New Minimum Wage: What It Means for Your Crypto Budget

The recent announcement by Minister Vedat Işıkhan reveals a 27% increase in Turkey’s minimum wage for the coming year. This change prompts a closer look at how this wage adjustment impacts cryptocurrency buying power. With each annual increase, the effect on crypto investments becomes a focal point for many.

How Does This Compare to Inflation?

While the new wage hike of 27% seems significant, it still falls short of counteracting the country’s persistent inflation, which soared above 31% in November. Last year’s inflation was recorded at 47%, yet the subsequent wage increase was a mere 30%. Ongoing inflation has steadily eroded purchasing power, signaling a shrinking real wage base over time. The current strategy does not align with the actual inflation rates, leading to a tangible decrease in real income.

What Are the Implications for 2026?

In the recent wage discussions for 2024, the union Türk-İş advocated for a raise to 29,583 TL. However, the announced wage was 22,104 TL. Future wages are already falling short, as evidenced by the projected minimum wage for 2026, which is set at 28,075 TL. This figure lags behind 2024 demands and remains below the hunger threshold of 29,828 TL and the poverty line of 97,159 TL reported in November.

Turning to cryptocurrency purchases, previous years saw changes in what could be acquired with the minimum wage. In 2024, holders could buy 0.01347 BTC, 0.2519 ETH, and 919 XRP. In 2025, these numbers shifted to 0.006357 BTC, 0.1784 ETH, and 267.6 XRP. Presently, the equivalent minumum wage could purchase:

• 0.007510 BTC
• 2.241 ETH
• 67 XRP

Holding XRP from 2024 would now equate to approximately 73,000 TL. The increase in ETH and BTC purchasing power indicates a positive trend given current valuations. Nevertheless, considering lower prices in 2025, greater crypto acquisition was possible with the minimum wage. Comparisons draw on end-of-year values to ensure consistency.

For minimum wage earners, especially in high-rent areas like Istanbul, investment opportunities remain constrained. Savings often take a backseat to basic expenses. “We hope for better days where everyone can afford to invest,” one financial observer noted.