Updated:
- 1-bedroom rent in the centre: Tbilisi ~$670, Batumi ~$500
- Utilities for an 85 m² apartment: Tbilisi ~$90, Batumi ~$77 — higher in winter because of heating
- Comfortable single-person budget, no frills: $900–1,150 in Tbilisi, $800–1,050 in Batumi
- In Batumi, seaside rent can jump 2–3x in summer compared with the off-season
Housing rent
The figures below are averaged cost-of-living aggregator data (mainly Numbeo, September 2026), converted to dollars at roughly 2.6 lari per $1. Treat them as a benchmark, not the price of a specific apartment — the final number depends on the building, its condition, and whether you negotiate.
| Apartment type | Tbilisi | Batumi |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom, city centre | $670 | $500 |
| 1-bedroom, outside centre | $450 | $350 |
| 3-bedroom, city centre | $1,300 | $910 |
| 3-bedroom, outside centre | $900 | $690 |
Utilities, internet, transport
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage) for an 85 m² apartment run about $90 a month in Tbilisi and $77 in Batumi; winter bills are usually higher than summer ones because of heating. Unlimited internet at 60 Mbps or more costs roughly $20 in Tbilisi and $16 in Batumi. A monthly public transport pass is about $15 in Tbilisi and $12 in Batumi.
Food and everyday costs
A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around $11–12 in Tbilisi and $10–11 in Batumi — a small difference. Groceries at a local market are noticeably cheaper than at chain supermarkets, and even more so than in tourist zones. We deliberately don't give a single averaged "grocery basket" figure — it depends too much on personal eating habits for one number to be honest.
How much you need per month
Add up rent outside the centre, utilities, internet, transport and food (no restaurants or travel), and different aggregators put a comfortable single-person budget at roughly $900–1,150 a month in Tbilisi and $800–1,050 in Batumi. The spread between sources is real — treat it as a range, not a single number, and adjust it if your lifestyle differs noticeably from the average.
Tbilisi or Batumi — which is cheaper
On most line items, Tbilisi runs 25–40% more expensive than Batumi — expected for a larger capital with a bigger job market and more services. The exception is seasonal seaside rent: outside summer, Batumi is consistently cheaper, but at the peak of the season, prices in coastal buildings can catch up with or even overtake Tbilisi's. This page is about renting and living costs; for comparing cities and districts when buying property, see the city comparison page.
FAQ
How much does it cost to live in Tbilisi per month?
Estimates vary, but roughly $900–1,150 a month for one person without restaurants or travel, including rent outside the centre, utilities, internet, transport and food.
How much does it cost to live in Batumi per month?
About $800–1,050 a month by the same method — $100–150 cheaper than Tbilisi, unless you rent seaside housing in summer.
Is it true that Batumi rent gets more expensive in summer?
Yes, in seaside buildings and tourist areas — 2–3x compared with the off-season. That's resort demand, not the city's general price level.