164 cities covered · Currency: KZT (₸) · Capital: Almaty
| Expense | Estimated cost | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | ₸2,092 ($4.45) | per meal |
| Three-course meal for two, mid-range | ₸8,370 ($17.81) | per meal |
| Cappuccino | ₸628 ($1.34) | each |
| Monthly groceries (single person) | ₸47,429 ($101) | per month |
| Monthly public transport pass | ₸7,672 ($16.32) | per month |
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment | ₸20,227 ($43.04) | per month |
| Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited) | ₸5,859 ($12.47) | per month |
| Fitness club membership | ₸5,859 ($12.47) | per month |
| Cinema ticket | ₸1,534 ($3.26) | each |
| One-bedroom apartment in city centre | ₸93,014 ($198) | per month |
| One-bedroom apartment outside centre | ₸64,705 ($138) | per month |
| Three-bedroom apartment in city centre | ₸194,116 ($413) | per month |
Almaty · pop. 2,228,675
Shymkent · pop. 1,191,877
Nur-Sultan · pop. 1,078,362
Qaraghandy · pop. 515,632
Zhambyl · pop. 418,368
Aqtöbe · pop. 387,807
Abay · pop. 350,201
Pavlodar · pop. 343,091
East Kazakhstan · pop. 333,113
Atyraū · pop. 323,295
Qyzylorda · pop. 271,309
Qostanay · pop. 258,990
Türkistan · pop. 250,000
West Kazakhstan · pop. 235,764
North Kazakhstan · pop. 222,636
Aqmola · pop. 193,492
Qaraghandy · pop. 185,082
Mangghystaū · pop. 183,350
Zhetisū · pop. 162,300
Pavlodar · pop. 159,760
Qostanay · pop. 128,234
Mangghystaū · pop. 113,377
Ulytaū · pop. 90,661
Qaraghandy · pop. 77,662
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Kazakhstan
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Kazakhstan
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Kazakhstan
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Kazakhstan
Living costs in Kazakhstan vary significantly depending on city size. Large metropolitan areas with populations over one million typically see housing costs 15–30% above the national average, while smaller towns can be 10–20% below it. The national baseline of ₸204,201 ($434) per month represents a mid-sized city estimate.
Capital cities and major economic hubs command the highest rents and overall expenses. For budget-conscious residents, mid-sized cities offer a balance of amenities and affordability. Rural and small-town living remains the most economical option, though transport and service access may be limited.