models prevent competition, pushing prices upward.”

“Ownership Is No Longer Status, It’s Cost — Renting Means Freedom”

Highlighting the global shift from ownership to access, Nazik said:

“Vehicle purchases have become a major cost burden for both individuals and businesses, while rentals offer predictable expenses and flexibility. In Turkey, owning a car is no longer a status symbol but a financial burden. Renting, however, means mobility freedom. Our Istanbul–Berlin comparison underlines three key facts: owning a car is a luxury, renting premium cars is also a luxury, but renting economy models remains genuinely advantageous.”