🛍️ Where Do Locals and Expats Shop?
There are two main ways to shop for groceries in Georgia:
- Supermarkets: Carrefour, Nikora, Agrohub, and SPAR are the most popular. They stock both local and imported goods.
- Local bazaars & street markets: Cheaper fresh produce, meat, and dairy. Perfect for budget-friendly shopping.
Expats often combine both: supermarkets for packaged goods and bazaars for fresh vegetables, fruits, and bread.
💰 Average Monthly Grocery Costs in Georgia (2025)
Based on surveys and expat experiences, here’s what you can expect to spend on groceries each month:
- Single expat (budget lifestyle): $120–$180 per month
- Single expat (comfortable lifestyle): $200–$300 per month
- Couple: $250–$400 per month
- Family of four: $450–$700 per month
Prices are lower if you mostly buy local goods. Import-heavy shopping (European cheeses, wines, or specialty products) can double your bill.
📊 Price Examples in 2025
- 1 liter of milk: 2.5–3 GEL ($1)
- 1 loaf of bread: 1.5–2.5 GEL ($0.60–$1)
- 1 kg of apples: 4–5 GEL ($1.50–$2)
- 1 kg of chicken breast: 12–15 GEL ($4–5.50)
- 1 kg of potatoes: 2–3 GEL ($0.80–$1.10)
- 1 dozen eggs: 8–9 GEL ($3)
- 1 kg of local cheese (sulguni): 15–20 GEL ($5.50–$7)
Imported brands can cost significantly more. For example, European chocolate or cereal may be 2–3x the price compared to local alternatives.
🏙️ Tbilisi vs. Batumi vs. Kutaisi
While grocery prices are fairly consistent across Georgia, there are small differences:
- Tbilisi: Slightly higher prices due to demand and wider variety of imported goods.
- Batumi: Prices rise in summer during tourist season, especially for fruit and vegetables.
- Kutaisi & smaller towns: Generally cheaper, but fewer imported products available.
You can also find our complete guide to the cost of living in Tbilisi or our guide to the cost of living in Batumi.
🛒 Tips to Save Money on Groceries
- Shop at local bazaars for fresh fruit, vegetables, and dairy.
- Buy seasonal produce – prices drop dramatically.
- Use loyalty cards in supermarkets like Carrefour for discounts.
- Avoid imported goods unless necessary.
🔗 Related Guides
Groceries are just one part of your monthly budget. Check out our detailed article on the Cost of Living in Georgia for Expats (2025) to see how food expenses fit into the bigger picture.
✅ Conclusion
For most expats, grocery shopping in Georgia is affordable and offers a mix of local and imported options. A single expat can live comfortably on less than $300 per month for groceries, while families spend significantly more depending on preferences. By balancing bazaars and supermarkets, you can enjoy healthy and budget-friendly meals while living in Georgia.
