Semey, a city in Kazakhstan, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern living. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both residents and newcomers.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Semey, covering everything from dining and groceries to housing and transportation.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $4.53 on average, with a range between $3.02 and $6.03.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $30.17.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $4.93, with a range between $4.83 and $5.03.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer averages $0.8, imported beer $2.01, cappuccino $1.6, and Coke/Pepsi $0.7.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced at $0.7 per liter.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.28 and $0.4, with an average price of $0.34.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs are priced at $1.21.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples) - Apples cost $1.11 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Onions) - Potatoes are priced at $0.36 per kg, and onions cost between $0.5 and $0.56 per kg.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $0.28.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $1.21, with an hourly waiting charge of $6.03.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $482.73 to $1005.68, averaging $744.21.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $301.7.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $804.55.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $402.27.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost $30.17.
  • Internet - Internet services average $17.1.
Worldwide
Kazakhstan

Cost of Living Rankings

The cost of living indices for Kazakhstan are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Kazakhstan, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Dec, 2024

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 4 user contributions, as of the most recent update in July, 2023.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$4.53
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$30.17
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$4.93
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$0.80
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.01
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.70
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.55
Cappuccino (regular)
$1.60
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$0.70
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$0.34
Eggs (regular) (12)
$1.21
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.86
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$1.61
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$3.42
Apples (1kg)
$1.11
Potato (1kg)
$0.36
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.33
Onion (1kg)
$0.53
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$4.83
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.28
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.21
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$6.03
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$744.21
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$301.70
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$804.55
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$402.27
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$30.17
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$17.10
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$8.05
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$32.18
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$10.06
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$8.05
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$26.15
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$50.28
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$90.51
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$68.39
Semey Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Semey offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many other cities, with affordable dining and grocery options.

Housing costs vary significantly between the city centre and outskirts, providing options for different budgets.

Transportation is inexpensive, making it easy to navigate the city without a personal vehicle.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Semey presents an affordable living environment with reasonable costs across various categories.

Whether you're considering moving to Semey or just planning a visit, understanding these costs can help you budget effectively and enjoy your time in this vibrant city.