Cost of Living in Tbilisi
Summary: If you're moving to Tbilisi, understanding the the cost of living in Tbilisi helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
Apartment Rentals | The average cost of renting an apartment in Tbilisi is around $400 to $600 per month. This can vary depending on the size and location of the apartment. The cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around $500 to $700 per month. |
Apartment Purchases | The average cost of purchasing an apartment in Tbilisi is around $1,000 to $2,000 per square meter. This can vary depending on the size and location of the apartment. The cost of purchasing a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around $1,500 to $2,500 per square meter. |
Transportation | The cost of public transportation in Tbilisi is very affordable. A single ride on the metro costs around 0.50 GEL (Georgian Lari). A monthly pass costs around 20 GEL. Taxi fares are also very affordable, with the average cost of a ride within the city center being around 5 GEL. |
Groceries | The cost of groceries in Tbilisi is very affordable. The average cost of a basic grocery basket is around 50 GEL. This includes items such as bread, milk, eggs, cheese, vegetables, and fruit. |
Restaurants | The cost of eating out in Tbilisi is very affordable. The average cost of a meal at a mid-range restaurant is around 15 GEL. The cost of a meal at a fast food restaurant is around 5 GEL. |
Utilities | The cost of utilities in Tbilisi is very affordable. The average cost of electricity, water, and gas is around 50 GEL per month. The cost of internet and cable is around 20 GEL per month. |
Private School Tuition | The cost of private school tuition in Tbilisi varies depending on the school. The average cost of tuition for preschool is around 500 GEL per month. The average cost of tuition for elementary school is around 800 GEL per month. The average cost of tuition for middle school is around 1,000 GEL per month. The average cost of tuition for high school is around 1,500 GEL per month. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Tbilisi
"The cost of living in Tbilisi, Georgia is relatively low compared to many other European cities. Rental prices for housing in the city can be very affordable, although the location of the property can greatly affect the cost. Groceries also tend to be fairly inexpensive, and there are plenty of options for eating out at a variety of prices. Transportation is quite affordable, with the public transit system being quite reliable and plenty of taxis available on the streets. The entertainment and arts scenes in Tbilisi are vibrant and diverse, and it is possible to find a variety of cultural activities without breaking the bank," said one expat living in Tbilisi, Georgia Rep.
Can I live in Tbilisi on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Tbilisi for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some adjustments to your lifestyle. The cost of living in Tbilisi is relatively low compared to many Western countries, but you'll still need to be mindful of your spending habits.First, let's talk about housing. If you want to live in a more affordable neighborhood, I'd recommend looking into areas like Saburtalo, Gldani, or Varketili. These neighborhoods are a bit further from the city center, but you can find decent apartments for around $300-$400 a month. On the other hand, if you're looking for something more upscale, you might want to consider neighborhoods like Vake or Vera, but keep in mind that the rent prices there can be significantly higher, sometimes reaching up to $1,000 a month for a nice apartment.When it comes to transportation, the public transit system in Tbilisi is quite affordable. A monthly pass for the metro and buses costs around $10, and taxis are also relatively cheap. However, if you're used to having your own car, you might need to reconsider that, as owning and maintaining a car can be quite expensive in Tbilisi.Eating out in Tbilisi can be quite affordable if you stick to local restaurants and cafes, where you can get a decent meal for around $5-$10. However, if you're used to dining at high-end restaurants or frequenting international chains, you'll need to cut back on that, as those places can be quite pricey.Groceries are generally affordable in Tbilisi, especially if you shop at local markets and buy seasonal produce. However, if you're used to buying imported goods or specialty items, you might need to adjust your shopping habits, as those can be more expensive.In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of affordable options in Tbilisi, such as visiting museums, parks, and cultural events. However, if you're used to frequenting high-end bars, clubs, or attending expensive concerts, you'll need to cut back on those activities to stay within your budget.Overall, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Tbilisi is possible, but you'll need to make some sacrifices and adjust your lifestyle. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, eating at local restaurants, and enjoying low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Tbilisi.
Can I live in Tbilisi on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Tbilisi for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of the neighborhood you choose to live in and the type of housing you opt for.For example, some of the more expensive neighborhoods like Vake and Saburtalo might be out of your budget if you want to maintain a certain standard of living. These areas are known for their modern apartments, shopping centers, and restaurants, but the cost of living is higher compared to other parts of the city.On the other hand, there are more affordable neighborhoods like Didube, Gldani, and Samgori where you can find decent housing at a lower cost. These areas might not have all the modern amenities you're used to, but they're still comfortable and safe places to live. Plus, public transportation in Tbilisi is quite good, so you can easily get to other parts of the city if you need to.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some luxuries like a spacious apartment or a private yard. You could also consider sharing an apartment with a roommate to cut down on costs. Additionally, you might have to cook more at home instead of eating out, as dining in restaurants can be quite expensive in Tbilisi.Overall, living in Tbilisi on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and be willing to make some compromises. It's a beautiful city with a rich history and vibrant culture, so I'm sure you'll enjoy your time here despite any sacrifices you might have to make," said one expat living in Tbilisi.
Can I live in Tbilisi on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Tbilisi for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. In fact, you might not have to make too many sacrifices at all. Tbilisi is a pretty affordable city, especially when compared to many Western cities.When it comes to housing, you'll find that there are plenty of options in various neighborhoods. If you're looking for something more affordable, I'd recommend checking out areas like Saburtalo, Gldani, or Samgori. These neighborhoods have a good mix of local shops, restaurants, and public transportation options, and you can find a decent apartment for around $300-$500 a month.On the other hand, if you're willing to spend a bit more on housing, you might want to consider neighborhoods like Vake, Vera, or Sololaki. These areas are more upscale and have a higher concentration of expats, so you'll find more Western-style amenities and services. However, you can still find a nice apartment for around $800-$1,200 a month, which should be well within your budget.As for other expenses, you'll find that groceries, transportation, and entertainment are all quite affordable in Tbilisi. A monthly public transportation pass costs around $10, and you can find a decent meal at a local restaurant for around $5-$10. If you prefer to cook at home, you'll be happy to know that fresh produce and other groceries are quite inexpensive at local markets.Of course, there are some sacrifices you might have to make. For example, imported goods and Western-style products can be more expensive in Tbilisi, so you might have to adjust your shopping habits or find local alternatives. Additionally, while the city has a growing number of modern amenities, it's still a developing country, so you might encounter occasional power outages or other infrastructure issues.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Tbilisi on $5,000 a month is not only doable but also quite comfortable. You'll be able to enjoy a good quality of life, explore the city's rich culture and history, and still have plenty of money left over for travel and other activities," commented an expat living in Tbilisi.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- 7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Tbilisi
- Fun Classes for Expats Living in Tbilisi
- Best Bookstores and Libraries in Tbilisi
- Public Transportation in Tbilisi
- Best Markets in Tbilisi
- Retire in Tbilisi Guide
- 7 Tips for Living in Tbilisi
- Pros & Cons of Living in Tbilisi
- Driving in Tbilisi
- Cost of Living in Tbilisi
- Health Care in Tbilisi
- The Insider's Guide to Tbilisi
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Georgia Rep
- Best Places to Live in Georgia Rep
- Real Estate in Georgia Rep
- Pros & Cons of Living in Georgia Rep
- Homeschooling in Georgia
- Pros and Cons of Living in Georgia Rep 2024