Updated:
If you've ever considered moving to Kazakhstan, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Kazakhstan?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Kazakhstan and whether the reported $987 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $409.68.
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
6.23 $ |
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
24.94 $ |
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
4.16 $ |
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
1.04 $ |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
1.66 $ |
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
1.57 $ |
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
0.56 $ |
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
0.35 $ |
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
0.8 $ |
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
0.3 $ |
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
0.82 $ |
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
1.16 $ |
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
6.31 $ |
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
3.4 $ |
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
6.01 $ |
|
Apples (1 lb) |
1.13 $ |
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.4 $ |
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
1.52 $ |
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
1.45 $ |
|
Potato (1 lb) |
0.47 $ |
|
Onion (1 lb) |
0.35 $ |
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
0.8 $ |
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
0.44 $ |
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
5.2 $ |
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
0.68 $ |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
1.32 $ |
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
1.25 $ |
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
0.19 $ |
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
13.51 $ |
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
1.04 $ |
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
0.34 $ |
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
3.12 $ |
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
0.4 $ |
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
14546.04 $ |
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
20589.08 $ |
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
45.54 $ |
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
0.03 $ |
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
10.62 $ |
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
34.2 $ |
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
14.41 $ |
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
3.95 $ |
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
157.21 $ |
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
5533.52 $ |
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
66.78 $ |
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
33.51 $ |
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
68.54 $ |
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
82.14 $ |
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
322.92 $ |
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
216.23 $ |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
603.21 $ |
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
398.31 $ |
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
934.43 $ |
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
665.36 $ |
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
---|---|---|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
409.68 $ |
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
14.2 % |
|
The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 6.23 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 24.94 USD.
Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 0.8 USD, a loaf of bread 0.3 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 1.16 USD.
Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 0.19 USD and a monthly pass around 13.51 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.
For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 45.54 USD.
For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 34.2 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 14.41 USD.
Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 157.21 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 5533.52 USD.
Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 66.78 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 68.54 USD.
Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 322.92 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 216.23 USD.
If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 934.43 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 665.36 USD.
The average monthly net salary here is about 409.68 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 14.2% annually.
Kazakhstan
Overall, it is relatively safe to go to Kazakhstan, but you should be aware of dangerous areas to avoid and stay vigilant at all times for any possible dangers.
Transportation isn't very safe in Kazakhstan. There is a risk of criminals and thieves roaming around trains, and there are, of course, unlicensed taxi drivers trying to extort money from solo travelers.Also, be wary of individuals acting as your drive at airports and then, once in the vehicle, taking you somewhere else and robbing you.
Pickpocketing exists in Kazakhstan, and carrying expensive personal belongings such as phones, laptops, jewelry, and watches can only draw unwanted attention from pickpockets and thieves. Avoid this and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
There is a variety of natural disasters that represent a threat to Kazakhstan, including earthquakes, floods, mudflows, avalanches, landslides, and landfalls, as well as flooding of the coastal areas where Kazakhstan meets the Caspian Sea. Approximately 75% of the country is exposed to a risk of different types of natural disasters.
Mugging is an issue in Kazakhstan, it only depends on where you are. In some cities such as Taraz, Balkhash, Shymkent, Taldykorgan, Uralsk, Semey, and Ust-Kamenogorsk, it is a rare occurrence although infrequent muggings do occur, and in places like Shar, Stepnogorsk, and Temirtau there is a higher risk of getting robbed or attacked.Criminals also operate at airports by eliciting the passengers' (they already found the names of) and acting as their contact or drive. They then offer to take you to your hotel, but instead take you to a remote area and rob you.
There is a risk of terrorists trying to carry out attacks in Kazakhstan. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. Stay informed and pay attention to any possible security-related announcements by the Kazakh authorities.
Scams are also common in Kazakhstan and there are several that are already known, such as the "lost wallet scam", where an individual claims they've found a wallet and ask you if you want to share the money inside. Then their partner appears and claims it's their wallet and asks to see your purse or wallet to see if you've stolen something and then grabs your belongings or asks for more money.Most scams are performed by someone posing as someone else, like a police officer. Bear in mind that the real police officer will show their badges or produce them upon request.
When it comes to women traveling alone, they shouldn't encounter any incidents if following common sense and basic precaution measures. Not going out at night is implied and recommended.
Visitors planning on staying longer than 30 days in Kazakhstan need to apply for a visa. People seeking a longer period of stay may apply for 10-year Kazakhstani visas, with a maximum stay of 60 days for business and 90 days for tourism. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
Kazakhstani Tenge is the currency in Kazakhstan. Credit cards are accepted in restaurants, shops, and hotels, and you can use ATMs to collect your money. Tipping is not a custom in Kazakhstan as hotel and restaurant bills often include a service charge, but it is definitely appreciated.
You can experience all four seasons in Kazakhstan with freezing winter, mild spring, scorching hot summer, and crispy autumn. Cold winter starts in November and lasts until the end of April. The climate of Kazakhstan (excluding south) is sharply continental with an average temperature between -4 °C and -19 °C in January and between 19 and 26°C in July. In winter temperature may decrease down to -45°C, reaching as high as 30 °C in summer.
Almaty International Airport is the largest international airport in Kazakhstan, located about 15 km northeast of Almaty.
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Kazakhstan, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.