Kazakhstan: Highest in the West, Cheapest in the South National Comparison of Cake Prices

As one of the most popular desserts currently, cakes are no longer limited to birthday occasions and have gradually become a common choice for family gatherings and festive meals. This survey mainly uses butter sponge cake as a sample and has classified and statistically analyzed the selling prices in chain supermarkets and boutique dessert shops. In the capital Astana, the starting price for cakes is around 4,000 tenge, while in some stores, the price of elaborately decorated "chef's custom" cakes can reach up to 18,000 tenge. In Almaty, cake prices generally range between 6,500 and 12,000 tenge, and if a privately customized style is chosen, the price will further increase. The survey shows that the highest cake prices in Kazakhstan are concentrated in the western region. In Atyrau, the starting price for cakes is around 6,000 tenge, with the highest reaching 30,000 tenge, and the price often increases significantly with the complexity of the design. In Ural, the price range is quite large, with ordinary sponge cakes selling for only 6,000 tenge in some stores, while in others they are priced at 27,000 tenge. In Aktau and Aqtobe, the average price per kilogram for cakes is around 6,500 to 7,500 tenge, with high-end cakes priced between 12,000 and 15,000 tenge. Prices in the northern and eastern regions are generally more stable. For example, in Petropavl, cakes are sold for 3,000 to 14,000 tenge; in Kokshetau for 3,000 to 10,000 tenge; in Kostanay for 3,500 to 7,000 tenge. The situations in Pavlodar, Semey, and Ust-Kamenogorsk are similar to those of the aforementioned cities, with prices mostly maintained between 3,000 and 10,000 tenge. In the central region, cake prices in Karaganda range from 3,500 to 12,000 tenge; in Zhezkazgan, the price range is between 4,000 and 15,000 tenge. Cake prices in the southern region are relatively lower. In Taraz, the price per kilogram for cakes is around 2,000 to 7,000 tenge. In Shymkent, Taldykorgan, and Turkestan, the average price for ordinary cakes is between 3,500 and 4,300 tenge, with high-end cakes priced at around 14,000 to 15,000 tenge. The situation in Kyzylorda is somewhat special, with the starting price for cakes being relatively high, typically starting from 8,000 tenge and reaching up to 14,000 tenge. Overall, the cake prices in large chain supermarkets and community bakeries are relatively affordable, while high-end brands that focus on private customization and unique designs have significantly higher prices. Especially in major cities and the western region, which is more concentrated with oil resources, the cost of cake consumption is more prominent.