Economy Guide in Kazakhstan

Very affordable costs (CPI: 32.7). Groceries (33.8) and restaurants (35.1) are significantly cheaper compared to major global cities.

Property prices average 9.2 years of household income, indicating a moderate market. The rent index is very low at 10.8, suggesting affordable rental options.

A purchasing power index of 59.0 indicates relatively low buying power compared to NYC. While GDP is substantial, individual purchasing power remains a challenge.

Kazakhstan has a flat personal income tax rate of 10% for residents. The standard VAT rate is 16% as of January 2026. Property tax is 1.5% of the average net book value of immovable property. Social contributions and taxes have seen recent increases.

Kazakhstan was ranked 25th in the World Bank's 2020 Ease of Doing Business report and 34th in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking 2025. The startup ecosystem is rapidly growing, valued at $26 billion in 2024, with government support and initiatives like Astana Hub. Business registration is largely online, simplifying processes.

Kazakhstan has a multi-tiered social security system providing retirement pensions, sick pay, disability benefits, and maternity/parental leave. The government is moving towards universal healthcare, with mandatory employer contributions for medical insurance. Targeted social assistance is available for low-income individuals.

Deposits are protected by the Kazakhstan Deposit Insurance Fund (KDIF). The maximum coverage is 20 million KZT (approximately USD 43,160) for savings deposits in national currency, and up to 10 million KZT for other national currency deposits, with a total cap of 20 million KZT per depositor per bank. The banking sector has shown robust performance and improved stability following a government enhancement program, though some vulnerabilities persist.