Cost of Living in Shymkent - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $476 (excluding rent), and $683 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $943 (excluding rent), and $1,487 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$9.75 ₸4,978

$3.9 ₸1,992

$9.75 ₸4,978

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$19.22 ₸9,808

$38.42 ₸19.6K

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$6.87 ₸3,509

$5.89 ₸3,006

$7.86 ₸4,012

Cappuccino

$1.79 ₸915

$1.54 ₸784

$1.92 ₸980

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

$1.02 ₸519

$0.81 ₸413

$1.21 ₸620

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.4 ₸205

$0.28 ₸141

$0.56 ₸288

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.19 ₸608

$0.79 ₸406

$1.4 ₸712

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.9 ₸969

$1.4 ₸714

$2.19 ₸1,120

Milk (1 liter)

$1.11 ₸567

$0.89 ₸457

$1.35 ₸687

White Bread (500g)

$0.28 ₸142

$0.19 ₸97.6

$0.47 ₸239

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.64 ₸835

$0.9 ₸459

$1.99 ₸1,018

Eggs

$1.52 ₸774

$1.25 ₸638

$1.73 ₸884

Local Cheese (1kg)

$7.96 ₸4,062

$3.94 ₸2,011

$10.61 ₸5,418

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$4.32 ₸2,204

$2.86 ₸1,457

$4.93 ₸2,518

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$6.31 ₸3,222

$3.85 ₸1,965

$7.41 ₸3,785

Apples (1kg)

$0.95 ₸484

$0.66 ₸336

$1.51 ₸771

Banana (1kg)

$1.8 ₸918

$1.16 ₸590

$3.09 ₸1,579

Oranges (1kg)

$1.81 ₸926

$1.34 ₸682

$2.38 ₸1,215

Tomato (1kg)

$1.03 ₸525

$0.61 ₸310

$2.01 ₸1,024

Potato (1kg)

$0.48 ₸243

$0.23 ₸116

$0.7 ₸360

Onion (1kg)

$0.35 ₸177

$0.13 ₸68.9

$0.47 ₸241

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.78 ₸398

$0.47 ₸241

$1.13 ₸574

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.68 ₸347

$0.4 ₸205

$0.93 ₸473

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2 ₸1,022

$1.81 ₸922

$2.41 ₸1,231

Wine (Bottle)

$3.94 ₸2,012

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$0.95 ₸484

$0.61 ₸311

$1.18 ₸602

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.4 ₸714

$0.9 ₸459

$1.5 ₸766

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.13 ₸64

$0.18 ₸91.5

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.89 ₸455

$0.79 ₸403

$1.39 ₸708

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.64 ₸324

$0.1 ₸49.91

$0.64 ₸324

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$6.02 ₸3,074

$1.01 ₸514

$6.02 ₸3,074

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.47 ₸238

$0.38 ₸193

$0.48 ₸243

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

$19.8K ₸10.1M

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

$24.1K ₸12.3M

$23.4K ₸12M

$25.4K ₸13M

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

$49.52 ₸25.3K

$28.91 ₸14.8K

$72.8 ₸37.2K

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

$8.69 ₸4,437

$6.79 ₸3,465

$9.7 ₸4,949

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$12.54 ₸6,400

$10.63 ₸5,424

$14.52 ₸7,411

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$33.2 ₸16.9K

$26.04 ₸13.3K

$48.83 ₸24.9K

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$7.79 ₸3,978

Cinema Ticket

$5.01 ₸2,559

$7.01 ₸3,580

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

$48.84 ₸24.9K

$264 ₸134.6K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$4,811 ₸2.5M

$2,122 ₸1.1M

$8,103 ₸4.1M

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$32.98 ₸16.8K

$19.79 ₸10.1K

$59.4 ₸30.3K

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$30.53 ₸15.6K

$21.9 ₸11.2K

$39.82 ₸20.3K

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$123 ₸62.7K

$49.79 ₸25.4K

$199 ₸101.6K

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$46.55 ₸23.8K

$39.33 ₸20.1K

$51.1 ₸26.1K

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$301 ₸153.4K

$233 ₸118.8K

$388 ₸197.9K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$174 ₸89K

$155 ₸79.2K

$194 ₸98.9K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$472 ₸241.2K

$236 ₸120.6K

$591 ₸301.5K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$352 ₸179.8K

$192 ₸98.1K

$480 ₸245.1K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$980 ₸500.3K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$860 ₸439.2K

$754 ₸384.9K

$967 ₸493.5K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$376 ₸192K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

19.5

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

Last update: November 30, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

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.