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Almaty vs Shymkent – Digital Nomad Guide
Trying to decide between Almaty, Kazakhstan and Shymkent, Kazakhstan? Here's a detailed comparison to help digital nomads and remote workers make an informed choice.
💰 Cost of Living
Almaty has a monthly cost of $2,180, which is 27.5% higher than Shymkent's $1,710.
🌐 Internet Infrastructure
For internet speeds, Almaty offers 30 Mbps, while Shymkent provides 30 Mbps – making Shymkent's connection 0.0% faster .
☀️ Current Weather
The weather in Almaty is currently 29°C 🌤️, while Shymkent is experiencing 31°C 🌤️.
🛡️ Safety Comparison
Almaty has a safety score of 73.0 , while Shymkent scores 75.0 .
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Overall
Almaty wins
Quality of Life
Cost
Shymkent wins
Shymkent is 9% better
Climate
Infrastructure
Almaty wins
Almaty is 6% better
Social
Almaty wins
Almaty is 13% better
Total Cost of Living Comparison
| Category | Almaty | Shymkent | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Total | $2,180 | $1,710 | +27.5% |
| Daily Average | $73 | $57 | per day |
Housing
| Item | Almaty | Shymkent | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment (1 bedroom) | $350.00 per month | $180.00 per month | +94.4% |
Daily Life
| Item | Almaty | Shymkent | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffee | $1.50 per cup | $1.20 per cup | +25.0% |
| Beer | $1.80 per pint | $1.50 per pint | +20.0% |
| Meal (Inexpensive) | $3.50 per meal | $3.00 per meal | +16.7% |
Transportation
| Item | Almaty | Shymkent | Difference |
|---|
Utilities
| Item | Almaty | Shymkent | Difference |
|---|
International money transfers made simple and affordable. Low-fee international transfers.
Final Verdict: Almaty vs Shymkent
Almaty ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 4.0% higher than Shymkent overall.
💰 Cost Analysis
- Monthly Budget: $2,180 vs $1,710
- Daily Expenses: $73 vs $57
- Shymkent is 27.5% cheaper for digital nomads
🌐 Infrastructure
- Internet Speed: Shymkent leads with 0% faster connection
- Public Transport: Shymkent has better public transportation
🎯 Key Advantages
Almaty Wins In:
- Internet Speed (6% better)
- Nightlife (13% better)
Shymkent Wins In:
- Cost of Living (9% better)
💡 Final Recommendation
Choose Almaty if you prioritize better quality of life metrics and Internet Speed. However, Shymkent might be preferable if Internet Speed is your top priority. Both cities offer unique advantages for digital nomads, with distinct trade-offs in cost of living, infrastructure, and lifestyle options.
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