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Astana cityscape

Astana🇰🇿

Kazakhstan · Cost of living & nomad guide 2026

Photo by 𝕡𝕒𝕨𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕡𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕤 on Unsplash
Timezone
Asia/Almaty
Nomad community
Small

City metrics

Financial

Rent 1BR (centre)US$500/mo
Rent 1BR (outside)US$320/mo
Cost of living (national avg)1948 (USA=100, World Bank ICP)
Cheap mealUS$4.00
Mid-range meal for 2US$14.00
Monthly groceries~US$200

Infrastructure

Internet speed80 Mbps
Healthcare index60/100
Coworking spaces~8

Lifestyle

Safety index68/100
Air quality90 AQI — Moderate
Walkability55/100
Climate score42/100
English proficiencylow
Source: OpenAQ · Global Peace Index · regional statistical agencies · Updated Live + annual

Nomad

Nomad communitySmall
Visa easemedium
Budget score78/100
Lifestyle score55/100
Overall nomad score
58/100
Source: World Bank ICP (cost of living, USA=100), Ookla (internet), OpenAQ (air quality) · Updated Quarterly

What it's actually like here

Living in this Central Asian capital offers a genuinely affordable base for digital nomads and expats. Rent for a central one-bedroom is incredibly reasonable, leaving more funds for exploring or saving. It's ideal for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience without breaking the bank, rather than a buzzing nomad hub. You'll find internet speeds are generally fast and reliable, perfectly adequate for remote work, though English proficiency among locals can be quite low, requiring some patience or a translation app. While the city feels largely safe, especially during the day, navigating daily life without strong Russian or Kazakh can be a minor challenge. Overall, a fantastic option for independent spirits willing to embrace a different cultural experience.

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Who this suits

Premium lifestyle

Featured neighbourhoods

Neighbourhood guides coming soon for Astana.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to live in Astana as a digital nomad?+

As of 2026, a 1-bedroom apartment in the centre of Astana averages around $500 per month. The national cost-of-living index for Kazakhstan sits at 1948 (USA=100) — sourced from World Bank ICP. City-level detail is coming as we gather it; for now this is a national figure. Nomads typically budget extra for coworking, eating out, and travel.

Is Astana safe for digital nomads?+

Astana scores 68/100 on our composite safety index, which blends the Global Peace Index, crime stats and traveller-advisory data. Most central neighbourhoods are fine with normal big-city awareness.

How fast is the internet in Astana?+

Headline average internet speed in Astana is around 80 Mbps based on Ookla Speedtest data. That's enough for video calls, large file uploads and most remote-work needs in central neighbourhoods — coworking spaces and serviced apartments usually run faster than that.

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