In Kazakhstan, the average subsistence minimum for the first half of 2026 was 65,886 tenge. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.

The Bureau of National Statistics published fresh data on the subsistence minimum in Kazakhstan for the first half of 2026.

According to official statistics, the national average was 65,886 tenge. In the second quarter, the subsistence minimum was even higher – 67,618 tenge.

The highest subsistence minimum was recorded in Almaty. For the first half of the year, it amounted to 76,711 tenge. Second place went to Mangystau region – 73,220 tenge. Astana rounded out the top three with 71,498 tenge.

High values were also noted in Almaty region – 69,444 tenge and Ulytau region – 67,837 tenge.

The lowest subsistence minimum was recorded in West Kazakhstan region, where the figure was 56,064 tenge.

Below the national average were Aktobe region – 59,251 tenge, Atyrau region – 59,781 tenge, and Akmola region – 62,105 tenge. The difference between the most expensive and most affordable region exceeds 20,000 tenge.

The statistics also show a noticeable difference by social group. For able-bodied men, the average subsistence minimum for the first half of the year was 78,450 tenge.

For women, this figure was lower – 62,291 tenge.

For adolescents aged 14-17, the subsistence minimum was 83,459 tenge for boys and 63,948 tenge for girls.

The subsistence minimum is a cost estimate of the consumer basket, which includes a minimum set of food products, non-food goods and services (including utility payments), as well as mandatory payments and fees. This amount, set by the state, is considered sufficient to meet basic needs and maintain human health.

Earlier, Kursiv wrote that Kazakhstan maintains a significant gap between the wealthiest and least affluent segments of the population. In total, the country's least affluent 10% includes 2.1 million people, while the wealthy include 2.03 million people. The total income of the wealthy is 566.2 billion tenge versus 95.6 billion tenge for the least affluent. The difference between the amounts is almost sixfold.