Social spending on the rise: How Uzbekistan compares to its regional neighbors

The figures, compiled and published by Zakon.kz, highlight significant disparities in pensions, minimum wages, and average salaries throughout the region.

According to the report, Kazakhstan maintains the highest social indicators in the region. The average pension in Kazakhstan is KZT 157,843 ($342.89), while the minimum wage is KZT 85,000 ($184.63). The average monthly salary in the country stands at KZT 473,158 ($1,027.78).

In comparison, Uzbekistan’s average pension is estimated at KZT 61,303 ($133.16). The country’s minimum wage is KZT 49,314 ($107.11), and the average monthly salary is recorded at KZT 247,540 ($537.64). Kyrgyzstan follows closely, reporting an average pension of KZT 60,705 ($131.84) and an average wage of KZT 247,387 ($537.31), though its minimum wage is notably lower at KZT 17,718 ($38.49). Tajikistan recorded the lowest figures in the group, with average pensions estimated at KZT 22,886 ($49.70) and average salaries at KZT 131,708 ($286.09).

In recent years, countries across Central Asia have prioritized social spending. These efforts include raising the subsistence minimum, indexing pensions and benefits, and expanding support systems for families, particularly those linked to childbirth.

The report also noted that Kazakhstan provides substantial indirect support. For 2026, authorities plan to allocate KZT 62.34 billion ($135.41 million) to subsidize socially significant public transport routes in Astana and KZT 107.6 billion ($233.74 million) in Almaty.

Experts note that while the comparison provides a useful snapshot, the data is compiled from open sources and does not utilize a unified methodology. Consequently, the figures may not be fully comparable due to differences in calculation methods, reference periods, and the coverage of specific social benefits. Furthermore, the data does not account for variations in the cost of living or the local purchasing power of each currency. All calculations were performed using an exchange rate of KZT 460.37 per $1 as of April 8, 2026.