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Cost of Living in Balkanabat

Balkanabat, Balkan, Turkmenistan · Population 139,000

▼ -6% vs Turkmenistan average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)m1,470 ($420)
Couple, monthlym2,609 ($746)
Family of four, monthlym3,375 ($964)

Estimated Prices in Balkanabat

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantm15.75 ($4.50)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangem63.00 ($18.00)per meal
Cappuccinom4.73 ($1.35)each
Monthly groceries (single person)m357 ($102)per month
Monthly public transport passm57.75 ($16.50)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentm152 ($43.50)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)m44.10 ($12.60)per month
Fitness club membershipm44.10 ($12.60)per month
Cinema ticketm11.55 ($3.30)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centrem604 ($173)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centrem420 ($120)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centrem1,260 ($360)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Balkanabat is m1,225 ($350) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of m1,470 ($420) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly m1,911 ($546) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (m420 ($120)) represents about 29% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Balkanabat

Balkanabat vs AshgabatBalkanabat vs TürkmenabatBalkanabat vs DaşoguzBalkanabat vs MaryBalkanabat vs BayramalyBalkanabat vs Serdar

Nearby Cities

Gumdag

40 km away · Balkan

Bereket

104 km away · Balkan

Çeleken

107 km away · Balkan

Hazar

107 km away · Balkan

Türkmenbaşy

132 km away · Balkan

Gyzylgaya

155 km away · Balkan

Madaw

156 km away · Balkan

Serdar

175 km away · Balkan

Other Major Cities in Turkmenistan

Ashgabat

Aşgabat · pop. 1,030,063

m1,948 ($557) / mo

Türkmenabat

Lebap · pop. 230,861

m1,470 ($420) / mo

Daşoguz

Daşoguz · pop. 227,184

m1,470 ($420) / mo

Mary

Mary · pop. 126,141

m1,470 ($420) / mo

Bayramaly

Mary · pop. 110,545

m1,470 ($420) / mo

Serdar

Balkan · pop. 89,582

m1,470 ($420) / mo

Türkmenbaşy

Balkan · pop. 86,800

m1,470 ($420) / mo

Tejen

Ahal · pop. 77,024

m1,470 ($420) / mo

Living in Balkanabat

Balkanabat is one of the key cities in Turkmenistan. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is m1,470 ($420), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around m420 ($120) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to m3,375 ($964) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately m2,609 ($746) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Balkanabat is m1,225 ($350). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least m1,911 ($546) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Balkanabat expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated m1,470 ($420) per month in Balkanabat including rent outside the city centre. That is 6% less than the national average for Turkmenistan.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Balkanabat?
A net salary of around m1,911 ($546) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Balkanabat with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Balkanabat is m1,225 ($350).
How much is rent in Balkanabat?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated m604 ($173) per month in the city centre and m420 ($120) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about m1,260 ($360).
Is Balkanabat cheaper than Turkmenistan on average?
Yes — Balkanabat is estimated to be about 6% cheaper than the Turkmenistan average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Balkanabat?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at m357 ($102) in Balkanabat. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about m16 ($5) and a cappuccino runs around m5 ($1).
How do transport costs in Balkanabat compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Balkanabat is estimated at m58 ($17). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Balkanabat are estimates based on Turkmenistan national averages adjusted for city size (population 139,000). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.