Kazakhstan ranks near the bottom of the global cost of living index for 2025, taking 114th place out of 139 countries. Daily expenses in the country are 73.4% lower than in New York City, which serves as the benchmark with an index of 100%.
The data reflects the cost of food, transport and services, but excludes housing. Kazakhstan’s overall score stands at 26.6, with a food index of 27.4, restaurant prices at 28, and local purchasing power at 50.8. Rental prices remain especially low, with a rent index of just 10.5.
Across the CIS region, Kazakhstan’s cost of living is more affordable than in Armenia, Moldova and Azerbaijan, but higher than in Russia, Uzbekistan, Belarus and the Kyrgyz Republic.
On the global scale, the US Virgin Islands, Switzerland and Iceland are among the most expensive locations, while Pakistan, Libya and Egypt rank as the least costly.
Despite its relatively low living costs, inflation pressures remain. In April, Kazakhstan reported annual inflation of 10.7%. Prices for paid services rose by 15.7%, housing and utilities by 15.8%, and telecommunications services by 17.3% compared to the previous year.
The average monthly wage reached KZT 423,100 (approximately $825), marking a 10.7% increase from 2024. However, when adjusted for inflation, real wage growth amounted to just 1.2%.
