Best Places for Digital Nomads to Live in Kazakhstan
Discovering the next digital nomad destination can be an exciting yet challenging process. Kazakhstan, a country located in Central Asia, offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition, making it an intriguing choice for remote workers and travelers. In this article, we will explore seven captivating cities and towns in Kazakhstan that boast an excellent digital nomad lifestyle, attractive amenities, and a rich cultural scene.
Almaty
Almaty, the former capital city, is a bustling metropolis known for its vibrant nightlife, diverse restaurants, and stunning mountain views. Digital nomads will appreciate the city's high-speed internet, co-working spaces, and affordable cost of living. Visit the Central State Museum to dive into Kazakhstan's history, or stroll through Panfilov Park for a leisurely afternoon.
Cost of Living: A nice, furnished apartment in a safe, central neighborhood costs around $300 monthly, while a week's worth of groceries for one person is approximately $50. Dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant and a drink costs around $15.
Nomad Tip: Don't miss the Panorama Almaty, an observation deck offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the mountains.
Where to Stay & Eat: Check out the green zone in Almaty for furnished rentals and enjoy a meal at Greenwich or Café de l'Europe, popular restaurants among the young crowd.
Shymkent
Shymkent is the third-largest city in Kazakhstan, renowned for its friendly locals, warm climate, and rich cultural heritage. Digital nomads will find ample co-working spaces, reliable internet, and a cost of living that is lower than in Almaty. Be sure to visit the Old Town for a glimpse into Shymkent's history or unwind at the beautiful Aksu-Jabagly National Park.
Cost of Living: A furnished apartment in a safe, central neighborhood costs around $250 monthly, while a week's worth of groceries for one person is approximately $35. Dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant and a drink costs around $10.
Nomad Tip: Don't miss the Aksu-Jabagly National Park, known for its stunning scenery, hiking trails, and the Aksu River.
Where to Stay & Eat: Stay in the city center for convenient access to co-working spaces and cafes. Try Abylai Khan or Kultura, local restaurants with delicious traditional dishes.
Aktobe
Aktobe is a modern city situated in the northern part of Kazakhstan, offering digital nomads a comfortable lifestyle with easy access to high-speed internet, co-working spaces, and a low cost of living. Visit the Regional Museum of Local Lore to learn about the city's history or take a day trip to the stunning Lake Balkhash.
Cost of Living: A furnished apartment in a safe, central neighborhood costs around $200 monthly, while a week's worth of groceries for one person is approximately $30. Dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant and a drink costs around $10.
Nomad Tip: Don't miss the annual Aktobe City Day festival, showcasing local traditions, music, and food.
Where to Stay & Eat: Look for accommodations in the city center, near co-working spaces and local cafes. Try the traditional dishes at Khazak or Aktobe.
Karaganda
Karaganda, a historic city in central Kazakhstan, offers digital nomads a unique blend of modern amenities and rich cultural heritage. Digital nomads will appreciate the city's reliable internet, co-working spaces, and a low cost of living. Visit the Karaganda Regional Museum of Local Lore or take a day trip to the scenic Shchuchansky National Park.
Cost of Living: A furnished apartment in a safe, central neighborhood costs around $200 monthly, while a week's worth of groceries for one person is approximately $35. Dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant and a drink costs around $10.
Nomad Tip: Don't miss the Karaganda Mining and Processing Plant Museum, showcasing the history of the city's coal mining industry.
Where to Stay & Eat: Stay in the city center for easy access to co-working spaces and local restaurants. Try the traditional dishes at Karaganda or Chayhana Dostyk.
Semey
Semey, located in eastern Kazakhstan, is a picturesque town known for its modern amenities, beautiful parks, and affordable cost of living. Digital nomads will find reliable internet, co-working spaces, and a tranquil environment perfect for productivity. Visit the Semey Regional Museum of Local Lore or take a day trip to the stunning Semey Lake.
Cost of Living: A furnished apartment in a safe, central neighborhood costs around $200 monthly, while a week's worth of groceries for one person is approximately $30. Dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant and a drink costs around $10.
Nomad Tip: Don't miss the annual Semey City Day festival, celebrating the city's rich history and cultural heritage.
Where to Stay & Eat: Look for accommodations in the city center, near co-working spaces and local cafes. Try the traditional dishes at Chayhana Semey or Semey Orda.
Taraz
Taraz, located in southern Kazakhstan, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, beautiful parks, and affordable cost of living. Digital nomads will find reliable internet, co-working spaces, and a friendly community. Visit the Taraz Regional Museum of Local Lore or take a day trip to the stunning Shymkent Lake.
Cost of Living: A furnished apartment in a safe, central neighborhood costs around $250 monthly, while a week's worth of groceries for one person is approximately $40. Dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant and a drink costs around $12.
Nomad Tip: Don't miss the annual Taraz City Day festival, a celebration of the city's rich history and cultural heritage.
Where to Stay & Eat: Stay in the city center for easy access to co-working spaces and local restaurants. Try the traditional dishes at Chayhana Taraz or Taraz Orda.
Petropavl
Petropavl, a historic city in northern Kazakhstan, offers digital nomads a comfortable lifestyle with easy access to modern amenities and a low cost of living. Digital nomads will find reliable internet, co-working spaces, and a rich cultural heritage. Visit the Petropavl Regional Museum of Local Lore or take a day trip to the beautiful Lake Alakol.
Cost of Living: A furnished apartment in a safe, central neighborhood costs around $200 monthly, while a week's worth of groceries for one person is approximately $30. Dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant and a drink costs around $10.
Nomad Tip: Don't miss the annual Petropavl City Day festival, celebrating the city's rich history and cultural heritage.
Where to Stay & Eat: Look for accommodations in the city center, near co-working spaces and local cafes. Try the traditional dishes at Chayhana Petropavl or Petropavl Orda.
These seven cities and towns in Kazakhstan offer digital nomads an exceptional living experience, combining modern amenities, affordable costs, and rich cultural heritage. From the vibrant nightlife and modern co-working spaces in Almaty to the tranquil lakes and historic sites in smaller towns, Kazakhstan has something for every digital nomad.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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