Living and working in Uzbekistan as a foreign founder: What to expect

When I first arrived in Uzbekistan in 2018, I never anticipated that I would remain here for this long. Yet, here I am, eight years later, still believing it is one of the few places where life's calculations truly add up. You receive excellent value for your money, experience a genuine sense of community, and enjoy a lifestyle that enables you to concentrate on growth. It may not be flawless — but if you seek to reduce your expenses without diminishing your quality of life, Uzbekistan is worth considering.

(If you have been following this series, you may have already read my articles on [establishing a business], [obtaining your visa], and [how IT Park assists entrepreneurs]. This article focuses on the everyday realities once you arrive.)

Housing and neighborhoods

Rent is often the most significant factor influencing a monthly budget. In central Tashkent, a furnished two-bedroom apartment in a contemporary building generally costs between $400-700 per month, depending on the district, building quality, and whether utilities are included. Prices decrease outside the center: one-bedroom apartments in older Soviet-style buildings can be found for $250-400. Beyond Tashkent, historic cities such as Samarkand and Bukhara frequently offer one- to two-bedroom apartments in the $220-450 range. These cities also host regional branches of IT Park, which I have previously discussed, allowing entrepreneurs to access resources, co-working spaces, and talent pools while enjoying lower housing expenses. Purchasing property is also an option for long-term residents, with prices per square meter ranging from $600-1,400 in central Tashkent, compared to $400-650 in regional cities. Importantly, Uzbekistan provides a streamlined Residence Permit (ВНЖ) process for foreign investors acquiring residential real estate. According to current regulations (Presidential Decree No. UP-5611, amended by UP-113), foreigners can secure a residence permit by purchasing property valued at a minimum of $300,000 in the Tashkent region, $200,000 in major regional centers like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Namangan, and $100,000 in other areas.

Food and the weekly shop

One of Uzbekistan's often-overlooked advantages is its fresh produce. Tomatoes, melons, cherries, and herbs taste as food should, and seasonal fruits are plentiful in every local market. If you prepare meals at home, anticipate your monthly grocery bill to be between $120-200, depending on how many imported items you include. For instance, a dozen eggs averages 16,200 UZS ($1.35), a loaf of bread costs around 5,000 UZS ($0.40), and a kilogram of chicken breast is approximately 45,000-55,000 UZS ($3.75-4.5).

Dining out continues to be budget-friendly: a substantial meal at a neighborhood café generally costs between $3 and $6, while a dinner for one at a mid-range restaurant ranges from $10 to $20. With these prices, eating out can easily become a regular part of one's weekly activities rather than just an occasional treat.

Healthcare and Family Services

Private healthcare in Uzbekistan is both accessible and affordable by international standards. A standard consultation at a private clinic in Tashkent usually costs between $10 and $35, and routine dental services are comparably priced. When I gave birth to my son in a local maternity ward, the total expense was $400, which covered a three-day stay, meals, medications, and doctor fees—demonstrating the professionalism and affordability of local services. Many expatriates adopt a hybrid approach: they manage everyday healthcare locally while seeking more complex treatments abroad in regional centers like Turkey or South Korea. If you choose international insurance, it is crucial to verify that it includes coverage for private hospitals in Tashkent, as this is still not universally available.

Getting Around and Utilities

When I relocated to Uzbekistan in 2018, ride-hailing apps were nonexistent. To travel across town, you had to hail any passing vehicle, negotiate a fare, and often communicate in basic Uzbek or Russian. It was an immersive introduction to both languages. Fast forward to 2025, and transportation in Tashkent has significantly improved.

The Tashkent Metro, recognized as one of the most beautiful metro systems globally, remains clean, efficient, and incredibly affordable at just 1,700 UZS (approximately $0.14) per ride. On the roads, ride-hailing services like Yandex Go, Uklon, and MyTaxi have revolutionized taxi availability, with average fares across the city typically falling between 15,000 and 35,000 UZS ($1.25-$2.90), depending on distance and time of day.

For those who drive, GlobalPetrolPrices indicates that gasoline in Uzbekistan averaged around 11,200-12,500 UZS per liter ($0.93-$1) in mid-2025, with weekly price variations reflecting global oil market trends. Utilities for a standard 85-100m² apartment typically cost between $40 and $80 per month, covering electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal. Home internet has improved in speed and reliability compared to a few years ago, with Uztelecom and private providers offering unlimited data packages in the $10-20 per month range. Collectively, these advancements have made daily life in Uzbekistan significantly more convenient than it was just a few years prior.

Telegram as the everyday platform

Forget Facebook — Telegram serves as Uzbekistan’s genuine digital town square. It is utilized for a variety of purposes: news dissemination, updates from city services, classifieds, grocery orders, and restaurant menus. Many neighborhoods and buildings have dedicated Telegram groups where one can quickly find a plumber or sell furniture within minutes. For expatriates, Telegram also forms the foundation of both social and professional interactions, encompassing job opportunities and weekend activities.

Economy and broader outlook

Since 2017, Uzbekistan has been on a deliberate reform trajectory — and recent statistics highlight this progress. From January to September 2025, the economy expanded by 7.6%, achieving a GDP of $108.7 billion. Uzbekistan is anticipated to maintain this robust economic momentum, with GDP growth estimated at approximately 6.2% in 2025 and 6% in 2026.

For entrepreneurs, this consistent GDP growth and overarching economic momentum are significant. Stability and reforms foster an environment conducive to launching, iterating, and scaling businesses. With IT Park’s regional hubs (as outlined in my business setup guide), founders can leverage both national growth and localized support networks.

Culture and everyday life

Uzbekistan’s culture stands out as one of its most compelling attractions, merging ancient heritage with a vibrant modern arts scene. Cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites, captivating visitors with their turquoise domes, magnificent madrasahs, and rich Silk Road history. Beyond tourism, there exists a lively cultural calendar that both locals and expatriates appreciate throughout the year. In Tashkent, affordable tickets for philharmonic concerts, ballet performances, and theater shows often range from 30,000 to 70,000 UZS ($2 to $6), making high-quality performances accessible to all. Regular cultural festivals, contemporary art exhibitions, and open-air concerts in parks foster community engagement and keep the city’s social scene vibrant without straining budgets. For expatriates, this blend of profound history and accessible culture enriches daily life.

Practical realities

However, it’s not entirely without challenges. Imported brands and specialized equipment can be costly due to tariffs and logistical issues. Anticipate longer lead times instead of last-minute imports. While payment methods are rapidly modernizing, cash remains prevalent in markets. Additionally, although English is becoming more widespread, knowing a few Uzbek phrases can be very beneficial:

Assalomu alaykum = Hello

Yaxshimisiz = How are you?

Nech pul. = How much does it cost?

Monthly Budget Overview in Tashkent (2025)

Below is an overview of the expenses associated with a comfortable lifestyle for expatriates in Tashkent (excluding educational fees):

Estimated Monthly Total

Reasons Founders Choose to Stay

Three key factors contribute to founders remaining in the area:

As reforms progress, the overall economic outlook remains positive, and daily life is notably stable, Uzbekistan continues to be one of the most attractive basecamps for founders in 2025.

Prepared to take the leap? Pack your bags, download Telegram, and explore how far your budget and business can extend in Uzbekistan.