Minimum Wages Increase in Three Regions Across the Nation

April 2025 saw a 5% bump in Kazakhstan's living wage, reaching 54,408 tenge. Compared to March, this marks a 2% increase.

The National Bureau of Statistics indicates that the living wage has climbed by 2% compared to March, yet it still leaves most Kazakhstanis short of their actual expenses.

Different figures have been established for various demographic groups:

Males aged 18 and beyond: 64,759 tenge
Females: 51,424 tenge
Seniors: 50,882 tenge
Kids under 14: 43,523 tenge
Teens aged 14-17: boys - 68,664 tenge, girls - 52,614 tenge

Increases in the living wage outline modifications in social payments, pensions, and allowances. For example, pensioners experienced a 1.9% boost (to 50,882 tenge) in 2025, offering some protection against inflation and price increases. Moreover, the ascent in the barebones living standard impacts unemployment assistance and other social initiatives.

It's worth noting that certain regions, such as Kyzylorda, Aktobe, and West Kazakhstan, continue to trail the national average in terms of living wage. On the other hand, the following regions surpass the average:

Mangystau Region - with a living wage of 63,117 tenge (a 1.1% boost month-over-month), due to the economic activities in the oil and gas sectors, high wages across these industries, and the region's high income levels.
Almaty Region - where the living wage rose to 58,987 tenge (a 2.6% hike), fueled by substantial agricultural activity, proximity to Almaty, and the resulting higher standard of living.
Almaty - featuring a living wage of 56,833 tenge (up 3%), the commercial and trade epicenter boasts a high indicator due to influential corporations, varied retail networks, and elevated wages across diverse sectors.

While specific regional living wage figures aren't explicitly accessible in existing sources, some key insights can be deduced regarding regional economic disparities and wage dynamics in Kazakhstan:

Inflation reached 15% in 2023, leading to a 21% minimum wage hike to combat purchasing power erosion.
Astana and Almaty boast living costs 190–240% higher than the national average, primarily because of surging housing costs from 2001–2015.
Wage convergence is slowest in Astana, where adult development in the rental market helps.
Thirteen out of fourteen regions saw net outflows in 2022, with only Astana attracting migrants due to better economic prospects.
Factors influencing regional disparities include housing affordability, economic potential, and unemployment rates.

A comparison table below highlights essential regional indicators:

| Region | Living Cost vs. National Avg | Economic Opportunity | Migration Trend (2022) ||--------------|-------------------------------|-----------------------|-------------------------|| Astana | 240% higher[4] | High[5] | Inflow[5] || Almaty | 190% higher[4] | High[5] | Limited data || Other | Close to national avg[4] | Low to moderate[5] | Outflow[5] |

In conclusion, living wages vary significantly, with Astana and Almaty necessitating substantially higher wages to meet their expenses. Other regions face lower living costs but persistent outmigration due to limited opportunities, suggesting lower living wage thresholds. Nevertheless, no standardized regional living wage calculations have been specifically reported in the provided sources.

Further Reading:

Living on the Minimum Subsistence Level in Kazakhstan
Cities with More Families Under the Minimum Subsistence Level in Kazakhstan
Income Increases in Kazakhstan – A Breakdown

The National Bureau of Statistics predicts that the Kazakhstani living wage may reach 634 tenge by the year 2025, notably higher than the current living wage.
Despite the 2% increase in the living wage in April 2025, it's still insufficient to cover most Kazakhstanis' actual expenses, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
In contrast to the national average, certain regions like Kyzylorda, Aktobe, and West Kazakhstan have a lower living wage, while regions like Mangystau, Almaty Region, and Almaty have a higher living wage.
The living wage figures for specific regions in Kazakhstan aren't conclusively accessible in existing sources, but regional economic disparities and wage dynamics can be inferred.