πMonthly costs for one person with rent: $82.5 in Abadan versus $3,178 in Ashgabat.
πEstimated couple costs with rent: $103 in Abadan versus $4,791 in Ashgabat.
πMonthly costs for a family of three with rent: $123 in Abadan versus $6,405 in Ashgabat.
πLiving in Abadan costs roughly 97% less than in Ashgabat, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.
πThe two cities straddle the global median: Abadan is 94% below, Ashgabat is 137% above.
Currency
π½ Eating Out
Abadan
Ashgabat
Difference
Meal at Budget Restaurant
-
$34.57TMTΒ 116
-
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
-
$84.5TMTΒ 284
-
Fast Food Meal(McDonalds, etc)
-
$14.03TMTΒ 47.15
-
Cappuccino
-
$6.85TMTΒ 23.02
-
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite(0.33 liter bottle)
-
$3.28TMTΒ 11.03
-
Water(0.33 liter bottle)
-
$0.94TMTΒ 3.17
-
Local Beer(0.5 liter draught)
-
$5.17TMTΒ 17.38
-
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
-
$14.45TMTΒ 48.56
-
π Groceries & Markets
Abadan
Ashgabat
Difference
Milk(1 liter)
-
$4.78TMTΒ 16.05
-
White Bread(500g)
-
$2.45TMTΒ 8.25
-
Rice(white)(1kg)
-
$7.14TMTΒ 23.99
-
Eggs
-
$6.07TMTΒ 20.39
-
Local Cheese(1kg)
-
$40.72TMTΒ 137
-
Chicken Fillets(1kg)
-
$18.21TMTΒ 61.2
-
Beef Round Steak(1kg)
-
$18.32TMTΒ 61.6
-
Apples(1kg)
-
$5.58TMTΒ 18.75
-
Banana(1kg)
-
$8.68TMTΒ 29.17
-
Oranges(1kg)
-
$7.52TMTΒ 25.26
-
Tomato(1kg)
-
$3.56TMTΒ 11.98
-
Potato(1kg)
-
$2.24TMTΒ 7.52
-
Onion(1kg)
-
$1.82TMTΒ 6.10
-
Lettuce(1 head)
-
$1.97TMTΒ 6.63
-
Water(1.5 liter bottle)
-
$1.08TMTΒ 3.63
-
Cigarettes 20 Pack(Marlboro, Camel)
-
$25.93TMTΒ 87.1
-
Wine(Bottle)
$42.02TMTΒ 141
$41.52TMTΒ 140
1.20%
Local Beer(0.5 liter bottle)
-
$4.62TMTΒ 15.51
-
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
-
$2.85TMTΒ 9.56
-
π Getting Around
Abadan
Ashgabat
Difference
One-way Ticket(Public Transport)
-
$0.14TMTΒ 0.48
-
Public Transport Monthly Pass(Regular Price)
-
$8.58TMTΒ 28.84
-
Taxi Start(Normal Tariff)
-
$2.93TMTΒ 9.85
-
Taxi(Normal Tariff)(1km)
-
$0.88TMTΒ 2.95
-
Taxi 1hour Waiting(Normal Tariff)
-
$8.80TMTΒ 29.57
-
Gasoline(1 liter)
-
$0.42TMTΒ 1.40
-
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l(Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
-
$44.7KTMTΒ 150.3K
-
Compact Sedan 1.6l(Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
-
$57.6KTMTΒ 193.5K
-
π§Ύ Monthly Utilities & Internet
Abadan
Ashgabat
Difference
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
-
$565TMTΒ 1,898
-
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
-
$56.7TMTΒ 191
-
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
-
$103TMTΒ 347
-
π Sport & Entertainment
Abadan
Ashgabat
Difference
Gym Membership(Monthly)
-
$192TMTΒ 645
-
Tennis Court(1 Hour on Weekend)
-
$44.56TMTΒ 150
-
Cinema Ticket
-
$14.24TMTΒ 47.86
-
π§Έ Childcare & Education
Abadan
Ashgabat
Difference
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
-
$23.29TMTΒ 78.3
-
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
-
$26.2KTMTΒ 87.9K
-
ππ Clothing & Footwear
Abadan
Ashgabat
Difference
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
-
$64.8TMTΒ 218
-
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
-
$122TMTΒ 411
-
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
-
$305TMTΒ 1,025
-
Men's Leather Business Shoes
-
$187TMTΒ 629
-
π Accommodation & Living
Abadan
Ashgabat
Difference
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
-
$1,132TMTΒ 3,804
-
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
-
$736TMTΒ 2,474
-
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
-
$1,786TMTΒ 6,000
-
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
-
$1,588TMTΒ 5,336
-
Buy Apartment in City Center(m2)
-
$3,519TMTΒ 11.8K
-
Buy Apartment Outside City Center(m2)
-
$2,912TMTΒ 9,783
-
π΅ Salaries & Financials
Abadan
Ashgabat
Difference
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
-
$742TMTΒ 2,494
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate(Annual %)
0
9.5
-
CityCost data is based on AI and user input β minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update for Abadan: June 1, 2026
Last update for Ashgabat: June 2, 2026
City Median Internet Speeds Comparison (Updated April 2026)
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
Abadan vs Ashgabat: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ashgabat cheaper than Abadan?
Abadan is cheaper overall, especially in Groceries & Markets, Eating Out, Getting Around, Monthly Utilities & Internet, Clothing & Footwear. The 3751% gap adds up to real monthly savings that compound significantly over time.
What income do you need for each city?
You'd need roughly $124 in Abadan and $4,766 in Ashgabat to live well. The gap comes down to housing and overall price levels. Both cities are liveable on less, but these numbers represent actual comfort.
How do food prices compare in Abadan and Ashgabat?
Supermarket bills run roughly 690% higher in Ashgabat. For households that cook at home regularly, that difference adds up over a month.
What are total monthly expenses in Abadan vs Ashgabat?
All in, you'll spend $82.5 per month in Abadan versus $3,178 in Ashgabat β a 3751% gap that adds up to real savings over time for anyone picking the cheaper option.
Is $1,500 a realistic budget for Abadan or Ashgabat?
At $82.5 in Abadan versus $3,178 in Ashgabat, a $1,500 budget is realistic in Abadan but tight or insufficient in Ashgabat. The gap between the two cities makes Abadan the clear choice for anyone on this budget.
Is it better to live in Abadan or Ashgabat?
Both cities offer a good standard of living with different trade-offs. Neither is objectively better β the right pick depends on what matters most: affordability, career, cultural scene, or climate.
Which city is safer, Abadan or Ashgabat?
Safety-wise, Abadan and Ashgabat are on par. Petty crime is typical for cities this size, and most residents feel comfortable going about their daily routines in either place.
Which city is easier to live in as a foreigner?
Expats usually find Abadan gentler on the wallet β expenses run 3751% less than in Ashgabat. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.