Kazakhstan: cost of living

What is the poverty rate in Kazakhstan?

5.0% of Kazakhstan's population had incomes below the subsistence minimum in the second quarter of 2026, according to the Bureau of National Statistics' standard of living page. Food took 50.5% of household money spending in the same quarter.

The poverty measure compares income per person with the official subsistence minimum, which is set in law and updated each year. A higher subsistence minimum raises the measured poverty rate even if incomes do not change. The share of spending on food is high by international standards, so food prices weigh heavily on living costs.

Official sources: standard of living page

How fast are food prices rising in Kazakhstan?

Food prices in Kazakhstan were 8.5% higher in September 2026 than a year earlier, down from 9.5% in August, according to the Bureau of National Statistics' September 2026 inflation release. Bread and bakery products rose 9.9%, meat and poultry 10.2% and sausages and meat products 13.2%, while cereals rose 4.3%.

Food and non-alcoholic beverages added 3.6 percentage points to the 9.3% headline inflation rate. The National Bank said in September that falling fruit and vegetable prices and lower import prices had slowed food inflation. Regional price changes are published in the same release.

Official sources: September 2026 inflation release

What do households in Kazakhstan spend their money on?

Food made up 50.5% of household money spending in Kazakhstan in the second quarter of 2026, according to the Bureau of National Statistics' standard of living page. In the September 2026 consumer price index, food and non-alcoholic beverages contributed 3.2 percentage points to annual inflation, clothing and footwear 1.0 and health 0.9.

The Bureau's household survey gives the structure of spending; the consumer price index weights each item by its share in spending, so items with larger shares move the index more. Housing and utilities contributed 0.6 percentage points. Detailed tables are published each quarter.

Official sources: standard of living page · September 2026 consumer price index

What inflation do households in Kazakhstan expect?

Households in Kazakhstan expected inflation of 12.1% over the next year in July 2026, down from 13.4% in June, according to the National Bank of Kazakhstan. The bank said concern about the VAT increase, higher utility tariffs and food prices had eased, while rising fuel prices had become a stronger factor.

The National Bank surveys households each month and publishes the results in its inflation expectations series. Expectations above actual inflation, which was 9.8% in August, can feed into wage demands and prices. Professional forecasters expected inflation of 10% at the end of 2026.

Official sources: National Bank of Kazakhstan

What is Kazakhstan's inflation rate?

In 2025, consumer price inflation in Kazakhstan was 11.4%, according to the IMF. The peak was 17.1% in 2008 and the low 5.2% in 2012. Europe & Central Asia median: 3.7%; Kazakhstan is 3rd highest of 48. Worldwide: 15th of 165.

How much do people in Kazakhstan spend?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2024, is $6,789. No year since 2005 has been higher. It is 33rd highest of 46 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is $10,881. Of 153 countries with 2024 data, 57th highest.

What share of people in Kazakhstan live in extreme poverty?

According to the World Bank, the share of people living on less than $3.00 a day in Kazakhstan was 0.0% in 2021. That is the lowest since at least 2005. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 0.3%, and Kazakhstan placed 35th highest of 40. Worldwide: 72nd of 80.

How many people in Kazakhstan are poor?

The World Bank puts the share of people below the national poverty line in Kazakhstan at 5.0% in 2024. Its high point since 2018 was 2020, at 5.3%; its low point was 2018, at 4.3%. It is 13th highest of 14 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 15.8%. Worldwide: 30th of 31.

How unequal are incomes in Kazakhstan?

The World Bank puts the Gini index in Kazakhstan at 29.2 in 2021. Its high point since 2005 was 2005, at 39.8; its low point was 2015, at 26.8. It is 27th highest of 40 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 31.6. Of 80 countries with 2021 data, 65th highest.

What is food insecurity in Kazakhstan?

According to the FAO, moderate or severe food insecurity in Kazakhstan was 1.4% in 2024. No year since 2017 has been lower. Europe & Central Asia median: 7.6%; Kazakhstan is 43rd highest of 45. Of 135 countries with 2024 data, 133rd highest.