Cost of Living in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan · Asia
$620
Monthly Cost
avg/person
25
Cost Index
NYC=100
18
Rent Index
NYC=100
52
Quality of Life
Moderate
58
Safety Index
Moderate
1.1M
Population
KGS
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $2.5 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $10 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $4 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $1 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $2 |
| Cappuccino | $1.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $0.5 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.25 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $0.6 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.3 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Eggs (12) | $0.9 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Beef (1kg) | $5 |
| Apples (1kg) | $0.7 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.25 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.22 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.25 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.12 |
| Monthly Pass | $5 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.18 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $0.7 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $18000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $14000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $30 |
| Mobile Plan | $4 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $10 |
| Fitness Club/month | $14 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $260/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $150/mo |
| 3BR Center | $580/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $330/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $900/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $500/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $350 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 18% |
View Cost of Living in Kyrgyzstan
Cost of Living in Bishkek — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan is approximately $620 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Bishkek has a cost index of 25, making it around 75% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Bishkek costs around $150/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $260/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $580/month. The rent index is 18 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Bishkek scores 52/100 on the quality of life index and 58/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 52/100. The climate index is 55/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Bishkek is approximately $350/month. With a purchasing power index of 34/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is KGS, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Bishkek
The average monthly salary in Bishkek is approximately $350. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $620, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 34/100.
Healthcare Costs in Bishkek
Healthcare quality in Bishkek is rated 52/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Bishkek
Bishkek has a quality of life score of 52/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Bishkek
Students living in Bishkek should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Bishkek
Expats moving to Bishkek often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan is approximately $620 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 25 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Bishkek
Living in Bishkek offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 25 and a quality of life score of 52/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $350 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Bishkek provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Kyrgyzstan and around the world.
Key Facts About Bishkek
- Average Monthly Cost: $620
- Cost Index: 25
- Rent Index: 18
- Average Salary: $350
- Quality of Life: 52/100
- Safety Score: 58/100
- Country: Kyrgyzstan
- Currency: KGS
Is Bishkek Expensive?
Bishkek has a cost index of 25 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Bishkek compare to other cities?
Bishkek is located in Asia with a population of approximately 1.1M. At a cost index of 25 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Bishkek stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bishkek?
The average cost of living in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan is approximately $620 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 25 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Bishkek?
Rent in Bishkek varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 18 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Bishkek alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Bishkek expensive to live in?
Bishkek has a cost index of 25 compared to New York City (100). At 25, Bishkek is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $620.
What is the quality of life in Bishkek?
Bishkek has a quality of life index of 52/100 and a safety index of 58/100. The city is located in Asia and offers a moderate quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Bishkek compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Bishkek with any city worldwide. Bishkek's cost index is 25 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Bishkek?
Many residents live comfortably in Bishkek with a monthly budget of around $620 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Bishkek good for expats?
Bishkek is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Bishkek?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $620 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Bishkek.
Is Bishkek cheaper than New York?
Yes, Bishkek has a cost index of 25 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Bishkek?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Bishkek.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Bishkek
Cheapest Ways to Live in Bishkek
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Bishkek typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $150/month compared to $260/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
Is Bishkek Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 34/100 and a quality of life score of 52/100, Bishkek is a reasonable option for relocation, balancing affordability with adequate quality of life. Combined with a cost index of 25 relative to New York City, Bishkek remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Kyrgyzstan has to offer against other destinations in Asia.
Bishkek Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Bishkek", "Bishkek monthly expenses 2026", and "is Bishkek affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $620, a safety score of 58/100, and healthcare rated 52/100, Bishkek offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Kyrgyzstan.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026