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Cost of Living in Almaty

Almaty, Almaty, Kazakhstan · Population 2,228,675 · National capital

▲ +25% vs Kazakhstan average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)₸254,590 ($542)
Couple, monthly₸456,609 ($972)
Family of four, monthly₸595,084 ($1,266)

Estimated Prices in Almaty

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant₸2,566 ($5.46)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range₸10,265 ($21.84)per meal
Cappuccino₸770 ($1.64)each
Monthly groceries (single person)₸58,167 ($124)per month
Monthly public transport pass₸9,409 ($20.02)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment₸24,807 ($52.78)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)₸7,185 ($15.29)per month
Fitness club membership₸7,185 ($15.29)per month
Cinema ticket₸1,882 ($4.00)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre₸120,045 ($255)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre₸83,510 ($178)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre₸250,529 ($533)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Almaty is ₸366,600 ($780) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of ₸254,590 ($542) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly ₸330,967 ($704) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (₸83,510 ($178)) represents about 33% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Almaty

Almaty vs ShymkentAlmaty vs AstanaAlmaty vs QaraghandyAlmaty vs TarazAlmaty vs AqtöbeAlmaty vs Semey

Nearby Cities

Karagayly

10 km away · Almaty

Besaghash

13 km away · Almaty

Abay

13 km away · Almaty

Tuzdybastaū

15 km away · Almaty

Pervomaysky

15 km away · Almaty

Boralday

15 km away · Almaty

Otegen Batyr

22 km away · Almaty

Qaskeleng

23 km away · Almaty

Other Major Cities in Kazakhstan

Shymkent

Shymkent · pop. 1,191,877

₸220,890 ($470) / mo

Astana

Nur-Sultan · pop. 1,078,362

₸220,890 ($470) / mo

Qaraghandy

Qaraghandy · pop. 515,632

₸204,201 ($434) / mo

Taraz

Zhambyl · pop. 418,368

₸204,201 ($434) / mo

Aqtöbe

Aqtöbe · pop. 387,807

₸204,201 ($434) / mo

Semey

Abay · pop. 350,201

₸204,201 ($434) / mo

Pavlodar

Pavlodar · pop. 343,091

₸204,201 ($434) / mo

Öskemen

East Kazakhstan · pop. 333,113

₸204,201 ($434) / mo

Living in Almaty

Almaty is the capital and one of the key cities in Kazakhstan. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is ₸254,590 ($542), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around ₸83,510 ($178) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to ₸595,084 ($1,266) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately ₸456,609 ($972) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Almaty is ₸366,600 ($780). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least ₸330,967 ($704) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Almaty expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated ₸254,590 ($542) per month in Almaty including rent outside the city centre. That is 25% more than the national average for Kazakhstan.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Almaty?
A net salary of around ₸330,967 ($704) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Almaty with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Almaty is ₸366,600 ($780).
How much is rent in Almaty?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated ₸120,045 ($255) per month in the city centre and ₸83,510 ($178) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about ₸250,529 ($533).
Is Almaty cheaper than Kazakhstan on average?
No — Almaty is estimated to be about 25% more expensive than the Kazakhstan average, mainly due to housing demand as the national capital.
What is the cost of groceries in Almaty?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at ₸58,167 ($124) in Almaty. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about ₸2,566 ($5) and a cappuccino runs around ₸770 ($2).
How do transport costs in Almaty compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Almaty is estimated at ₸9,409 ($20). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Almaty are estimates based on Kazakhstan national averages adjusted for city size (population 2,228,675) and capital-city premium. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.