What are the features of life and expenses in Georgia for foreigners?

Features of the budget for Russians

The specifics of financial planning for residents of Russia can provide a lot of valuable information. For people living in large metropolitan areas, the cost of living in Georgia may seem surprisingly low. However, even considering the relatively affordable prices, it is important to remember that the average income of the local population is not that high. The minimum subsistence level in this country, for example, is 18 times lower than in the United States.

Average income and expenses

In Georgia, the average salary before taxes is about 500 dollars, but the actual income level for most people does not exceed 200 dollars. This amount largely goes towards rent, especially in cases where people do not have the opportunity to acquire their own living space. The earnings of employees at international companies, where foreigners work, are at a higher level, but generally, the rental rates for them are significantly higher than for local residents. This phenomenon can be considered a characteristic feature of the Georgian real estate sector:Local residents always pay less for rent than newcomers..

Comparison of rental prices

If we analyze the cost of renting housing in Tbilisi and Moscow, the difference in living expenses in these cities is over 90%. Renting an apartment in Tbilisi costs an average of $710, while in Moscow this amount can reach $1,400. This gap is explained by the fact that rental prices in the Russian capital are much higher.

Exchange rates and food prices

At the time of writing, the exchange rate for one Georgian lari (GEL) is 27 rubles, and 1 lari is equal to 100 tetri. Prices for food in Georgia, especially for fresh local fruits and vegetables, largely depend on the season. Similar to Russia, the most significant discounts can be observed in the fall.

Average prices for groceries

• A liter of milk costs 2.52 lari.
• A fresh loaf of bread costs 0.76 lari.
• A kilogram of rice costs 1.91 lari.
• A dozen eggs — 3.81 lari
• A kilogram of local cheese costs 8.38 lari.
• A kilogram of chicken fillet costs 8.11 lari.
• Fruits (apples and oranges) — from 1.6 to 2.7 lari
• Vegetables (tomatoes and potatoes) — from 1.3 to 1.7 lari

Prices for drinks and dining out

• A 1.5-liter bottle of drinking water costs 1.05 lari.
• A bottle of local wine costs between 11 and 20 lari.
• A half-liter bottle of local beer costs 1.8 lari.
• Imported beer (0.33 liters) - 2.5 lari
• Lunch at a mid-range restaurant costs about 12 lari.
• Dinner for two with three courses costs about 35 lari.

Despite the presence of numerous restaurants and cafes in the country, the citizens of Georgia often prefer to cook at home. Fast food chains, especially in smaller towns, are quite rare.

Prices for clothing and entertainment

When it comes to clothing and leisure, a pair of Levi's jeans costs about 135 lari, a summer dress can be purchased at a chain store for 107 lari, and men's shoes, whether leather dress shoes or sports sneakers, will cost between 140 and 175 lari.

Entertainment and fitness

• A monthly subscription at the fitness club costs about 86 lari.
• The price of a subscription in the business district of Tbilisi can reach 114 lari.
• An hour of playing on the tennis court costs about 22.5 lari.

Ultimately, life in Georgia, while seeming financially accessible, requires careful budgeting to effectively manage your resources.

Two tickets to watch a movie will cost 23 lari, while the prices for the best seats in the theater are around 30 lari. Georgian citizens spend an average of 25 to 29 lari per month on the internet, and the cost of one minute of a mobile phone call reaches 7 tetri or 0.07 lari.

Renting and maintaining housing

When it comes to renting and maintaining housing, it's important to note that in most cities around the world, a significant portion of the budget for migrants is allocated to these expenses.

Introduction

In conclusion of my analysis of life in Georgia, in the context of comparison with Russia, it is worth noting that the country, known for its landscapes and history, is often perceived as an affordable place to live. However, it makes sense to point out that, despite the seemingly low cost of living, the reality for most locals is much more complicated.

Economic conditions

Average incomes do not meet expectations when compared to similar characteristics in developed countries. Georgia is a country with low earnings, which will affect the standard of living, especially for those who rent housing. Notably, the difference in rental prices for locals and foreigners is significantly different, putting the latter in unfamiliar conditions.

Comparison with Moscow

I was surprised by the price difference between Tbilisi and Moscow. There is indeed a 90% difference in budget levels, which certainly reflects the economic situation in the region and the characteristics of the local housing market. The cost of living in Tbilisi looks appealing — compared to the Russian capital, prices for food, entertainment, and services are indeed lower.

Education in Georgia

Regarding education in Georgia, free general education is an undeniable advantage. However, the high costs of higher education can pose a serious barrier for many, including foreigners.

• Free public education: available to all citizens.
• Costs of higher educationThey are comparable to European universities, which may cause some mild confusion.

Conclusion

To conclude this thought, it is worth mentioning that despite the complex realities, Georgia has its unique charm, magnificent traditions, and people who are actively striving to improve their lives. Understanding the financial side of life in Georgia is just one side of the coin; it is also important to feel the soul of the country, its culture, and history, which make it so attractive to many.

I hope that this research has been helpful in understanding the specifics of life in Georgia and can assist those who are considering moving or staying for an extended period in this beautiful country.