Living in Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi is one of the Georgia destinations covered by GoWira's fiscal and lifestyle database, refreshed quarterly. A one-bedroom apartment in the Tbilisi city center rents for around GEL 2,300/month, while the same layout in the suburbs averages GEL 1,500/month — a typical center-vs-suburbs gap for a city this size. Everyday expenses run about GEL 450 for groceries (single person) and GEL 88 for a monthly public transport pass. On our cost-of-living index (100 = highest benchmark city), Tbilisi scores 38, which makes it one of the more affordable destinations.
If you're planning a move, a realistic first-year budget in Tbilisi starts at roughly GEL 2,838/month for a single person in a central studio, before taxes, insurance or discretionary spending. Dining tends to cost GEL 36 for a mid-range meal and GEL 3 for a coffee at a local café, with a beer at a bar around GEL 6. Owning a car adds approximately GEL 620/month between fuel, parking and insurance — many residents in Tbilisi skip this in favour of public transport or the GEL 88/month pass mentioned above.
Healthcare, schools and essentials
Georgia offers a public healthcare system that residents access through social security contributions. Private health insurance for a single expat in Tbilisi costs around GEL 97/month, with a family plan at GEL 290. An out-of-pocket private GP visit runs about GEL 81, while specialists charge around GEL 150. Families should budget GEL 1,900/month for international schooling, or GEL 1,100/month for a local private school.
Who does Tbilisi suit best?
Tbilisi works especially well for senior professionals and families who can absorb top-tier European rent in exchange for infrastructure.
All figures are medians (p50), reviewed quarterly. Hit the calculator below for a number tailored to your salary and residency situation.