Astana skyline - Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan

Living in Astana

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

NomadIQ

7.9/10

Monthly

$948

Safety

6.7/10

Country

Kazakhstan

Monthly Cost

$948

Internet

130 Mbps

Safety

6.7/10

Rent (1BR)

$528

Living in Astana — Quick Take

Best for: Remote workers seeking value

Cost level: Low ($948/mo)

Main downside: Bureaucracy can be slow

Quick Facts

Monthly Expenses

$948/mo

Low
Safety

6.7/10

Average
Connectivity

130 Mbps

Fast
Housing

$528

Cheap
Avg Salary

$691/mo

City Size

1.6M

Major City
Updated for 2026Based on real cost data

Monthly Living Cost Breakdown

Rent (1 Bedroom)
$528
Rent (Family)
$1,000
Groceries
$290
Transport
$30
Healthcare
$85
Internet
$15
Estimated Total (Single)$948/mo

Who Is Astana For?

Digital workersGood fit

Infrastructure and costs align well with remote work lifestyles.

FamiliesWorth considering

Housing availability and security make family relocation feasible.

Budget-ConsciousStrong fit

Budget-wise, $948/month is competitive globally.

RetireesCould work

Retirement here is feasible given the safety and expense levels.

Want more amenities? Krakow offers a higher standard.

Best Neighborhoods in Astana

4 neighborhoods rated for expats and digital nomads — Left Bank tops the list at /10

Left Bank is the modern core of Astana, known for its futuristic architecture, government buildings, business centers, and upscale developments, making it the main hub for professionals and expats.

Neighborhood ratings based on expat livability, cost, and lifestyle fit. Data reflects current conditions in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Pros and Cons of Living in Astana

Pros

  • Very affordable cost of living - ideal for budget-conscious expats
  • Generally safe for expats with normal precautions
  • Fast internet (130 Mbps) - great for remote work
  • High NomadIQ score (7.9/10) - excellent for digital nomads

Cons

  • No major drawbacks identified based on available data

Job & Income Overview

Avg Local Salary

$691/mo

Salary-to-Rent Ratio

1.3x

The salary-to-rent picture isn't great—many expats rely on foreign income sources.

On a local salary alone, making ends meet is tight. Remote work or savings bridge the gap.

Cost Insight

Living costs in Astana are low by global standards. A modest budget goes a long way.

That's 303% cheaper than Krakow at $3,823/month.

Common Questions About Astana

How much does it cost to live in Astana?

About $948/month for one person. Actual costs vary based on habits and neighborhood.

Is Astana safe for expats?

Astana is reasonably safe with normal precautions with a 6.7/10 safety score. Standard precautions apply.

Is Astana good for remote workers?

With 130 Mbps average speeds, Astana is excellent for remote work. Coworking options exist.

How much is rent in Astana?

A 1-bedroom averages $528/month. Prices vary by neighborhood and proximity to center.

Calculate Your Cost in Astana

Get personalized estimates based on your lifestyle

Explore More About Astana

NomadIQ Score

7.9

out of 10

Very Good

Quick Stats

Safety Score

6.7/10

Internet Speed

130 Mbps

Monthly Cost

$948

Explore Similar Cities

Also in Kazakhstan

Final Thoughts

Astana is highly recommended for digital nomads and expats looking to relocate abroad. With a monthly cost of living around $948, a safety score of 6.7/10, and internet speeds of 130 Mbps, the city offers a balanced package for international residents. Whether you're drawn by the culture, the cost savings, or the lifestyle opportunities, Astana deserves a spot on your shortlist. We recommend visiting for a few weeks before making a long-term commitment to ensure it aligns with your personal and professional needs.

Data sources include public cost-of-living datasets, user-reported data, and internal analysis. Last updated: September 2026.