Supermarkets in Kazakhstan 2026: Where to Buy Groceries Cheapest in Almaty, Astana and Shymkent

The grocery basket in 2026 has become more expensive again, but the price difference between stores can reach 25–35 %. In this article — an up-to-date comparison of prices in the most popular supermarket chains in Kazakhstan and real advice on where it is more profitable to shop for residents of Almaty, Astana and Shymkent.

We checked the main chains (Magnum, Small, Green, Arbuz.kz and markets) as of April 2026. The main conclusion: Small and wholesale markets most often win on price, while Magnum wins with promotions and convenient delivery.

• Small — most often the cheapest option for basic products (cereals, dairy, eggs, vegetables). Many residents of Astana and Almaty call it “the people’s supermarket”.
• Magnum — wide selection, frequent promotions, convenient delivery and app. Good when you need speed and quality.
• Green and local chains — good prices on fresh vegetables/fruits in southern regions.
• Arbuz.kz and other online stores — convenient with delivery, especially if you use Kaspi Red with cashback.

Practical conclusion: for daily shopping — Small + markets, for big purchases and promotions — Magnum.

• Small and Magnum Go — best prices on dairy, cereals and meat.
• Green Bazaar / wholesale markets (Barys, Zholdyz, Turksib) — vegetables and fruits 20–40 % cheaper than in supermarkets.
• Magnum — profitable during promotions and with delivery (especially when ordering through Kaspi).

Lifehack: compare prices in the Small and Magnum apps before going.

• Small — price leader in almost all categories.
• Magnum — more convenient in terms of location and premium product range.
• Weekend fairs and wholesale markets — the lowest prices on seasonal vegetables.

In Astana the difference between Small and Magnum on a basic basket can be 15–25 % in favor of Small.

• The south is traditionally cheaper. Green, local chains and markets offer the lowest prices on vegetables, fruits and meat.
• Small and Magnum — good for dairy and groceries.
• Wholesale markets in Shymkent — the best option for a large family.

1. Always compare prices in the apps of 2–3 chains.
2. Buy vegetables and fruits at wholesale markets.
3. Use Kaspi Red or bank cards with 1–5 % cashback.
4. Take goods with yellow price tags (promotions and short-shelf-life items).
5. Make large purchases of non-perishable goods once every 1–2 weeks.
6. Follow promotions in Magnum and Small apps.
7. Buy socially important goods at fixed prices.
8. Avoid impulse purchases at the checkout.
9. Freeze seasonal vegetables and meat.
10. Check prices for socially significant goods on stat.gov.kz.

1. Make a shopping list.
2. Open the Small + Magnum + Arbuz.kz apps.
3. Compare prices for the items you need.
4. Vegetables/fruits — at the market or wholesale.
5. Groceries and dairy — in Small.
6. Promotional items — in Magnum.
7. Pay through Kaspi with cashback.
8. Order delivery if the cart is large.

Useful materials on zhivem.kz:

• Family budget and savings
• Utilities and JKh
• Cashback and installments
• Currency exchange
• Mobile communication

In 2026 the cheapest way to buy groceries is to combine Small + wholesale markets + Magnum promotions. The difference on a monthly basket can easily reach 8–15 thousand tenge. Check prices in the apps, use cashback and don't be lazy to stop by the market for fresh vegetables and fruits.