Cost Living in Kazakhstan: An Affordable Destination for Many
Kazakhstan Ranked among the Lowest in the Global Cost of Living Index by 2025
Heading to Astana, Kazakhstan? You'll find a city with a reasonably low cost of living compared to many other countries. According to the 2025 global cost of living index, Kazakhstan ranks 114th out of 139 countries, with prices that are a whopping 73.4% lower than in New York City, which serves as the baseline with a value of 100%.
The cost of living index excludes housing costs but includes prices for food, transportation, and services. Kazakhstan's cost of living index stands at 26.6, with a food price index of 27.4, restaurant prices at 28, and local purchasing power at 50.8. The rent index, on the other hand, is remarkably low at 10.5.
When compared to other countries in the CIS region, Kazakhstan's prices are lower than in Armenia, Moldova, and Azerbaijan but higher than in the Kyrgyz Republic, Belarus, Uzbekistan, and Russia, according to a report by Finprom.kz on June 3.
If you're thinking about relocating to exotic locales, countries with the highest cost of living include the U.S. Virgin Islands, Switzerland, and Iceland. Conversely, the lowest cost of living can be found in Pakistan, Libya, and Egypt.
It's essential to note that Kazakhstan has recently faced significant inflation. In April, the country experienced 10.7% annual inflation. Paid services rose 15.7% year-on-year, housing and utilities by 15.8%, and communication services by 17.3%. Despite an increase in average monthly salary by 10.7% from 2024, real wage growth adjusted for inflation was only a measly 1.2%.
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Insights:
- Cost of Living Index: Kazakhstan's cost of living index is classified as very low, with a score of 27.12 1.
- Rent Prices: Rent in Kazakhstan is about 73.5% lower than in the U.S. 2.
- Apartment Prices: The price per square foot to buy an apartment in the city center is approximately 60.7% lower than in the U.S. 2.
- Salaries: The average monthly net salary in Kazakhstan is significantly lower than in the U.S., amounting to approximately 87.3% less 2.```
In conclusion, living in Kazakhstan offers an attractive low-cost lifestyle compared to many other countries. However, recent inflation and purchasing power challenges create obstacles that residents and expats should consider. When compared with other CIS countries, Kazakhstan is mid-range in terms of affordability, making it a viable option for those seeking a wallet-friendly destination.
In the context of finance and personal-finance, expats considering a move to Astana, Kazakhstan may find it an affordable destination, given its low cost of living compared to many other countries as indicated by its cost of living index. Furthermore, the rent prices in Kazakhstan are significantly lower than in the U.S., offering a potential opportunity for cost savings in housing expenses.
