Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Relocating to Kazakhstan is attracting a growing number of expatriates, whether they are employees, freelancers, students, or retirees seeking a more affordable cost of living. With rents significantly lower than in Europe or North America, food prices still reasonable, and cheap daily services, the country offers a price-to-quality ratio that’s hard to beat, especially in major cities like Almaty and Astana.
Behind the reputation as a cheap country, several factors can inflate the budget: rising food and housing prices, the gap between local salaries and expatriate incomes, as well as the high cost of international education and health insurance. It is essential to plan your budget accordingly.
A Generally Inexpensive Country, Especially for Foreign Incomes
International indexes confirm that Kazakhstan remains a moderately priced country. The overall cost of living index is around 31.7, placing the country well below the global average and approximately 57.3% cheaper than the United States excluding rent. Including housing, the gap reaches 62.5%, mainly due to rents being about 72.8% lower than in the United States.
Country’s global ranking for cost of living, approximately 1.77 times below the global average.
Estimates of monthly national budgets give a good ballpark figure for a “standard” lifestyle, housing included.
| Profile | Average Monthly National Budget (KZT) | Average Monthly National Budget (USD, approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Single Person | 831,788 KZT | ~$640–650 |
| Family of 4 | 1,525,192 KZT | ~$1,550 |
Other sources, expressed in dollars, confirm the trend: across a panel of 29 cities, a single person spends an average of about $644 per month (rent included), a family of four about $1,549. For an expatriate coming from Western Europe, North America, or Singapore, these amounts represent a clear price downgrade.
Almaty, Astana and Other Cities: Where is Life Most Expensive?
Geography plays a central role. Major cities, particularly Almaty and Astana, concentrate economic activity, the highest salaries… and the highest prices. Indexes published for April 2025 illustrate this gap.
| City | Cost of Living Index | Rent Index |
|---|---|---|
| Kazakhstan Average | 31.7 | – |
| Almaty | 31.0 | 15.1 |
| Astana | 29.9 | 10.7 |
Almaty is considered the top city to live in the country, and daily life there is about 21% more expensive than in Astana. In practice, rents are about 30% higher than in the capital, and restaurants around 11% more expensive. A single person spends on average nearly $884 per month there, versus about $729 in Astana, housing included. For a family of four, the gap is similar: around $2,122 in Almaty, $1,730 in Astana.
International comparisons, such as those of healthcare systems, living costs, or cultural practices, provide a meaningful and concrete benchmark for expatriates. They help them better understand and adapt to their new country by placing their experience in a global context.
| Comparison | Cost of Living Difference |
|---|---|
| Almaty vs Moscow | Almaty 30% cheaper |
| Almaty vs Singapore | Almaty 69% cheaper |
| Almaty vs Rome | Almaty 51% cheaper |
| Astana vs Buenos Aires | Astana 53% cheaper |
In medium-sized cities (Karaganda, Kostanay, Ust-Kamenogorsk, Pavlodar, Aktau, Shymkent…), the cost of life drops a further notch, especially for housing. This explains why a growing number of expatriates working remotely or paid by foreign employers choose these cities to maximize their purchasing power.
Housing: A Key Expense, But Still Very Advantageous
For an expatriate, housing is the most visible – and most variable – budget item. The good news: even in sought-after neighborhoods of major cities, rents remain well below European or North American levels.
Rent Levels in Major Cities
National figures first give a trend:
| Type of Housing | Average National Price (KZT/month) | Average Price (USD, approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed. City Center | 236,500–246,500 | ~$410–420 |
| 1-bed. Outside Center | 161,500–167,500 | ~$280–285 |
| 3-bed. City Center | 435,900–442,600 | ~$800–890 |
| 3-bed. Outside Center | 301,000–307,000 | ~$620–640 |
Averages by city show the gap between regional capitals and provincial cities:
| City | 1-bed. Center (KZT) | 1-bed. Center (USD) | 3-bed. Center (KZT) | 3-bed. Center (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karaganda | ~66,666 | ~$200 | ~126,666 | ~$380 |
| Astana | ~125,000 | ~$370 | ~410,000 | ~$1,125 |
| Almaty | ~112,500 | ~$335 | ~258,077 | ~$770 |
| Aktau* | ~190,000 | ~$570 | 3-bed. outside center: ~130,000 | ~$390 |
– In Aktau, demand linked to the oil sector pushes some rents upward.
For a standard furnished apartment, another source indicates even more precise ranges: an 85 m² furnished apartment in an “expensive” neighborhood runs around 721,500 KZT per month, and about 475,600 KZT in a more ordinary neighborhood. A furnished 45 m² studio in a high-end area costs around 260,700 KZT.
Buying in Kazakhstan: Price Per Square Meter and Rental Yields
For high-income expatriates or investors, buying a home is an option to consider. The average prices per square foot (in practice, around 0.09 m²) place Kazakhstan well below major world capitals.
| Indicator | City Center (KZT/sq ft) | Outside Center (KZT/sq ft) |
|---|---|---|
| National Range | 41,806 – 102,192 | 27,871 – 69,677 |
| National Average | ~61,400 | ~41,500–42,700 |
Converting to square meters, prices remain competitive: in Almaty, it’s around $1,678/m² in the center, $1,048/m² in the outskirts; in Astana, respectively $1,060 and $791/m². This means a 70 m² apartment in the center of Astana can be purchased for around $74,000, well below European standards.
Rental yields in Kazakhstan are particularly attractive, with average rates exceeding 9–10% in most major cities. According to third quarter 2025 data, the capital Astana even shows yields approaching 12%, illustrating the strong potential of this real estate market.
| City / Neighborhood | Studio | 1-bed. | 2-bed. | 3-bed. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Almaty – average | 9.56% | 9–10% | ~8.5% | ~8.5% |
| Astana – average | 11.95% | 10–12% | > 10% | up to 13.6% |
| Aktau | 11.00% | – | – | – |
| Karaganda | 10.98% | – | – | – |
For an expatriate planning to stay several years, buying can therefore be financially justified, but one must factor in a relatively high mortgage interest rate, averaging around 18% for fixed-rate loans over 20 years, with a range between 12 and 23% depending on banks and cities.
Utilities and Bills: A Heated Home Without Breaking the Bank
Electricity, heating, and water bills remain very affordable, even if price increases are announced starting in 2026. For an apartment of about 85 m², basic services (electricity, heating, water, waste) cost on average between 27,000 and 30,000 KZT per month, barely $40–60. International comparisons show these utility costs are about 71.9% lower than in the United States for an equivalent area.
An expatriate living in a three-room apartment sees their routine expenses increase in summer, especially due to air conditioning. Their electricity bill, usually 3,000 to 3,500 KZT, reaches about 6,600 KZT. Other items remain stable: gas for cooking (less than 300 KZT), water and sanitation (just over 1,900 KZT), fiber internet with TV (about 2,160 KZT), and trash collection (about 830 KZT).
Authorities, however, have announced gradual price increases starting in 2026: for a studio, the anticipated increase is around 3,500 KZT per month, about 5,000 to 7,000 KZT for a two-bedroom home. A one-bedroom apartment currently paying about 25,000 KZT in monthly utilities could thus move towards 28,000–30,000 KZT.
Food and Entertainment: Eating Well Without Blowing Your Budget
Another major asset of Kazakhstan is its food prices, both in supermarkets and restaurants. Even if recent price increases are observed for some products, especially in large cities, food remains very affordable.
At Restaurants: From Fast Food to Fine Dining
A simple meal in a small local restaurant generally costs between 2,500 and 7,000 KZT, with the average around 4,000–4,500 KZT, barely $6–8. A lunch menu in a business district runs around 4,400 KZT. For a more refined dinner, a three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant costs around 15,000–17,000 KZT, sometimes up to 30,000 KZT in the fanciest places ($26–30 on average).
In Kazakhstan, fast-food chains and international dining offer affordable prices. For example, a typical McDonald’s meal costs between 3,000 and 3,300 KZT. For drinks, a local draft beer averages 600 KZT, a cappuccino around 1,000–1,100 KZT, and a mid-range bottle of wine between 3,500 and 3,800 KZT. Even in downtown bars, a classic cocktail rarely exceeds 4,000 KZT.
As an indication, converted to dollars, an inexpensive meal costs about $6.50, a dinner for two in a mid-range restaurant around $26–30. In comparison, restaurant prices in Almaty are about 11% higher than in Astana, but remain significantly lower than in many European capitals.
Supermarket Shopping: A Relatively Affordable Basket
In the grocery aisles, the contrast with the West is even sharper. Daily essentials are available at very tight prices.
| Product (approx.) | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Milk (1 L) | ~800 KZT |
| White Bread (500 g) | ~210 KZT |
| Rice (1 kg) | ~700–750 KZT |
| Eggs (12) | ~810–830 KZT |
| Chicken (breasts, 1 kg) | ~2,150–2,200 KZT |
| Beef (1 kg) | ~3,800–4,000 KZT |
| Apples (1 kg) | ~580–600 KZT |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | ~340 KZT |
| 1.5 L Water Bottle | ~330–390 KZT |
| Mid-range Wine | ~3,800 KZT |
| Pack of Marlboro Cigarettes | ~1,000 KZT |
Compared to the United States, products like rice are about 67% cheaper, beef nearly 55% cheaper. On average, an expatriate spends around $240–260 per month on groceries, depending on their consumption style.
To reduce your food bill, favor large chains (Gros, Ramstore) and open-air markets. They offer local and seasonal products, significantly cheaper than imports.
Transportation: Ultra-Cheap Public Transport, Affordable Car Ownership
Mobility is another strong point for the wallet. Public transport remains extremely cheap, both in large cities and for intercity travel.
Public Transport: Efficient and Almost Symbolic
A bus or tram ticket in the city generally costs between 90 and 150 KZT, about $0.20. A monthly pass ranges from 7,000 to 10,000 KZT, averaging around 9,000 KZT (about $15). In Almaty, a subway token costs 80 KZT, and buses/trolleybuses apply similar fares.
| Transport Type | Average Price (KZT) | Average Price (USD, approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Single Ticket | 100–110 | ~$0.20 |
| Monthly Pass | 7,000–10,000 | ~$15 |
| Taxi Starting Fare | 600–650 | ~$1.20–1.30 |
| Gasoline (1 L)* | ~250–270 (equiv.) | ~$0.43–0.50 |
– Data is often expressed per gallon (about 945 KZT), which amounts to less than $0.50 per liter.
Public transport in Kazakhstan is about 77% cheaper than in the United States.
Owning a Car: Possible, But Mind the Purchase Cost
For expatriates used to driving or living in the suburbs, owning a vehicle remains accessible, even if the purchase represents an investment. A new Volkswagen Golf negotiates around 10 to 13 million KZT, a Toyota Corolla between 12 and 15 million KZT. Fuel remains cheap, but one must factor in insurance, local taxes, maintenance, and winter tires, essential in many regions.
In practice, many expatriates settle for combined use: public transport for daily commutes, taxis and ride-hailing for nights out or trips with luggage, and possibly occasional rentals for longer trips.
Healthcare: Affordable Public System, Private Insurance Almost Essential
Healthcare expenses are among the items often underestimated by new arrivals. The Kazakh system is transitioning towards universal coverage, with mandatory health insurance funded by employers and employees. Basic care is inexpensive, but quality varies and English is rarely spoken in public facilities.
For expatriates, it is recommended to take out international private health insurance. This provides access to private clinics, generally better equipped, faster, and often English-speaking. It also covers, if needed, medical evacuation to a neighboring country or to Europe.
Medical costs illustrate the risk:
| Type of Private Care | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| General Practitioner Consultation | $10–20 |
| MRI Scan | $100–200 |
| Hospital Stay (per night) | $50–150 |
| Fracture (Reduction, Cast) | $500–1,500 |
| Major Surgery (Cardiac, Orthopedic) | $10,000–30,000 |
| Liver Transplant | ~$20,000 |
| Bone Marrow Transplant | ~$51,000 |
| Maternity Package (Private) | $2,000–10,000 |
| Air Ambulance Evacuation | $20,000–200,000 |
International insurers (Cigna, Allianz, AXA, BUPA, etc.) offer suitable policies, often around $90 per month for decent coverage, more depending on age, coverage details, and geographic scope (worldwide, excluding USA, etc.). This expense, combined with mandatory local contributions where applicable, must be integrated from the outset into the expatriate budget.
Education: International Schools, a Major Expense Item
For expatriate families, education is by far one of the largest expenses. Kazakh public schools are free for residents, but teaching is primarily in Kazakh or Russian, with national curricula. Foreign families therefore mostly opt for international schools (IB, British or American curriculum).
Fees vary considerably depending on the institution and level.
Daycare and Preschool
Private childcare remains affordable for an average expat: a private daycare or kindergarten costs between 60,000 and 200,000 KZT per month, averaging around 120,000 KZT ($200–235). But as soon as you enter the international school circuit, prices skyrocket.
Several establishments located in Astana and Almaty charge their clients for their services.
– 2,520,000 KZT per year for pre-school,
– 3,600,000 KZT for a kindergarten in Kazakh or Russian language,
– around $8,400 to $10,400/year for Early Years programs in English.
One-time, often non-refundable registration fees are added (between 150,000 and 600,000 KZT depending on the school).
Primary and Secondary: IB, Cambridge, A-Levels
For schools offering an international program (IB, Cambridge, British Curriculum), annual fees per child generally range between 2.7 and 3.7 million KZT for primary in some schools, and rise to over $20,000–$28,000 per year in the most prestigious, fully English-speaking institutions.
| Level | Indicative Annual Fee Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Primary (IB / Cambridge) | $6,000–24,000 |
| Middle School (MYP / Middle Years) | $22,000–26,000 |
| High School (Diploma Programme / A-Levels) | $24,000–28,000 |
In addition, there are school transport costs (often 600,000–700,000 KZT per year), meals (3,800 to over 6,000 KZT per day), uniforms, paid extracurricular activities, and miscellaneous fees (admission tests, books, sports equipment). For a family with two to three children in such schools, the annual bill easily exceeds $40,000–$60,000.
Some international schools offer sibling discounts (5 to 30% from the second child) or early payment discounts. However, these discounts do not significantly alter the weight of this expense, which remains the main budget item to anticipate for an expatriate coming with children.
Salaries, Taxation, and Expatriate Purchasing Power
Another element to keep in mind is the considerable gap between local salaries and expatriate incomes. The average net salary in Kazakhstan is around 278,000 to 290,000 KZT per month, or about $460–590 depending on the source. In major cities, slightly higher levels are observed (around $650 in Almaty). On an international scale, this remains very low: the average American after-tax salary is over 86% higher.
For an expatriate paid in foreign currency (head office contract, international freelancer, pension), the cost of living in Kazakhstan is very attractive. Conversely, for a foreigner hired locally and paid in tenge according to local salary levels, the budget becomes tighter, especially if children are enrolled in private international schools or for frequent travel.
From a tax perspective, the situation for salaried expatriates is relatively simple: employment income is taxed at a flat rate of 10% for both residents and non-residents. Tax resident status is generally acquired after 183 days of presence in a rolling 12-month period, leading to taxation on worldwide income. Non-residents are taxed only on their Kazakh-source income, with higher rates for some passive income (dividends, interest, capital gains).
Social contributions (insurance, healthcare, pensions) paid by the employer represent a significant cost for the company, but are less visible for the expatriate employee, with the notable exception of the 10% contribution to the pension fund for those concerned. Workers from the Eurasian Economic Union (Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan) are subject to the same social contribution rules as Kazakh nationals.
Sample Budgets: From “Minimalist” to High-End Comfort
Based on all this data, we can outline typical monthly budgets for different expatriate profiles, taking into account rent, food expenses, transportation, utilities, health insurance, leisure, and, where applicable, schooling.
Single Person on a Moderate Budget
A single person living in a non-central neighborhood of Astana or Almaty, in a modest one-bedroom apartment, moving mainly by public transport and taxis, regularly eating at home, and going out reasonably, can aim for the following budget:
Indicative budget for a single person living outside the city center, expressed in Kazakh Tenge (KZT). Amounts are provided as ranges.
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the center: 160,000 – 180,000 KZT
Energy, water, internet, and mobile plan: 35,000 – 45,000 KZT
Monthly grocery shopping: 90,000 – 110,000 KZT
Monthly pass and taxi rides: 15,000 – 25,000 KZT
Private health insurance: 40,000 – 50,000 KZT
Restaurants, cafes, sports, and activities: 50,000 – 70,000 KZT
In practice, this ranges around $640–900 per month depending on the comfort level. National estimates indicate that a budget around $1,000 allows for a comfortable life without particular excesses.
Couple Without Children
For a couple living in a two- or three-bedroom outside the center, the budget increases but remains very reasonable for Western incomes:
– Rent 2–3 bed. outside center: 250,000–320,000 KZT
– Utilities + Internet + mobiles: 45,000–60,000 KZT
– Groceries: 160,000–200,000 KZT
– Transportation: 25,000–35,000 KZT
– Health insurance for two: 80,000–110,000 KZT
– Leisure, restaurants, domestic travel: 80,000–120,000 KZT
This is the average monthly budget in dollars for a couple to have a comfortable standard of living, housing included.
Family of Four with International Schooling
This is the most expensive scenario. Taking the fee scales of international schools and a decent family apartment:
– Rent 3 bed. center or good neighborhood: 400,000–500,000 KZT
– Utilities + Internet + mobiles: 60,000–80,000 KZT
– Groceries: 260,000–320,000 KZT
– Transportation + taxis: 35,000–50,000 KZT
– Family health insurance: 140,000–200,000 KZT
– Leisure, activities, travel: 120,000–180,000 KZT
– International Schooling (2 children): highly variable, but easily $12,000–40,000 per year, equivalent to $1,000–3,300 per month
In this case, the “school” item completely dominates other expenses. Without international schooling, a family of four can live comfortably on around $1,500–2,000 per month. With prestigious international schools, the overall budget can soar to $4,000–6,000 monthly, or more.
Daily Services, Leisure, and Social Life
Apart from major expenses (housing, health, education), the rest of the cost of living follows suit: a gym membership costs on average 22,000 KZT per month ($35–40), renting a tennis court about 8,000 KZT per hour, a movie ticket 2,500 KZT. A brand-name pair of jeans runs around 30,000–35,000 KZT, a mid-range pair of sneakers around 45,000–50,000 KZT.
The average price for a haircut in a salon frequented by expatriates in Kazakhstan.
Overall, an expatriate living “like a wealthy local” – frequent but not gourmet restaurants, regular leisure, city breaks in the region – remains well below the cost standards of many world capitals.
Cost of Living and Financial System: A Few Practical Benchmarks
Even if prices are low, it’s useful to understand how the financial system works to manage your budget.
The local currency is the tenge (KZT). Most daily expenses are settled in tenge, but Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, especially in major cities. Contactless and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, QR Kaspi) have become the norm: over 85% of transactions in the country are now cashless.
Expatriates can open accounts in tenge (local currency) or hard currencies (USD, EUR, GBP) with major local banks such as Halyk Bank, Kaspi Bank, or Jusan Bank. The procedure generally requires providing a passport, a valid visa or residence permit, an individual identification number, proof of address, and sometimes proof of income or employment. It is important to note that stricter compliance rules and enhanced due diligence apply to non-resident clients.
The high interest rates on loans (over 17% on average for mortgages) reflect a riskier credit environment, but they are the counterpart to rental yields that are also very attractive for investors.
Living in Kazakhstan: An Excellent Cost/Quality of Life Compromise for Expatriates
When putting all the elements together – rent, food, transport, services, local salaries, taxation, schooling, health – Kazakhstan appears as one of the countries with the best cost of living / comfort level ratio for an expatriate paid in hard currency or benefiting from a well-negotiated expatriation package.
Monthly amount in USD to live comfortably in Almaty or Astana for a single person or a childless couple.
For families with children in international schools, the equation is very different: schooling often becomes the dominant expense and turns a “cheap” country into a costly destination. This doesn’t detract from the other advantages (overall security considered good, very affordable transport, reasonably priced housing, modern banking system, ease of living in English in business circles), but it must be fully taken into account when negotiating the expatriation contract.
Prices, especially for food, housing, and energy, are rising, and public tariff increases are planned. However, the country currently remains much cheaper than most major economies. It offers real potential for those who know how to take advantage of this cost gap, while anticipating the most significant expense items: healthcare and education.
In summary, for a well-prepared and properly informed expatriate, Kazakhstan offers the possibility to enjoy a comfortable standard of living, even a very comfortable one, on a budget that would remain modest in most Western capitals.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
