Cost Of Living in Bishkek 2024

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Bishkek

Whether you're living in Bishkek or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

22,000 KGS

per month
$240

1,700 KGS   $19
$2,400   220,000 KGS

Single

15,000 KGS

per month
$170

5,100 KGS   $56
$1,100   100,000 KGS

Couple

25,000 KGS

per month
$280

8,400 KGS   $94
$1,500   130,000 KGS

Family

34,000 KGS

per month
$380

12,000 KGS   $130
$2,100   190,000 KGS

Student

9,700 KGS

per month
$110

3,900 KGS   $43
$200   17,000 KGS
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Bishkek is 15,000 KGS. Expenses can range from 5,100 KGS at the minimum level to 100,000 KGS at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Bishkek is 25,000 KGS. Expenditure can range from 8,400 KGS to 130,000 KGS per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Bishkek is 34,000 KGS per month. Families spend anywhere from 12,000 KGS to 190,000 KGS.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Bishkek is 9,700 KGS. Students spend from 3,900 KGS to 17,000 KGS per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.

Prices and cost of goods and services in Bishkek


Dining, food, and beverages costs


Large bottle of water
2.3 KGS 2.6 KGS 3 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.03 $0.03 $0.03
Fast food combo meal
20 KGS 39 KGS 65 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.22 $0.44 $0.73
Restaurant meal for one
69 KGS 100 KGS 210 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.77 $1.2 $2.3
Fine dining meal for one
140 KGS 210 KGS 820 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.5 $2.3 $9.2
Soda or Soft Drink
2.8 KGS 3.3 KGS 3.9 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.03 $0.04 $0.04
Cappuccino or latte
16 KGS 26 KGS 39 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.18 $0.29 $0.44

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle
13 KGS 16 KGS 20 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.15 $0.18 $0.22
Loaf of bread
2.4 KGS 2.7 KGS 3.1 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.03 $0.03 $0.03
12 eggs
9.8 KGS 13 KGS 20 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.11 $0.15 $0.22
Fresh whole chicken
22 KGS 29 KGS 41 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.25 $0.32 $0.46
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb
26 KGS 39 KGS 79 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.29 $0.44 $0.88
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb
11 KGS 14 KGS 20 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.12 $0.16 $0.23
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb
3.9 KGS 5.2 KGS 9.8 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.04 $0.06 $0.11
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb
7 KGS 9.2 KGS 15 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.08 $0.10 $0.17

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride
17 KGS 21 KGS 41 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.19 $0.23 $0.46
Average car full tank
98 KGS 130 KGS 260 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.5 $2.9
Average car 1-day rental
110 KGS 140 KGS 220 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.6 $2.4
Average car price
49,000 KGS 98,000 KGS 130,000 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$550 $1,100 $1,500
Bus ticket one way
3.6 KGS 5.4 KGS 11 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.04 $0.06 $0.12
Car Service
140 KGS 220 KGS 430 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.6 $2.4 $4.8

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual
300 KGS 910 KGS 6,100 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.4 $10 $68
Utility Bill - Couple
420 KGS 1,300 KGS 6,700 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.7 $14 $75
Utility Bill - Family
350 KGS 1,000 KGS 5,600 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4 $11 $62
Internet and cable
98 KGS 200 KGS 260 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $2.2 $2.9
Mobile phone charges
79 KGS 130 KGS 390 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.88 $1.5 $4.4

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket
49 KGS 65 KGS 98 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.55 $0.73 $1.1
One month gym membership
170 KGS 220 KGS 430 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.9 $2.4 $4.8

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants
130 KGS 180 KGS 270 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.4 $2 $3
Woman dress
120 KGS 170 KGS 540 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.3 $1.9 $6
Woman shoes
110 KGS 150 KGS 360 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.3 $1.7 $4
Men's shoes
98 KGS 120 KGS 240 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.3 $2.7
Men suit
110 KGS 130 KGS 720 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.5 $8.1
Regular t-shirt
54 KGS 72 KGS 220 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.60 $0.81 $2.4

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment
1,800 KGS 2,700 KGS 7,200 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $30 $81
1-bedroom apartment
2,700 KGS 4,300 KGS 11,000 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$30 $48 $120
2-bedroom apartment
3,600 KGS 5,400 KGS 14,000 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$40 $60 $160

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment
360,000 KGS 540,000 KGS 1.1M KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4,000 $6,000 $12,000
1-bedroom apartment
430,000 KGS 720,000 KGS 2.7M KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4,800 $8,100 $30,000
2-bedroom apartment
720,000 KGS 2.2M KGS 4.3M KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8,100 $24,000 $48,000

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed
2,000 KGS 2,500 KGS 3,300 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $27 $37
Double Bed
1,300 KGS 2,000 KGS 2,500 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $22 $27
Single Bed
1,200 KGS 1,500 KGS 2,000 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $17 $22
Living Room
2,200 KGS 2,800 KGS 9,800 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$24 $31 $110
Dining Table
980 KGS 1,300 KGS 2,500 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $15 $27
Sofa or Couch
1,300 KGS 1,800 KGS 3,900 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $20 $44

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set
1,300 KGS 2,000 KGS 3,900 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $22 $44
Fridge or Freezer
1,200 KGS 1,800 KGS 2,500 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $20 $27
Washing Machine
1,500 KGS 2,200 KGS 3,900 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $24 $44
Stove or Cooker
1,400 KGS 1,800 KGS 2,500 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $20 $27
Mobile Phone
1,600 KGS 2,000 KGS 2,800 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $22 $31
Laptop or Computer
1,800 KGS 2,200 KGS 3,900 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $24 $44

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Bishkek

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.


Spending to Income Ratio

97%

91% to 110%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%3%
50% - 60%8%
60% - 70%14%
70% - 80%24%
80% - 90%22%
90% - 100%12%
100% - 110%6%
110% - 120%4%
120% - 130%3%
130% - 140%3%
> 140%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Bishkek is 97% This means that on average, people spend around 97% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 14% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
88%
Spending-Income-Ratio
82%
97%

Couple
92%
Spending-Income-Ratio
86%
100%

Family
100%
Spending-Income-Ratio
95%
110%

How do people spend their money in Bishkek?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing Expenditure22%

22% of total expenses on average (11% to 30%)

LOW$5.6   510 KGS
AVERAGE$73   6,600 KGS
HIGH$730   66,000 KGS
Per Month

People living in Bishkek typically spend from 11% to 30% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 22% being the average. The average spend on housing is 6,600 KGS with expenditure ranging from 510 KGS to 66,000 KGS. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water8%

8% of total expenses on average (5% to 12%)

LOW$0.94   84 KGS
AVERAGE$12   1,100 KGS
HIGH$120   11,000 KGS
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Bishkek ranges from 5% to 12% of total expenses with 8% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 1,100 KGS with 84 KGS and 11,000 KGS being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute6%

6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)

LOW$1.9   170 KGS
AVERAGE$24   2,200 KGS
HIGH$240   22,000 KGS
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 170 KGS to 22,000 KGS on commuting with 2,200 KGS being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 6% of total spending on average but can go as low as 3% or as high as 10%.

Food and Groceries Cost29%

29% of total expenses on average (21% to 35%)

LOW$4.7   420 KGS
AVERAGE$61   5,500 KGS
HIGH$610   55,000 KGS
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Bishkek is 5,500 KGS. The cost of groceries can range between 420 KGS to 55,000 KGS. People spend on average about 29% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 21% and 35% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services11%

11% of total expenses on average (6% to 14%)

LOW$1.3   120 KGS
AVERAGE$17   1,500 KGS
HIGH$170   15,000 KGS
Per Month

People in Bishkek allocate 6% to 14% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 11%. The range of medical expenses range from 120 KGS to 15,000 KGS with 1,500 KGS being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$0.75   67 KGS
AVERAGE$9.8   880 KGS
HIGH$98   8,800 KGS
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 67 KGS to 8,800 KGS with 880 KGS being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 8% of total expenses with an average of 4% for most residents.

Education and Schooling5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$1.1   100 KGS
AVERAGE$15   1,300 KGS
HIGH$150   13,000 KGS
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 5% of the monthly expenditure with 3% and 11% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 1,300 KGS per month with 100 KGS being the minimum spent amount and 13,000 KGS being the maximum.

Other Expenses15%

15% of total expenses on average (10% to 22%)

LOW$2.4   220 KGS
AVERAGE$32   2,800 KGS
HIGH$320   28,000 KGS
Per Month

How much money can you save in Bishkek every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.


What percentage of people in Bishkek manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
55%
Not Saving
45%

Almost 55% of the surveyed people in Bishkek said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 45% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Bishkek

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles61%39%
Couples56%44%
Families50%50%

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


Saving to Income Ratio

7.7% 14% of income 30%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

480 KGS
$5.3
6,200 KGS
$69
62,000 KGS
$690
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 7.7% to 30% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 14% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 6,200 KGS on average with savings ranging from 480 KGS to 62,000 KGS.

61% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 56% of couples said the same. 50% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Bishkek?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

11% 19% of income 32%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

1,400 KGS
$16
4,300 KGS
$48
29,000 KGS
$320
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%33%
10% - 20%26%
20% - 30%17%
30% - 40%12%
40% - 50%9%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 11% to 32% of their monthly income to savings, with 19% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 4,300 KGS with 1,400 KGS and 29,000 KGS being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

8.8% 17% of income 31%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

2,400 KGS
$27
7,100 KGS
$80
38,000 KGS
$430
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%37%
10% - 20%28%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%7%
40% - 50%6%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 8.8% to 31% of their monthly income, with 17% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 7,100 KGS with 2,400 KGS and 38,000 KGS being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

7.7% 14% of income 29%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

3,300 KGS
$37
9,500 KGS
$110
52,000 KGS
$590
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%40%
10% - 20%31%
20% - 30%21%
30% - 40%4%
40% - 50%3%
> 50%1%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Bishkek can save anywhere between 7.7% to 29% of their monthly income, with 14% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 9,500 KGS with 3,300 KGS and 52,000 KGS being the minimum and maximum respectively.

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Affordable living in Bishkek

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Bishkek?


Yes
46%
No
54%

Around 46% of surveyed residents think that living in Bishkek is affordable with proper budgeting while 54% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Bishkek

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options58%

Few low-cost options43%


Based on the survey, 58% of the people living in Bishkek have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 43% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents of Bishkek whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes44%

No56%


Based on the survey, 56% of the people living in Bishkek said that they don't have an emergency fund while 44% said that they do.

Financial Literacy in Kyrgyzstan

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy37%


We asked residents of Kyrgyzstan whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 63% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 37% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether residents of Kyrgyzstan have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so asked the people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 61% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 39% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance61%

Easily manages finances39%

Financial goals of people in Bishkek

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Bishkek, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund9%
Debt Reduction46%
Retirement Savings11%
Education Funding6%
Homeownership19%
Investing6%
Travel or Lifestyle5%
Healthcare Expenses15%
Financial Independence4%

Around 9% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 46% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 11% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 6% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 19% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 6% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 5% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 15% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Saving Challenges in Bishkek

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Bishkek. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income4%
High Expenses7%
Debt and Loans12%
Lack of Budgeting Skills12%
Impulsive Spending12%
Financial Emergencies7%
Living the moment5%
Will do it later22%
Inflation14%
Social Pressure2%
Market Instability2%

Around 4% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 7% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 12% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 12% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 12% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 7% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 5% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 22% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 14% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 2% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or societal expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 2% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Typical saving choices for people in Bishkek

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds13%
Gold14%
Savings Accounts16%
Retirement Accounts9%
Cash Savings22%
Real Estate9%
Investment5%
Stocks3%
Bonds4%
Mutual Funds2%
Certificates of Deposit2%

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Bishkek

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Bishkek and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in Kyrgyzstan is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Bishkek:
AgeAmount
2556,000 KGS
30110,000 KGS
35200,000 KGS
40280,000 KGS
45420,000 KGS
50590,000 KGS
55700,000 KGS
60870,000 KGS
651M KGS

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Bishkek about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions11%
Savings24%
Investments11%
Social Security6%
Annuities6%
Part-time Job16%
Real Estate19%
Dividends and Interest6%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Bishkek

3,800 KGS
$42
11,000 KGS
$130
75,000 KGS
$840
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Bishkek


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
38%
Debt Free
62%

According to the survey, 38% of the people in Bishkek have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 62% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Debt-to-income ratio in Bishkek

Debt to income ratio

37%

29% to 46%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 37% of the people's monthly income in Bishkek goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%4%
50% - 60%20%
40% - 50%16%
30% - 40%18%
20% - 30%9%
10% - 20%10%
0% - 10%25%

According to our data, 4% of the debtors in Bishkek pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 20% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 16% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 18% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 9% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Bishkek

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage7%
Auto Loan13%
Student Loan4%
Credit Card31%
Personal Loan45%

7% of debtors in Bishkek confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 31% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 13% of people and personal loans rose at 45%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 4% of debtors in Bishkek.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Bishkek

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Bishkek how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never49%
Once a year25%
Twice a year13%
Three times a year9%
Four times a year5%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Bishkek

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Bishkek

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment
1,800 KGS 2,700 KGS 7,200 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $30 $81
1-bedroom apartment
2,700 KGS 4,300 KGS 11,000 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$30 $48 $120
2-bedroom apartment
3,600 KGS 5,400 KGS 14,000 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$40 $60 $160
3-bedroom apartment
4,300 KGS 7,200 KGS 20,000 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$48 $81 $220
Furnished apartment
8,600 KGS 22,000 KGS 43,000 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$97 $240 $480
Townhouse
7,200 KGS 11,000 KGS 31,000 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$81 $120 $350
House
8,600 KGS 22,000 KGS 43,000 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$97 $240 $480
Villa
11,000 KGS 27,000 KGS 43,000 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120 $300 $480

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Bishkek ranges between 1,800 KGS and 7,200 KGS, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 2,700 KGS to 11,000 KGS. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 3,600 KGS and 14,000 KGS per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 4,300 KGS to 20,000 KGS. The average rent of a townhouse in Bishkek is around 11,000 KGS while house rental costs can be as high as 22,000 KGS per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 11,000 KGS to 43,000 KGS per month.



Apartment and house prices in Bishkek

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment
360,000 KGS 540,000 KGS 1.1M KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4,000 $6,000 $12,000
1-bedroom apartment
430,000 KGS 720,000 KGS 2.7M KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4,800 $8,100 $30,000
2-bedroom apartment
720,000 KGS 2.2M KGS 4.3M KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8,100 $24,000 $48,000
3-bedroom apartment
2.4M KGS 3.6M KGS 11M KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$27,000 $40,000 $120,000
Townhouse
3.1M KGS 7.2M KGS 27M KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$35,000 $81,000 $300,000
House
3.6M KGS 22M KGS 31M KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$40,000 $240,000 $350,000
Villa
4.3M KGS 24M KGS 36M KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$48,000 $270,000 $400,000

The average price of a studio apartment in Bishkek can range from 360,000 KGS to 1.1M KGS depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 430,000 KGS to 2.7M KGS. A villa can cost you 24M KGS on average with prices ranging from 4.3M KGS to 36M KGS.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Bishkek will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


30 x82 monthly income 203
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Bishkek can be x82 to x203 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x82 multiples of the average monthly salary in Bishkek.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


19% 30% of income 41%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Bishkek is around 30%. This means that people pay 30% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 19% to 41% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
27%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
1.7%
AVERAGE
2.7%
TO
3.7%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


34 KGS 440 KGS 4,400 KGS
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.


Single
Spending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Bishkek

Housing28%

28% of total expenses on average (16% to 40%)

LOW$20   1,800 KGS
AVERAGE$61   5,500 KGS
HIGH$410   36,000 KGS
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water9%

9% of total expenses on average (5% to 14%)

LOW$3.4   300 KGS
AVERAGE$10   910 KGS
HIGH$68   6,100 KGS
Per Month

Transport, Fuel4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 10%)

LOW$4.5   400 KGS
AVERAGE$14   1,200 KGS
HIGH$90   8,100 KGS
Per Month

Food and Groceries20%

20% of total expenses on average (14% to 25%)

LOW$9   810 KGS
AVERAGE$27   2,400 KGS
HIGH$180   16,000 KGS
Per Month

Healthcare13%

13% of total expenses on average (7% to 17%)

LOW$5.1   450 KGS
AVERAGE$15   1,400 KGS
HIGH$100   9,100 KGS
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping2%

2% of total expenses on average (2% to 5%)

LOW$2.8   250 KGS
AVERAGE$8.5   760 KGS
HIGH$56   5,100 KGS
Per Month

Education1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW$1.1   100 KGS
AVERAGE$3.4   300 KGS
HIGH$23   2,000 KGS
Per Month

Other Expenses23%

23% of total expenses on average (15% to 27%)

LOW$10   910 KGS
AVERAGE$31   2,700 KGS
HIGH$200   18,000 KGS
Per Month


Couple
Average monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Bishkek

Housing25%

25% of total expenses on average (18% to 35%)

LOW$31   2,800 KGS
AVERAGE$93   8,300 KGS
HIGH$500   44,000 KGS
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water8%

8% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)

LOW$4.7   420 KGS
AVERAGE$14   1,300 KGS
HIGH$75   6,700 KGS
Per Month

Transport, Fuel8%

8% of total expenses on average (2% to 13%)

LOW$11   1,000 KGS
AVERAGE$34   3,000 KGS
HIGH$180   16,000 KGS
Per Month

Food and Groceries18%

18% of total expenses on average (13% to 23%)

LOW$13   1,200 KGS
AVERAGE$40   3,500 KGS
HIGH$210   19,000 KGS
Per Month

Healthcare15%

15% of total expenses on average (9% to 19%)

LOW$10   930 KGS
AVERAGE$31   2,800 KGS
HIGH$170   15,000 KGS
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)

LOW$5.6   510 KGS
AVERAGE$17   1,500 KGS
HIGH$90   8,100 KGS
Per Month

Education1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW$1.9   170 KGS
AVERAGE$5.6   510 KGS
HIGH$30   2,700 KGS
Per Month

Other Expenses22%

22% of total expenses on average (16% to 28%)

LOW$16   1,400 KGS
AVERAGE$48   4,300 KGS
HIGH$260   23,000 KGS
Per Month


Family
Average monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Bishkek

Housing24%

24% of total expenses on average (19% to 34%)

LOW$42   3,800 KGS
AVERAGE$120   11,000 KGS
HIGH$660   59,000 KGS
Per Month

Transport, Fuel4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 6%)

LOW$11   940 KGS
AVERAGE$30   2,700 KGS
HIGH$170   15,000 KGS
Per Month

Food and Groceries22%

22% of total expenses on average (15% to 28%)

LOW$24   2,100 KGS
AVERAGE$68   6,100 KGS
HIGH$370   33,000 KGS
Per Month

Healthcare12%

12% of total expenses on average (8% to 17%)

LOW$11   940 KGS
AVERAGE$30   2,700 KGS
HIGH$170   15,000 KGS
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)

LOW$6.6   590 KGS
AVERAGE$19   1,700 KGS
HIGH$100   9,300 KGS
Per Month

Education13%

13% of total expenses on average (6% to 21%)

LOW$18   1,700 KGS
AVERAGE$53   4,700 KGS
HIGH$290   26,000 KGS
Per Month

Other Expenses17%

17% of total expenses on average (10% to 22%)

LOW$16   1,400 KGS
AVERAGE$45   4,000 KGS
HIGH$250   22,000 KGS
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in Bishkek

Housing16%

16% of total expenses on average (11% to 22%)

LOW$10   930 KGS
AVERAGE$26   2,300 KGS
HIGH$47   4,200 KGS
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$1.7   160 KGS
AVERAGE$4.3   390 KGS
HIGH$7.8   700 KGS
Per Month

Transport, Fuel3%

3% of total expenses on average (4% to 9%)

LOW$3   270 KGS
AVERAGE$7.6   680 KGS
HIGH$14   1,200 KGS
Per Month

Food and Groceries24%

24% of total expenses on average (18% to 28%)

LOW$8.7   780 KGS
AVERAGE$22   1,900 KGS
HIGH$39   3,500 KGS
Per Month

Healthcare10%

10% of total expenses on average (7% to 13%)

LOW$2.6   230 KGS
AVERAGE$6.5   580 KGS
HIGH$12   1,000 KGS
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)

LOW$2.2   190 KGS
AVERAGE$5.4   490 KGS
HIGH$9.8   870 KGS
Per Month

Education18%

18% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)

LOW$8.3   740 KGS
AVERAGE$21   1,800 KGS
HIGH$37   3,300 KGS
Per Month

Other Expenses20%

20% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)

LOW$6.5   580 KGS
AVERAGE$16   1,500 KGS
HIGH$29   2,600 KGS
Per Month
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