Utility Bills in Bishkek 2026: How Much Does an Apartment Cost to Run?
Before buying or renting an apartment in Bishkek, it is important to understand how much you will spend on utilities each month. The figures vary considerably depending on the floor area, district, and building type.
Main Utility Cost Categories
1. Electricity
Severelektro tariffs in 2026:
- Up to 700 kWh per month: 0.77 som/kWh
- Over 700 kWh: 2.16 som/kWh
Typical consumption:
- 1-room apartment: 150–250 kWh → 115–190 som
- 2-room apartment: 250–400 kWh → 190–310 som
- 3-room apartment: 350–600 kWh → 270–460 som
Lower in summer (no heating), significantly higher in winter when electric heaters are used.
2. Cold Water and Sewerage
- Tariff: ~15 som/m³ (water) + ~10 som/m³ (sewerage)
- Average consumption per person: 3–5 m³ per month
- Family of 3: approximately 500–800 som per month
3. Central Heating
Season: October–April (7 months).
- Tariff: ~12–15 som/Gcal·m² per month
- 1-room apartment (35 m²): 400–600 som/month during the heating season
- 2-room apartment (55 m²): 650–950 som/month
- 3-room apartment (75 m²): 900–1,300 som/month
Important: not all buildings are connected to the central heating system. New developments often have autonomous heating — a complex's own boiler room or individual boilers. This is more expensive in winter, but temperature can be self-regulated.
4. Gas
Most new developments in Bishkek do not have gas. In older housing stock:
- Tariff: ~11 som/m³
- Family of 3 (gas cooker + boiler): 400–700 som/month
5. Waste Collection
- Approximately 60–120 som per month per apartment (depends on floor area and management company)
6. Building Management Contributions (HOA / Management Company)
- Old housing stock: 50–200 som/month
- Average residential complex: 200–600 som/month
- Premium complex with security, underground parking, concierge: 800–2,500 som/month
Total Costs by Apartment Type
| Apartment Type | Summer (som/month) | Winter (som/month) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-room, old stock | 700–1,200 | 1,300–2,000 |
| 2-room, old stock | 1,000–1,600 | 2,000–3,000 |
| 3-room, old stock | 1,400–2,200 | 2,800–4,000 |
| 1-room, new development | 1,000–1,800 | 1,800–3,000 |
| 2-room, new development | 1,500–2,500 | 2,500–4,500 |
| 3-room, new development | 2,000–3,500 | 3,500–6,000 |
Checking Utility Debts Before Buying
Before buying an apartment, always request a certificate confirming no outstanding utility debts. The previous owner's debts may pass to the buyer.
More details: Certificate of no property debts in Kyrgyzstan.
Utility Payments When Renting
When renting an apartment, clarify in advance:
- Whether utilities are included in the rent or paid separately
- Who pays for capital repairs
- Whether the owner has any outstanding debts
On tenant rights: Apartment Lease Agreement in Kyrgyzstan.
FAQ
Can meter readings be submitted online? Yes, Severelektro and Bishkekteploset accept readings via mobile apps and websites.
What if the previous resident left utility debts? Ask the seller to provide certificates of no outstanding debts before signing the contract. Make sure this is written as a condition of the transaction.
Are utilities more expensive in new developments? Generally higher due to management contributions, but more economical on heating (energy-efficient walls, individual boilers).
Consultation with Aziza Talantbekovna – realtor with 30 years experience in Bishkek. From 2,000 som. Tel: +996 702 584 477
PAID consultation. Price: from 2,000 som. Even for a single question. Tel: +996 702 584 477