Almaty has been ranked as the most expensive city in Central Asia according to the “cost of living” index regularly published by the Numbeo service. In terms of goods and services prices, including rent, food, and catering, Almaty has surpassed Central Asian capitals such as Astana, Tashkent, and Bishkek.
According to the data, a family of four in Almaty spends approximately $2,157 per month not including rent, while an individual can live for an average of $598.50 excluding housing costs. The city also has the most expensive restaurants in Central Asia. Most Almaty residents spend their money not on high cuisine, however, but on real estate rent, with an average of one-third of the family budget being spent on renting an apartment.
However, when compared across Asia, Almaty ranks 40th out of 86 cities, positioned between Turkish Antalya and Chinese Hangzhou. Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, ranks 49th, making it cheaper than Bali, but more expensive than Baku.
The most expensive Asian cities for the cost of living are Singapore, Hong Kong, and Tel Aviv, whilst globally, Zurich and Singapore are considered the most expensive places to live.
