Almaty's Soaring Cost of Living Challenges Kazakhstan's Interim PM
Kazakhstan's interim Prime Minister, Älihan Smaiylov, appointed on September 6, 2022, faces a challenging economic landscape. The cost of living, particularly in Almaty, has surged, with rent soaring to 22.9 points, outpacing other major cities like Tashkent, Bishkek, and Astana.
Almaty's cost of living index stands at 29.4 points, making it the priciest city in Central Asia. This is due to high inflation, which reached over eleven percent in the summer of 2025, and increased rents and utility costs. In contrast, Astana, the capital, has a lower cost of living index of 26.5 points.
Local purchasing power in Almaty has risen from 36.3 points in 2020 to 55.9 in 2025, reaching 59.4 in Astana. However, this increase has not been enough to keep pace with the rising living costs. Households with middle and low incomes are particularly hard hit, with the affordability gap narrowing with major cities in Germany.
The urgent need for affordable living spaces and stable utilities in Almaty is clear. With living costs continuing to rise, the interim Prime Minister, Älihan Smaiylov, must address these issues to ensure the city's residents can maintain a decent standard of living.
