The cost of living index in Kyrgyzstan amounted to 27.3 points, indicating an extremely low price level compared to other countries.
The study is based on a comparison with New York, where the price level is set at 100 points. The lower the index, the more affordable life is in the country. The calculation took into account expenses on rent, utilities, food, restaurants, and the purchasing power of citizens.
Detailed analysis of the cost of living index in Kyrgyzstan
According to Numbeo, it is evident that the republic records a low price level in almost all major categories:
- Overall cost of living index — 27.3 points;
- Housing rental index — about 12 points, indicating the affordability of rent;
- Cost of living index including rent — 20.4 points;
- Food price index — about 27.6 points;
- Restaurant and café price index — about 23.6 points;
- Purchasing power index — 40.6 points.
Thus, Kyrgyzstan continues to be a country with low prices for essential goods and services. However, the low purchasing power index indicates limited incomes for the population.
Central Asian countries
All countries in the region are at the lower end of the global list of countries with the lowest cost of living:
- Kazakhstan — 128th place (cost of living index — 29.8);
- Tajikistan — 136th place (27.9);
- Uzbekistan — 138th place (27.3);
- Kyrgyzstan — 140th place (27.3).
Although Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan have a similar price level, the republic lags behind Kazakhstan in several other indicators.
Despite the affordable prices, the purchasing power of the population in Kyrgyzstan remains low. Kazakhstan demonstrates the highest index in the region, while Tajikistan ranks last, highlighting the gap between prices and the actual incomes of citizens.
The most expensive countries to live in, according to the ranking, are Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, and the Virgin Islands. At the same time, the countries with the lowest cost of living include Pakistan, India, and Libya.
A low cost of living does not always indicate a high level of wealth. For a comprehensive assessment of the quality of life, purchasing power is important, as it shows how well citizens' incomes cover their everyday needs.
