After seven years of full-time travel, I’ve seen plenty of “cheap” destinations that end up being budget traps. Tbilisi isn’t one of them. Georgia’s capital delivers genuine affordability with a quality of life that keeps drawing me back. Plus, Georgia allows visa-free stays up to one year for most Western countries.
With inflation at 3.4% and the Georgian Lari stable at $0.37 per Lari, 2025 is perfect for anyone considering this underrated hub. The cost of living in Tbilisi remains incredibly cheap compared to most places in Europe and North America. Whether you’re a digital nomad, international student, or someone seeking financial stability in a great country, understanding the real living expenses helps you budget effectively for this fascinating city.
Key Takeaways
• Budget $800-1,500 monthly for comfortable living, with luxury options reaching $2,500 – still 75% cheaper than New York City
• Monthly rent dropped 12% in early 2025 with one-bedroom apartments ranging from $463 (₾1,265 suburbs) to $705 (₾1,928 city center)
• Internet costs just $18/month (₾49) for 60 Mbps fiber, while unlimited mobile data runs $12 monthly (₾32)
• Food inflation hit 6.6% annually but groceries still cost 28% less than comparable cities in the region
• The Georgian Lari strengthened to its highest 2025 level providing stability for expat budgets
An Overview of Georgia
Many people have not heard about this beautiful country situated in the Caucasus. And it is understandable; Georgia hasn’t been a big player in the global tourism industry until recently. This European hidden gem is bordered by Russia, Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, with access to the Black sea. Even though it is not very well known, the word is quickly spreading throughout the digital nomad community. The news is good with amazing food and affordable living being readily available. Although there aren’t many direct flights available, it’s worth the journey.
Georgia is a fantastic balance of cities with modern comfort and untouched nature. The country is regarded as one of the best places to hike and ride horses, with sprawling plains and enormous mountains spaced throughout the country. The country has endless tiny villages, breathtaking lakes and canyons, and challenging climbs.
However, if you’re looking for creature comforts and the bustle of an up-and-coming city, Tbilisi is a fantastic place to hang your hat for a very affordable price. With just over a million residents, it scratches the big-city vibe without feeling claustrophobic. Its infrastructure is unique as it’s been shaped by thousands of years of life and the mountains it’s nestled between. The architecture blends together Post-Soviet designs with more creative buildings.
Monthly Rent and Housing Costs: Where Your Money Goes Furthest
The rental market correction that started in 2024 continued into 2025, creating opportunities I hadn’t seen since my first visit in 2018. Monthly rent in Tbilisi’s city center now averages $705 (₾1,928) for a one-bedroom apartment, down from peak pandemic prices. This Tbilisi cost represents exceptional value when you compare it to major cities worldwide.
City Center vs. Suburbs
Rent prices vary dramatically between central neighborhoods and peripheral areas. In trendy neighborhoods like Vake or Vera in the city center, expect to pay:
- Studio: $400-550/month (₾1,095-₾1,505)
- 1-bedroom: $500-800/month (₾1,370-₾2,190)
- 2-bedroom: $700-1,200/month (₾1,915-₾3,285)
Move to areas like Saburtalo or Gldani, and those rent prices drop by 30-40%. A comfortable one-bedroom apartment in the suburbs runs around $463 monthly (₾1,265). For a single person on a lower budget, this housing cost represents incredible value.
The Catch
While monthly rent has dropped, the price-to-income ratio sits at 14.57, meaning locals need 191% of median income to service a mortgage. This creates a two-tier market where rental inventory stays healthy while purchase prices remain elevated at $1,223 per square meter (₾3,350).
Food Costs: How Much Does a Meal Cost in Tbilisi?
Food inflation hit hard in 2025, with prices rising 6.6% annually. Despite this, Tbilisi remains incredibly cheap for anyone coming from Western markets. The monthly cost for food is one of the lowest you’ll find anywhere in Europe.
Grocery Shopping
Estimated monthly costs for groceries average $207 (₾567) for a single person, assuming you shop like a local. Key food prices include:
- Milk (0.25L): $0.49 (₾1.34)
- Bread loaf: $0.17 (₾0.46)
- Chicken fillets (200g): $1.27 (₾3.46)
- Rice (1kg): $0.49 (₾1.34)
The trick is shopping at neighborhood markets rather than Western-style supermarkets. I’ve found produce costs 30% less at places like Deserter’s Market compared to Carrefour. For a family of four, expect to pay around $500-700 monthly for groceries.
Dining Out and Restaurant Prices
How much is a meal in Tbilisi? An inexpensive restaurant serves traditional Georgian dishes for $5.50-9.15 (₾15-25) per person. A mid-range dinner for two costs around $37 (₾100), while you can eat at an inexpensive restaurant in the old town for even less.
The McDonald’s combo meal benchmark sits at $8.33 (₾22.75), giving you a reference point for international fast food pricing. Most people find they can eat well for $10-15 daily if they mix home cooking with occasional restaurant visits.
Transportation: Public Transport and Getting Around
Public transport remains one of Tbilisi’s best deals and is cheap compared to most cities worldwide. The metro and bus system costs $0.37 per ride (₾1), with unlimited transfers within 90 minutes. Monthly passes run around $15 (₾40).
Taxis through Bolt typically cost $1.85-3.65 (₾5-10) for short trips within the city. Even longer rides rarely exceed $7.30-11 (₾20-30). I’ve found this cheaper than owning a car when you factor in parking costs of $91-146 monthly (₾250-400) for city center garages.
The public transport system is efficient and covers most areas where digital nomads and international students live. You can get around the entire city for less than what most people pay for a single ride in major cities like London or New York.
Utilities and Internet: European Standards, Georgian Prices
Monthly cost for utilities in an 85m² apartment averages $91 (₾250), including electricity, water, and garbage collection. Heating costs can push this to $110-146 (₾300-400) during winter months, but summer months often drop below $73 (₾200).
Internet Infrastructure
This is where Tbilisi truly shines for digital nomads. Fiber internet costs $18 monthly (₾49) for 60 Mbps, with 1 Gbps plans available for around $27 (₾75). Coverage reaches 82% of the city with fiber optic cables.
Mobile data is equally impressive – unlimited plans from Magti cost $12 monthly (₾32), with 4G/LTE covering 98% of urban areas. The internet service is reliable and fast, making it perfect for remote work.
Can You Speak English in Tbilisi?
Yes, you can speak English in Tbilisi, especially in the city center and tourist areas. Many young Georgians speak English well, and you’ll find English-speaking staff in restaurants, hotels, and service businesses. However, learning basic Georgian phrases will enhance your experience and help with daily interactions.
Digital nomads and international students generally find the language barrier manageable. Most people in the service industry can communicate in English, though having a translation app helps for more complex conversations.
What Is the Average Salary in Tbilisi?
The average salary in Tbilisi is approximately $519 monthly (₾1,558), though this varies significantly by industry. IT professionals and those working for international companies earn considerably more, often $1,500-3,000 monthly. This explains why the cost of living in Tbilisi feels so affordable for foreign visitors – local salaries are much lower than Western standards.
For context, a single person earning the average salary would spend about 40% of their income on rent in the city center, which is why many locals live in family arrangements or suburban areas where housing costs less.
Living Index and Cost Comparisons
Tbilisi’s living index of 34.11 classifies it as “Very Low” globally. This living index reflects the overall affordability across all categories – housing, food, transportation, and utilities. The country of Georgia consistently ranks among the most affordable places to live in Europe and the broader region.
Regional Comparisons: How Tbilisi Stacks Up
Having lived in these major cities, Tbilisi’s value proposition becomes crystal clear:
vs. New York City: The numbers are staggering. Tbilisi costs 75% less overall than NYC, with rent being the biggest differentiator. A one-bedroom in Manhattan averages $3,982 monthly versus Tbilisi’s $642 (₾1,930) – that’s a 520% difference. Even groceries in NYC cost $564 monthly compared to Tbilisi’s $189 (₾567), while NYC’s MetroCard runs $127 versus Tbilisi’s $13 (₾40) monthly pass.
vs. Chiang Mai, Thailand: This comparison surprised me. Tbilisi actually costs 10% more than Chiang Mai overall, with housing being 79% higher. Chiang Mai’s one-bedroom apartments average $394 monthly versus Tbilisi’s $642 (₾1,930). However, Chiang Mai’s monthly grocery budget runs $238 compared to Tbilisi’s $189 (₾567), and transportation relies heavily on motorbike rentals at $44-88 monthly versus Tbilisi’s comprehensive public transport.
vs. Mexico City, Mexico: The middle ground option. Mexico City’s rent averages $642 monthly for a central one-bedroom, nearly identical to Tbilisi’s $642 (₾1,930). Food costs slightly more at $276 monthly for groceries versus Tbilisi’s $189 (₾567). Where Mexico City shines is transportation – the metro costs just $0.26 per ride making it even cheaper than Tbilisi’s $0.37 (₾1) fare.
Is Tbilisi Expensive for Tourists?
Tbilisi is not expensive for tourists, especially those coming from Western countries. The city offers excellent value for money with affordable accommodation, cheap food, and inexpensive transportation. Most tourists find their dollars stretch much further here than in most places they’ve visited.
A tourist can expect to spend $30-50 daily for comfortable accommodation, food, and activities. Budget travelers can get by on $20-30 daily, while those seeking luxury experiences might spend $100-150 daily. The old town offers numerous inexpensive restaurants and affordable attractions.
Inflation Impact: What’s Changed in 2025
Georgia’s annual inflation rate moderated to 3.4% in April 2025, down from 3.5% in March. While this sounds manageable, certain categories hit harder:
- Food and beverages: +7% annually
- Healthcare: +8.8% annually
- Communication services: -12.4% (deflation)
- Transport: -0.5% (slight deflation)
Core inflation sits at 2.3%, suggesting underlying price stability despite food volatility. This financial stability makes Tbilisi an attractive option for long-term living.
Currency Stability: The Lari Advantage
Unlike many emerging market currencies, the Georgian Lari has strengthened against the dollar in 2025, reaching $0.3656 per Lari by May. This stability makes budget planning easier for expats and provides protection against imported inflation.
The annual average exchange rate of $0.359 per Lari means your dollar-denominated income goes further than in previous years. This currency strength contributes to the overall financial stability of living in Tbilisi.
Tap Water and Basic Services
The tap water in Tbilisi is generally safe to drink in most areas, though many residents and visitors prefer bottled water for taste preferences. The city’s infrastructure has improved significantly, and basic services like electricity and internet are reliable.
Most everything you need for daily life is available and affordable. The service sector has adapted to serve the growing expat and digital nomad population, with English-speaking staff becoming more common.
Education and International Students
Education costs in Tbilisi are incredibly cheap compared to Western standards. International students can expect to pay $2,000-5,000 annually for university programs, significantly less than similar programs in Europe or North America. The country has invested in education infrastructure, making it an attractive destination for students on a budget.
Private international schools serve the expat community, though costs are higher at $5,000-15,000 annually. For international students, the combination of low tuition and affordable living expenses makes Georgia an excellent choice for higher education.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Based on current Tbilisi prices and exchange rates, here’s what different lifestyle levels cost:
Lower Budget Living ($800-1,200)
- Accommodation (suburban): $300-500 (₾820-₾1,370)
- Utilities: $70-100 (₾190-₾275)
- Food (home cooking): $200-300 (₾550-₾820)
- Transportation: $15-30 (₾40-₾80)
- Internet/Mobile: $25-35 (₾70-₾95)
- Entertainment: $50-100 (₾135-₾275)
Comfortable Living ($1,200-1,800)
- Accommodation (city center): $600-900 (₾1,640-₾2,465)
- Utilities: $100-150 (₾275-₾410)
- Food (mix of home/dining): $300-500 (₾820-₾1,370)
- Transportation: $50-100 (₾135-₾275)
- Internet/Mobile: $30-50 (₾80-₾135)
- Entertainment/Travel: $150-300 (₾410-₾820)
Premium Lifestyle ($2,000-2,500)
- Accommodation (luxury central): $900-1,500 (₾2,465-₾4,110)
- Utilities: $150-200 (₾410-₾550)
- Food (frequent dining): $500-800 (₾1,370-₾2,190)
- Transportation (taxis/car): $100-200 (₾275-₾550)
- Internet/Premium Services: $50-80 (₾135-₾220)
- Entertainment/Lifestyle: $400-600 (₾1,095-₾1,640)
How Much Money Do You Need to Live in Georgia?
For a single person, you need approximately $800-1,500 monthly to live comfortably in Tbilisi, Georgia. This covers all basic living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities. A family of four would need $2,000-3,500 monthly depending on lifestyle choices and housing preferences.
If you’re planning to live in Georgia for a short period, you might get by on less, but for long-term residence, budgeting $1,000-1,200 monthly provides a comfortable lifestyle with occasional dining out and travel within the country.
The Bottom Line
The cost of living Tbilisi offers represents one of Europe’s last genuine affordability havens. While inflation has pushed some Tbilisi prices higher, the overall value proposition remains compelling. Recent rent decreases have created opportunities not seen in years.
The regional comparison reveals Tbilisi’s sweet spot: more expensive than ultra-budget destinations but offering better infrastructure and Western amenities. It’s dramatically cheaper than major cities while providing comparable internet speeds and urban conveniences.
For digital nomads specifically, the combination of stable currency, excellent internet infrastructure, and cultural richness creates an environment where your money stretches further without sacrificing amenities that make remote work sustainable. Living in Tbilisi for three months costs less than one month in most European capitals.
Whether you’re planning a short period or longer stay, the living expenses in this fascinating city provide exceptional value. You can expect to live well, eat interesting food, and explore a rich culture while maintaining the financial stability that makes long-term travel sustainable. Don’t forget to factor in seasonal variations – summer prices spike 10-15% due to tourism, while winter heating costs increase utility bills.
I hope this breakdown helps you understand the real Tbilisi cost and whether this affordable country fits your budget and lifestyle goals.
Data Sources:
https://www.xe.com/en-us/currencycharts/?from=GEL&to=USD
https://bm.ge/en/news/average-sale-price-was-up-in-january-in-tbilisi-while-rent-prices-down
https://www.ceicdata.com/en/indicator/georgia/core-cpi-change
https://civil.ge/archives/679312
https://www.exchange-rates.org/exchange-rate-history/gel-usd-2025
https://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living/tbilisi
https://www.exiap.com/guides/cost-of-living-in-mexico
https://www.fxempire.com/macro/georgia/inflation-rate
https://www.geostat.ge/media/70166/Inflation-Rate-in-Georgia,-April-2025.pdf
https://www.internations.org/mexico-city-expats/guide/living-short
https://www.numbeo.com/quality-of-life/in/Tbilisi
https://www.numbeo.com/food-prices/in/Tbilisi
https://www.numbeo.com/property-investment/in/Tbilisi
https://pbservices.ge/blog/cost-of-living-in-georgia-prices/
https://wander-lush.org/georgian-sim-card-beeline-magti/
https://wander-lush.org/tbilisi-public-transport-guide-bus-metro/
Tbilisi FAQ
What’s Georgia’s official currency?
The currency in Georgia is the Georgian Lari (GEL). There are very few instances where paying with an international card isn’t accepted, but it’s always best to carry local currency on you.
Is Tbilisi safe?
Georgia overall, including Tbilisi, is safe for solo travelers, families, and female travelers. With lower rates of violent crime than most of the United States per capita, it’s considered to be one of the safer developing nations available for digital nomads. The country was strongly affected by corruption in the past, but nowadays the situation is improving.
Is tap water drinkable in Tbilisi?
Yes, the tap water is drinkable in Georgia. The water is potable and even tasty. Some well-known bottled mineral water companies are in Georgia, e.g., Borjomi or Likani, and they are delicious. If hiking is on your agenda, there are many streams and rivers most locals drink from frequently with no issues.
Do Georgians speak English?
While traveling in tourist areas, you might not have a problem conversing in basic English. Many young Georgians speak English since they learn it at school. English is spoken widely in Tbilisi, but you shouldn’t count on everyone knowing the language. If you plan to visit off-beat villages or talk to older folks who haven’t studied the language, some phrases in Georgian will be helpful.
