Moving to Batumi or considering it as your next remote work destination? Understanding the cost of living in Batumi is essential before making the leap. Here’s a comprehensive guide to what you can expect in terms of monthly expenses in Batumi, Georgia’s charming seaside city.
🏠 Housing Costs
Rent in Batumi is generally affordable, especially compared to other European coastal cities. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center may cost between $300–$450/month, while options outside the center are around $200–$350/month.
Utilities including electricity, heating, water, and garbage collection usually come to about $60–$100/month, depending on the size of the apartment and season. Internet is fast and cheap, averaging $10–$15/month.
🍽️ Food and Groceries
Dining out in Batumi can be surprisingly inexpensive. A meal at a local restaurant costs around $5–$8, while a mid-range restaurant meal for two might be $20–$30.
For groceries, you can expect to spend approximately $150–$250/month, depending on your eating habits. Fresh produce at local markets is affordable and of good quality. Imported goods, however, can be significantly more expensive.
🚌 Transportation
Public transportation is cheap and convenient. Batumi bus fare 2025 costs about $0.35, and a monthly pass is around $10–$15.
🟦 What Is the Batumi Card and How Does It Work?
The Batumi Card is a rechargeable transportation card that allows easy and cashless travel across the city’s public transport network, including municipal buses and minibuses (marshrutkas). Similar to the Metromoney card used in Tbilisi, it offers a convenient way for residents, tourists, and expats to navigate Batumi without carrying small change or paying per ride in cash.
Using the Batumi Card not only simplifies the travel experience but also offers discounted fares compared to single-trip cash payments. The card can be tapped at entry terminals on buses and minibuses, and the fare is automatically deducted.
💳 Where to Get the Batumi Card
You can purchase the Batumi Card at:
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Any Batumi Transport Company (BTC) service center, except the Sarpi Tourist Information Center located at a Sarpi custom point.
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Select kiosks or points near major bus stops
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Sometimes directly from bus terminals
The card has a small initial purchase fee (around 2 GEL) and can be recharged easily at vending machines, PayBox terminals, or online platforms.
🚍 Why Use It?
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✅ Fast boarding — no need for coins or small bills
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✅ Cheaper than paying in cash per trip
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✅ Useful for daily commuting or longer stays
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✅ Compatible with most local routes
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✅ Can be reused and reloaded as needed
You can find all the information about Batumi transportation on the official website:
Batumi Municipal Transport Official Website
Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Bolt are also popular. A short ride within the city center usually costs $2–$4. If you plan to drive, gasoline prices hover around $1.10/liter.
💻 Remote Work Essentials
If you’re a digital nomad, coworking spaces in Batumi cost between $50–$100/month. Cafés are also laptop-friendly and offer good Wi-Fi.
Most apartments come with fiber internet, making remote work feasible from home as well. SIM cards with generous data plans cost as little as $5–$10/month.
🎉 Entertainment and Leisure
Going out in Batumi is affordable. A movie ticket costs about $4–$6, and gym memberships range from $25–$40/month. Bars and clubs have reasonable prices—expect to pay around $2.50–$4 for a beer.
You can also enjoy free or cheap outdoor activities like hiking, beach walks, or visiting the Batumi Boulevard and botanical garden.
🩺 Healthcare
While healthcare is not free for foreigners, it is reasonably priced. A basic consultation with a private doctor might cost $15–$30, and private insurance plans for expats start from around $30/month.
Many doctors speak English, and there are several private clinics with high standards of care available in Batumi.
🧾 Monthly Budget Summary
Here’s a quick average for a modest but comfortable lifestyle in Batumi:
- 🏠 Rent: $300
- 🍽️ Groceries & Eating Out: $200
- 🚌 Transport: $30
- 💻 Internet/Mobile: $15
- 🎉 Entertainment: $50
- 🩺 Healthcare: $30
Total: ~$625/month
This estimate can vary based on your lifestyle, whether you dine out often, live in the city center, or share accommodation.
💬 Testimonials
Anna, Germany
«I moved to Batumi six months ago as a freelancer. I love how affordable everything is—from rent to food. It’s perfect for remote work!»
Lucas, Brazil
«Living near the beach and spending less than $700/month felt like a dream. I’ve never experienced such a good quality of life for so little.»
❓ FAQs
Is Batumi cheaper than Tbilisi?
Yes, generally Batumi is a bit more affordable than Tbilisi, especially in terms of rent and utilities.
Can I live in Batumi with $1,000/month?
Absolutely. Many expats and digital nomads live comfortably in Batumi on that budget.
Is Batumi a good place for digital nomads?
Yes, Batumi offers solid internet, low living costs, and a growing nomad community.
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