Cost of Living in Kazakhstan

You’ll likely find that the cost of living in Kazakhstan can vary significantly from city to city, not to mention the ever-fluctuating value of the tenge, which makes it extremely difficult to generalise about expected costs.

Still, Kazakhstan remains largely affordable, especially compared to other places worldwide. If you’re moving to Kazakhstan for work, you may be fortunate enough to have your accommodation covered by your employer, further reducing your living expenses.

Cost of accommodation in Kazakhstan

Accommodation in Kazakhstan can be a mixed bag, with options ranging from older Soviet-style apartments to newly built residential complexes with security, elevators, and parking. Rental prices in major cities like Almaty and Astana have remained relatively stable, although they are expected to rise with inflation and increasing demand.

Some industries, such as oil, gas, and international corporations, still offer employer-provided housing, often in the form of fully furnished apartments or housing allowances. However, this benefit is becoming less common as companies move towards flexible compensation packages.

Utilities, including water, electricity, and WiFi, are typically an extra expense. Be aware that electricity costs often rise in winter due to increased demand, so budgeting accordingly is essential.

Accommodation in Kazakhstan

Cost of transport in Kazakhstan

Public transport in Kazakhstan is generally affordable and consists mainly of buses and minibuses. While metro services are limited, bus networks in Almaty and Astana remain the backbone of daily commuting. Common complaints about public transport include overcrowding, unreliable schedules, and ageing bus fleets.

Fuel prices in Kazakhstan are lower than in neighbouring Russia and China, thanks to government subsidies. However, global oil trends and inflation still influence costs. Ride-hailing services like Yandex Taxi and Uber are widely used in major cities. While these services are typically affordable compared to Europe and the US, demand surges can significantly increase fares, particularly during peak hours or adverse weather conditions.

Public Transport in Kazakhstan

Cost of groceries in Kazakhstan

Grocery shopping in Kazakhstan offers a mixed bag, from large supermarkets to bustling local bazaars. Supermarkets such as Magnum, Small, and Ramstore provide convenience, fixed prices, and a wide variety of products, although fresh produce tends to be pricier.

Shopping habits can make a big difference. Buying in bulk, shopping seasonally, and taking advantage of supermarket loyalty programmes can help reduce costs. Many locals also visit bazaars in the evening, when vendors lower prices to clear out their stock.

Inflation has impacted staple food prices, with bread, dairy, and vegetables seeing noticeable increases. The government has introduced price controls on essentials like flour, potatoes, and vegetable oil to stabilise costs, but price fluctuations still occur. Additionally, food import regulations have been adjusted to manage supply, such as restrictions on potato exports to non-EAEU countries.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan’s varied countryside offers plenty of entertainment options, from outdoor adventures to cultural experiences. If you enjoy nature, you can go hiking, skiing, or kayaking at little to no cost. Parks and recreational areas in cities like Almaty and Astana are also popular for leisurely strolls and picnics.

For more budget-friendly entertainment, museums and cultural sites often have low entry fees or free admission days. Shopping malls are increasingly becoming entertainment hubs, with cinemas, bowling alleys, and food courts providing various options.

Eating out remains relatively affordable, with cafés and tea houses offering cheaper alternatives to restaurants. In major cities, you’ll find a wide range of dining options, from fast food to high-end restaurants. Many locals opt for casual dining or fast food, as fine dining has become more expensive due to rising costs.

Cost of education in Kazakhstan

Education in Kazakhstan presents a range of options, from public schools to international institutions catering to expat families. While Kazakhstan boasts a 100 percent literacy rate, the quality of schools varies due to underfunding. Public schools primarily teach in Kazakh or Russian, making them challenging for expat children. Some bilingual state-funded programmes are emerging, but most international families opt for private or international schools.

International schools in cities like Almaty and Astana offer globally recognised curricula like the IB, British, and American systems. These schools are known for their excellent teaching standards and extensive extracurricular offerings. However, tuition fees are high, and competition for places is increasing as more expats and high-income locals seek quality education.

To mitigate costs, some corporate employers, particularly in industries like oil and gas, IT, and diplomacy, provide education stipends as part of relocation packages.

Education and Schools in Kazakhstan
International Schools in Kazakhstan

Cost of healthcare in Kazakhstan

Healthcare in Kazakhstan consists of public and private services, with many expats relying on private hospitals due to their higher standards. Public healthcare is underfunded, leading to long wait times, outdated equipment, and language barriers for non-Kazakh speakers.

Private healthcare offers higher-quality treatment and shorter wait times, but it comes at a cost. Private hospitals in Kazakhstan are generally more affordable than in Russia but pricier than in Uzbekistan or Kyrgyzstan. Many expats and high-income residents opt for private health insurance, which typically includes medical evacuation coverage for serious conditions requiring treatment in Russia, Turkey, or Germany.

Pharmacies are well-stocked and medication is generally affordable, although some Western prescription drugs can be hard to find.

Healthcare in Kazakhstan