🇺🇿 Cost of Living in Uzbekistan - Prices & Budget Guide
Last updated: February 2026
Verified Facts
Official NameRepublic of Uzbekistan
CapitalTashkent
Population37.9 million
Area447,400 km² (172,742 sq mi)
LanguagesRussian, Uzbek
CurrencyUzbekistani soʻm (so'm)
TimezoneUTC+05:00
RegionAsia / Central Asia
Drives onRight
Source: REST Countries API
Economic Indicators
GDP per Capita (PPP)$11,879 (2024)
Inflation Rate9.6% (2024)
Health Spend per Capita$192 (2023)
Out-of-Pocket Health Spend64.1% (2023)
Education Spend (% GDP)5.5% (2023)
Source: World Bank Open Data
The cost of living in or visiting Uzbekistan can vary greatly depending on your lifestyle and preferences, but overall it is considered to be an affordable country with a daily budget of $20-50 USD for backpackers, $50-100 USD for mid-range travelers, and $100-200 USD for comfort seekers.
Quick Facts
Cost LevelAffordable
Daily Budget (Backpacker)$20-50 USD
Daily Budget (Mid-Range)$50-100 USD
Daily Budget (Comfort)$100-200 USD
CurrencyUZS
Tipping Customnot expected
How Expensive Is Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan is considered to be one of the more affordable countries in Central Asia, with a cost of living that is lower than its neighbors Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. However, it is still more expensive than some of its other neighbors, such as Tajikistan and Afghanistan. Compared to global averages, Uzbekistan is a relatively inexpensive country, with a cost of living that is around 30-40% lower than the global average. This makes it an attractive destination for travelers and expats who are looking for a affordable and culturally rich experience.
In terms of specific costs, Uzbekistan has a wide range of prices for accommodation, food, and transportation, depending on the location and quality of the service. For example, a meal at a local eatery can cost as little as $3-5 USD, while a mid-range hotel room can cost around $20-30 USD per night. Overall, Uzbekistan offers a great balance of affordability and quality, making it an excellent choice for travelers who want to experience the best of Central Asia without breaking the bank.
Accommodation Prices
Type
Price Range (USD/night)
Notes
Hostel/Budget
$5-15
basic amenities, shared rooms
Mid-Range Hotel
$20-40
private rooms, TV, Wi-Fi
Luxury/Resort
$80-150
high-end amenities, pool, fitness center
Apartment Rent (monthly)
$100-300
city center, 1-2 bedrooms, basic amenities
Food & Dining Prices
Meal Type
Price Range (USD)
Street Food / Local Eatery
$3-5
Casual Restaurant
$10-15
Mid-Range Restaurant (2 people)
$20-30
Fine Dining
$50-100
Beer (local)
$2-5
Coffee
$1-3
Water (1.5L bottle)
$0.50-1
Transport Costs
Transport
Cost (USD)
Local bus/metro ride
$0.20-0.50
Taxi (per km)
$0.50-1
Domestic flight
$50-100
Fuel (per liter)
$0.50-1
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Category
Budget ($)
Mid-Range ($)
Comfortable ($)
Rent
100-200
200-400
400-600
Food
150-300
300-500
500-800
Transport
50-100
100-200
200-300
Utilities
50-100
100-150
150-200
Entertainment
100-200
200-300
300-500
Total
500-1000
1000-1800
1800-2800
Money-Saving Tips
Consider staying in budget-friendly accommodation options, such as hostels or guesthouses, which can cost as little as $5-10 USD per night.
Eat at local eateries or street food stalls, which offer delicious and affordable meals for around $3-5 USD.
Use public transportation, such as buses or metro, which are cheap and efficient, with fares starting from $0.20 USD.
Avoid traveling during peak season, which is June to August, when prices for accommodation and transportation are higher.
Learn some basic Uzbek phrases, such as "hello" (salom) and "thank you" (rahmat), which can help you navigate the country and get better deals.
Consider purchasing a local SIM card or portable Wi-Fi hotspot, which can help you stay connected and avoid high roaming charges.