Shymkent, Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan's third-largest city in the south, a major industrial and cultural center near the Uzbek border.
Overview
Shymkent is a city in Shymkent with a population of 1,100,000. Kazakhstan’s third-largest city in the south, a major industrial and cultural center near the Uzbek border. Housing costs are close to the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 5a growing zone supports Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees. A large share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with about 260 sunny days a year. The population skews young, with a median age of 31.0.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Below Average vs Kazakhstan Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Shymkent vs Kazakhstan Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 10.0%
- Sales Tax: 12.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: ₸ 3,600,000
- Unemployment: 5.0%
- Population: 1,100,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 260/year
- Summer High: 90°F
- Winter Low: 22°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5a
Housing
- Median Home: ₸25,000,000
- 1BR Rent: ₸150000/mo
Cost of Living
Shymkent's cost of living index is 88 (Kazakhstan average = 100).
| Category | Shymkent | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 88 | 100 | -12.0% |
| Housing | 90 | 100 | -10.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | ₸25,000,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | ₸150000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | ₸187,500/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | ₸16,666 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Shymkent:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | ₸3000 | |
| Heating & Cooling | ₸80 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | ₸9 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | ₸1000 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | ₸3000 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | ₸7089 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Shymkent scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Shymkent has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 42°F | 22°F | 2.5" |
| April | 75°F | 37°F | 2.8" |
| July | 90°F | 65°F | 1.5" |
| October | 70°F | 40°F | 2.2" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Shymkent faces the following natural hazards:
Active seismic zone with significant earthquake risk.
Frequent drought conditions in steppe regions.
Kazakhstan experiences severe winter storms.
Extreme summer heat.
Steppe wildfires.
Dust storms in steppe regions.
Tian Shan and Altai region with avalanches.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 10%
- Sales Tax: 12%
- Property Tax: ~0.2% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.0%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Shymkent per 100,000 residents:
City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: UN Office on Drugs and Crime
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Autumn break in November (1 week). Nauryz (Persian New Year) in March (1 week).
Demographics
The population of Shymkent is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: Bureau of National Statistics (2021)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Shymkent, Kazakhstan?
The cost of living index in Shymkent is 88, which is Lower the Kazakhstan national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Shymkent?
The median home price in Shymkent is ₸25,000,000. The housing index is 90.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Shymkent is approximately ₸150000/mo.
Does Shymkent, SH have income tax?
Shymkent is in SH, which has an income tax rate of 10%.
What is the climate like in Shymkent?
Shymkent enjoys approximately 260 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 90°F, while winter lows can drop to around 22°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.