Kaktus.media conducted an analysis of prices, salaries, and pensions during this period. Let’s take a closer look at how our incomes and the cost of living have changed. It is important to note that while salaries and pensions have increased, prices also remain high, which affects the welfare of the population. Let’s examine this in more detail.
About pensions and the minimum subsistence level
Let’s start with pension payments. In 2021, during the constitutional changes in Kyrgyzstan, a provision was introduced stating that pensions and benefits cannot be lower than the minimum subsistence level. This provision sparked much debate among deputies and the government, which argued that the implementation of the law depended on the economic situation.In May 2024, President Sadyr Japarov, at a nationwide meeting on social mobilization, promised to raise the minimum pension to the level of the minimum subsistence level. The increase occurred in two stages: in July (to 3,500 soms) and in October (to 6,900 soms). Comparing data from 2020 and 2025, the average pension has nearly doubled.
Additionally, payments for people affected by the political events of 2002 and 2010, as well as during the conflict in Batken in 2021, were increased. Starting from August 1, 2022, salaries for civil servants were also raised, affecting about 28,000 people. As a result, the average salary in the country increased by 37.3% over the year. However, in the following years, the growth rate slowed down.
Although the authorities of Kyrgyzstan speak of a significant increase in salaries and pensions, when these figures are converted to US dollars, the growth appears less impressive.
The highest inflation in the last six years was recorded in 2022, reaching a record 14.7%. In 2025, inflation was 9.4%, and forecasts for the current year remain contradictory, with experts suggesting a possible exceedance of 10%.
Comparison of food prices: 2020 and 2025
To analyze how much food prices have increased over the past six years, we compared the prices of ten basic goods in December 2020 and December 2025. The results are shocking. At a time when we were experiencing the pandemic, it seemed to us that it was the hardest period of our lives. But it turned out that this was just the beginning.Remember: beef cost 370 soms per kilogram. This seems incredible now, as for 1,000 soms back then, one could buy almost 3 kg of meat. Today, for the same amount, you can only purchase 1-1.5 kg. This is real inflation.
In 2022, when the highest price growth was recorded, there was also a significant increase in pensions and salaries — by 26.5% and 37.3%, respectively. However, Kyrgyz citizens had a different impression, as alcoholic and tobacco products rose in price by 24.4%, while food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 15.8%.
So, have we become better off? In fact, by the end of 2025, the poverty level in Kyrgyzstan remains at 25%, the same as six years ago. Yes, in 2021-2022 it reached 33%, but then it began to decline. However, comparing data from 2024 and 2025 shows that there are no significant changes.
