At the base of their social structure is the family group called Tsa or "home", ruled by the head of the family, above which there is the clan, called “Teip”, formed by a council of the elderly. The members of the council are democratically elected among the heads of each family, and they can take political and economic decisions. The tukkhum is an alliance between clans and is above the Teip. There are strict divisions of responsibilities between the male and female members of one family.

Kists’ religion is a syncretisation of Sunni Muslim beliefs with animistic folk religion, but some are Christian.

Guests are greatly respected when hosted in a family’s house.

Sworn brotherhood and sisterhood were common in the past; these participated in each other’s lives, helping with work, weddings, and if needed, avenge the other’s blood in case of assassination.

Weddings were the apotheosis of Kists' traditions, from the arranging of the marriage, which was organised in great detail, to the wedding itself and customs. However, today Kist wedding ceremonies resemble normal Georgians ones.

Blood revenge among North Caucasian and Georgian highlanders were common in the past and essential for the clans to defend their family.

The native language of most of the Kist is Georgian; however, Chechen is also widely spoken.

Kists do not have specific traditional art. However, some Kists today are more and more involved in artistic production.

Most of Kist's festivities are related to religious celebrations.