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Living alone in Kazakhstan is no longer just a social choice; it's becoming a significant financial challenge. While sociologists discuss rising individualism and shifting life values, the economy is imposing its own set of rules, making singlehood progressively more costly.

Previously associated with freedom and fewer responsibilities, living without a partner now presents a starkly different reality for many, especially in large cities. Kazakhstanis choosing independence are finding themselves paying a premium for housing, groceries, utilities, and other daily necessities – a de facto 'tax' on solitude.

Singlehood Statistics and Marriage Trends

According to the Bureau of National Statistics, approximately 4 million unmarried adults reside in Kazakhstan, with men outnumbering women by about 133,000. Almaty remains the primary hub for single women, with nearly 230,000 residing there.

Over the past decade, the number of registered marriages in the country has decreased by nearly 22%. In 2015, 148,800 marriages were recorded, a figure that fell to 115,900 by 2025. During the same period, the marriage rate per thousand people dropped from 8.48 to 5.69.

Concurrently, divorce rates are on the rise. By the end of 2025, 45,000 divorces were registered in Kazakhstan. Currently, one in every three marriages ends in divorce, with 74.4% of these cases occurring in major cities.

Delayed Marriages and Economic Factors

Experts attribute this trend to two main factors. Firstly, the generation born in the late 1990s, which is smaller in number, has reached marriageable age. Secondly, Kazakhstanis are delaying marriage. The average age for first-time marriage has now reached 27 for men and 25 for women.

The Impact of Singlehood on Budgets

The financial strain of living alone is palpable, primarily due to the inability to share many expenses. While a couple can split rent, utility bills, and internet costs, a single individual bears the full burden.

This difference is particularly evident in the housing market. In Almaty, renting a one-room apartment starts at an average of 160,000-200,000 tenge, while a two-room apartment costs upwards of 300,000 tenge. In Astana, prices begin at 140,000 tenge. Utility bills, internet, and other fixed costs remain largely the same regardless of the number of occupants.

Challenges in the Consumer Market

The Kazakh retail market is still largely geared towards families. Larger packages of groceries and household chemicals are more cost-effective per kilogram or liter, but smaller packages come at a premium. Consequently, single shoppers may end up paying up to 20-30% more.

The urban lifestyle also hinders savings. Megacity residents frequently use food delivery services, which can increase food expenses by at least 1.5 times.

Gulmira Sabitova, who works for a commercial company in Astana, shares her experience: "My salary is enough for small things, everything is cheap, then utility bills, medicine, and gifts for friends and colleagues. I can only afford to go to a cafe once a month, and the banya once. That's basically it."

Inka Kasymova, also living in Astana with a salary of 300,000 tenge, echoes similar sentiments: "I live in Astana. My monthly salary is 300,000 tenge. But this money isn't enough for a month in the metropolis. Rent for a dormitory costs 100,000, utilities around 15,000. Plus, 50,000 for groceries monthly. There are additional expenses too. Loans, installments. Everything is getting more expensive: food, utilities, rent. You only buy the essentials. There's not enough money for anything else. You give up on everything."

Men also complain about rising costs. Ruslan Baidulin from Kostanay mentions assisting his parents and covering car expenses and other daily needs. He states he has to work three jobs to support himself, his parents, and buy gifts for his daughter.

Discussions on Social Media

The issue of the high cost of single living is actively discussed on social media. Users acknowledge that independent living is significantly more expensive than cohabitation.

One user, @aidana_almaty, writes: "I used to associate living alone with a beautiful breakfast and evening wine. The reality: in Almaty, with a salary of 380,000, I pay 230,000 for a decent one-room apartment in the Bostandyk district. There's very little money left for life. My friend lives with her boyfriend; together they rent a two-room apartment for 300,000, meaning 150,000 each. She manages to save money and even fly to the sea. My independence is costing me too much."

@torekhan_ast notes: "I went to Magnum for groceries. I wanted to buy a small packet of rice and 0.5 liters of milk – it's robbery per liter/kilogram! Everything is for large families who buy by the cartload. If you live alone, you either overpay for small 'selfish' packages or buy too much, and half spoils in the fridge because you can't physically eat it all. Capitalism hates single people."

@madina_finance user highlights another issue: "Many tired 25-30 year old single men and women come to me for consultations. The reason is simple – they can't afford to rest. In Kazakhstan, a single person has no right to make mistakes. If you get sick or lose your job – no one will support you, and the landlord doesn't care. You have to work two jobs just to afford the right to live outside the toxic relationship of your parents or strangers," she writes.

Expert Opinions

Experts emphasize that the financial vulnerability of living alone remains one of the main risks. In a family, potential problems of one partner are partially offset by the income of the other. Single individuals lack this safety net. Illness, job loss, equipment failure, or other unforeseen expenses can immediately lead to severe financial difficulties.

Additional challenges arise when trying to purchase property. Banks are more cautious with borrowers who rely on a single source of income. Family couples who can confirm joint income generally find it easier to obtain a mortgage.

Furthermore, a significant portion of state support measures is directed towards families with children. Preferential mortgage programs, subsidies, and other forms of assistance are often designed for family households.

In light of this, co-renting housing with friends and acquaintances is gaining popularity among young people in Almaty and Astana. Developers are also noting high demand for small apartments and studios.

Consequently, the market is pushing Kazakhstanis to find a balance between personal space and financial stability. While independent living may still seem attractive on social media, the reality is that individuals are increasingly having to pay a higher price for the opportunity to live alone.

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