Cost of Living in Georgia: Georgia has become one of the most attractive destinations for expats, digital nomads, and retirees seeking affordable living costs combined with rich culture and stunning landscapes. But not all cities in Georgia are the same when it comes to daily expenses. In this guide, we compare the cost of living in the country’s three major hubs — Batumi, Tbilisi, and Kutaisi — so you can decide which one best fits your lifestyle and budget.
I’m sure you’ll also find the cost of living guides for each city that we have prepared on our website useful:
✅ Cost of Living in Tbilisi: Rent, Food, Internet & More
✅ Cost of Living in Kutaisi: A Detailed Breakdown for 2025
✅ Cost of Living in Batumi: A Detailed Breakdown for 2025
Cost of Living in Georgia Comparison — Batumi vs Tbilisi vs Kutaisi (2025)
Real prices in GEL with automatic conversion to USD. Bars show each city vs. the highest price for that row. Hover cells to see typical ranges.
🍽 Restaurants
| Item | Batumi GEL / USD |
Tbilisi GEL / USD |
Kutaisi GEL / USD |
Visual Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | 25.00 / | 30.00 / | 24.50 / | |
| Meal for 2, Mid-range (3 courses) | 80.00 / | 120.00 / | 80.00 / | |
| McMeal (McDonald’s or equivalent) | 20.00 / | 23.00 / | 25.00 / | |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L draught) | 4.00 / | 6.00 / | 3.00 / | |
| Imported Beer (0.33L bottle) | 6.00 / | 8.00 / | 5.00 / | |
| Cappuccino (regular) | 7.75 / | 8.09 / | 4.97 / | |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | 2.33 / | 2.27 / | 1.75 / | |
| Water (0.33L) | 1.27 / | 1.26 / | 1.16 / |
🛒 Markets
| Item | Batumi GEL / USD |
Tbilisi GEL / USD |
Kutaisi GEL / USD |
Visual Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | 4.91 / | 5.34 / | 4.93 / | |
| Fresh White Bread (500g) | 1.51 / | 1.94 / | 1.16 / | |
| Rice (white, 1kg) | 4.17 / | 5.17 / | 3.07 / | |
| Eggs (12) | 6.35 / | 6.78 / | 6.29 / | |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | 18.55 / | 21.82 / | 17.80 / | |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | 14.30 / | 17.80 / | 12.33 / | |
| Beef Round (1kg) | 25.05 / | 26.29 / | 26.50 / | |
| Apples (1kg) | 3.04 / | 3.50 / | 3.30 / | |
| Bananas (1kg) | 4.14 / | 4.44 / | 4.17 / | |
| Oranges (1kg) | 3.74 / | 5.10 / | 3.80 / | |
| Tomatoes (1kg) | 4.75 / | 6.43 / | 4.00 / | |
| Potatoes (1kg) | 1.48 / | 1.97 / | 1.92 / | |
| Onions (1kg) | 1.49 / | 1.75 / | 2.02 / | |
| Lettuce (head) | 3.76 / | 3.40 / | 3.00 / | |
| Water (1.5L) | 1.71 / | 1.85 / | 1.40 / | |
| Bottle of Wine (mid-range) | 15.00 / | 20.00 / | 9.00 / | |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L bottle) | 3.57 / | 4.37 / | 3.38 / | |
| Imported Beer (0.33L bottle) | 5.34 / | 5.99 / | 5.50 / | |
| Cigarettes (Marlboro, 20 pack) | 8.00 / | 8.20 / | 8.00 / |
🚇 Transportation
| Item | Batumi GEL / USD |
Tbilisi GEL / USD |
Kutaisi GEL / USD |
Visual Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | 0.30 / | 1.00 / | 0.90 / | |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | 20.00 / | 40.00 / | 45.00 / | |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 3.00 / | 4.00 / | 2.00 / | |
| Taxi 1 km (Normal Tariff) | 1.75 / | 2.00 / | 2.00 / | |
| Taxi 1 hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | 8.00 / | 20.00 / | 17.50 / | |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | 3.02 / | 3.07 / | 3.09 / | |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90kW (new) | 40000.00 / | 50000.00 / | 60000.00 / | |
| Toyota Corolla 1.6 97kW (new) | 50625.00 / | 54475.00 / | 64800.00 / |
🔌 Utilities (Monthly)
| Item | Batumi GEL / USD |
Tbilisi GEL / USD |
Kutaisi GEL / USD |
Visual Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Water, Garbage) 85m² | 200.92 / | 199.38 / | 188.59 / | |
| Mobile Plan (Calls + 10GB+ Data) | 27.43 / | 31.14 / | 23.33 / | |
| Home Internet (≥60 Mbps, Unlimited) | 45.09 / | 49.19 / | 38.00 / |
🏋️ Sports & Leisure
| Item | Batumi GEL / USD |
Tbilisi GEL / USD |
Kutaisi GEL / USD |
Visual Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee (1 Adult) | 133.41 / | 165.48 / | 103.00 / | |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour, Weekend) | 34.06 / | 46.00 / | 21.67 / | |
| Cinema, International Release (1 Seat) | 15.00 / | 18.00 / | 12.00 / |
👶 Childcare
| Item | Batumi GEL / USD |
Tbilisi GEL / USD |
Kutaisi GEL / USD |
Visual Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preschool (Private, Full Day) — Monthly | 670.83 / | 720.83 / | 337.50 / | |
| International Primary School — Yearly | 7965.00 / | 12732.85 / | 7000.00 / |
👗 Clothing & Shoes
| Item | Batumi GEL / USD |
Tbilisi GEL / USD |
Kutaisi GEL / USD |
Visual Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi’s 501 or Similar) | 224.74 / | 209.55 / | 107.50 / | |
| Summer Dress (Zara, H&M, …) | 115.79 / | 117.62 / | 112.50 / | |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | 329.52 / | 324.17 / | 237.50 / | |
| Men’s Leather Business Shoes | 297.69 / | 300.35 / | 245.00 / |
🏠 Rent Per Month
| Item | Batumi GEL / USD |
Tbilisi GEL / USD |
Kutaisi GEL / USD |
Visual Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment (1 BR) — City Centre | 1349.72 / | 1926.14 / | 820.00 / | |
| Apartment (1 BR) — Outside Centre | 954.34 / | 1203.32 / | 618.18 / | |
| Apartment (3 BR) — City Centre | 2639.40 / | 3754.96 / | 1256.67 / | |
| Apartment (3 BR) — Outside Centre | 1721.71 / | 2162.74 / | 900.00 / |
🏢 Buy Apartment Price (per m²)
| Item | Batumi GEL / USD |
Tbilisi GEL / USD |
Kutaisi GEL / USD |
Visual Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City Centre (per m²) | 3885.20 / | 5839.00 / | 2488.90 / | |
| Outside Centre (per m²) | 2571.91 / | 3542.83 / | 2162.44 / |
💼 Salaries & Financing
| Item | Batumi GEL / USD |
Tbilisi GEL / USD |
Kutaisi GEL / USD |
Visual Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | 1472.08 / | 1721.70 / | 1000.00 / | |
| Mortgage Interest Rate (% / year, 20y fixed) | 12.17 / — | 11.93 / — | 14.75 / — |
1. Overview of Cost of Living in Georgia
While Georgia is generally cheaper than most Western countries, prices vary between cities due to tourism levels, infrastructure, and local economic factors. Tbilisi, being the capital, tends to be slightly more expensive in dining, rent, and leisure activities. Batumi, a popular seaside resort, has seasonal fluctuations in prices, while Kutaisi remains one of the most budget-friendly cities, especially for long-term stays.
2. Housing and Rental Costs
Accommodation is often the largest expense for residents. Tbilisi’s city center commands higher rental prices due to its economic importance and demand from both locals and expats. Batumi offers competitive prices, especially outside the summer season, while Kutaisi consistently has the lowest rents among the three, making it ideal for budget-conscious expats.
3. Dining and Entertainment
Restaurants in Tbilisi generally cost more than in Kutaisi or Batumi, especially in tourist-heavy districts. However, Kutaisi offers surprisingly good food quality at a fraction of the cost, while Batumi strikes a balance between affordability and variety, especially during the off-season.
4. Transportation
Public transportation across all three cities remains very affordable. Kutaisi offers the cheapest fares for buses and taxis, while Batumi’s coastal routes add a scenic charm to daily commutes. Tbilisi has the most extensive transport network, but prices are still very reasonable compared to other capitals.
5. Utilities, Internet, and Mobile Costs
Utility bills vary slightly depending on climate and apartment size, with Tbilisi generally seeing higher costs due to demand. Internet and mobile plans are affordable and reliable in all cities, with only small differences in monthly fees.
6. Which City is Best for You?
- Tbilisi – Best for professionals, entrepreneurs, and those who prefer a vibrant capital city with all amenities.
- Batumi – Ideal for beach lovers, seasonal workers, and those seeking a mix of city life and seaside relaxation.
- Kutaisi – Perfect for budget-conscious expats, retirees, or remote workers who value peace and lower living costs.
7. Final Thoughts
Choosing between Batumi, Tbilisi, and Kutaisi will largely depend on your lifestyle priorities. If you value urban convenience and international connections, Tbilisi is the top choice. For a coastal atmosphere with a lively summer scene, Batumi is unbeatable. And if affordability and a slower pace of life are your priorities, Kutaisi offers incredible value for money.
No matter which city you choose, Georgia offers a high quality of life, a welcoming atmosphere, and living costs that remain far below those of most Western countries — making it one of the most attractive expat destinations in 2025.
