Cost of Living: Almaty vs Graz (2026)

Almaty is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $756/month there vs $772/month in the other city (Numbeo data).

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.

Graz scores 80 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.

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.

Almaty is warmer in summer (82°F vs 77°F). Graz has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.

Graz is easier for street-level English (74/100) 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.

A 1-bedroom in the centre: $756/month in Almaty, $772/month in Graz (Numbeo). That's 2% cheaper rent in Almaty.

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.

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.