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Cost of Living in Shymkent

Shymkent, Shymkent, Kazakhstan · Population 1,191,877

▲ +8% vs Kazakhstan average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)₸220,890 ($470)
Couple, monthly₸395,473 ($841)
Family of four, monthly₸514,747 ($1,095)

Estimated Prices in Shymkent

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant₸2,250 ($4.79)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range₸9,001 ($19.15)per meal
Cappuccino₸675 ($1.44)each
Monthly groceries (single person)₸51,008 ($109)per month
Monthly public transport pass₸8,251 ($17.56)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment₸21,753 ($46.28)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)₸6,301 ($13.41)per month
Fitness club membership₸6,301 ($13.41)per month
Cinema ticket₸1,650 ($3.51)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre₸101,870 ($217)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre₸70,866 ($151)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre₸212,598 ($452)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Shymkent is ₸321,480 ($684) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of ₸220,890 ($470) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly ₸287,157 ($611) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (₸70,866 ($151)) represents about 32% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Shymkent

Shymkent vs AlmatyShymkent vs AstanaShymkent vs QaraghandyShymkent vs TarazShymkent vs AqtöbeShymkent vs Semey

Nearby Cities

Sayram

14 km away · Shymkent

Lengir

27 km away · Türkistan

Qarabulaq

29 km away · Türkistan

Qazyqurt

63 km away · Türkistan

Arys

67 km away · Türkistan

Derbisek

85 km away · Türkistan

Saryaghash

101 km away · Türkistan

Baūyrzhan Momyshuly

102 km away · Zhambyl

Other Major Cities in Kazakhstan

Almaty

Almaty · pop. 2,228,675

₸254,590 ($542) / 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 Shymkent

Shymkent is one of the key cities in Kazakhstan. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is ₸220,890 ($470), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around ₸70,866 ($151) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to ₸514,747 ($1,095) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately ₸395,473 ($841) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Shymkent is ₸321,480 ($684). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least ₸287,157 ($611) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Shymkent expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated ₸220,890 ($470) per month in Shymkent including rent outside the city centre. That is 8% more than the national average for Kazakhstan.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Shymkent?
A net salary of around ₸287,157 ($611) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Shymkent with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Shymkent is ₸321,480 ($684).
How much is rent in Shymkent?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated ₸101,870 ($217) per month in the city centre and ₸70,866 ($151) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about ₸212,598 ($452).
Is Shymkent cheaper than Kazakhstan on average?
No — Shymkent is estimated to be about 8% more expensive than the Kazakhstan average, mainly due to housing demand.
What is the cost of groceries in Shymkent?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at ₸51,008 ($109) in Shymkent. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about ₸2,250 ($5) and a cappuccino runs around ₸675 ($1).
How do transport costs in Shymkent compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Shymkent is estimated at ₸8,251 ($18). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Shymkent are estimates based on Kazakhstan national averages adjusted for city size (population 1,191,877). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.