Mercer

Chanequa Walker-Barnes is an associate professor of practical theology at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia

Istanbul has continued its slide down the annual Mercer Quality of Living Survey, with the latest report released on March 20 citing "severe political turmoil in Turkey."

According to a recent article in The Independent, the Bulgarian capital ranks as the fourth most dangerous city in Europe.

The ranking is based on the latest edition of the Quality of Living Index compiled annually by the largest HR consulting firm Mercer, which was released earlier this week.

Istanbul was the 99th most expensive city for expatriates in 2015 out of 207 cities on five continents, according to an annual survey by consultancy firm Mercer. 

The city climbed 36 places from last year due to a rise in inflation rates across the country and the loss of the Turkish Lira against the U.S. dollar, according to the Mercer survey.  

Sofia is the most affordable EU city for expat living, shows the 2014 Mercer Cost of Living Rankings annual survey. 

The capital of Bulgaria takes the 172-nd position out of 211 surveyed cities. 

Compared to the 2013 survey, the cost of expat living increased, shows the survey. Last year Bulgaria was at the 181-st place.