Cost of Living in Shymkent - Updated Prices & Insights

31.41

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $463 (excluding rent), and $693 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,096 (excluding rent), and $1,484 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$9.95 ₸5,090

$3.98 ₸2,037

$9.95 ₸5,090

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$19.66 ₸10.1K

$39.32 ₸20.1K

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$6.87 ₸3,512

$5.88 ₸3,009

$7.85 ₸4,015

Cappuccino

$1.87 ₸957

$1.6 ₸821

$2.01 ₸1,026

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.95 ₸485

$0.75 ₸386

$1.13 ₸579

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.43 ₸221

$0.3 ₸152

$0.61 ₸310

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.15 ₸587

$0.77 ₸391

$1.34 ₸688

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.9 ₸972

$1.4 ₸716

$2.2 ₸1,123

Milk (1 liter)

$1.15 ₸589

$0.93 ₸474

$1.4 ₸714

White Bread (500g)

$0.28 ₸143

$0.19 ₸98.4

$0.47 ₸241

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.64 ₸837

$0.9 ₸460

$2 ₸1,020

Eggs

$1.5 ₸769

$1.24 ₸634

$1.72 ₸878

Local Cheese (1kg)

$8 ₸4,092

$3.96 ₸2,026

$10.67 ₸5,458

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$4.2 ₸2,148

$2.78 ₸1,421

$4.8 ₸2,455

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$6.29 ₸3,218

$3.84 ₸1,963

$7.39 ₸3,781

Apples (1kg)

$0.97 ₸494

$0.67 ₸343

$1.54 ₸786

Banana (1kg)

$1.86 ₸952

$1.2 ₸612

$3.2 ₸1,637

Oranges (1kg)

$1.82 ₸930

$1.34 ₸685

$2.38 ₸1,219

Tomato (1kg)

$1.03 ₸525

$0.61 ₸310

$2 ₸1,024

Potato (1kg)

$0.44 ₸225

$0.21 ₸108

$0.65 ₸332

Onion (1kg)

$0.35 ₸179

$0.14 ₸69.6

$0.48 ₸243

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.83 ₸425

$0.5 ₸257

$1.2 ₸614

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.64 ₸325

$0.38 ₸192

$0.87 ₸444

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2 ₸1,021

$1.8 ₸921

$2.41 ₸1,230

Wine (Bottle)

$3.85 ₸1,971

$11.56 ₸5,913

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$0.96 ₸490

$0.62 ₸315

$1.19 ₸610

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.41 ₸720

$0.9 ₸463

$1.51 ₸773

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.15 ₸78.4

$0.22 ₸112

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.84 ₸428

$0.74 ₸379

$1.3 ₸666

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.64 ₸329

$0.1 ₸50.7

$0.64 ₸329

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$5.69 ₸2,908

$0.95 ₸486

$5.69 ₸2,908

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.5 ₸257

$0.41 ₸209

$0.51 ₸263

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$19.5K ₸10M

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$24.5K ₸12.5M

$23.8K ₸12.2M

$25.8K ₸13.2M

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$49.84 ₸25.5K

$29.1 ₸14.9K

$73.3 ₸37.5K

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$8.85 ₸4,525

$6.91 ₸3,533

$9.87 ₸5,046

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$12.58 ₸6,434

$10.66 ₸5,453

$14.57 ₸7,450

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$32.95 ₸16.8K

$25.84 ₸13.2K

$48.45 ₸24.8K

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$7.73 ₸3,953

Cinema Ticket

$4.79 ₸2,451

$6.7 ₸3,428

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$49.63 ₸25.4K

$268 ₸137.1K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$5,272 ₸2.7M

$2,325 ₸1.2M

$8,879 ₸4.5M

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$32.08 ₸16.4K

$19.25 ₸9,843

$57.7 ₸29.5K

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$29.58 ₸15.1K

$21.22 ₸10.9K

$38.58 ₸19.7K

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$121 ₸61.9K

$49.09 ₸25.1K

$196 ₸100.4K

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$46.05 ₸23.5K

$38.91 ₸19.9K

$50.6 ₸25.9K

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$305 ₸156.2K

$236 ₸120.9K

$394 ₸201.5K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$179 ₸91.3K

$159 ₸81.2K

$198 ₸101.5K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$473 ₸242.1K

$237 ₸121.1K

$592 ₸302.6K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$357 ₸182.5K

$195 ₸99.6K

$487 ₸248.9K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$989 ₸505.6K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$882 ₸451.2K

$773 ₸395.4K

$991 ₸506.9K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$367 ₸187.8K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

19.5

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

City tags:

⛩️ Asia

Cost of Living in Shymkent - Frequently Asked Questions

Compared with larger metropolitan centers, Shymkent offers a balanced mix of affordability and modern amenities. For many, the Cost of Living in Shymkent feels practical for daily life, with reasonable rent options, affordable groceries, and accessible services. The city has a growing café and coworking scene that supports remote work without the high price tag of bigger capitals. Seasonal crowds are manageable, and local markets let you stretch your budget on fresh produce. Neighborhoods vary in vibe – from lively city centers to quieter residential streets – so you can find value by choosing the right area. Tip: Start with a short-term stay to test neighborhoods.

The Shymkent living cost varies by neighborhood, with central districts tending to be more convenient yet pricier. You’ll find a mix of rental options from compact apartments to larger flats, often with flexible leases through local agents or online listings. Markets and bakeries offer fresh produce and bread at reasonable prices, while cafes near coworking hubs give you reliable Wi-Fi and a social vibe for work breaks. Public transit includes buses and marshrutkas, with ride-hailing apps covering short trips. For errands, supermarkets and convenience stores are well stocked, and many services speak basic Russian or Kazakh. Tip: Map a few go-to spots in advance to save time and stress.

Quality of life comes from a mix of pace, access to green spaces, and practical budgeting. You should choose neighborhoods that balance commute times with local amenities, such as parks, markets, and reliable internet. A simple monthly budgeting framework helps you separate essential vs discretionary expenses, plan seasonal clothing and utilities, and set aside small buffers for occasional activities. Embrace seasonal rhythms – cool evenings, vibrant outdoor markets in spring and autumn, and quieter winters – to make the most of your stay without overspending. Tip: dedicate a weekend to trial visits to different districts before committing.