Last update: Oct 2026 Kazakhstan 273.8K

Cost of Living in Aktau

For one person, living costs in Aktau are estimated at $793 a month, including rent and utilities – 24% below the national average. Rent and utilities take about a third of the total.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Aktau

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Aktau actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

A single person spends around $793 per month with rent, or $551 for everyday expenses alone.

$793 /mo

A couple spends around $1,317 per month with rent, or $977 for everyday expenses alone.

$1,317 /mo

A family of three spends around $1,842 per month with rent, or $1,403 without housing.

$1,842 /mo

Overall, Aktau is 35–41% below the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are 25% below average – relatively affordable for the region.

Currency
Do you live in Aktau? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$11.07 ₸5,005
$5.54 ₸2,505
$17.72 ₸8,010
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$43.55 ₸19.7K
$32.66 ₸14.8K
$43.55 ₸19.7K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$10.17 ₸4,596
$7.91 ₸3,575
$12.42 ₸5,613
Cappuccino
$2.49 ₸1,128
$1.30 ₸588
$3.26 ₸1,473
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.74 ₸333
$0.42 ₸190
$1.06 ₸479
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.48 ₸219
$0.34 ₸154
$0.57 ₸256
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.30 ₸586
$1.08 ₸489
$1.51 ₸683
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.53 ₸690
$1.31 ₸592
$1.75 ₸792
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.41 ₸638
$1.09 ₸492
$1.75 ₸789
White Bread (500g)
$0.47 ₸211
$0.28 ₸127
$0.86 ₸390
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.91 ₸864
$1.01 ₸457
$2.47 ₸1,115
Eggs
$1.73 ₸783
$1.24 ₸559
$3.24 ₸1,465
Local Cheese (1kg)
$9.87 ₸4,463
$7.68 ₸3,471
$12.06 ₸5,450
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$4.24 ₸1,915
$3.30 ₸1,493
$6.82 ₸3,085
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$8.95 ₸4,044
$7.70 ₸3,481
$9.07 ₸4,099
Apples (1kg)
$1.53 ₸689
$1.13 ₸510
$1.81 ₸818
Banana (1kg)
$2.24 ₸1,013
$1.73 ₸784
$2.91 ₸1,317
Oranges (1kg)
$2.35 ₸1,064
$1.77 ₸799
$2.95 ₸1,334
Tomato (1kg)
$2.80 ₸1,264
$0.92 ₸417
$5.40 ₸2,440
Potato (1kg)
$0.65 ₸295
$0.42 ₸189
$0.91 ₸411
Onion (1kg)
$0.56 ₸254
$0.22 ₸101
$0.80 ₸360
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.55 ₸700
$0.36 ₸162
$2.73 ₸1,234
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.94 ₸424
$0.52 ₸237
$1.21 ₸545
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$2.59 ₸1,172
$2.06 ₸930
$2.81 ₸1,269
Wine (Bottle)
$9.54 ₸4,313
$4.04 ₸1,825
$12.58 ₸5,686
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.72 ₸326
$0.64 ₸291
$0.77 ₸348
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.87 ₸393
$0.65 ₸296
$1.08 ₸490
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.18 ₸82.6
$0.18 ₸82.6
$0.21 ₸92.9
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.13 ₸512
$0.91 ₸411
$1.82 ₸821
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.64 ₸290
$0.21 ₸95.1
$1.06 ₸480
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.63 ₸283
$0.53 ₸239
$0.69 ₸314
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$31.4K ₸14.2M
-
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$45.69 ₸20.7K
$34.39 ₸15.5K
$66.9 ₸30.2K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$7.94 ₸3,587
$4.38 ₸1,981
$19.49 ₸8,812
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$11.01 ₸4,979
$9.04 ₸4,086
$20.11 ₸9,089
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$35.98 ₸16.3K
$21.81 ₸9,858
$61.0 ₸27.6K
Cinema Ticket
$3.18 ₸1,437
-
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$143 ₸64.8K
$110 ₸49.9K
$176 ₸79.8K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$2,621 ₸1.2M
-
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$66.8 ₸30.2K
-
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$40.67 ₸18.4K
-
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$71.7 ₸32.4K
$55.2 ₸24.9K
$88.3 ₸39.9K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$89.6 ₸40.5K
-
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$330 ₸149.2K
$269 ₸121.4K
$560 ₸252.9K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$196 ₸88.6K
$177 ₸79.9K
$221 ₸99.9K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$551 ₸249.0K
$452 ₸204.1K
$903 ₸408.2K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$393 ₸177.8K
$337 ₸152.4K
$449 ₸203.2K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$813 ₸367.6K
$565 ₸255.3K
$1,130 ₸510.6K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$659 ₸297.7K
$611 ₸276.2K
$706 ₸319.2K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$564 ₸254.8K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
14
8
20

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: October 10, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Aktau $793
Groceries & Markets
$200
Accommodation & Living
$196
Eating Out
$163
Clothing & Footwear
$121
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$65
Sport & Entertainment
$42
Getting Around
$5.1 *

Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $330, dropping to $196 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 59% of the average salary ($564) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $564 – below monthly costs of $793. Most locals rely on shared housing or dual incomes. Remote workers earning abroad will find stronger purchasing power.

Groceries cost around $200 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $44.00 – above the Asian average of $36.00.

Cost Highlights

Aktau has the 7th cheapest imported beer in Asia

Local beer is cheaper than 96% of cities in Asia

Fast food meal is more expensive than 95% of cities in Asia

Good to know
🕒 Local time
07:23 7:23 AM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
273,830
💱 Currency
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to KZT – Kazakhstani Tenge Converter

Kazakhstani Tenge exchange rates as of October 18, 2026: 1 USD = 452 KZT (1,000 KZT = 2.21 USD). 1 EUR = 508 KZT (1,000 KZT = 1.97 EUR).

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Aktau Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Aktau - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Aktau stack up in affordability for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who tends to find the best value there?
Aktau offers a maritime vibe with a mix of affordable everyday needs and occasional premium pockets, appealing to travelers, expats, and digital nomads seeking reliable basics without the crush of mega-city prices. You may notice lower rents than in bigger Kazakh cities, especially if you choose older buildings a short ride from the coast, and you’ll find a growing selection of cafes and coworking hubs that cater to remote workers. Utilities and groceries sit at a comfortable middle ground, with seasonal shifts tied to tourism and energy use. Cost of Living in Aktau, Kazakhstan varies by neighborhood and season. Tip: Plan ahead by scouting multiple districts for long-term options and flexibility.
What does daily life look like for housing, food, transport, and coworking in Aktau?
Daily life in Aktau centers on a compact city feel by the Caspian Sea. Housing search tends to reward flexible leases and places with good insulation; look for neighborhoods with easy access to groceries, cafes, and transit. Food options range from local markets to modern supermarkets and seaside eateries. Transport leans on buses and marshrutkas, plus ride-hailing or bicycles for short hops. Co-working spaces are accessible for remote work, with mixed options near the city center or by the waterfront. Aktau, Kazakhstan living cost is manageable if you bucket expenses by housing, meals, and transport and stay flexible. Tip: Use weekend markets to stock essentials and negotiate short-term rental terms.
What factors contribute to quality of life in Aktau, budgeting approaches, and neighborhood fit?
Aktau lets you balance work and leisure with a coastal backdrop and a smaller-city rhythm. Quality of life comes from accessible amenities, safety in neighborhoods around the prom and market districts, and a near-constant breeze by the water. A practical budgeting framework keeps housing as your anchor, then groceries and utilities, with discretionary spend focused on cafes and weekend outings. Ways to save include shopping at local markets, choosing energy-efficient apartments, and using public transit over taxis for longer trips. Seasonality shifts your routine toward outdoor activities in warmer months and indoor spots in cooler periods. Tip: map a couple of neighborhoods to test vibe, commute, and access to services.
Why is Aktau considered affordable?
Aktau is affordable because both rent and daily expenses are genuinely low. Total monthly costs with housing come to just $793, making it firmly budget-friendly for residents and long-term visitors alike.
Is Aktau expensive to live in?
By most standards, Aktau is a budget-friendly place to live. Total monthly costs with rent usually land around $793, and both housing and daily expenses fall below global averages. It's a solid pick for remote workers, long-term travelers, or anyone watching their spending.
Can you save money on an average salary in Aktau?
The average net salary in Aktau is about $564, while comfortable living starts around $1,189. With total costs hitting $793 monthly, saving is possible if you earn above average – but it takes intentional budgeting.
Is rent high in Aktau?
Rent is one of the biggest advantages of living in Aktau – 1-bedroom apartments range from $196 to $330 per month, and even central neighborhoods stay accessible on modest incomes. Cheap housing frees up cash for everything else.
How expensive is a gym membership in Aktau?
A gym membership in Aktau runs about $35.98 per month – affordable by regional standards. Most gyms include basic equipment, group classes, and locker rooms. Boutique studios and personal training cost more, but the baseline is budget-friendly.
How much does childcare cost in Aktau?
Private kindergarten in Aktau costs about $143 per month – a big number for families. Prices vary by curriculum and whether you go local or international. Public options are cheaper where they exist, but waitlists can be long.
Can you live on $800 a month in Aktau?
$800 a month in Aktau? Very doable. Average costs with rent come to just $793, which leaves real room to save, eat out, and enjoy the city without watching every dollar.
Is Aktau good for digital nomads?
Digital nomads flock to Aktau for good reason: fast internet, low crime rates, coastal lifestyle. Monthly costs land around $793 depending on your setup – strong value for the connectivity and quality of life you get. Coworking spaces and nomad-friendly cafés round out the appeal.
How affordable is Aktau?
Aktau is affordable by most measures, which is why it appeals to long-term travelers, remote workers, and budget-conscious residents. At $793 per month with rent, it sits well below the global average for cities of similar size.
Is Aktau good for backpackers on a budget?
Aktau is great for backpackers. All-in costs average just $793 monthly, and even short-term visitors on tight budgets can stretch their money. Cheap hostels, affordable street food, budget transport, and free attractions make it easy to explore without overspending.

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