Cost of Living in Tbilisi: Exploring Expenses in Georgia

With its rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes, Georgia has become an increasingly popular destination for expats and travelers alike. Among its many attractive features is the relatively low cost of living compared to other European countries. In this article, we will delve into the specifics of the cost of living in Georgia country and Tbilisi cost of Living 2023

The Economy of Georgia

Before delving into the details about the cost of living in Georgia, it is essential to understand a bit about Georgia’s overall economy. Over recent years, Georgia has experienced significant economic growth and development. Its strategic location at crossroads between Europe and Asia has played a crucial role in attracting foreign investment and fostering trade relationships.

The main sectors driving Georgia’s economy include agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, energy production, transportation/logistics services as well as information technology (IT). This diversification contributes to stability within various industries making it an appealing environment for businesses looking to expand or establish themselves.

Cost of Living in Georgia Country Factors 

Now let us turn our attention specifically towards understanding the cost of living in Georgia country factors that influence life:

Housing Costs

Housing is one of the major needs for anyone living in Georgia. Housing costs can vary significantly depending on whether you choose to live in Tbilisi or other major cities compared to smaller towns and rural areas. 

Rental Prices in Tbilisi

If you choose to live in Georgia’s capital Tbilisi, you can expect to pay the following average rental prices as of Tbilisi cost of living 2023:

• Studio apartment in city center: 400 USD / 1200 GEL per month
• 1 bedroom apartment in city center: 500 – 600 USD / 1500 – 1800 GEL per month 
• 2 bedroom apartment in city center: 650 – 800 USD / 2000 – 2400 GEL per month
• 3 bedroom apartment in city center: 900+ USD / 2700+ GEL per month

Rental prices are generally cheaper on the outskirts of Tbilisi or in the suburbs, where you may find a studio for around 300 USD / 900 GEL or 1 bedroom for 400 USD / 1200 GEL.

Rental Prices in Other Cities

In other major cities like Kutaisi, Batumi, Rustavi, the average rental prices are:

• Studio apartment in city center: 200 – 300 USD / 600 – 900 GEL per month
• 1 bedroom apartment in city center: 300 – 400 USD / 900 – 1200 GEL per month
• 2 bedroom apartment in city center: 400 – 500 USD / 1200 – 1500 GEL per month

Rental Prices in Smaller Towns and Rural Areas

In smaller towns and rural areas of Georgia, you can find even more affordable rental rates, such as:

• Studio apartment in city center: 100 – 200 USD / 300 – 600 GEL per month
• 1 bedroom apartment in city center: 150 – 250 USD / 450 – 750 GEL per month
• 2 bedroom apartment in city center: 200 – 300 USD / 600 – 900 GEL per month

So as you can see, opting to live outside of Georgia’s major cities can drastically reduce your rental costs.

Cost of Buying Property in Georgia

In addition to renting, buying property in Georgia is also an affordable option compared to many countries. Here are average property prices as of 2023:

• 1 bedroom apartment in Tbilisi city center: 30,000 – 50,000 USD / 90,000 – 150,000 GEL  
• 2 bedroom apartment in Tbilisi city center: 50,000 – 80,000 USD / 150,000 – 240,000 GEL
• 3 bedroom apartment in Tbilisi city center: 80,000 – 120,000 USD / 240,000 – 360,000 GEL
• Small house on the outskirts of Tbilisi: 20,000 – 40,000 USD / 60,000 – 120,000 GEL
• Villa in a residential suburb: 100,000+ USD / 300,000+ GEL

Outside of Tbilisi, property prices are even lower. For example, in Batumi you can find nice 1-2 bedroom apartments near the coast for 25,000 – 50,000 USD. And in rural areas, small houses can sell for as low as 5,000 USD.

So, for those looking to buy instead of rent, Georgia offers relatively affordable real estate purchase opportunities.

Utility Costs

Utility costs like electricity, heating, water, and garbage removal account for a portion of living expenses in Georgia. On average, a single person living in an apartment can expect to pay around 75 – 100 USD / 225 – 300 GEL per month for all basic utilities. 

A family living in a house can expect to pay 150 – 200 USD / 450 – 600 GEL per month. Utility costs may be higher in winter months due to increased electricity and heating usage.

Internet prices in Georgia are affordable, with plans starting around 10 USD / 30 GEL per month for basic speeds up to 10 Mbps. Faster internet with speeds of 50-100 Mbps typically costs around 15 – 25 USD / 45 – 75 GEL per month. So digital nomads and remote workers can easily stay connected.

Food and Groceries Costs

Georgia has high-quality food at reasonable prices, especially if you shop at local markets and cook at home. Here are some average food prices in Georgia as of 2023:

1. Loaf of bread: 0.50 USD / 1.50 GEL
2. Dozen eggs: 1.20 USD / 3.60 GEL
3. 1 kg chicken breasts: 2.30 USD / 7 GEL 
4. 1L milk: 1 USD / 3 GEL
5. 1 kg apples: 0.90 USD / 2.70 GEL
6. Bottle of wine (mid-range): 5 USD / 15 GEL

Eating out is also fairly affordable in Georgia. Here are some example restaurant and food prices:

Menu lunch special in simple restaurant: 3 – 5 USD / 9 – 15 GEL

Dinner for two in mid-range restaurant: 15 – 25 USD / 45 – 75 GEL

Pizza in an average restaurant: 7 – 12 USD / 21 – 36 GEL 

Shawarma sandwich: 1.50 – 2.50 USD / 4.50 – 7.50 GEL

Cappuccino in café: 1 – 2 USD / 3 – 6 GEL

Therefore, eating out occasionally or getting takeout food is budget-friendly, but purchasing ingredients at the market and cooking at home helps maximize savings. Overall, an individual living in Georgia can easily eat well for around 150 – 300 USD / 450 – 900 GEL per month.

Transportation Costs

Georgia offers inexpensive public transportation options within cities like the metro, buses, and mini-buses (Marshutkas). One-way fares are typically 0.50 USD / 1.50 GEL. Monthly unlimited ride passes range from 10 – 15 USD / 30 – 45 GEL.

Taxis are also an affordable option for getting around Georgia’s cities, with typical fares of:

1. Starting/minimum fare: 0.60 – 0.80 USD / 1.80 – 2.40 GEL 
2. Per km: 0.30 – 0.50 USD / 0.90 – 1.50 GEL
3. Between cities, a private driver for a day trip costs around 20 – 30 USD / 60 – 90 GEL

For intercity transportation, options include:

1. Trains – A Tbilisi-Batumi train ticket costs around 7 USD / 21 GEL for a 5 hour journey
2. Buses – Tbilisi to Mestia bus ticket is around 7 – 12 USD / 21 – 36 GEL for a 10 hour ride 
3. Flights – A Tbilisi to Kutaisi flight starts around 30 USD / 90 GEL and takes 1 hour

Thus, Georgia makes it simple to get around affordably via public transit, private taxi/drivers, trains and domestic flights.

Healthcare Costs

Georgia has high quality medical care at reasonable prices. Health insurance costs around 80 – 150 USD / 240 – 450 GEL per month for basic coverage for expats.

Without insurance, private doctor visits cost around 20 – 50 USD / 60 – 150 GEL per visit. Prescription medication is similarly priced affordably.

Overall, healthcare is around 2-3x less expensive compared to the US or Western Europe. Those needing frequent medical treatment may benefit highly from Georgia’s lower care costs.

Entertainment, Activities and Vacation Costs

There is no shortage of historical sites, natural beauty and activities to enjoy across Georgia. Entrance fees to museums, parks, etc are very affordable.

• Historical museum entrance fee – 1 – 2 USD / 3 – 6 GEL
• National Park entrance fee – 1 – 5 USD / 3 – 15 GEL 
• Wine tasting at a vineyard – 5 – 15 USD / 15 – 45 GEL

Ski passes can be pricey during peak season but offer scenic mountain views.

• Day ski pass – 30 – 50 USD / 90 – 150 GEL

Airbnb type vacation rentals outside of Tbilisi can also be found very reasonably priced, from around 20 USD / 60 GEL per night. Overall, Georgia offers plenty of sightseeing, nature activities and entertainment on a modest budget.

Okay, here is an expanded section on education costs formatted similar to the rest of the blog post:

Education Costs

Education in Georgia is quite affordable, from primary schools through to university. Public schools in Georgia are free for citizens, while private schools average the following tuition costs:

– Primary school per month: 100 – 150 USD / 300 – 450 GEL

– High school per month: 200 – 300 USD / 600 – 900 GEL 

Universities in Georgia have very reasonable tuition even for international students:

– Bachelor’s degree per year for Georgian citizens: 500 – 1000 USD / 1500 – 3000 GEL

– Bachelor’s degree per year for international students: 2000 – 4000 USD / 6000 – 12,000 GEL

– Master’s degree per year for international students: 3000 – 5000 USD / 9000 – 15,000 GEL

So the cost of education from primary school through university in Georgia is quite budget-friendly, especially compared to many other countries. This makes it appealing for digital nomad families or expats looking to further their education affordably.

The low tuition rates at quality universities in Georgia make it a worthwhile option for international students looking to get an accredited degree abroad at an affordable price. Georgia’s educational costs add to its overall appeal as a country with a low cost of living.

Drink Costs

Beverages from coffee to beer and wine are very affordable in Georgia:

Cappuccino: 1 – 2 USD / 3 – 6 GEL

Bottle of water: 0.30 – 0.50 USD / 1 – 1.5 GEL 

Domestic beer (0.5L): 1 – 2 USD / 3 – 6 GEL

Imported beer (0.5L): 2 – 3 USD / 6 – 9 GEL

Bottle of wine: 5 – 15 USD / 15 – 45 GEL

Georgia is well-known for its wine production, so finding reasonably priced quality wine is easy. Overall, drink costs are very budget-friendly.

Clothing Costs 

Clothing in Georgia is also affordably priced, whether purchasing locally made clothes or imported brand names.

Jeans: 10 – 30 USD / 30 – 90 GEL

Dress shirt: 5 – 15 USD / 15 – 45 GEL 

Pair of shoes: 10 – 30 USD / 30 – 90 GEL

Shopping at markets you can often negotiate lower prices too. Most expats and digital nomads find they can stock their wardrobe nicely without too much expense.

Monthly Cost of Living in Georgia Summary

To summarize, here is an estimated range of average monthly costs for one person living in Georgia as of 2023:

• Rent (in Tbilisi): 400 – 600 USD / 1200 – 1800 GEL 
• Utilities: 75 – 100 USD / 225 – 300 GEL
• Groceries/food: 150 – 300 USD / 450 – 900 GEL
• Transportation: 30 – 100 USD / 90 – 300 GEL
• Healthcare: 80 – 150 USD / 240 – 450 GEL 
• Entertainment: 50 – 150 USD / 150 – 450 GEL
• Education: 100 – 300 USD / 300 – 900 GEL
• Drinks: 50 – 100 USD / 150 – 300 GEL
• Clothing: 30 – 100 USD / 90 – 300 GEL

Total cost per month: Around 1000 – 1700 USD / 3000 – 5100 GEL.

Affordability of Georgia for immigrants

As we mentioned, Georgia is generally considered to be an affordable destination for expats. The cost of living in Georgia, including expenses in major cities like Tbilisi, is relatively low compared to many other countries around the world. One of the key factors contributing to Georgia’s affordability is its currency exchange rate. The Georgian Lari (GEL) has a favorable exchange rate against major currencies such as the US Dollar or Euro, making it advantageous for expats from countries with stronger currencies. 

Housing costs in Georgia are often significantly lower compared to Western European or North American cities. Renting apartments or houses can be more affordable, especially outside of city centers. Additionally, utilities and other associated housing expenses tend to be reasonably priced.

Food and dining out options also offer great value for money in Georgia. Local markets provide fresh produce at affordable prices, while restaurants offer delicious meals at reasonable rates. This allows expats to enjoy a diverse cuisine without straining their wallets.

Transportation costs within cities like Tbilisi are relatively low as well. Public transportation options such as buses, minibosses (marshrutkas), and the metro have very affordable fares that make commuting convenient and budget-friendly.

Healthcare expenses are also generally more accessible and less expensive compared to many other countries. While private healthcare services might incur higher costs depending on treatment types, public healthcare facilities provide quality care at more affordable rates.

Overall, due to lower cost of living in Georgia across various aspects such as housing, food, transportation, and healthcare; Georgia offers an attractive environment for expatriates looking for affordability without compromising on quality of life.

Last Words

Cost of living in Georgia country offers a unique blend of affordability without compromising lifestyle quality; this makes it an attractive destination for both expatriates seeking new opportunities and travelers looking for memorable experiences without breaking the bank. With Georgia’s growing economy providing stability across various sectors along with its welcoming atmosphere, it’s no wonder why so many people are choosing Tbilisi as their new home base or travel destination.