Cost of Living in Shymkent - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $428 (excluding rent), and $689 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,202 (excluding rent), and $1,476 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$9.87 ₸4,888

$3.95 ₸1,956

$9.87 ₸4,888

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$19.25 ₸9,534

$38.48 ₸19.1K

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$6.90 ₸3,419

$5.91 ₸2,929

$7.89 ₸3,909

Cappuccino

$1.80 ₸890

$1.54 ₸763

$1.93 ₸954

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

$1.03 ₸509

$0.82 ₸405

$1.23 ₸608

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.41 ₸203

$0.28 ₸140

$0.57 ₸285

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.14 ₸567

$0.76 ₸378

$1.34 ₸664

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.82 ₸901

$1.34 ₸664

$2.10 ₸1,042

Milk (1 liter)

$1.14 ₸566

$0.92 ₸456

$1.39 ₸686

White Bread (500g)

$0.30 ₸150

$0.21 ₸103

$0.51 ₸253

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.63 ₸805

$0.89 ₸443

$1.98 ₸981

Eggs

$1.47 ₸727

$1.21 ₸599

$1.68 ₸830

Local Cheese (1kg)

$8.20 ₸4,060

$4.06 ₸2,010

$10.93 ₸5,415

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$4.33 ₸2,144

$2.86 ₸1,418

$4.95 ₸2,450

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$6.37 ₸3,153

$3.88 ₸1,923

$7.48 ₸3,704

Apples (1kg)

$0.93 ₸463

$0.65 ₸321

$1.49 ₸736

Banana (1kg)

$1.86 ₸921

$1.20 ₸592

$3.20 ₸1,584

Oranges (1kg)

$1.89 ₸938

$1.40 ₸691

$2.49 ₸1,231

Tomato (1kg)

$0.98 ₸488

$0.58 ₸288

$1.92 ₸951

Potato (1kg)

$0.47 ₸234

$0.23 ₸112

$0.70 ₸345

Onion (1kg)

$0.35 ₸172

$0.13 ₸66.8

$0.47 ₸234

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.77 ₸382

$0.47 ₸231

$1.12 ₸552

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.68 ₸339

$0.40 ₸200

$0.93 ₸462

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$1.97 ₸977

$1.78 ₸882

$2.38 ₸1,177

Wine (Bottle)

$3.94 ₸1,952

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$0.95 ₸472

$0.61 ₸304

$1.19 ₸588

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.33 ₸661

$0.86 ₸424

$1.43 ₸709

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.13 ₸62.6

$0.18 ₸89.4

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.89 ₸442

$0.79 ₸392

$1.39 ₸688

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.62 ₸309

$0.10 ₸47.55

$0.62 ₸309

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$5.76 ₸2,853

$0.96 ₸477

$5.76 ₸2,853

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.50 ₸248

$0.41 ₸202

$0.51 ₸253

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

$19.8K ₸9.8M

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

$23.7K ₸11.7M

$23.0K ₸11.4M

$25.0K ₸12.4M

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

$51.1 ₸25.3K

$29.86 ₸14.8K

$75.2 ₸37.2K

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

$8.58 ₸4,250

$6.70 ₸3,318

$9.57 ₸4,740

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$12.51 ₸6,197

$10.60 ₸5,252

$14.49 ₸7,176

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$32.83 ₸16.3K

$25.75 ₸12.8K

$48.29 ₸23.9K

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$8.05 ₸3,989

Cinema Ticket

$4.93 ₸2,444

$6.90 ₸3,418

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

$48.75 ₸24.1K

$263 ₸130.4K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$4,802 ₸2.4M

$2,118 ₸1.0M

$8,088 ₸4.0M

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$32.65 ₸16.2K

$19.59 ₸9,706

$58.8 ₸29.1K

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$29.57 ₸14.6K

$21.21 ₸10.5K

$38.57 ₸19.1K

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$121 ₸60.0K

$49.13 ₸24.3K

$197 ₸97.3K

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$45.68 ₸22.6K

$38.60 ₸19.1K

$50.2 ₸24.9K

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$304 ₸150.5K

$235 ₸116.5K

$392 ₸194.2K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$174 ₸86.3K

$155 ₸76.7K

$194 ₸95.9K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$468 ₸231.8K

$234 ₸115.9K

$585 ₸289.7K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$353 ₸174.9K

$193 ₸95.4K

$481 ₸238.4K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$976 ₸483.5K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$875 ₸433.3K

$767 ₸379.7K

$983 ₸486.8K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$390 ₸193.3K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

19.5

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

Last update: February 2, 2026

Shymkent Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

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.