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In the I quarter of 2026, the unemployment rate1) in Kazakhstan, calculated according to the International Labour Organisation's methodology (who did not have a profitable occupation (job), were actively looking for it and were ready to start it), amounted to 4,5%.
According to the 1st quarter 2026 sample employment survey, the labour force was 9838.1 thousand people. 9392,0 thousand people were employed in various sectors of the economy, of whom 7290,4 thousand were wage earners (77,6% of all workers in the economy) and 2101,6 thousand were self-employed (22,4% of all workers in the economy). The employment rate to the population aged 15 and over was 64,1%.
Compared to the correspoonding quarter of last year, total employment increased by 108,5 thousand people, mostly at the expense of employees
The largest share of employees was observed in trade (16,7%), education (13,3%), industry (12,6%) and agriculture (10,2%).
The proportion of NEET youth who are neither employed nor engaged in education or training was 5,8%.
Among young people aged 15 - 342), the unemployment rate was 3,0%.
Officially, as of the end of April 2026., 334.1 thousand unemployed people were registered in the employment agencies of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The registered unemployed accounted for 3.4% of the labor force.
Methodical explanation
The unemployed (according to ILO standards) are persons who did not have a profitable occupation (job), were actively looking for it and were ready to start it.
1) Data from a sample survey of employment.
2) According to the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On State Youth Policy". From January 1, 2023 the age of young people is increased to 35 years.
The average monthly nominal wage in the Republic of Kazakhstan in the I quarter of 2026 amounted to 461486 tenge. The growth by the corresponding quarter of 2025 was 109,1%, in real terms, the increase – by 97,7%. The median value of wages (the central level of the salary range) was estimated in the I quarter of 2026, amounted to 331527 tenge.
Compared to the corresponding quarter of 2025 the largest increase in average monthly wages was recorded in agriculture, forestry and fisheries – by 20,3%, art, financial and insurance activities – by 18,1%, water supply; water disposal, waste collection, treatment and disposal, pollution elimination activities – by 16,5%, supply of electricity, gas, steam, hot water and air conditioned – 14,7%, transport and storage – 12,9%, and industry – 11,6% . In healthcare and social services wage increased – by 7,0%, in education – by 4,2%.
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Regionally, the largest increase in average monthly nominal wages in the I quarter of 2026 compared to the corresponding quarter of 2025 was in the Abay region – by 14,2%, in the Pavlodar region – by 12,4%, in the Zhetisu region – by 12,2%, in the Аlmaty region – by 10,9% and Almaty city – by 10,7%.
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In April 2026, monthly inflation amounted to 0.8%, Prices for food products by 0.7%, non-food goods and paid services increased by 0.9% each.
Among food products, prices for bananas and oranges decreased by 3% each, greens and beans by 0.6% each, marshmallow by 0.5%, and dried apricots by 0.4%.
Grapes rose in price by 5.6%, butter and caramel by 1.2% each, potatoes by 0.8%, cottage cheese by 0.6%, rolls and muffins by 0.4%, lemons and lentils by 0.3% each.
Among non-food items, washing machines became cheaper by 1.2%, paracetamol by 0.8%, contact lens solution by 0.7%, blenders by 0.6%, televisions by 0.4%. Price increases were observed for wristwatches by 4%, cement by 2.4%, personal hygiene products by 1.5%, and detergents and cleaning products by 0.7%.
In the paid services sector, medical insurance for tourists decreased by 1.9%. Cleaning services increased by 0.8%, cosmetology services by 0.7%, computer and laptop repair services by 0.3%.
In annual terms, inflation in April 2026 amounted to 10.6%, slowing down by 0.4 percentage points compared to March. Prices for non-food products increased by 11.7%, food products by 11.3%, and paid services by 8.9%.
In annual terms, the price of cabbage decreased by 24.4%, garlic by 7.8%, beets by 4.7%, and bananas by 1.7%. Pears increased in price by 10.8%, honey by 9.1%, marmalade by 7.6%, yeast by 7%, and granulated sugar by 4.2%.
Over the year, prices for irons rose by 20.7%, toothpaste by 14.6%, chargers by 6.8%, tablecloths by 6.4%, and kitchen knives by 2.5%.
Legal services increased by 10%, communication services by 3.2%.
The consumer price index, which characterizes the level of inflation, is calculated monthly. Observations are carried out on tariffs and prices for services and goods, for a total of 537 items. Dynamic changes in inflation can be viewed on a specially designed interactive dashboard, which covers indicators starting from 2018.
*From January 2025 when constructing the consumer price index, the share of food products is 41.1%, non-food products – 28,4%, paid services – 30,5%.
In 2025, compared with the previous year, there was an increase in consumption in all major food groups.
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Per capita consumption of certain types of food products for the average month of 2025 was: potatoes – 3.8 kg, wheat bread from flour of the 1st grade – 2.4 kg, beef – 2.1 kg, apples – 1.6 kg, granulated sugar – 1.5 kg, rice- 1,4 kg, raw milk – 1.1 l, kefir – 1 l, eggs – 17,6 pieces, macaroni - 0,9 kg, fresh or chilled fish -0,8 kg, black tea – 0,1 kg.
Food consumption data obtained from a sample survey of 12 000 households bu standart of living.
Per capita consumption of main foodstuff is - a number of foods (particularly by every type of foods) averagely consumed by a household member during a surveyed period. It is calculated by dividing the consumption of the specific type of foods into existing household members. Consumption of larger aggregates is recalculated on the base of the primary product aggregates.
In March 2026, monthly inflation amounted to 0.6%, showing a slowdown in price growth by 0.5 percentage points compared to February. The slowdown in price growth was observed across all components: prices for food products increased by 0.7%, paid services by 0.6%, and non-food products by 0.5%.
Among food products, price increases were observed for sweet peppers by 10.7%, bananas by 5.4%, beets and carrots by 4.2% each, kefir (2–3% fat) by 2.3%, honey by 1.8%, and sugar cookies and beef liver by 1.3% each. Price decreases were recorded for cucumbers by 22.6%, onions by 10.9%, tomatoes by 2.6%, cabbage by 1.9%, buckwheat groats by 1.2%, and chocolate-coated candies by 0.9%.
Among non-food products, prices decreased for vacuum cleaners by 8.2%, irons by 7.7%, smartphones by 2.7%, cars by 2.3%, and women’s bags by 2.1%. Price increases were observed for gold wedding rings and kitchen stoves by 5.5% each, televisions by 4.1%, wireless headphones by 2.2%, corvalol by 1.7%, hand cream by 1.4%, and cement by 1.3%.
Prices for services increased as follows: swimming pool subscriptions by 3.3%, electrician services by 2.1%, dental caries treatment by 1.6%, intercity bus fares by 1.1%, and driving school courses by 0.8%.
In annual terms, inflation in March 2026 amounted to 11.0%, slowing down by 0.7 percentage points compared to February. Prices for food products increased by 11.7%, non-food products by 11.3%, and paid services by 10.0%.
Year-on-year, prices for cucumbers decreased by 40.9%, tomatoes by 16.5%, onions by 15.8%, and rice by 5.0%. Prices increased for apples by 13.5%, oatmeal by 12.9%, noodles by 12.0%, and black tea by 6.7%.
Compared to March 2025, prices for shampoo increased by 13.9%, laundry soap by 7.3%, tablecloths by 6.5%, wallpaper by 3.3%, and indoor plants by 3.2%.
Courier services for parcel delivery increased by 14.3%, event organization services by 10.8%, TV repair by 7.0%, and services of children's development centers by 6.9%.
The consumer price index, which characterizes the level of inflation, is calculated monthly. Observations are carried out on tariffs and prices for services and goods, for a total of 537 items. Dynamic changes in inflation can be viewed on a specially designed interactive dashboard, which covers indicators starting from 2018.
*From January 2025 when constructing the consumer price index, the share of food products is 41.1%, non-food products – 28,4%, paid services – 30,5%.
Monthly inflation (February 2026) amounted to 1.1%. Prices for food products by 1.3%, paid services by 1.0% and non-food goods increased by 0.9%.
Among food products, prices for cucumbers decreased by 3.9%, bulb onions – 3.2%, oranges – 0.9%, chickens – 0.6%, beef boneless – 0.2%. Price increases were recorded for cognac by 13.7%, canned corn– by 8.6%, mineral water – by 6.8%.
Among non-food goods, prices washing machine decreased by 7.4%, and sterile bandage – by 3.8%, electric kettle – by 2.6%, smartphone – by 1.7%. The level of prices for ironing board rose 12.4%, tumbler set – by 8.9%, washing powder – by 1.5% each.
In the field of paid services, cinema services rose by 2.2%, and photographer services increased by 0.5%.
In February 2026, annual inflation amounted to 11.7%. Prices for food products increased by 12.7%, non-food products by 11.6% and paid services by 10.8%.
In annual terms, greens became cheaper by 7.6%, zucchini by 6.2%, rice by 4.3%, and cabbage by 1.5%. Raisins rose in price by 8.8%, sugar cookies by 8.5%, honey by 7.2%, and dates by 5.8%.
Compared to February 2025, prices for shower gel increased by 15%, cement by 11.2%, detergents and cleaning products by 9.3%, and wallpaper glue by 5.7%.
Cleaning clothes rose in price by 14.5%, cosmetologist services by 12.7%, gym services (subscription)) by 10.1%, and.
The consumer price index, which characterizes the level of inflation, is calculated monthly. Observations are carried out on tariffs and prices for services and goods, for a total of 537 items. Dynamic changes in inflation can be viewed on a specially designed interactive dashboard, which covers indicators starting from 2018.
*From January 2025 when constructing the consumer price index, the share of food products is 41.1%, non-food products – 28,4%, paid services – 30,5%.
The physical volume index (PVI) of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for 2025 (flash estimates) in relation to the appropriate period in 2024 amounted to 106,5%. In the structure of GDP, the share of production of goods is 36,1%, services – 57,7%.
The largest growth was shown by transport and warehousing (20,4%), construction (15,9%), wholesale and retail trade; car and motorcycle repair (8,9%), manufacturing (6,4%), agriculture, forestry ang fishing (5,9%).
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GDP – in market prices, is the final result of the production activities of resident producers.
PVI GDP characterizes the change in the volume of production of goods and services in the economy for a certain period.
Monthly inflation (January 2026) amounted to 1%. Prices for food products by 0.8%, non-food goods increased by 1.2%, and paid services by 1.1%.
Among food products, prices for cucumbers decreased by 7.3%, apples – by 4.1%, and rice – by 0.7%. Price increases were recorded for salt by 0.9%, sprats in oil – by 0.6%, lentils – by 0.2%.
Among non-food goods, prices for tableware set decreased by 7.1%, and electric meat grinders – by 2.8%, new cars – by 2.2%, Azithromycin – by 1%. The level of prices for laptops rose 4.3%, detergents and cleaning products, engine oil – by 1% each.
Gym services increased by 1.2%, cleaning сlothes – by 0.7%, foreign language courses – by 0.2%.
On a year-on-year basis, inflation in January 2026 amounted to 12.2%. Prices for food products increased by 12.9%, non-food goods – by 11.7%, paid services – by 12%.
In annual terms prices decreased for potatoes by 7%, garlic – by 4.9%, sweet peppers – by 2.6%, and dried apricots – by 1.1%. The price of raisins increased by 7.7%, yeast – by 4.6%.
Compared to January 2025 water-based paints increased by 9.2%, women's bag – by 6.7%, washing powder – by 6.3%, bedding set and laundry soap – by 5.9% each.
Extracurricular music education classes increased by 2.3%, cell phone repair – by 2.2%.
The consumer price index, which characterizes the level of inflation, is calculated monthly. Observations are carried out on tariffs and prices for services and goods, for a total of 537 items. Dynamic changes in inflation can be viewed on a specially designed interactive dashboard, which covers indicators starting from 2018.
*From January 2025 when constructing the consumer price index, the share of food products is 41.1%, non-food products – 28,4%, paid services – 30,5%.
Monthly inflation (December 2025) amounted to 0.9%. Prices for food products increased by 1.2%, non-food goods by 0.7%, and paid services by 0.6%.
Over the past month, prices for oranges decreased by 2.6%, carrots by 2%, sugar by 1.3%, and eggs by 0.1%. Prices increased for condensed milk by 2.1%, hard cheese by 1.8%, and vegetable juices by 1.6%.
Prices for certain types of medicines decreased: Suprastin by 18.5%, Enap by 5.2%, Canephron by 1.4%, Iodomarin and Azithromycin by 0.9% each. Cars became cheaper by 0.4%, and electrical appliances by 0.9%. Prices for smartphones increased by 0.9%, and personal hygiene products by 1.1%.
Among utility services, a decrease in tariffs was observed for wastewater disposal by 2.4% and cold water by 0.9%. Over the month, taxi services increased in price by 1.8%, bathhouse visits by 2.1%, and cinema services by 2.9%.
Annual inflation in 2025 amounted to 12.3%. Over the past year, prices for food products increased by 13.5%, non-food goods by 11.1%, and tariffs for paid services rose by 12%.
Among food products, a decrease in prices on a year-on-year basis was recorded for tomatoes by 7.9%, rice – by 4.8%, cucumbers – by 4.7%, sweet peppers – by 2.7%, and dried apricots – by 2%. Prices increased for grapes by 7.7% and green tea by 7.9%.
Among non-food goods, price increases were recorded for shoe polish by 10.8%, a basin mixer by – 8.5%, and an electric drill by – 6.6%.
In 2025, in the housing and utilities sector, tariffs for cold water decreased by 13.1%. Prices for shoe repair increased by 10.1%, postal services by – 8.9%, and auto insurance – by 6.5%.
Among the regions, low annual inflation was observed in the city of Almaty and Kostanay region – 11.7% each, as well as in Abai, Zhambyl, and West Kazakhstan regions – 11.8% each.
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The consumer price index, which characterizes the level of inflation, is calculated monthly. Observations are carried out on tariffs and prices for services and goods, for a total of 508 items. Dynamic changes in inflation can be viewed on a specially designed interactive dashboard, which covers indicators starting from 2018.
*From January 2025 when constructing the consumer price index, the share of food products is 40.0%, non-food products – 30,3%, paid services – 29,7%.