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Turkmenistan

5.7/ 10 average score

About Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan offers unique culture, beautiful architecture, and rich history. From Ashgabat to the ancient Silk Road, it's perfect for cultural exploration.

Quality of Life Ratings (Hover to see details)

Economy5.0
Health5.8
Safety7.5
Entertainment5.5
Cost of Living7.8
Freedom4.5
Infrastructure6.0
Climate6.8
Internet Speed5.5
English Speaking2.5

Living in Turkmenistan – Cost, Quality of Life & Practical Guide (2026)

Cost of Living in Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan scores 7.8/10 for cost of living in our ratings. For many expats and remote workers, that translates to moderate day-to-day expenses compared to other popular destinations. Housing, groceries, and transport vary by city; use our Cost of Living Calculator to compare Turkmenistan with your current location or other countries you are considering.

Who Should Consider Moving to Turkmenistan?

Turkmenistan offers unique culture, beautiful architecture, and rich history. From Ashgabat to the ancient Silk Road, it's perfect for cultural exploration. If you value healthcare quality (rated 5.8/10 here), safety (7.5/10), and a balanced lifestyle, Turkmenistan is worth a closer look. It tends to suit professionals, families, and anyone prioritising stability and quality of life over extreme affordability or year-round heat.

Pros and Cons

Pros include the overall quality of life reflected in the ratings above. On the downside, some note limited English in some areas. We recommend comparing Turkmenistan with similar options such as Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan on our compare page to see which fits your priorities.

Final Thoughts

Whether Turkmenistan is right for you depends on your budget, career, and what you value most. Our ratings and user reviews above give a snapshot. For deeper dives, read our guides such as How Americans Can Legally Live Abroad Without Paying Double Taxes (2026 Guide) and Top 5 Cities to Live in the Future – Where AI, Urban Design, and Ambition Converge. Combine that with the calculator and country comparisons to make an informed decision for 2026.

What people say about Turkmenistan

Ashgabat has such unique and interesting architecture.

Apr 30, 2023

The ancient Silk Road sites are fascinating.

Apr 27, 2023

The culture and traditions are very unique.

Apr 24, 2023

Very affordable to live here. Great value for money.

Apr 21, 2023

People are very hospitable and welcoming.

Apr 18, 2023

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Quick Stats

Economy5
Health5.8
Safety7.5
Cost of Living7.8
Climate6.8

Top 5 Cities

1

Ashgabat

1.0M

Capital with white marble architecture

2

Türkmenabat

254K

Eastern hub with Amu Darya

3

Dasoguz

227K

Northern city with desert

4

Mary

126K

Southern capital with Merv ruins

5

Balkanabat

108K

Western city with Caspian coast

Highlights

Best Country to Live: Turkmenistan (2026 Guide)