Salary data this week covers multiple locations in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. All popular locations for EFL teachers, but the numbers between the two countries tell two quite different stories once you look closely.
The salaries
🇰🇿
Kazakhstan
$1,000 – $1,500 / mo
£790–£1,185 / €919–€1,378
Average: $1,125 (£889 / $1,187 / €1,034)
🇺🇿
Uzbekistan
$1,000 – $3,500 / mo
£790–£2,765 / €919–€3,216
Average: $2,193 (£1,733 / $2,315 / €2,015)
Take-home pay
| |
🇰🇿 Kazakhstan |
🇺🇿 Uzbekistan |
| Gross average salary |
$1,125 (£889 / $1,187 / €1,034) |
$2,193 (£1,733 / $2,315 / €2,015) |
| Est. effective tax rate |
10% |
12% |
| Est. net take-home |
$1,013 (£800 / $1,069 / €930) |
$1,930 (£1,525 / $2,037 / €1,773) |
Tax rates are simplified estimates for a typical foreign teacher's salary bracket, not precise calculations — actual tax owed depends on progressive brackets, tax treaties, residency status, social insurance contributions, and local practice. Treat as a rough planning figure, not tax advice.
Cost of living
Typical monthly costs — single person, modest lifestyle (local currency, GBP / USD / EUR)
Rent — 1-bed city-centre apartment
🇰🇿
$532 (£420 / $561 / €488)
🇺🇿
$277 (£219 / $293 / €255)
Food & groceries
🇰🇿
$316 (£250 / $334 / €291)
🇺🇿
$185 (£146 / $195 / €170)
Going out & socialising
🇰🇿
$165 (£130 / $174 / €151)
🇺🇿
$101 (£80 / $107 / €93)
Estimated monthly total
🇰🇿
$1,041 (£822 / $1,098 / €956)
🇺🇿
$580 (£458 / $612 / €533)
Adjusted for city size: Kazakhstan figures based on Almaty — 100% of the national hub baseline; Uzbekistan figures averaged across 5 listing cities (Tashkent, Multiple locations, Across Uzbekistan, Nationwide, TASHKENT) — 73% of the national hub baseline.
Uzbekistan is roughly 39% cheaper to live in day-to-day than Kazakhstan, based on typical rent, food and transport costs.
Cost-of-living figures are indicative estimates compiled from publicly available sources including Numbeo, Mercer Cost of Living, and the Economist Intelligence Unit Worldwide Cost of Living survey, and are not sourced from TEFL.com listings.
Monthly savings potential
| |
🇰🇿 Kazakhstan |
🇺🇿 Uzbekistan |
| Est. net monthly salary |
$1,013 (£800 / $1,069 / €930) |
$1,930 (£1,525 / $2,037 / €1,773) |
| Est. monthly living costs |
$1,041 (£822 / $1,098 / €956) |
$580 (£458 / $612 / €533) |
| Est. monthly savings |
-$28 (-£22 / -$30 / -€26) |
$1,350 (£1,067 / $1,425 / €1,241) |
Estimated net salary minus estimated total monthly living costs (rent, food, transport and socialising combined). A negative figure suggests that role/location may need savings brought from home or a lower-cost lifestyle than assumed here — treat as a rough guide, not a budget.
Benefits breakdown
| |
🇰🇿 Kazakhstan |
🇺🇿 Uzbekistan |
| 🏠Accommodation |
50% |
53% |
| 🪪Visa sponsorship |
50% |
27% |
| 🎓Professional development |
50% |
20% |
| 🏖Holiday pay |
50% |
13% |
| 💕Airport pick-up |
50% |
7% |
| ✈Flights |
0% |
40% |
| ⚕Health insurance |
0% |
33% |
| 🛂Visa assistance |
0% |
20% |
| 🏷Tax-free |
0% |
13% |
| 📚Training support |
0% |
13% |
| 🍴Meals |
0% |
7% |
| 💉Medical care |
0% |
7% |
| 🤝Ongoing support |
0% |
7% |
Each percentage is the share of Kazakhstan's (or Uzbekistan's) included teaching posts whose listing mentioned the benefit. A missing benefit isn't necessarily unavailable, just not stated in that listing.
The verdict
🇰🇿Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is best known for growing market, competitive salaries. Recent listings put the average at around $1,125 (£889 / €1,034)/mo. The pay range is narrower than Uzbekistan — less variation, but more consistency. Day-to-day expenses here outpace Uzbekistan by around 39%, which affects real purchasing power.
🇺🇿Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is known for emerging market, unique experience. Based current and recent listings, the average salary comes to $2,193 (£1,733 / €2,015)/mo. Expect more variation in pay here than in Kazakhstan, depending on the role and school. Day-to-day living costs are also roughly 39% lower than in Kazakhstan, stretching that salary further.
Kazakhstan or Uzbekistan? Either way, today's TEFL market offers real choice — and real opportunities to build a life abroad on a teacher's salary.
Browse Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan jobs at TEFL.com →
