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Living in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan
Phone code
+7 7
Language
Kazakh, Russian
Currency
Tenge
Car traffic
Right-hand
Insurance policy
Insurance policy recommended
Minimum passport validity
no minimum term
Phone code
+7 7
Language
Kazakh, Russian
Currency
Tenge
Car traffic
Right-hand
Insurance policy
Insurance policy recommended
Minimum passport validity
no minimum term

Housing: conditions, prices, realities

How to find accommodation?

Food and nutrition

Transport: how to get around Kazakhstan

Banks: how to open an account in Kazakhstan

Mobile communications and Internet

Kindergartens, schools, and education

Health insurance in Kazakhstan

Other: fines, language, leisure activities

Rental costs in 2026 Apartment conditions

Rental prices in Kazakhstan remain affordable, especially compared to European countries. The most expensive housing is in Almaty.


Rental costs in 2026


As of 2026, the average rent for a one-room apartment in the center of Almaty is 180,000–250,000 tenge/month (about 400–550 USD), in residential areas — 120,000–170,000 tenge (270–370 USD).


In Astana, it is 10–15% cheaper: in the center — 150,000–200,000 tenge (330–440 USD), in the suburbs — 100,000–150,000 tenge (220–330 USD).


In Shymkent, Kostanay, Ust-Kamenogorsk, and other regional cities, the cost of renting a one-room apartment ranges from 70,000 to 110,000 tenge/month (155–240 USD), and a two-room apartment — from 90,000 to 140,000 tenge (200–310 USD).


The following are usually added to the basic rental cost:


Utilities are added to the rent: on average, this is 10,000–25,000 tenge/month (22–55 USD), depending on the size of the apartment, the season (it is more expensive in winter due to heating) and the service provider.

Landlords usually ask for a deposit equal to one month's rent, less often two months.

The agent's commission (if you rent through an agent) is another month's rent.


Apartment conditions


Apartments are often rented with basic furniture and appliances (bed, stove, refrigerator), but the condition of the equipment can vary greatly. New or renovated apartments with good repairs and full appliances will cost more — 20–30%.

Where to look for accommodation?


The most popular rental platforms are Krisha.kz, OLX.kz, Market.kz. You can find accommodation directly from owners or recommendations on Telegram channels and Facebook groups such as “Ukrainians in Almaty” and “Ukrainians in Kazakhstan.”


What you need to prepare:


  • Passport or ID card
  • Cash (cashless payments are often not accepted)
  • Contact number in Kazakhstan
  • For long-term rentals — registration of residence (temporary registration)


📌 Many contracts are concluded without legal assistance. If you are unsure about the wording, we recommend that you consult a lawyer. The Visit Ukraine team will help you review the contract and protect your interests.

Where to shop:


Food prices in Kazakhstan are moderate. Supermarket chains such as Magnum, Small, Metro, and Anvar offer a wide selection of products. Markets are also popular, where you can find cheaper vegetables, fruits, and meat.

Prices in stores depend on the type of outlet and region. Discount stores (Small, Skif, Anvar) offer lower prices, while Magnum and Metro have a wider selection but are more expensive.


Average food costs:


  • One person — 70,000–100,000 tenge/month (155–220 USD)
  • Couple — 120,000–160,000 tenge (265–350 USD)
  • Family with one child — 180,000–220,000 tenge (400–480 USD)


Price examples (for 2026):


Bread (loaf) — 220–280 tenge (0.5–0.6 USD)

  • Milk (1 liter) — 400–500 tenge (0.9–1.1 USD)
  • Eggs (10 pieces) — 750–850 tenge (1.7–2 USD)
  • Chicken (1 kg) — 1,600–2,000 tenge (3.5–4.5 USD)
  • Pasta (500 g) — 350–450 tenge (0.8–1 USD)
  • Potatoes (1 kg) — 250–350 tenge (0.6–0.8 USD)


📌 At markets, prices for fruits and vegetables are 20–30% lower than in supermarkets during the season.

Public transport operates in large cities: buses, trolleybuses, metro (in Almaty), minibuses. The fare is 90–100 tenge (about 0.2 USD). You can buy travel cards: for example, ONAY in Almaty or Transcard in Astana.

Tickets can be purchased at terminals or via mobile apps. The fine for traveling without a ticket is up to 5,000 tenge (10 USD).


Public transport


  • Single ticket — 90–100 tenge (0.2–0.22 USD)
  • Monthly pass — 5,000–7,000 tenge (11–15 USD)
  • ONAY (Almaty) and Transcard (Astana) passes are convenient for frequent travel


Taxi


  • Minimum fare within the city — 500–800 tenge (1.1–1.8 USD)
  • Average trip — 1000–1500 tenge (2.2–3.3 USD)
  • Popular services: Yandex Go, Bolt, inDrive


Own car


  • AI-92 gasoline — 200–230 KZT/liter (0.45–0.5 USD)
  • Parking in the center of Almaty — 100–300 KZT/hour (0.2–0.7 USD)
  • Car wash — from 1,500 KZT (3.3 USD)

Which banks should you choose?


The most popular banks are: Kaspi Bank, Halyk Bank, ForteBank, and Jusan Bank. Kaspi is the leader in convenience: you can open an account in 10 minutes using the app.


Documents usually required:


  • Passport
  • ITN (individual tax number) — can be obtained online or at the Public Service Center (PSC)
  • Temporary registration (not always required)


📌 Online banking is very convenient: through the Kaspi app, you can pay for services, fines, top up your mobile phone, and transfer funds. If you do not understand the terms of the banking agreement, it is worth seeking legal advice.

Mobile


The most popular operators:


Main operators: Beeline, Tele2/Altel, Kcell (Activ). The cost of a prepaid plan starts at 2,000 tenge/month (~4 USD), including internet, calls, and SMS.

SIM cards can be purchased in stores with a passport. Some operators offer special rates for migrants.


Home Internet

  • Cost — 10–20 USD/month
  • Popular providers: ID Net, Alma TV, Kazakhtelecom
  • Contracts are usually for 6–12 months


Before signing up for internet, check whether it is technically possible in your home (not all areas have fiber optic connections).


Cost


Mobile operators

  • Beeline, Tele2/Altel, Kcell (Activ) — best coverage
  • Subscription package with 10–15 GB of internet + calls — 2000–3500 tenge/month (4.4–7.7 USD)


Home internet:

  • Average price for 100 Mbit/s — 5000–8000 KZT/month (11–18 USD)
  • Connection — one-time fee of 3000–5000 KZT (6–11 USD)
  • Providers: ID Net, Alma TV, Kazakhtelecom


📌 Some landlords include internet in the rent — ask about this before moving in.

Kindergartens


State kindergartens are open to children from the age of 2. The cost is nominal (5–15 USD/month), but places are limited, especially in popular areas. Private kindergartens cost between 100 and 250 USD.


Schools


School education in Kazakhstan is free. Ukrainian children are enrolled according to their place of residence. In large cities, there are schools with Russian as the language of instruction, as well as separate private and international institutions (from $300/month).


Documents


  • Child's passport
  • Birth certificate
  • Medical certificate
  • Vaccination documents

For foreigners, medical care in public institutions is only available after connecting to the OSMS system (mandatory social health insurance). However, this is only possible with official employment or an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) and registration.


An alternative is private insurance or Ukrainian international insurance. This is the option most often chosen by new arrivals.


💡 You can take out Ukrainian international insurance with coverage in Kazakhstan completely online through the Visit Ukraine service. This is convenient for students, migrants, and those who are just adapting to the system.

Fines


Fines in Kazakhstan are imposed for traffic violations, administrative offenses (hooliganism, smoking in prohibited places, disturbing the peace at night). The amounts range from 5,000 to 15,000 tenge (10–30 USD).


Language courses


Language courses for foreigners are available at cultural centers, universities, and online platforms. The most commonly used languages are Kazakh and Russian. Ukrainians usually find Russian sufficient for everyday life.


Leisure and integration


Cultural hubs, community organizations, and support centers operate in cities. They host free events, workshops, and document consultation services. You can join the community via Facebook or Telegram groups such as “Ukrainians in Almaty.”


Services from Visit Ukraine for Ukrainians in Kazakhstan


Life in Kazakhstan offers new opportunities, but also new challenges. If you approach your adaptation with preparation, everything becomes much easier. On the Visit Ukraine platform, you can:


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