Cost of Living in Cholpon-Ata - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $433 (excluding rent), and $457 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,015 (excluding rent), and $1,050 including rent.
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$6.12 KGS 535
$3.89 KGS 340
$10.02 KGS 876
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$20.75 KGS 1,814
$11.22 KGS 981
$44.87 KGS 3,923
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$5.8 KGS 507
$5.68 KGS 496
$6.94 KGS 607
Cappuccino
$2.07 KGS 181
$1.15 KGS 101
$3.24 KGS 283
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.65 KGS 56.5
$0.39 KGS 34.22
$1.12 KGS 97.5
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.33 KGS 28.6
$0.28 KGS 24.4
$0.55 KGS 47.95
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.2 KGS 105
$0.95 KGS 82.9
$2.89 KGS 252
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.71 KGS 149
$1.36 KGS 119
$3.41 KGS 298
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$0.88 KGS 76.6
$0.71 KGS 62.3
$1.05 KGS 91.7
White Bread (500g)
$0.47 KGS 41.15
$0.3 KGS 25.94
$0.87 KGS 76
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.59 KGS 139
$1.05 KGS 91.4
$2.32 KGS 203
Eggs
$1.78 KGS 156
$1.25 KGS 109
$2.09 KGS 183
Local Cheese (1kg)
$8.02 KGS 701
$5.65 KGS 494
$15.26 KGS 1,334
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$4.82 KGS 421
$2.9 KGS 254
$6.15 KGS 538
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$7.85 KGS 686
$5.21 KGS 455
$9.06 KGS 792
Apples (1kg)
$1.07 KGS 93.7
$0.58 KGS 50.4
$1.74 KGS 152
Banana (1kg)
$1.87 KGS 163
$1.36 KGS 119
$2.6 KGS 227
Oranges (1kg)
$2.03 KGS 177
$1.35 KGS 118
$2.82 KGS 246
Tomato (1kg)
$1.72 KGS 150
$0.75 KGS 65.9
$2.91 KGS 255
Potato (1kg)
$0.59 KGS 51.9
$0.35 KGS 30.96
$0.77 KGS 67.4
Onion (1kg)
$0.53 KGS 46.68
$0.3 KGS 26.55
$0.84 KGS 73.2
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.59 KGS 51.6
$0.24 KGS 20.81
$1.18 KGS 103
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.47 KGS 40.92
$0.32 KGS 28.39
$0.71 KGS 61.8
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$1.67 KGS 146
$1.56 KGS 136
$2.23 KGS 195
Wine (Bottle)
$8.03 KGS 702
$3.44 KGS 301
$11.49 KGS 1,004
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.18 KGS 103
$0.92 KGS 80.8
$1.39 KGS 122
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.94 KGS 169
$1.4 KGS 122
$2.79 KGS 244
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.38 KGS 121
$0.92 KGS 80.2
$2.31 KGS 202
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.22 KGS 19.16
$0.22 KGS 19.16
$0.38 KGS 33.32
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$3.36 KGS 294
$2.8 KGS 245
$6.72 KGS 587
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.81 KGS 70.5
$0.68 KGS 59.3
$0.85 KGS 73.9
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$38.3K KGS 3.3M
$31.4K KGS 2.7M
$40.6K KGS 3.5M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$33.9K KGS 3M
$31.2K KGS 2.7M
$34.1K KGS 3M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$34.08 KGS 2,979
$22.78 KGS 1,992
$75.3 KGS 6,584
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$6.82 KGS 597
$2.82 KGS 246
$9.57 KGS 837
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$11.92 KGS 1,042
$9.19 KGS 803
$14.35 KGS 1,255
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Cinema Ticket
$4.52 KGS 395
$3.96 KGS 346
$5.66 KGS 495
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$196 KGS 17.1K
$113 KGS 9,888
$294 KGS 25.7K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$4,562 KGS 398.8K
$3,027 KGS 264.6K
$5,768 KGS 504.3K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$37.52 KGS 3,280
$23.04 KGS 2,014
$65.7 KGS 5,741
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$39.32 KGS 3,437
$22.61 KGS 1,977
$67.8 KGS 5,931
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$93.2 KGS 8,145
$45.07 KGS 3,940
$146 KGS 12.8K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$103 KGS 8,977
$57.1 KGS 4,988
$171 KGS 15K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
20.11
17
24
Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
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Cost of Living in Cholpon-Ata - Frequently Asked Questions
How affordable is Cholpon-Ata for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who tends to find good value here?
Cholpon-Ata offers a noticeable balance between price and quality for a lakeside destination. For longer stays you’ll typically pay less for apartment-style housing than in larger cities, while seasonal guesthouses can spike during peak weeks. Your value perception depends on your lifestyle: utilities and local produce tend to be affordable, while imported goods and Western-style amenities may push up costs. If you plan to work remotely, cafés with Wi-Fi are common, though speeds vary outside busy hours. Overall, many travelers and expats find a workable middle ground compared with bigger regional capitals. Cost of Living in Cholpon-Ata frames this comparison. Tip: Look for neighborhood options that match your pace and season.
What does daily life look like in Cholpon-Ata in terms of housing search, food options, transport, and getting work done?
Daily life centers on the Issyk-Kul lakefront and a relaxed rhythm. In housing, you’ll find short- and mid-term rentals near promenades, with options from modest studios to simple family homes; prices shift with the season. Food is abundant at markets and cafés offering Kyrgyz staples and regional produce; you’ll often enjoy fresh herbs, dairy, and seasonal fruit at good value. For transport, expect taxis, minibuses, and bike-friendly streets; walking is practical in the core area. If you work online, cafés and co-working spaces exist but Wi-Fi can be slower during busy hours. Cholpon-Ata living cost varies with tourism, so budget accordingly. Tip: Plan time for slower lanes and seek places with reliable power and internet.
What aspects of quality of life should you focus on, and how can you budget for a comfortable stay while adapting to seasonal changes and neighborhood vibes?
Quality of life here blends natural scenery with everyday practicality. Start with a simple budgeting framework: housing, utilities, groceries, dining, transport, and occasional travel; set flexible caps to accommodate seasonal price shifts. For neighborhood fit, evaluate walkability, proximity to the lake, and access to quiet streets versus nightlife; lakefront zones are lively in summer, while hillside areas offer calmer winters. Save by cooking at home with local produce and shopping at markets; consider off-peak times for longer stays to stretch your budget. Seasonality affects services and crowds, so plan arrival windows that align with your preferred pace. Tip: Build a month-by-month plan that prioritizes essential items and test different areas before committing.
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