List of Poorest Cities in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan’s cities show sharp contrasts in opportunity and living costs, shaped by industry, location and recent economic shifts. From port towns on the Caspian to southern cultural centers, local conditions can change noticeably from one city to the next.

There are 9 Poorest Cities in Kazakhstan, ranging from Aktau to Turkistan; for each city you’ll find below Country,Poverty rate (%),Average monthly income (KZT). You’ll find below.

How is a city classified among the poorest?

Cities are ranked using poverty indicators and income data—typically the poverty rate (share of residents below the national poverty line) alongside average monthly income in KZT to give context. These figures usually come from national statistics or household surveys; check the list notes for the year and source to understand timing and methodology.

Can I use average monthly income (KZT) to compare living standards across cities?

Average income is a useful quick comparison but should be read with poverty rate and local costs of living in mind. Higher average income doesn’t always mean better welfare if prices or unemployment differ, so use both columns together and consider exchange rates or purchasing power when comparing internationally.

Poorest Cities in Kazakhstan

Images and Descriptions

Turkistan

As the capital of Kazakhstan’s most impoverished region, Turkistan struggles with low wages and the highest official poverty rate. Its economy relies on agriculture and tourism to its historic sites, lacking the large-scale industrial employers found in wealthier parts of the country.

Aktau

Aktau represents a paradox. Located in the oil-rich Mangistau region, its average income is high, but its poverty rate is the second highest. This points to severe income inequality and a high cost of living, leaving many non-oil sector workers behind.

Konaev

As the new capital of the Almaty region, Konaev reflects the area’s relatively high poverty rate. This is driven by a large surrounding rural population engaged in lower-wage agriculture, creating a significant prosperity gap with the nearby metropolis of Almaty city.

Kyzylorda

The city of Kyzylorda is in a region with a poverty rate at the national average but below-average incomes. Its economy has been affected by challenges in the oil sector and long-term environmental issues, which have limited broad-based economic growth and prosperity.

Taraz

As the hub of the Zhambyl region, Taraz has one of the country’s lowest average income levels. The city’s economy depends on older chemical plants and an agricultural base, which provide lower wages compared to the national average, impacting overall prosperity.

Petropavl

The administrative center of the North Kazakhstan region, Petropavl reflects the area’s low-wage economy. Primarily driven by agriculture and food processing, the city faces challenges from a declining population and a lack of diversified, high-paying industrial sectors.

Shymkent

Despite being Kazakhstan’s third-largest city, Shymkent consistently reports one of the lowest average wages. High population density, a large informal economy, and a lack of high-paying jobs contribute to its low-income status relative to other major metropolitan areas.

Taldykorgan

Taldykorgan is the capital of the Zhetisu region, an area characterized by below-average wages. Its economy is centered on agriculture and related food processing industries, which generally do not support high income levels, placing it among the country’s lower-income urban centers.

Kokshetau

The capital of the Akmola region, Kokshetau’s economy is tied to agriculture and its supporting industries. While its poverty rate is low, its wages are consistently well below the national average, reflecting a lack of major industrial or resource-extraction employers.

Poorest Cities in Other Countries