Instead of living in a pokey attic room with a huge rent, why not try shared accommodation? Frequently associated with students, sharing is spreading nowadays towards older established workers and covers people from 18 to 49 years old. Without falling into a community style of life such as in the 70's, you can choose to share an accommodation for a bigger space at a lesser expense.
Flatsharing is a fun way to make friends, save money or just find an affordable accommodation in a difficult market. For more information and flatsaring options in Istanbul, click on the following links.
For people wishing to live in Istanbul for a limited period, for work purposes or other reasons, there are solutions like furnished flats, aparthotels or flathotels.
You can visit:
Below are some listings for youth hostels/ student accommodation
Update 12/06/2014