Abstract
The study of life quality and level issues has always been at the forefront of state programs, theoretical and practical research in the scientific community. In the context of these studies, the diagnosis of the socio-economic development of cities, with key criteria being indicators of the population's life quality and well-being, was vital. Therefore, deepening understanding of these issues in various types of urban settlements, especially small and monocities, is a necessary requirement for conducting scientific research. In this article, the life quality and level of the population were assessed based on both objective and subjective indicators using a comprehensive methodology developed by the authors. Furthermore, this methodology was validated through the analysis of statistical data, expert and population surveys, using the example of the monocity Balkhash. The research results were obtained by ranking the main factors of PESTEL analysis that influence urban living comfort. The study revealed that the economic factor had the greatest impact on the life quality in the monocityBalkhash over the past ten years (2013-2022). The analysis of the population's satisfaction with the quality of life in the current period (2023) showed that political, social, technological, and environmental factors were mutually influential. This analysis allowed for an expert assessment to identify the key factors that may have an impact on the quality of life in the monocity Balkhash in the near future. The cross-analysis results can be used for effective resource allocation management and the creation of a comfortable urban environment for the residents of this area.