You can live cheaply in Uzbekistan: a single person’s average monthly budget is about $677, roughly 1.7× cheaper than the global average. Rent is the biggest cost — expect $380–$600 for a one-bed in Tashkent and about ~$1,120 for larger central flats — while utilities run ~\$50–\$55 (per apartment) and internet ~\$10–\$16 (60+ Mbps). Groceries and transport are very affordable (milk ~$1.07, bus ~\$0.13–\$0.24). Keep reading to see detailed city, food, and salary breakdowns.

Overview of Living Expenses in Uzbekistan

Although prices vary by city and lifestyle, you can expect a modest monthly budget in Uzbekistan: the average cost of living runs about $677, roughly 1.69 times cheaper than the world average.

Expect a modest monthly budget in Uzbekistan—around $677, about 1.7 times cheaper than the world average.

You’ll find that core expenses stay low: basic groceries like 1L of milk (~$1.07) and 0.5 kg of bread (~$0.39) keep food costs down, while utilities average about $50–$55 per month for an 85 m² apartment (billed per apartment).

Eating out is affordable—lunch menus average $5.36 and a dinner for two costs about ~$33—so discretionary dining won’t blow your budget.

Local transport is cheap too, with single tickets at ~$0.13–$0.24 and an 8 km taxi around ~$3.1–$3.3, which helps if you commute frequently.

Note that housing in major centers can skew totals; small, well-equipped apartments in Tashkent average around $800 monthly, so factor that when estimating your personal Cost of Living and planning long-term living in Uzbekistan.

Housing and Utilities Costs by City

You’ll see clear rent gaps across Uzbek cities—expect about ~$600 for a one-bedroom in central Tashkent versus ~$380 for cheaper options, and roughly ~$1,120 for a three-bedroom in prime areas.

Utilities run modestly low at about $50–$55 per 85 m² apartment (larger family flats higher), with 50+ Mbps internet around $10–$16 per month.

Compare furnished versus unfurnished listings carefully, since neighborhood and amenities can push rents considerably higher.

Average Rent Differences

Because location drives cost, you’ll see sharp differences between cities and within them: in Tashkent a one-bedroom in the city center averages about ~$600/month versus ~$380 outside the center, while a three-bedroom downtown runs roughly ~$1,120, and utilities add another ~$50–$55 for an 85 m² apartment (larger flats higher) plus affordable internet at ~$10–$16—figures that clearly tilt budgets toward smaller units or suburban areas in higher-priced cities.

When you’re evaluating living in Tashkent and other regions, focus on average monthly rent and broader housing costs. Consider these points:

• City-center one-bedrooms command premiums; expect 40–60% higher rents.
• Suburbs offer cost savings with similar space.
• Larger units jump substantially in prime areas.
• Internet is low-cost relative to rent.

Use local comparisons to optimize your budget.

Utilities: Typical Bills

One clear monthly baseline to plan around is roughly $50–$55 per 85 m² apartment (larger flats higher), with internet adding about $10–$16 for a 50+ Mbps plan—figures that keep total housing-related costs modest compared with rents (for example, a ~$600 city-center one-bedroom). You’ll find utilities, housing, and cost of living tightly linked: larger cities push utility bills higher, while smaller towns stay below the averages. Budgeting utilities plus internet usually fits comfortably into monthly plans. Monitor seasonal spikes (heating) in regional centers. Use the table below for a quick snapshot.

Furnished Vs Unfurnished

After you’ve accounted for utilities and internet, decide whether to rent furnished or unfurnished—choices that change upfront costs and monthly budgeting.

In Tashkent, one-bed city-center units average about ~$600/month versus ~$380 outside the center; furnishing premiums vary by listing.

Utilities run about $50–$55 for an 85 m² apartment; internet 50+ Mbps is ~$10–$16 regardless of housing type.

Smaller cities tend to be cheaper across both options.

• Furnished: higher rent, lower setup time, sometimes utilities included.
• Unfurnished: lower rent, larger upfront furnishing cost, more control.
• Tashkent vs smaller towns: significant price gap to factor.
• Expats: furnished often simplifies move-in logistics and bills.

Food, Groceries, and Dining Out Prices

While living costs vary by city, you’ll find food and dining in Uzbekistan are generally cheaper than in many Western countries: a typical lunch runs about $5.36, dinner for two averages ~$33, and fast-food meals cost roughly $4.15.

Food and dining in Uzbekistan are generally cheaper than the West — lunches about $5.36, dinners around ~$33.

You’ll notice in cities in Uzbekistan, including housing considerations, that grocery bills stay low: 1L of milk is about $1.07 and 0.5 kg of bread costs $0.39. That keeps weekly supermarket totals modest, especially if you buy local produce.

You can eat out affordably across regions; local restaurants offer varied international menus and surprisingly accessible Japanese options, though fresh fish quality can lag behind Japan’s standards.

For cost planning, assume a mix of home cooking and dining out to optimize spending. If you prefer frequent restaurant meals, budget around regional averages; if you cook more, groceries will considerably reduce monthly food expenses while still allowing occasional dining splurges.

Transportation, Communication, and Healthcare Expenses

Having covered food costs, let’s look at how getting around, staying connected, and managing health care will affect your monthly budget in Uzbekistan.

Public transit is extremely cheap: single tickets run about ~$0.13–$0.24 and a monthly pass is roughly $10–$11, so commuting by metro or bus is economical. Taxis offer flexibility—an 8 km ride costs about ~$3.1–$3.3, useful when you need door-to-door travel.

• Local transport: ~$0.13–$0.24 per ride; monthly pass ≈ $10–$11, ideal for daily commuters.
• Taxis: ~ $3.1–$3.3 for 8 km, competitive for short urban trips.
• Internet & utilities: internet (50+ Mbps) averages $10–$16/month; basic utilities for an 85 m² apartment average $50–$55/month; some regions have slower or less reliable connections.
• Healthcare: quality varies; many expats pay extra for private clinics because public facilities often lack modern standards.

Budget for public transport plus occasional taxis, add internet and utility costs, and plan for private healthcare expenses if you want consistent quality.

Salaries, Savings, and Budgeting for Expats

Because average after-tax pay sits around ~$470/month nationally (2024–2025), you’ll need to plan carefully: that income covers only about 0.7 months of expenses based on a $677 cost-of-living baseline, so many locals can’t afford middle-class urban lifestyles without additional income or subsidies.

As an expat, you’ll typically earn more than the national average, but you should budget against local prices and expatriate expectations. Expect housing in Tashkent to be your largest line item—about $800/month for a decent small apartment—so factor salary or allowance accordingly.

Utilities are modest (~$50–$55/month per apartment) and transport is cheap (single ride ~$0.13–$0.24), which lowers recurring costs. Compare potential wages to the $677 baseline and the $800 housing cost to estimate required net income; aim for at least 1.5–2× local cost-of-living to save.

Prioritize housing negotiations, use public transport, and monitor utility usage to maximize savings while maintaining regional standards of comfort.

Pros and Cons of Living in Uzbekistan

With a monthly cost of living around $677—about 1.69 times lower than the world average—you can stretch most expat salaries and save more, especially given city-center rents near ~$600 and cheap transport at ~$0.13–$0.24 per ride or ~$10–$11 monthly.

However, lower wages in some sectors and variable healthcare mean you’ll need to compare local income prospects against these expenses before relocating.

Also factor in limited English proficiency and uneven service access, which can raise non-monetary costs for getting things done.

Living Costs Vs Income

Although Uzbekistan’s overall cost of living—about $677 monthly—is roughly 1.69 times lower than the world average and can make the country attractive to expats and retirees, your budget will still be strained by local income realities: the average after-tax salary is only about ~$470 a month (national average), covering about 0.7 months of those expenses.

You’ll see trade-offs between low general costs and modest wages; residents often need extra income to reach comfort.

Key figures to weigh:

• Average salary: ~$470 after tax — insufficient for basic monthly costs.
• National cost of living: $677 — attractive versus global averages.
• Tashkent rent: $800 for decent small apartment; ~$600 for one-bedroom city center.
• Dining: ~$33 for two — affordable for visitors, burdensome for locals.

These numbers show regional affordability that still leaves many locals financially vulnerable.

Language and Services Accessibility

How easily can you access services if you don’t speak Uzbek or Russian? You’ll face real barriers: English is rare outside cities, public services and healthcare operate mainly in Uzbek/Russian, and limited English raises transaction and time costs. You’ll likely use translation apps or learn basics to cut repeated interpreter fees. Urban centers offer pockets of English-speaking resources, reducing costs for expat-focused services.

Plan a modest budget for translation and extra time when estimating living costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Do You Need to Live in Uzbekistan?

You’ll need about $677 monthly on average to live in Uzbekistan; expect around $800 for a small Tashkent apartment, ~$50–$55 utilities per apartment, affordable meals, and note average after-tax salary is roughly ~$470 monthly.

How Much Does a Coke Cost in Uzbekistan?

You’ll pay about $0.82 for a 0.33L Coke in local stores and roughly $1.39 in restaurants; prices climb in Tashkent, supermarkets and bulk buys lower unit costs, so you’ll save shopping outside convenience stores.

Is Uzbekistan an Expensive Country?

No, Uzbekistan isn’t expensive; you’ll find overall living costs around $677 monthly, city-center rents near ~$600 and transport ~$0.13–$0.24 per ride (or ~$10–$11 monthly), plus cheap meals — so costs are affordable compared with global averages, especially outside major cities.

What Is the Cheapest City in Uzbekistan?

Like a bargain market stall, Samarkand is among the cheapest cities in Uzbekistan; you’ll find rents around ~$225 for a 1-bed in the center, meals about $4, local transport ~$0.15–$0.20, and overall living costs roughly 1.5 times lower than Tashkent.

Conclusion

Living in Uzbekistan can be very affordable: expect low housing and food costs in regional cities, higher rents in Tashkent, and cheap public transport and utilities. You’ll save more if you shop local and live outside the capital. Salaries are modest, so budget realistically for healthcare and occasional flights. Weigh lower day-to-day expenses against limited wages — like a calm river shaping its banks, small costs steadily boost your savings.