The cost of living in Georgia for a single person is approximately €1,500–€1,700 (₹54.8K–₹62.1K) per month, excluding rent. A family of four may spend around €5,500–€6,000 (₹2.01L–₹2.19L) per month, excluding rent. For accommodation, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs €950–€2,100 (₹34.7K–₹76.8K) per month, depending on the location and property.
For international students, the actual monthly budget can vary based on the city, type of accommodation, food habits, and lifestyle. Sharing an apartment, cooking at home, and using public transport can help keep expenses manageable. Students should also keep additional funds aside for tuition fees, health insurance, study materials, and other one-time expenses.
Cost of Living in Georgia by Profile
The average cost of living in Georgia varies according to household size and lifestyle. Students who share accommodation and cook regularly can keep their monthly expenses lower, while professionals living alone may spend more on private housing, dining, and entertainment.
The following are indicative monthly planning ranges excluding rent:
Profile
Estimated Monthly Budget
International Student
€500–€700 (₹55K–₹77K)
Student in Shared Housing
€450–€650 (₹50K–₹72K)
Single Person
€1,592.7 (₹58,220)
Working Professional
€1,800–€2,500 (₹65,800–₹91,300)
Couple
€3,000–€4,000 (₹1.10L–₹1.46L)
For international students, sharing accommodation, preparing meals at home, and using public transport can help reduce monthly expenses. Students should also keep a separate budget for rent, tuition fees, health insurance, and other education-related costs when planning their overall expenses in Georgia.
Cost of Living in Georgia by Cities
The city you choose can significantly affect your monthly budget, especially accommodation. Tbilisi has a higher Cost of Living Index than Batumi, while available data for Kutaisi indicates a lower overall cost level.
City
Approximate Monthly Budget
Tbilisi
GEL 1,600–2,200 (INR 57.6K–79.2K)
Batumi
GEL 1,450–2,000 (INR 52.2K–72K)
Kutaisi
GEL 1,300–1,800 (INR 46.8K–64.8K)
Tbilisi is usually the more expensive choice for students because of higher rents. Kutaisi can be more budget-friendly, while Batumi offers a middle ground but accommodation prices can vary depending on location and season.
Accommodation Costs in Georgia
Rent is one of the biggest components of the cost of living in Georgia for international students. Prices depend on whether the apartment is furnished, its location, size, and proximity to universities or central areas.
According to current Numbeo data, average national rental prices are as follows:
Accommodation
Monthly Cost
1 Bedroom Apartment – City Centre
GEL 950–2,100 (₹34.7K–₹76.8K)
1 Bedroom Apartment – Outside City Centre
GEL 600–1,350 (₹21.9K–₹49.3K)
3 Bedroom Apartment – City Centre
GEL 1,500–4,000 (₹54.8K–₹1.46L)
3 Bedroom Apartment – Outside City Centre
GEL 1,000–3,132 (₹36.6K–₹1.15L)
For students, renting a room in a shared apartment can be a more economical alternative to taking an entire apartment. University accommodation, where available, should also be checked before signing a private lease.
Monthly Food and Grocery Expenses in Georgia
Food is another important component of the cost of living in Georgia per month. Students who prepare meals at home can generally keep food expenses under control, while regular restaurant visits increase discretionary spending.
Eating Out
According to current Numbeo data:
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: GEL 15–50 (₹548–₹1,828)
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: GEL 60–156.60 (₹2,193–₹5,724)
Fast-food combo meal: GEL 20–30 (₹731–₹1,097)
Cappuccino: GEL 5–12 (₹183–₹439)
Soft drink: GEL 1.50–5 (₹55–₹183)
Bottled water: GEL 1–3 (₹37–₹110)
Common Grocery Items
Grocery Item
Approximate Cost
Milk (1 litre)
GEL 4–6.50 (₹146–₹238)
Bread (500 g)
GEL 1–3.75 (₹37–₹137)
Rice (1 kg)
GEL 2–7 (₹73–₹256)
Eggs (12)
GEL 4.80–8.40 (₹175–₹307)
Local Cheese (1 kg)
GEL 15–45 (₹548–₹1,645)
Chicken Fillets (1 kg)
GEL 8–23 (₹292–₹841)
Beef (1 kg)
GEL 15–38 (₹548–₹1,389)
Apples (1 kg)
GEL 2–6 (₹73–₹219)
Bananas (1 kg)
GEL 3.50–6 (₹128–₹219)
Oranges (1 kg)
GEL 2–7 (₹73–₹256)
Tomatoes (1 kg)
GEL 2–8 (₹73–₹292)
Potatoes (1 kg)
GEL 0.80–4 (₹29–₹146)
Onions (1 kg)
GEL 1–3 (₹37–₹110)
Lettuce (1 head)
GEL 2–6 (₹73–₹219)
Source: Numbeo
Students can reduce grocery expenses by cooking at home, buying seasonal produce, comparing supermarket prices, and shopping at local markets for selected products.
Transportation Costs in Georgia
Transportation is relatively affordable in Georgia, particularly for students living in cities with established public transport networks. Tbilisi has metro, bus, and other public transportation options, while taxis are also widely available.
Transport Type
Approximate Cost
One-Way Local Transport Ticket
GEL 0.60–1 (₹22–₹37)
Monthly Public Transport Pass
GEL 26.09–60 (₹954–₹2,193)
Taxi Start Fare
GEL 2–5 (₹73–₹183)
Taxi per km
GEL 1–3 (₹37–₹110)
Taxi Waiting, 1 hour
GEL 10–31 (₹366–₹1,133)
Gasoline, 1 litre
GEL 2.95–4 (₹108–₹146)
In Tbilisi, the standard public transport pass is around GEL 40, while a one-way ticket is around GEL 1. Students should check the latest local fare and concession rules before budgeting.
Utilities and Internet Costs in Georgia
Utility expenses depend on the size of the apartment, heating requirements, electricity consumption, and the number of people sharing the property.
Utility
Monthly Cost
Basic Utilities – 85 m² Apartment
GEL 120–350 (₹4.38K–₹12.79K)
Mobile Phone Plan
GEL 12–45 (₹438–₹1,645)
Broadband Internet
GEL 35–70 (₹1.28K–₹2.56K)
Source: Numbeo
Students sharing an apartment can divide electricity, heating, water, and internet costs among roommates. Heating-related expenses may also fluctuate depending on the season and apartment type.
Healthcare and Insurance Costs in Georgia
International students in Georgia should arrange health and accident insurance. Georgian regulations require foreign students to have appropriate health and accident insurance during their studies, and universities may require proof of valid coverage.
Current student insurance options provide a useful indication of the potential cost:
Healthcare / Insurance Expense
Approximate Cost
Student Health Insurance
GEL 27–60/month (INR 972–2,160)
Student Insurance – 6 Months
Around GEL 180 (INR 6,480)
Student Insurance – 12 Months
Around GEL 324–360 (INR 11,664–12,960)
Standard Health Insurance
Around GEL 49–139/month (INR 1,764–5,004)
Doctor Consultation
Around GEL 80–300+ (INR 2,880–10,800+)
Dental Treatment
Around GEL 100–500+ (INR 3,600–18,000+)
Students should check whether their university has specific insurance requirements and review coverage for outpatient care, medicines, dental treatment, emergencies, and repatriation before purchasing a policy.
Leisure and Miscellaneous Costs in Georgia
Entertainment and personal expenses vary significantly by lifestyle. Students can keep discretionary spending manageable by using university activities, public spaces, and lower-cost recreational options.
Activity / Item
Approximate Cost
Fitness Club Membership
GEL 80–250 (INR 2,880–9,000)
Cinema Ticket
GEL 12.50–22 (INR 450–792)
Tennis Court Rental
GEL 25–60 (INR 900–2,160)
Jeans
GEL 80–350 (INR 2,880–12,600)
Summer Dress
GEL 60–200 (INR 2,160–7,200)
Running Shoes
GEL 150–450 (INR 5,400–16,200)
Leather Business Shoes
GEL 150–500 (INR 5,400–18,000)
Students should set a monthly limit for entertainment, shopping, dining out, and other non-essential purchases rather than including these expenses in their essential living budget.
Education Costs for International Students in Georgia
Tuition fees in Georgia vary significantly by university, programme, study level, and subject. The official Study in Georgia programme database lists English-taught bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and medical programmes with different fees across institutions.
Indicative annual tuition ranges based on programmes listed on the official portal include:
Programme Type
Approximate Annual Tuition
Bachelor's Programmes
GEL 7,884–22,602 (INR 2.84L–8.14L)
Master's Programmes
GEL 4,152–20,762 (INR 1.49L–7.47L)
Medicine / Medical Doctor Programmes
GEL 11,826–21,025 (INR 4.26L–7.57L)
Dentistry Programmes
GEL 9,198–21,025 (INR 3.31L–7.57L)
PhD Programmes
GEL 7,884–13,141+ (INR 2.84L–4.73L+)
Students should always confirm the exact tuition fee, payment schedule, scholarship availability, and additional academic charges directly with their university before applying.
Cost of Living in Georgia vs India
For Indian students, comparing everyday prices can help determine how much money to carry and how much to allocate for monthly expenses. Georgia generally has a higher cost level than India, although the difference varies significantly by category.
Numbeo's 2026 country index places Georgia's Cost of Living Index at 33.1, compared with 18.9 for India, indicating a higher overall price level in Georgia.
Category
Georgia
India
Inexpensive Restaurant Meal
GEL 15–50 (INR 540–1,800)
INR 100–500
Meal for Two at Mid-Range Restaurant
GEL 60–180 (INR 2,160–6,480)
INR 650–3,000
Monthly Public Transport Pass
GEL 20.83–60 (INR 750–2,160)
INR 300–2,000
Milk (1 litre)
GEL 3.50–6.17 (INR 126–222)
INR 44–76
Eggs (12)
GEL 4.80–8.40 (INR 173–302)
INR 60–120
1 Bedroom Apartment – City Centre
GEL 900–2,120 (INR 32.4K–76.3K)
INR 7K–61.8K
Basic Utilities – 85 m²
GEL 120–354 (INR 4.32K–12.75K)
INR 2K–8K
For Indian students, accommodation is likely to have the greatest impact on the final budget. Sharing an apartment, choosing housing outside the city centre, and preparing meals at home can help reduce monthly expenses.
Budgeting Tips for Students and Expats in Georgia
A realistic budget should separate essential expenses such as rent, food, utilities, transport, and insurance from discretionary spending. Students should also keep a separate reserve for university-related payments, travel, and unexpected expenses.
How to Save on Accommodation in Georgia?
Compare university housing with private rentals.
Consider sharing an apartment with other students.
Look beyond the most central neighbourhoods.
Check whether utilities are included in the rent.
Confirm the deposit and lease conditions before signing.
Choose accommodation with convenient access to your university.
How to Save on Food in Georgia?
Cook most meals at home.
Compare prices between supermarkets and local markets.
Buy seasonal fruits and vegetables.
Prepare a weekly grocery plan.
Carry meals or snacks to university.
Keep restaurant and food-delivery spending within a fixed monthly limit.
How to Save on Transportation in Georgia?
Use public transport for regular journeys.
Walk when your university and accommodation are nearby.
Compare taxi fares before booking.
Share taxi rides when practical.
Check local transport passes and student concessions.
Consider a bicycle for short-distance travel.
How to Manage Money as an Indian Student in Georgia?
Maintain a monthly expense tracker in INR and GEL.
Keep an emergency fund separate from tuition money.
Compare exchange rates before transferring larger amounts.
Avoid converting money in small amounts repeatedly if fees are high.
Keep digital copies of important financial and insurance documents.
Plan for one-time expenses such as deposits, flights, residence-related costs, and household items.
Conclusion
The cost of living in Georgia is relatively manageable for international students when accommodation and discretionary spending are planned carefully. Tbilisi generally has higher everyday and rental costs, while Batumi and Kutaisi can provide comparatively lower-cost alternatives.
Georgia's relatively affordable tuition options and lower transportation costs can make it worth considering for students looking for an alternative to more expensive European study destinations. However, actual expenses depend on the university, programme, city,
1. Is Georgia a good destination for Indian students?
Georgia can be a suitable study-abroad destination for Indian students looking for English-taught programmes and comparatively accessible education costs. Before applying, students should evaluate university accreditation, programme recognition, accommodation, insurance, career opportunities, and the overall cost of living in Georgia.
2. What is the average cost of living in Georgia for international students?
The average cost of living in Georgia for international students depends on the city and lifestyle. A student can use approximately GEL 1,300–1,800 (INR 46.8K–64.8K) excluding rent as a starting monthly planning range.
3. Is Georgia cheaper than other European countries?
Georgia is generally less expensive than many Western and Northern European destinations. Housing, local transportation, and several everyday services can be relatively affordable. However, imported products and private services may cost more, so students should compare specific expenses rather than relying only on country-level rankings.
4. How much money should Indian students carry when moving to Georgia?
Indian students should carry enough funds for their initial accommodation, deposit, food, transport, insurance, university payments, and emergency expenses. Keeping a separate reserve for the first few weeks is useful because initial expenses can be higher than the regular cost of living in Georgia for international students.
5. Is Tbilisi expensive for students?
Tbilisi is one of the more expensive cities in Georgia, particularly for accommodation. Students can lower their expenses by sharing apartments, choosing housing outside central neighborhoods, using public transport, and preparing meals at home rather than depending frequently on restaurants or food delivery.
6. Which city is more affordable for students: Tbilisi, Batumi or Kutaisi?
Kutaisi generally offers lower accommodation costs, while Batumi and Tbilisi can be more expensive depending on location. Current cost-of-living data also shows differences between these cities, although data availability can vary. Students should compare rent, food, transport, and other expenses before deciding where to live.
7. Can international students live comfortably in Georgia on a limited budget?
Yes, students can manage their expenses on a controlled budget by sharing accommodation, cooking at home, using public transport, and limiting discretionary purchases. The amount needed depends mainly on rent, city, lifestyle, and whether the student lives alone or with roommates. When comparing the cost of living in Georgia for international students, accommodation is usually one of the biggest expenses to consider.
8. Are groceries cheaper in Georgia than in India?
Many basic groceries can cost more in Georgia when compared with Indian prices, although the difference varies by product. Local produce can be more affordable than imported goods. Students can reduce grocery spending by shopping at local markets and choosing seasonal products. This makes cost of living in Georgia vs India an important comparison for Indian students planning their monthly budget.
9. Do international students need health insurance in Georgia?
Yes. Foreign students should maintain appropriate health and accident insurance while studying in Georgia. Universities may also request proof of coverage. Policies can include emergency treatment, outpatient services, medicines, dental care, and repatriation depending on the plan.
10. What unexpected expenses should students plan for in Georgia?
Students should keep additional funds for rental deposits, university registration charges, insurance, residence-related expenses, flights, winter clothing, household items, medical needs, and emergency travel. These costs are separate from regular monthly expenses and should be included when calculating the cost of living in Georgia.
11. How can I calculate my monthly budget for studying in Georgia?
Start with accommodation, then add food, utilities, transport, insurance, mobile and internet services, study materials, and personal expenses. Add tuition separately because it is usually paid according to the university's schedule and should not be treated as a monthly living expense. To estimate your budget accurately, first determine what is the cost of living in Georgia for your preferred city and lifestyle. Then add a small emergency fund for unexpected expenses.
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