Cost of Living: Almaty vs Marrakech (2026)

Marrakech is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $495/month there vs $756/month in the other city (Numbeo data).

Marrakech is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Almaty has a rate of 2.63 per 100,000 and Marrakech has 1.70 per 100,000.

Too close to call — 62 vs 58. Marrakech has a slight edge, but Almaty might suit you better depending on your priorities. See the full comparison above for rent, safety, internet speed, climate, and democracy scores to decide which city fits your priorities.

Marrakech is warmer in summer (95°F vs 82°F). Almaty has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.

Marrakech is easier for street-level English (32/100) 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: $495/month in Marrakech, $756/month in Almaty (Numbeo). That's 35% cheaper rent in Marrakech.

Marrakech scores 5.0/10 on the EIU Democracy Index vs 3.1/10 for Almaty. Worth researching — neither scores as a 'full democracy,' so dig into press freedom and judicial independence before committing.

Almaty scores higher on our composite healthcare index (65/100 vs 53/100 for Marrakech). 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.