Cost of Living in Kyrgyzstan: Updated Prices, Comparison with Other Cities

Kyrgyzstan, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Central Asia” due to its stunning mountain ranges and breathtaking landscapes, is an emerging destination for international students seeking quality education at an affordable cost. One of the most compelling reasons to choose it for higher education is its meagre cost of living in Kyrgyzstan. Students can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle compared to many Western countries without breaking the bank. 

Kyrgyzstan offers a high quality of life with a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major cities around it. Living expenses in Kyrgyzstan include various aspects of daily life, including accommodation, food, transportation, and healthcare, making Kyrgyzstan a practical choice for budget-conscious students. In this blog, we will explore these components of the cost of living in Kyrgyzstan to help you plan your finances effectively and make the most of your stay in this picturesque country.

Cost of Living in Kyrgyzstan Overview

The average cost of living in Kyrgyzstan for a single person, excluding rental costs, is around KGS 38,901, according to Numbeo data. When including apartment rent, expenses range from KGS 29,189 to KGS 39,377. However, living costs can differ based on lifestyle, location, and personal preferences.

Compared to many Western countries, students can maintain a comfortable lifestyle with this budget. For international expatriates, the cost of living in Kyrgyzstan encompasses expenses such as housing rent, food, groceries, utilities, transportation, and entertainment. Below is an overview of the average costs across various categories for those considering relocating to Kyrgyzstan:

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Costs of Accommodation in Kyrgyzstan

When calculating the cost of living in Kyrgyzstan, accommodation is undoubtedly a major and crucial factor. Housing expenses vary based on location, size, and type of residence you choose. Typically, a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre of Kyrgyzstan, such as Bishkek, the capital city, can cost approximately KGS 39,377.23.

It’s a good idea to thoroughly research and compare different accommodation options in Kyrgyzstan to find one that suits your needs and budget. For your convenience, we have collected data on the average cost of housing for various apartments both within and outside the city centre in Kyrgyzstan.

Apartment	Location	Approx. Monthly Cost
Apartment of One-bedroom	in the City Centre	KGS 39,377
Apartment of Three-bedroom	in the City Centre	KGS 71,935
Apartment of One-bedroom	Outside of Centre	KGS 29,189
Apartment of Three-bedroom	Outside of Centre	KGS 49,578

Cost of a Utility in Kyrgyzstan 

The monthly utility cost for a one-bedroom apartment in Kyrgyzstan is usually around KGS 2,696. This expense can vary based on usage and the apartment’s size. When budgeting your monthly living expenses in Kyrgyzstan, it’s essential to consider utility costs, as they cover a significant portion of your cost of living in Kyrgyzstan. Below is a table offering an overview of the average utility bills in Kyrgyzstan:

Utility Type	Utility Name	Approx. Cost
Basic Utility Bills	Water, Electricity, Heating, Cooling, and Garbage	KGS 2,696
Monthly Plan Mobile Phone	including Calls and 10GB+ Data	KGS 618
Internet	Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL monthly	KGS 1049

Restaurant Food Costs in Kyrgyzstan

The cost of eating out in Kyrgyzstan can differ based on the type of restaurant, its location, the cuisine, and the menu offered. Dining out can be pricier than cooking in your room and may impact your overall budget for the cost of living in Kyrgyzstan. However, eating at local restaurants is generally affordable. Here’s an approximate estimate of the average cost of a meal at restaurants in Kyrgyzstan:

Source: numbeo

Cost of Grocery in Kyrgyzstan

Now that you have seen the cost of dining at restaurants, it’s wise for students to consider cooking at home. By buying groceries from local markets, students can save money. Grocery prices in Kyrgyzstan are relatively low compared to many major cities worldwide. However, it is essential to compare prices to get the best value for your money.

Local markets offer fresh produce at lower prices than supermarkets. The cost of groceries can significantly impact the overall cost of living in Kyrgyzstan. The following table provides an overview of average grocery expenses in Kyrgyzstan:

Grocery Item	Approx Cost
1 litre of Regular Milk	KGS 75
1kg white Rice	KGS 135
500g Bread (White)	KGS 40
1kg Apples	KGS 86
1kg Oranges	KGS 173
1kg Banana	KGS 154
1kg Tomato	KGS 154
1kg Onion	KGS 45
1kg Potato	KGS 43
Lettuce (1 head)	KGS 34
1.5 litre Water bottle	KGS 40

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Transportation costs in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan boasts a comprehensive public transportation network, comprising intercity buses, minibuses, taxis, trains, and private cars. Evaluating transportation expenses is crucial as they significantly influence the overall cost of living in Kyrgyzstan. Refer to the following table for an overview of transportation costs across different areas of Kyrgyzstan:

Mode of Transport	Approx Cost
Ticket for Monthly Pass in a Public transport	KGS 650
Ticket for Local Public transport	KGS 15
Local tariff for the Taxi Ride of 1 km	KGS 20
Normal Tariff of taxi for 1 hour Waiting	KGS 300
1 L or 0.26 gal Gas / Petrol	KGS 66.21

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Miscellaneous Costs in Kyrgyzstan

In addition to the primary categories of the cost of living in Kyrgyzstan, there are several other essential expenses to consider. These include costs for items and activities that you’ll likely need or want after spending some time in Kyrgyzstan, such as clothing, entertainment, and minor healthcare services. Below is a breakdown of some miscellaneous expenses:

Miscellaneous	Approx Cost
Movie Ticket	KGS 350
Brand Jeans	KGS 3,230
Fitness Club	KGS 3,521
Summer Dress	KGS 3,250
Pair of Sports shoes	KGS 8,346
Doctor’s visit	KGS 1037

Cost of Living in Kyrgyzstan Compared to Other Cities

Kyrgyzstan is generally considered a relatively affordable country to live in compared to some countries like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and China. To give you an idea of how the cost of living in Kyrgyzstan compares to these cities and countries, we have provided a detailed comparison below. Please have a look:

Cost of Living City/Country Wise	Average Cost of living	Comparison with Cost of Living in Kyrgyzstan
Cost of Living in Kazakhstan	KGS 45802 (excluding rent)	Higher than Kyrgyzstan
Cost of Living in Uzbekistan	KGS 39070 (excluding rent)	Higher than Kyrgyzstan
Cost of Living in China	KGS 47072 (excluding rent)	Higher than Kyrgyzstan

Average Tuition Fees in Kyrgyzstan

Tuition fees in Kyrgyzstan are generally lower than in many Western countries.  Students can budget more effectively for their preferred university by checking the average tuition fees at Kyrgyzstan universities. Students who wish to study here should budget approximately KGS 344,088 to KGS 688,176 annually for all expenses related to studying in Kyrgyzstan. Please note that tuition fees may vary based on the chosen university, level of study, and field of study.

Tips for Managing Cost of Living in Kyrgyzstan

• Live with Roommates: Rent and utility costs can be significantly lower if a student chooses to live in shared housing, as shared housing can split these costs into two parts.
• Cook at Home: Preparing your own meals is more cost-effective than eating out frequently.
• Use Public Transport: Relying on public transportation instead of taxis can save money and will not affect your cost of living in Kyrgyzstan.
• Shop at Local Markets: Fresh produce and other goods are often cheaper at local markets than in supermarkets.

Overall, Kyrgyzstan offers an affordable cost of living, especially for students. By managing your expenses wisely, you can enjoy your time in the country without financial stress.

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FAQs on the Cost of Living in Kyrgyzstan

So, this was all about the cost of living in Kyrgyzstan. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.