New Year’s Table to Cost Kazakh Families Around US$136
The cost of a standard New Year’s grocery basket in Kazakhstan is expected to reach approximately 70,000 tenge (US$136) by the end of 2025, representing an increase of around 2,000 tenge (US$4) compared to the previous year. The estimate was presented by the Ministry of Trade and Integration following a price analysis of key festive food products.
The figures were announced during a government briefing by Yernur Zhautikbayev, Chairman of the Ministry’s Trade Committee. According to him, the rise reflects moderate inflationary pressures ahead of the holiday season.
To contain seasonal price growth, the government plans to expand the list of socially important food products subject to price regulation from 19 to 31 items. These measures are aimed at preventing speculative price increases and are expected to remain in force until the end of 2026.
As the holiday season approaches, attention has also shifted to the cost of New Year’s corporate events, which varies significantly across regions.
According to data published by Kazinform, Almaty remains the most expensive city for corporate celebrations. Budget banquet packages start at approximately 30,000 tenge (US$58) per person, while mid-range offers average around 50,000 tenge (US$97). Premium events can exceed 100,000 tenge (US$195), with high-end corporate functions typically costing between 120,000 and 150,000 tenge (US$234–292) per guest.
Prices in Astana and Karaganda are comparatively lower. In the capital, limited budget options range from 20,000 to 35,000 tenge (US$39–68), though most venues charge between 50,000 and 70,000 tenge (US$97–136), often including beverages and alcohol. In many cases, employers fully or partially cover these costs. In Karaganda, corporate banquet prices generally range from 20,000 to 50,000 tenge (US$39–97), typically excluding drinks.
In Shymkent and Zhezkazgan, average costs are around 30,000 tenge (US$58) per person. In Shymkent, prices range from 13,000 to 17,000 tenge (US$25–33) for basic packages to 100,000 tenge (US$195) for premium events, with most offers concentrated between 20,000 and 45,000 tenge (US$39–88).
In Kostanai, corporate celebrations generally cost between 24,000 and 30,000 tenge (US$47–58), while premium options exceed 70,000 tenge (US$136). In Kyzylorda, Konayev, and Turkistan, average prices are around 25,000 tenge (US$49). Turkistan offers the broadest price range, from 7,000 to 35,000 tenge (US$14–68), with premium packages reaching 70,000 tenge (US$136).
In Ust-Kamenogorsk, prices range from 14,000 to 33,000 tenge (US$27–64). In Atyrau, budget options start at 18,000 tenge (US$35) and rise to 27,000 tenge (US$52), with higher-priced packages typically including beverages.
More affordable corporate celebrations are available in cities such as Aktobe, Taldykorgan, Taraz, and Pavlodar, where average prices remain around 20,000 tenge (US$39). The lowest prices nationwide were recorded in Semei, with New Year’s corporate events ranging from 10,000 to 22,000 tenge (US$19–43) per person.
