Cost of Living: Almaty vs Graz (2026)
Kazakhstan vs Austria — relocation comparison
Open incentive regimes for newcomers
- VAT-free under €100k
- 14% social
- €200/yr accountant
- VAT-free under €42k
- 27% social
- €1400/yr accountant
Sourced from Numbeo · Updated May 2026
Sources: Numbeo · UNODC · Ookla · WHO · EIU · World Bank · Freedom House · Updated May 2026
Sun
How much sky you actually get
Sun clocks out before 5pm in both cities come December. Plan accordingly.
Source: WeatherSpark (clear-sky share of daytime hours)
Settler Essentials
Visa stamps:Easy <90 daysModerate 3–6 moComplex 6+ mo
Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · IEA · official immigration portals
Reproductive Rights
Because your body shouldn't need a visa too
On request up to 12 weeks. For social reasons up to 22 weeks.
Legal within first trimester. Counseling required.
Source: Center for Reproductive Rights
LGBTQ+ Rights
Can you hold hands without doing a risk assessment first
Rainbow Index source: ILGA-Europe Rainbow Map (European cities) / Equaldex Equality Index (elsewhere) — two distinct scales
The Short Version
- •Rent is 2% cheaper in Almaty ($756/mo vs $772/mo for a 1BR city centre).
- •Summers are slightly warmer in Almaty (28°C vs 25°C).
- •Graz is safer by homicide rate (0.9 vs 2.6 per 100k).
- •Graz scores higher on democracy (8.3 vs 3.1 / 10 EIU).
- •Street-level English is easier in Graz (100/100 vs 12/100).
Almaty vs Graz — Common Questions
Is Almaty cheaper than Graz?▾
Almaty is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $756/month there vs $772/month in the other city (Numbeo data).
Which is safer, Almaty or Graz?▾
Graz is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Almaty has a rate of 2.63 per 100,000 and Graz has 0.88 per 100,000.
Should I move to Almaty or Graz?▾
Graz scores 78 to Almaty's 58 on livability — the gap is real. Almaty has its charms, but the numbers favor Graz. See the full comparison above for rent, safety, internet speed, climate, and democracy scores to decide which city fits your priorities.
Is it easier to get residency in Almaty or Graz?▾
Almaty: no specific remote work visa. Graz: EU Blue Card (Austria) (complex process, Up to 4 years). See each city's profile page for full requirements.
Which has better weather, Almaty or Graz?▾
Almaty is warmer in summer (28°C vs 25°C). Graz has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.
Can I live in Almaty or Graz without speaking the local language?▾
Graz is easier for street-level English (100/100) than Almaty (12/100). That's the score that matters for doctors, landlords, and bureaucracy. Office English can still run higher than street English in both cities.
What's the cost of rent in Almaty vs Graz?▾
A 1-bedroom in the centre: $756/month in Almaty, $772/month in Graz (Numbeo). That's 2% cheaper rent in Almaty.
Is Almaty or Graz better for democracy and rule of law?▾
Graz scores 8.3/10 on the EIU Democracy Index vs 3.1/10 for Almaty. That puts it in 'full democracy' territory — free press, independent courts, the works.
Is healthcare better in Almaty or Graz?▾
Graz scores higher on our composite healthcare index (85/100 vs 65/100 for Almaty). That score combines clinical outcomes (IHME), universal coverage (WHO), and resident perception (Numbeo) — not just whether hospitals exist but whether the system actually works for settlers.
Plot twist: other matchups exist
Maybe the real city was the comparisons we made along the way.
Let the algorithm judge you
2 min quiz — surprisingly accurate
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