Cost of Living in Georgia for Expats

Published on April 30, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Georgia, a country located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, is increasingly attracting expatriates drawn to its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and affordable cost of living. If you are considering settling in this fascinating country, it is essential to understand the financial aspects of daily life. This article provides a detailed overview of the cost of living in Georgia, focusing on common expenses and the budget to plan for expatriates.

A Haven for Your Wallet: The Attractive Cost of Living in Georgia

Georgia stands out for its particularly advantageous cost of living, especially compared to Western countries. In 2025, the cost of living in Georgia is estimated to be about 48% lower than in France. This significant difference is reflected in many aspects of daily life, from rent to groceries to leisure activities.

To illustrate this difference concretely, let’s take the example of Tbilisi, the Georgian capital. An expatriate living in Tbilisi can expect to spend an average of €105 per day, or about 311 Georgian lari (GEL). This budget includes accommodation in a 3-star hotel, two meals, and a daily transport ticket. In comparison, a similar budget in a European capital like Paris or London would easily be two to three times higher.

Here are some concrete price examples to better understand the cost of living in Georgia:

• A 1.5-liter bottle of water costs about €0.61 (1.81 GEL)
• A 500g loaf of bread is sold for around €0.61 (1.80 GEL)
• A dozen eggs costs €2.3 (6.7 GEL)
• A liter of milk costs about €1.75 (5.2 GEL)

These prices are significantly lower than those in most European countries. For example, bread is 66% cheaper than in France, while eggs are 40% cheaper.

Housing in Georgia: Affordable Rent for Every Budget

One of the major advantages of living in Georgia is the affordable cost of housing. Whether you are looking to rent or buy, real estate prices in Georgia are significantly lower than in major European cities.

In Tbilisi, the economic and cultural heart of the country, rents remain very competitive:

• A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs an average of €659 (1954 GEL) per month
• A one-bedroom apartment on the outskirts costs about €454 (1345 GEL) per month
• A three-bedroom apartment in the city center rents for around €1313 (3892 GEL) per month
• A three-bedroom apartment on the outskirts costs about €736 (2180 GEL) per month

These prices are particularly attractive when compared to those of other European capitals. For example, the rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center in Tbilisi is about 15% cheaper than in France, and this difference is even more pronounced for larger apartments or those on the outskirts.

It is important to note that these prices can vary depending on the neighborhood, the condition of the property, and the amenities offered. Expatriates often have the opportunity to find quality housing at even more advantageous prices by moving a bit away from the city center or opting for less touristy but equally pleasant neighborhoods.

For those considering a long-term stay, buying real estate in Georgia can be an interesting option. Real estate prices remain relatively low compared to many Western countries, thus offering potentially lucrative investment opportunities.

Eating and Entertainment: Affordable Daily Pleasures

Georgia is renowned for its delicious cuisine and excellent wines. Fortunately for expatriates, enjoying these culinary delights does not cost a fortune. Prices for basic food items and restaurant meals are generally much lower than in Western countries.

Here is an overview of costs related to food and leisure in Georgia:

• A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about €5 to €7
• A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs about €20-25
• A domestic beer (0.5L) at a bar costs between €1 and €2
• A cappuccino at a trendy café is sold for around €1.5 to €2

These prices allow expatriates to fully enjoy Georgian social and culinary life without breaking the bank. It is entirely possible to dine out regularly or go out for drinks with friends without significantly impacting the monthly budget.

Regarding leisure and cultural activities, Georgia also offers attractive rates:

• A movie ticket costs an average of €8.5, which is 29% cheaper than in France
• A monthly gym membership costs about €41
li>Renting a tennis court for one hour costs about €22

These prices allow expatriates to maintain an active lifestyle and fully enjoy leisure facilities without worrying excessively about costs.

It is also important to note that Georgia is full of free or low-cost activities, such as hiking in the country’s magnificent mountain landscapes, visiting historical sites, or exploring the many parks and green spaces in Georgian cities.

Transportation and Communication: Staying Connected Without Breaking the Bank

Mobility and connectivity are essential aspects of modern life, especially for expatriates. In Georgia, these services are not only efficient but also very affordable.

Public and Private Transportation

The public transportation network in Georgia, especially in Tbilisi, is well-developed and very economical. A metro or bus ticket costs about €0.20 (0.6 GEL), which is extremely advantageous compared to fares in most European cities.

For those who prefer traveling by taxi or ride-hailing services, rates remain very competitive. A taxi ride within Tbilisi generally costs between €3 and €7, depending on the distance traveled.

Car rental is also an affordable option for exploring the country, with rates starting around €20-25 per day for a basic vehicle.

Communication and Internet

Staying connected in Georgia is both easy and inexpensive. Mobile phone and internet plans are particularly advantageous:

• A mobile phone plan with 10 GB of data or more costs an average of €10.1 (30 GEL) per month
• A high-speed home internet subscription costs about €16 (47 GEL) per month

These rates are 57% and 46% cheaper than in France, respectively, offering expatriates quality connectivity at a lower cost.

Network coverage in Georgia is generally good in urban and tourist areas, allowing expatriates to easily stay in touch with loved ones abroad or work remotely effectively.

Monthly Budget for an Expatriate in Georgia: Living Comfortably for Less

Establishing a precise budget is crucial for any expatriate wishing to settle in Georgia. Although the cost of living is generally low, it is important to plan your expenses to fully enjoy the expatriation experience.

Here is an estimate of the monthly budget for an expatriate living alone in Tbilisi in 2025:

• Rent (1-bedroom apartment in city center): €659 (1954 GEL)
• Utilities (electricity, heating, water, internet): €70-100 (207-296 GEL)
• Food and groceries: €200-250 (592-740 GEL)
• Transportation (monthly pass): €15-20 (44-59 GEL)
• Phone and mobile internet: €10-15 (30-44 GEL)
• Leisure and outings: €150-200 (444-592 GEL)
• Health insurance: €50-100 (148-296 GEL)

Total estimated budget: €1154-1344 (3419-3981 GEL) per month

This budget allows for comfortable living in Tbilisi, with well-located housing, quality food, and regular outings. It is important to note that this budget can be adjusted downward by opting for less central housing or reducing leisure expenses.

For an expatriate couple, the budget would be slightly higher, mainly due to rent and food expenses. One can estimate a monthly budget for a couple between €1500 and €1800 (4440-5328 GEL).

It is also crucial to take into account initial expenses related to settling in, such as the security deposit for housing, the purchase of furniture or household appliances if necessary, and administrative fees related to obtaining visas or residence permits.

Comparison with Other Expatriation Destinations

To put these figures into perspective, let’s compare the monthly budget in Georgia with that of other popular destinations for expatriates:

• France (Paris): €2500-3000 per month for a similar lifestyle
• Spain (Madrid): €1800-2200 per month
• Portugal (Lisbon): €1500-1800 per month
• Thailand (Bangkok): €1200-1500 per month

It can be seen that Georgia offers one of the most competitive costs of living, even compared to reputedly affordable destinations like Thailand or Portugal.

Economic Outlook and Quality of Life: A Promising Future for Expatriates

Beyond the attractive cost of living, Georgia offers interesting prospects for expatriates in terms of quality of life and economic opportunities.

An Evolving Job Market

Although the average salary in Georgia remains lower than in Western countries (about €534 or 1581 GEL per month after deductions), the country is experiencing sustained economic growth and attracting more and more foreign investment. This dynamic creates opportunities for skilled expatriates, particularly in the tourism, information technology, and finance sectors.

Expatriate entrepreneurs also find in Georgia a favorable environment to start their business, thanks to simplified administrative procedures and advantageous taxation.

Quality of Life and Culture

Georgia offers an appreciable quality of life, combining a low cost of living, a rich culture, renowned gastronomy, and varied landscapes. Expatriates particularly appreciate:

• The general safety of the country
• The friendliness and hospitality of Georgians
• Easy access to nature (mountains, Black Sea)
• The pleasant climate, with four distinct seasons
• The richness of the historical and cultural heritage

Challenges and Considerations

Despite these positive aspects, expatriates should be aware of certain challenges:

• The language barrier (Georgian is the official language, although English is increasingly common)
• A developing healthcare system, often requiring private health insurance
• Sometimes aging infrastructure outside major cities
li>Relative political stability, although the situation has improved markedly in recent years

Conclusion: Georgia, an Expatriation Destination to Seriously Consider

Georgia is positioning itself as an increasingly attractive expatriation destination, offering a unique blend of affordable cost of living, cultural richness, and high quality of life. With a monthly budget significantly lower than that required in most Western countries, expatriates can not only live comfortably but also fully enjoy the opportunities offered by this developing country.

Whether you are a professional seeking new opportunities, an entrepreneur eager to launch your project in a favorable environment, or simply someone looking for a significant life change, Georgia certainly deserves your attention. The country offers a pleasant living environment, varied landscapes, delicious cuisine, and a rich culture, all at a cost that is hard to beat.

However, as with any expatriation, it is crucial to prepare well, understand the cultural nuances and potential challenges, and have a solid financial plan. With good planning and an open approach, living in Georgia can be an extremely rewarding and economically advantageous experience.