Cost of Living in Georgia for International Students 2026

Planning to study in Georgia soon from India? Before making a choice it is essential to know the cost of living in Georgia along with studying costs. Let us discuss in detail about the cost of living in Georgia for Indian students and consider all related factors.

The cost of living in Georgia country on an average is approximately 79% more than that of India. So those planning to study in Georgia will have to spend more to sustain themselves while their studies are ongoing. The monthly average spend on living costs in Georgia is 1,877.96 GEL, approx. INR 64,000+. These costs include accommodation and rent, as well as groceries, food, and utilities, for a month. 

Living in Georgia on a student budget is possible if applicants know how and where to spend. The whole cost of living in Georgia will again vary based on personal expenses and choices. However, applicants can spend the bare minimum by budgeting each factor rather than exceeding it, keeping expenses in check. Like they can choose the cheapest mobile plan, or choose shared accommodation, etc. Let us look at the cost of living in Georgia in detail for those who plan to study at Georgian universities in 2026 soon. We will discuss the different costs that make up the entire living cost lump sum.

What is the Cost of Living in Georgia in 2026?

The cost of living in Georgia is around 1,540.40 GEL, this is excluding rent. But with rent, the costs soar for international students. Here is a broad view of the cost of living in Georgia in 2026 for international students in the table below: 

This data has been sourced from Numbeo. The costs are dynamic and change based on current economic scenario in the country and world. So do not take this as final, check before starting to apply for admissions. Apart from this, the costs will also vary based on Georgian cities, lifestyle choice and other factors as well.

How to Calculate Your Cost of Living in Georgia?

Based on the cost-of-living data above for Georgia, international students can also calculate the costs on their own. It is necessary to do so to understand if they will be able to bear the costs and live there comfortably. Check out how to calculate your cost of living in Georgia:

1. Note down your total monthly net income (after tax). While the average monthly net salary in Georgia is around 1,437 GEL but when on a student budget the cost should be lower.
2. Calculate all major expenses of accommodation, transportation and utility costs. Make a table and write against each parameter how much will the cost be and in the next column how much can the applicant spend.
3. Factor in costs for transportation, health insurance, entertainment, clothing, and other miscellaneous items and understand the total.
4. Based on the total estimate, calculate the cost of living for a month first and then for a year.
5. If the estimate fits the applicant's budget, they can go ahead and plan their studies in Georgia; if not, cut them down and think of how costs will be managed.

This is the ideal way to calculate the cost of living in Georgia and also the city of study. Let us now look at each factor which contributes to the overall calculation of living costs in Georgia.

Factors Included in Calculating Cost of Living in Georgia

Multiple factors are included to calculate the entire cost of living in Georgia, or any other country for that matter. None of them should be missed else the computation will be incorrect. Check out the cost factors used to calculate living costs in Georgia.

1. Accommodation Cost in Georgia

Look at the cost of accommodation in Georgia on average irrespective of location. City wise average will be mentioned below the national average:

The city-wise accommodation cost of living in Georgia is as follows:

• Tbilisi: For private accommodation, 1,000–1,200 GEL is required; for shared accommodation, 600–800 GEL; and for on-campus accommodation, 300–500 GEL.
• Batumi: Private apartment accommodations are available for 800-1,000 GEL per month.
• Kutaisi: Applicants can go for a shared flat or dormitories priced between 400 - 600 GEL monthly.

2. Transportation Cost in Georgia

Next on the list of factors is transportation cost. Transportation is required for the daily commute from the rented accommodation to the university in Georgia. For this, there is a monthly pass option in public transportation or there are private cab hiring options. Here is the cost breakdown:

Different Georgian cities have different ways to charge for public transportation. Check out the cost of transportation in Georgia's cities on student visa:

• Tbilisi: 40 GEL monthly pass for public transportation anywhere, including bus and metro, or an unlimited three-month card for 100 GEL.
• Batumi: Batumi Card, a travel card issued for 2 GEL that can be topped up whenever travelling.
• Kutaisi: Use a Unified Money Card or Visa/MasterCard for travel. 

3. Food and Grocery Expenses in Georgia

Food and grocery expenses in Georgia do not vary much in different cities in Georgia. So students can, on average, spend on the following food and grocery items each month, regardless of the city they are studying in. These are as follows:

4. Utility and Internet Costs in Georgia

The utility charges overall can be anywhere between 92 and 300 GEL. The broadband costs are common for all cities in Georgia, while the others may vary. Check out the utility costs in Georgia that are included for students spending:

The cost of utilities in cities of Georgia can vary anywhere between:

• 220 - 280 GEL for Tbilisi
• 180 - 230 GEL for Batumi
• 160 - 200 for Kutaisi

5. Entertainment and Lifestyle Expenses

For entertainment nd for lifestyle expenses also the costs are commonly set for all Georgian cities. Here is how much the international students will ideally have to spend on their entertainment and lifestyle related expenses in Georgia:

This was the list of factors that majorly inlfuence cost of living in Georgia. The calculations will again vary based on personal choices, uses and lifestyle per se. Applicants must still look at these important ones, note their costs and then calculate the whole cost.

Cost of Living in Top Georgian Cities

Majority of the best universities in Georgia are located in Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi and so they are considered the most student friendly cities. SInce manjority of international students apply to study in these cities, let us look at their cost of living from a broader perspective:

Based on the table, it can be noted that the cost of living in Tbilisi is higher than that of Batumi and Kutaisi. It can also be noted that Kutaisi offers the most affordable cost of living for students. Batumi on the other hand provides a balanced, student-friendly coastal lifestyle at a moderate price point.

Tips to Manage Living Costs in Georgia as Students

Spending INR 64,000 per month to maintain a cost of living in Georgia can make Indian applicants anxious. To avoid overspending or underspending, they can keep these useful tips in hand to manage their living costs in Georgia while studying:

• Indian applicants should try to get student accommodation or shared options. The budget should not increase by more than 800 GEL per month.
• Next, try to mostly eat home-cooked meals. Occasional eating out is still fine as long as the budget does not exceed by 400 - 500 GEL a month.
• Use public transportation to get around Georgia. This will also help applicants save a lot.
• Go for a very basic health insurance which does not cost beyond 50 - 100 GEL.
• If in shared accommodation, try to split the costs of utilities, which will also help applicants keep their budget intact.

A student living sensibly in Georgia can stay comfortably under 2,000 GEL per month, which is why the country has become quietly popular with international students. Rent remains the biggest variable, so choose shared housing; the rest of the budget can stay as it is. Food is easy to get, transport is cheap, and utilities won’t give students a hard time.

Cost of Living in Georgia FAQs