Cost Of Living In Georgia
Georgia has become an increasingly attractive destination for expats, digital nomads, and investors seeking a lower cost of living combined with a simple residency framework and a strategic location between Europe and Asia. The country offers a practical lifestyle with access to urban centres, natural landscapes, and a growing service economy.
Overall, the cost of living in Georgia is significantly lower than in the United States, particularly in essential categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities. This makes it possible to maintain a comfortable standard of living at a fraction of typical U.S. costs.
At the same time, certain expenses can vary depending on consumption habits, especially when relying on imported goods or energy-related costs. This creates a cost structure where most everyday needs remain affordable, while some categories may approach or exceed U.S. prices.
All prices in this guide are shown in U.S. dollars, and all comparisons are made directly against the United States to provide a clear and consistent benchmark for evaluating living costs.
The Cost Of Food In Georgia
Dining out in Georgia is significantly more affordable than in the United States, with lower prices across most categories. Simple meals, fast food, and everyday beverages cost a fraction of U.S. prices, making regular dining out accessible for a wide range of budgets.
Even mid-range restaurants remain considerably cheaper, allowing for more frequent dining without a substantial increase in overall spending. This reflects lower labour costs and a strong local food culture that keeps prices competitive.
| Dining Out | Price | USA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Meal | $10.02 | $20.00 | -50% |
| Meal for 2 (Mid-range) | $37.11 | $76.00 | -51% |
| McDonald's Combo | $8.53 | $12.00 | -29% |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 L) | $2.23 | $6.00 | -63% |
| Imported Beer (0.33 L) | $2.97 | $7.97 | -63% |
| Cappuccino | $2.92 | $5.39 | -46% |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 L) | $0.90 | $2.66 | -66% |
| Water (0.33 L) | $0.49 | $2.13 | -77% |
Grocery prices in Georgia are generally lower than in the United States, particularly for staple items such as bread, rice, meat, and locally produced goods. This makes everyday shopping relatively affordable, especially when focusing on local products and seasonal availability.
Some imported items and specific products, such as milk, may be priced closer to or slightly above U.S. levels due to supply chain and import factors. This creates a mixed but still favourable grocery profile overall.
| Groceries | Price | USA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1.90 | $1.06 | +79% |
| Loaf White Bread (500g) | $0.59 | $3.64 | -84% |
| Rice (1kg) | $1.64 | $4.59 | -64% |
| Eggs (12) | $2.47 | $4.36 | -43% |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | $7.60 | $13.02 | -42% |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | $5.63 | $12.30 | -54% |
| Beef Round (1kg) | $9.85 | $16.89 | -42% |
| Water (1.5 L) | $0.66 | $2.28 | -71% |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $5.57 | $15.00 | -63% |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 L) | $1.47 | $2.06 | -29% |
| Imported Beer (0.33 L) | $2.12 | $3.66 | -42% |
The Real Cost Of Housing In Georgia
Housing in Georgia is significantly more affordable than in the United States, particularly in the rental market. One-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments, both in city centres and outside central areas, are priced well below U.S. levels, making rent one of the most accessible aspects of living in the country.
Prices vary depending on location, building quality, and proximity to business districts or expat popular neighbourhoods. Modern apartments in central areas such as Tbilisi tend to command higher rents, while older buildings or properties outside the centre offer more budget-friendly options.
| Rental (Apartment) | Price | USA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| (1 bedroom) in City Centre | $505.40 | $1,667.09 | -70% |
| (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | $937.42 | $2,692.05 | -65% |
| (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | $347.36 | $1,358.21 | -74% |
| (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | $630.35 | $2,232.84 | -72% |
Buying property in Georgia follows the same pattern, with much lower prices per square metre compared to the United States. This creates accessible entry points for both residents and investors, particularly in urban areas with growing demand.
As with rentals, prices depend on location, development standards, and property type. New developments and centrally located apartments are priced higher, while properties outside prime areas remain more affordable, offering a wide range of options depending on budget and long-term plans.
| Purchase (Apartment) | Price | USA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| M² in City Centre | $1,627.75 | $3,410.50 | -52% |
| M² Outside of Centre | $1,027.96 | $2,669.70 | -61% |
Travel And Transportation Costs In Georgia
Public transportation in Georgia is very affordable compared to the United States, with low prices for both single tickets and monthly passes. This makes it a practical and widely used option, particularly in larger cities where metro systems, buses, and minibuses provide extensive coverage.
Taxi and ride-hailing services are also relatively inexpensive, with lower starting fares and per-kilometre rates. This allows for convenient point-to-point travel without significantly increasing overall transportation costs for most residents.
Car ownership, however, introduces a different cost dynamic. While vehicles themselves can be relatively affordable, fuel prices are higher than in the United States, which increases ongoing expenses. As a result, private transport remains convenient but can become more costly over time depending on usage.
| Transportation | Price | USA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | $0.37 | $2.50 | -85% |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | $14.84 | $65.00 | -77% |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | $1.11 | $3.50 | -68% |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | $0.74 | $1.86 | -60% |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | $1.14 | $0.89 | +28% |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.4l Trendline | $20,408.16 | $35,419.00 | -42% |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l | $20,973.00 | $25,943.66 | -19% |
The Cost Of Education In Georgia
Education costs in Georgia are significantly lower than in the United States, particularly when it comes to private and international schools. Tuition fees are a fraction of U.S. levels, making this one of the most affordable categories for expat families.
Public education is available, but many expats prefer private or international schools due to differences in language, curriculum, and overall structure. Even within this segment, the overall cost remains accessible compared to the United States.
| School Costs | Price | USA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preschool for 1 Child (Monthly) | $259.62 | $1,465.30 | -82% |
| International Primary School for 1 Child (Yearly) | $5,494.21 | $25,227.45 | -78% |
The Cost Of Utilities In Georgia
Utility costs in the Bahamas can be relatively high, largely due to the country’s reliance on imported fuel for electricity generation. As a result, monthly electricity bills are often higher than what expats might be used to in North America, especially if air conditioning is used frequently.
In addition to electricity, households should budget for water, waste collection, internet, and mobile phone plans. These services are generally reliable in the larger islands but can be more limited or costly in remote areas. For anyone planning to relocate, it’s important to factor utilities into the monthly budget, as they can significantly impact overall living expenses.
| Utilities (Monthly) | Price | USA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $76.92 | $213.56 | -64% |
| Mobile Plan with Calls and 10GB (Monthly) | $10.68 | $61.32 | -83% |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $17.41 | $73.09 | -76% |
With this overview, you now have a clear understanding of the cost of living in Georgia. Most core expenses, including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, are significantly lower than in the United States, although certain costs, such as fuel and some imported goods, may be higher depending on consumption patterns. All prices shown are in U.S. dollars, and all comparisons are made directly to the United States.
This overall cost structure makes Georgia an accessible option for those prioritizing lower day-to-day expenses while maintaining a comfortable lifestyle
Mikkel Thorup
Mikkel Thorup is the world’s most sought-after expat consultant. He focuses on helping high-net-worth private clients to legally mitigate tax liabilities, obtain a second residency and citizenship, and assemble a portfolio of foreign investments including international real estate, timber plantations, agricultural land and other hard-money tangible assets. Mikkel is the Founder and CEO at Expat Money®, a private consulting firm started in 2017. He hosts the popular weekly podcast, the Expat Money Show, and wrote the definitive #1-Best Selling book Expat Secrets - How To Pay Zero Taxes, Live Overseas And Make Giant Piles Of Money, and his second book: Expats Guide On Moving To Mexico.



