Is Almaty or Hawalli cheaper to live in?

Hawalli is 16% cheaper than Almaty. The average monthly cost in Hawalli is $998, while Almaty costs $1,186 per month.

Which city is better for digital nomads: Almaty or Hawalli?

For digital nomads, Almaty offers faster internet at 140 Mbps. Hawalli is more budget-friendly with lower living costs. Both cities have their strengths - Almaty has a NomadIQ score of 7/10 while Hawalli scores 7.2/10.

What is the rent difference between Almaty and Hawalli?

A 1-bedroom apartment costs $747/month in Almaty and $587/month in Hawalli. Hawalli has 21% lower rent.

Is Almaty or Hawalli safer?

Hawalli has a higher safety score of 6/10. Almaty scores 4.7/10 for safety while Hawalli scores 6/10.

Should I move to Almaty or Hawalli as an expat?

The choice depends on your priorities. Choose Hawalli if budget is important ($998/month). Choose Hawalli for better safety. Almaty is better for remote work with 140 Mbps internet.

Back to Comparison Tool

Almaty vs Hawalli

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Almaty

Kazakhstan

$1,186/mo7/10

Hawalli

Kuwait

$998/mo7.2/10

Almaty

Kazakhstan

$1,186/moNomadIQ 7/10

Hawalli

Kuwait

$998/moNomadIQ 7.2/10

Detailed Comparison

Factor

Almaty

Hawalli

Winner

Total Monthly Cost

$1,186

$998

Hawalli

Rent (1BR)

$747

$587

Hawalli

Groceries

$300

$176

Hawalli

Transport

$35

$94

Almaty

Healthcare

$90

$115

Almaty

Safety Score

4.7/10

6/10

Hawalli

Internet Speed

140 Mbps

85 Mbps

Almaty

NomadIQ Score

7/10

7.2/10

Hawalli

Overall Winner: Hawalli

Based on our comparison, Hawalli wins 5 out of 8 categories.Almaty wins 3 categories.

Which city is better for digital nomads?

For digital nomads choosing between Almaty and Hawalli, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:

Best for Budget

Hawalli

$998/mo

Best Internet

Almaty

140 Mbps

Best NomadIQ Score

Hawalli

7.2/10

Our Recommendation: Hawalli is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.

Digital Nomad Analysis: Almaty vs Hawalli

When comparing Almaty and Hawalli for digital nomads, several factors come into play.

Cost of Living: Hawalli is the more budget-friendly option at $998/month versus Almaty's $1,186/month.

Internet & Remote Work: Almaty leads with 140 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Hawalli offers 85 Mbps.

Safety: With a safety score of 6/10, Hawalli offers better security than Almaty (4.7/10).

Overall: Hawalli's NomadIQ score of 7.2/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.

Cost of Living Comparison

Hawalli is 16% cheaper than Almaty.

• Almaty rent: $747/mo
• Hawalli rent: $587/mo
• Difference: $160/mo

Safety Comparison

Hawalli has a higher safety score (6/10) compared to Almaty (4.7/10).

4.7/10

Almaty

6/10

Hawalli

Digital Nomad Friendliness

For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Almaty offers faster internet at 140 Mbps vs 85 Mbps.

140 Mbps

Almaty

85 Mbps

Hawalli

Which City Is Better for Expats?

Based on our analysis, Hawalli edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 5 of 8 comparison factors.

Almaty: Best for those prioritizing amenities

Hawalli: Best for budget-conscious expats

Almaty vs Hawalli

Almaty

Hawalli

Almaty

Hawalli

Detailed Comparison

Overall Winner: Hawalli

Which city is better for digital nomads?

Digital Nomad Analysis: Almaty vs Hawalli

Cost of Living Comparison

Safety Comparison

Digital Nomad Friendliness

Which City Is Better for Expats?

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Frequently Asked Questions: Almaty vs Hawalli