Georgia is quickly becoming a popular destination among expats and digital nomads. I’ve lived in Tbilisi for many years and paid less than half of what it used to cost me in New Jersey. And you know what? The quality of life I get here is better than what I used to have back home.
I would say the cost of living in Georgia, even in Tbilisi, the capital city, is low. Whether you’re renting an apartment, eating out, or using public transport, day-to-day expenses are generally a fraction of what you’d pay back home, which in my case is the US.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll break down the real costs of living in Tbilisi based on my experience across various lifestyles and budgets. Whether you’re a budget-conscious backpacker or a remote worker looking for comfortable living, you’ll find the numbers you need to plan your Georgian adventure.
*Throughout this guide, I use an exchange rate of US$1 to ₾2.70 (Georgian Lari).
This article will take approximately 18 minutes to read. Don't have the time right now? No worries. You can email the ad-free version of the article to yourself and read it later!
Disclaimer: This article may include links to products or services offered by ExpatDen's partners, which give us commissions when you click on them. Although this may influence how they appear in the text, we only recommend solutions that we would use in your situation. Read more in our Advertising Disclosure.
Contents
Overview of Cost of Living in Tbilisi
There are three main factors that affect your living costs in Tbilisi:
- Your lifestyle
- The type of accommodation you select
- Your neighborhood
To give you an idea, a studio apartment in Saburtalo might cost ₾900 (US$333) per month, while the same space in Vake or Old Town could run ₾2,000 (US$740) or more.
Similarly, a regular meal at a local restaurant costs around ₾15 (US$5.50), but if you want something fancier, it can easily cost ₾50 (US$18.50) or more per meal.
Based on what I’ve gathered, here’s the average cost of living for a single person in Tbilisi living a simple lifestyle.
| Category | Cost (₾) | Cost (US$) |
| Rent | ₾1,400 | $520 |
| Utilities | ₾270 | $100 |
| Internet | ₾50 | $19 |
| Phone | ₾30 | $11 |
| Food | ₾800 | $296 |
| Transportation | ₾50 | $19 |
| Healthcare | ₾150 | $56 |
| Entertainment | ₾200 | $74 |
| Total | ₾2,950 | $1,093 |
Rent
Like anywhere else in the world, the cost of housing in Tbilisi vary dramatically based on these factors:
- Is it in the city center or in a suburban area?
- How far is it to the closest subway station?
- Is it a new building or an old one?
- What is the size and location of the building?
Studio Apartments
A studio apartment is among the most popular options for expats and digital nomads in Tbilisi because of the price and convenience.
IIn affordable residential areas like Saburtalo, you should expect to pay around ₾1,400 (US$520) per month for a fully furnished studio (45 m²) with basic appliances, heating, air conditioning, and reliable internet, not far from a subway station.
On the other hand, if you want to live in a more central area like Vera, expect to pay around ₾2,400 (US$890) per month for a similar apartment.
Money-saving tip: If you are on a budget, you can consider sharing accommodation with another expat. For example, splitting a two-bedroom apartment can reduce your housing costs by 40-50% while providing more space and amenities.
One-Bedroom Apartments
If you need a slightly bigger space, you can opt for a one-bedroom apartment instead. But it’s going to cost a bit more than a studio.
For example, a fully furnished one-bedroom apartment in Saburtalo should cost you around ₾1,900 (US$700). These apartments typically come with a washing machine, fridge, and microwave, so you can move in without needing to buy any furniture.
On the other hand, in more central or trendy neighborhoods like Vera, Rustaveli, or Old Town, this budget likely won’t be enough. You should expect to pay at least ₾3,200 (US$1,185) to rent a one-bedroom apartment in those areas.
Tip: Some people may be able to find a cheaper apartment. This really depends on how good your negotiation skills are. A good rule of thumb is to join an expat group like Expats in Tbilisi and research prices in your preferred location. That way, you’ll have an average number in mind to use during negotiations.
Detached Houses
If you’re moving with family or want more space, you can rent a detached house. However, this will cost significantly more than a one-bedroom apartment. Also, detached houses are typically located in suburban areas rather than the city center.
In residential neighborhoods like Digomi, Lisi, or Tskneti, a fully furnished detached house with 2 to 3 bedrooms typically costs around ₾4,000–₾5,500 (US$1,480–$2,040) per month. These homes usually come with a private yard, multiple bathrooms, and full appliances.
If you want to live in an upscale district like Krtsanisi or Vake, you can expect to pay more than ₾7,000 (US$2,600) per month for a house.
Good to know: While you might be tempted to live in a cool historic apartment in the Old Town area, I don’t really recommend it. These buildings often don’t have elevators. The rooms can be old and may have plumbing issues. If you plan to rent one, make sure it’s in a renovated building. But be aware that the cost will be higher.
Utilities
Unlike many European cities, utility costs in Tbilisi remain quite reasonable, though they can fluctuate based on seasonal heating needs and building efficiency.
Electricity
Electricity is usually the main utility expense, especially during the winter months when heating is needed. However, many buildings in Georgia use gas heating, which is more affordable than electric heating and helps keep electricity bills down.
On average, electricity costs around ₾200–₾340 (US$74–$126) per month for a studio apartment, depending on your usage and whether you use electric heating. If you live in a detached house, expect to pay more, especially if you’re heating multiple rooms.
Water
Water is dirt cheap here in Tbilisi. I’ve never paid more than ₾20 (US$7.40) a month. In some months, it’s just around ₾10 (US$3.70). Even if you take long showers or do laundry regularly, your bill is unlikely to go much higher. .
Internet
There’s a good and bad side to the internet in Tbilisi.
The good part is that it’s quite stable and affordable. You should expect to pay around ₾30–₾70 (US$11–$26) per month.
The downside is that the overall internet speed isn’t great, averaging around 60+ Mbps. Of course, it’s still enough for remote work, video calls, gaming, and streaming, but it can’t compare to cities like Bangkok, where you can get 500 Mbps speeds for about the same price.
Also, in many cases, the internet isn’t included in your rental package, so you’ll need to install it yourself. Major providers include Silknet, Magticom, and Egrisi Telecom. Installation is usually free, and contracts are often month-to-month.
Tip: Many cafes and coworking spaces offer free Wi-Fi, so you can work there even before your home internet is installed.
Cell Phone Plans
The cost of a cell phone plan in Georgia is very affordable.
You can pay around ₾30 (US$11) per month for a plan that includes unlimited local calls, some international calling options, and 10+ GB of high-speed data.
If you want unlimited internet, Magticom, one of the biggest network providers in the country, offers a plan for just ₾45 (US$16.70) per month. (Though it’s not truly unlimited, as there’s a 50 GB cap before speed is reduced under FUP, fair usage policy.)
The three main providers in Georgia are Magticom, Beeline, and Geocell. Network coverage is generally reliable throughout the country, even in many rural areas.
You can easily get a SIM card or eSIM at the airport or any provider shop in the city. Most providers in central locations have English-speaking staff, and all you need to register is your passport.
Food
The overall food scene in Georgia is okay. In my opinion, it’s not that cheap, since the country relies on many imported products. But the quality, especially compared to the portion size you get, is generally good.
I normally pay around ₾25–₾30 (US$9–$11) per meal for local food at a standard Georgian restaurant. That usually gets me a plate of khinkali (dumplings), khachapuri (cheese bread), or some grilled meat like mtsvadi. The portion is solid, definitely enough for one person.
A bottle of water or a soft drink adds maybe ₾2–₾4 (US$0.70–$1.50) to the bill.
If I’m eating at a more upscale or international restaurant that caters to expats or tourists, the cost is almost double, around ₾50–₾60 (US$18–$22) per person. International cuisine like Italian, Asian, or Mexican is available but costs significantly more than Georgian food.
For a luxurious meal at a fine dining restaurant in upscale neighborhoods like Vake or Sololaki, you should expect to pay over ₾100 (US$37) per person.
Drinks
The cost of drinks in Tbilisi is overall affordable, especially for local beer. Whether you’re grabbing something at a café or shopping at a store, prices are reasonable by international standards.
Here’s what you should expect to pay:
- Bottled Water: At restaurants, a small bottle costs around ₾2–₾4 (US$0.70–$1.50). At supermarkets or convenience stores, it’s even cheaper, usually ₾1–₾2 (US$0.35–$0.70).
- Soft Drink: A can or bottle of soda typically costs ₾2–₾4 (US$0.70–$1.50) at restaurants and around ₾1.50–₾2.50 (US$0.55–$0.90) at stores.
- Coffee: I normally pay for a cup of coffee from a local café (americano, cappuccino, or latte) at around ₾7–₾9 (US$2.60–$3.30). If it’s in a tourist area, it’s going to be slightly more expensive at ₾10 (US$3.70). However, takeaway coffee from small kiosks can be as cheap as ₾5 (US$1.85).
- Beer: Beer in Tbilisi is super cheap. A local beer can cost just ₾2–₾3 (US$0.75–$1.10). Even at a bar, a pint of local beer here cost only around ₾6–₾9 (US$2.20–$3.30).
- Wine: I’m not a wine drinker. But based on what I see, a bottle of wine here normally costs around ₾20–₾40 (US$7.40–$15).
Groceries
While the cost of groceries in Georgia increased significantly after the pandemic, it’s still affordable. And you can save a lot of money if you buy groceries and cook it yourself.
Here’s how much you should expect to pay.
| Item | Price (₾) | Price (US$) |
| Milk (1 L) | ₾5.62 | US$2.08 |
| Bread (500 g) | ₾1.93 | US$0.72 |
| Rice (1 kg) | ₾5.10 | US$1.89 |
| Eggs (12) | ₾6.88 | US$2.55 |
| Chicken fillets (1 lb) | ₾7.90 | US$2.92 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | ₾6.27 | US$2.32 |
| Local cheese (1 kg) | ₾20.85 | US$7.70 |
Please note that the price between each supermarket can be different. For example, prices at Deserti Market or other local markets can be 30%-40% cheaper than buying at international brands like Carrefour or Goodwill.
Healthcare
The cost of healthcare in Georgia is affordable. It’s not perfect, but for routine care, basic treatment, and even minor procedures, the prices are much lower than what I used to pay in the U.S.
Most expats here visit a private hospital when they are sick. A simple doctor visit usually costs around ₾120–₾150 (US$45–$55). That includes a basic consultation and exam. If you need to see a specialist, expect to pay a bit more, somewhere between ₾150–₾200 (US$55–$75), depending on the hospital you go to.
When it comes to hospitalization, it gets more expensive. You should expect to pay around ₾1,500–₾4,000 (US$555–$1,480) per night. This includes tests, a private room, and medications. Of course, the price varies depending on the illness.
Visiting a public hospital is much cheaper. It can be two to three times less expensive or even more. But it’s not always a comfortable experience due to long queues. There’s also a language barrier, as some medical staff may not speak English.
If it’s just seasonal flu or a minor issue, you can buy over-the-counter medication at a pharmacy. However, note that you’ll need a prescription to buy antibiotics.
Health Insurance
The cost of health insurance really varies based on your age, plan, and coverage. To give you a rough idea, you should expect to pay around US$100–$150 per month for a 40-year-old male for international insurance, which is the most popular choice among expats in Georgia.
It can be slightly cheaper or more expensive depending on the specifics of your plan.
Local insurance is more affordable but comes with more limited coverage.
Transportation
The cost of public transportation in Georgia is among the lowest I’ve seen so far. It’s amazing how affordable it is. The overall infrastructure is also good, making it very easy to get around.
You probably won’t need a car if you live in Tbilisi unless you have kids or live far from the city center. I’ve been relying on public transport and ride apps for most of my time here, and it’s worked out just fine.
The metro is surprisingly affordable and covers most of the main areas. A single ride only costs ₾1 (US$0.37), and you can transfer between the metro and buses within 90 minutes for free.
You can also buy a monthly pass that gives you unlimited rides for just ₾40 (US$14.87).
When it comes to taking a taxi, I use Bolt or Yandex, which are basically like Uber here. They’re cheap and easy to use. To give you an idea, a 10 km ride usually costs me around ₾11.50 (US$4.25). That’s with minimal traffic, and you don’t need to tip.
I rarely use traditional taxis nowadays since they don’t use meters. It can be a challenge to negotiate the price, especially since I can’t speak Georgian or Russian.
Overall, if you normally get around by metro and bus and use taxis occasionally, you should expect to spend only around ₾100–₾150 (US$37–$55) per month.
However, if you have a car, it’s going to be much more expensive. Based on what I’ve gathered, you should expect to pay around ₾350–₾500 per month. This doesn’t include the cost of the car itself.
Fitness and Sports
Staying active in Tbilisi isn’t hard, but prices can vary a lot depending on what you’re looking for.
I’ve seen gym memberships at decent places with good equipment and group classes go for around ₾130–₾200 (US$48–$74) per month. That’s for a standard gym in the city.
If you want something fancier with a sauna, pool, or spa, expect to pay ₾250–₾300+ (US$92–$110). On the other hand, if you’re fine with just the basics, you can find smaller neighborhood gyms for less. Most gyms also let you go month to month, which is great if you’re not staying long-term.
If you like tennis, court rentals usually cost about ₾25–₾50 (US$9–$18.50) per hour depending on the time and location.
As for swimming, it really depends. Basic or public pools charge somewhere around ₾15–₾30 (US$5.50–$11) for a day pass. But if you’re going to a high-end hotel pool or a modern sports complex, it can easily be ₾70–₾150+ (US$26–$55+) just for a single visit.
Haircut
Getting a haircut in Tbilisi is pretty affordable. I usually pay around ₾9 (US$3.30) at a local barbershop, which gets the job done just fine. If you prefer something more polished, upscale salons charge around ₾25–₾40 (US$9–$15).
For women, basic haircuts start at about ₾20 (US$7.40), but prices go up quickly if you’re adding styling, coloring, or treatments. Still affordable overall.
Visa
One of the best things about living in Georgia is how easy the visa situation is.
Most nationalities get 365 days of visa-free entry, which means no paperwork and no fees when you arrive. That alone makes Georgia a great base for digital nomads or long-term travelers.
If you need to stay longer than that, it’s possible to just hop in and out of the country. However, I don’t really recommend doing that. While people do it, it’s not entirely legal.
If you decide to stay longer or apply for a residence permit, you should expect to pay around ₾300–₾500 (US$110–$185) per year for visa-related fees.
Travel Within Georgia
Since the overall cost of living in Georgia is affordable, traveling within the country is also budget-friendly, especially if you’re based in Tbilisi. It’s the capital city, with good public transportation throughout the country.
You don’t need to spend much to get out of the city and see something completely different, whether it’s mountains, the sea, or historical towns.
In my case, a quick day trip to places like Mtskheta or Gori usually costs around ₾50–₾80 (US$18–$30) per person. If it’s a weekend trip, you can expect to pay around ₾200–₾400 (US$74–$148) per person per day.
How Much Do I Need to Live in Tbilisi?
To figure out how much you need per month to live in Tbilisi, let’s look at a few sample budgets and the kind of lifestyle each one can support.
Living in Tbilisi on US$1,000 a Month
If your budget is around US$1,000 per month (roughly ₾2,700 or US$1,000), this would be the minimum cost of living. It’s possible to live here with some comfort, but you likely won’t be staying in the city center. Instead, you’ll need to look at neighborhoods slightly outside the core, such as Saburtalo, where you can rent a studio apartment for around ₾1,200 (US$445).
It’s not a bad area at all. In fact, it’s a popular neighborhood for budget-conscious digital nomads. With this budget, you’ll probably need to cook at home regularly to save money. Still, you can afford basic healthcare and enjoy entertainment like occasional movies, museum visits, or café outings.
Living in Tbilisi on US$1,500 a Month
In my opinion, this is the sweet spot for single expats and digital nomads. With a US$1,500 monthly budget (around ₾4,000), you’ll enjoy a much more flexible and comfortable lifestyle compared to the bare-bones US$1,000 option.
While it’s not a luxurious life, you can afford a larger or more modern apartment, or even live closer to the city center. You’ll have the freedom to eat out at local restaurants almost daily and still have enough budget left for short trips or weekend getaways.
You can also afford basic health insurance and occasional entertainment like movies, art galleries, or fitness classes.
Living in Tbilisi on US$2,000 a Month
With a US$2,000 monthly budget (about ₾5,400), you can comfortably live in central areas of Tbilisi such as Vera, Vake, or Mtatsminda. A modern one-bedroom apartment in these locations will cost around ₾2,000 (US$740). You’ll be close to cafes, coworking spaces, gyms, and shops, which makes day-to-day life easier and more convenient.
At this budget level, you can dine out frequently, get a good health insurance plan, join a gym, and travel regularly within the country or even regionally. You may even be able to afford owning a modest car.
It’s also possible to live with a small family on this budget, although you might need to cut back a bit such as cooking more meals at home or trimming some entertainment expenses. If you want to live comfortably with a family, you’ll likely need a larger monthly budget.
Français: 
Português: 
Português: 
Español: 
Español: 
中文 (中国):