Cost of Living in Tbilisi for International Students: 2026 Cost Guide
Relocating to another country for college can be incredibly exciting. However, one of the questions almost every international student asks themselves several times before their departure is:
What will be the real cost of studying abroad?
While college tuition fees are often the primary source of expense for those relocating overseas, accommodation, food, transport, mobile phone and day-to-day expenses can take a considerable chunk out of one’s wallet.
For international students considering studying in Georgia, Tbilisi is a natural choice for its relative number of colleges and universities, student-centric accommodations, transport options and diverse range of food choices. However, how much does it really cost to be a student in Tbilisi?
Below is a cost guide to help with developing a realistic monthly budget for when you arrive in Georgia.
Summary Table: International Student Budget in Tbilisi
There is no strict limit to the monthly cost of being a student in Tbilisi. It depends on whether one’s accommodation is private or shared, how often one eats outside and what additional expenses are incurred on a daily or weekly basis.
A modest monthly budget for a student includes food, transportation and accommodation and can cost anywhere between USD 350 to USD 550 per month. Students should further remember that their accommodation is typically their single largest expense in Georgia, and therefore it should be chosen with extra care.
Below is a sample budget table that considers the primary expenses of a student:
| Expense | Budget |
|---|---|
| Student Accommodation | USD 150-300 |
| Food and Groceries | USD 100-180 |
| Transportation | USD 15-35 |
| Mobile Plan & Internet | USD 10-30 |
| Personal Expenses | USD 50-100 |
| Estimated Total | USD 325-645/month |
Please note that the above table only provides a rough estimate of your potential monthly expenses. The reality is that your accommodation, area of living and personal expenses will determine the real cost of being a student in Tbilisi.
In 2026, similar estimates from other international student cost guides reveal a broad spectrum of costs. This is primarily because of varying accommodation costs, which can differ greatly depending on the type of accommodation, the area and the included utilities.
The most common expenses for international students in Tbilisi include:
The most common expenses for international students in Tbilisi include:
• Accommodation
• Food and Groceries
• Transport
• Mobile Plan and Internet
• Utilities
• Personal Expenses
Below is an in-depth discussion of each listed expense:
1. Student Accommodation in Tbilisi
Choosing the right type of accommodation can be one of the most decisive factors for a student’s relocation to Tbilisi.
International students typically select from student hostels, shared apartments and private apartments.
Student Hostels
Student hostels are a popular choice among international students in Georgia, and it is not difficult to see why. Depending on the amenities provided by the hostel, students can receive access to:
• Wifi
• Study desks
• Laundry services
• Housekeeping
• Heating and air-conditioning
• Kitchens
• Wardrobes and storage
• Common areas
Some hostels also give international students the additional benefit of living alongside other international students, an invaluable advantage for those that are new to the area.
Shared Apartments
Shared apartments are another popular option among international students, as they typically offer a substantial reduction in monthly rent.
However, students must conduct their due diligence in regards to the additional expenses that they must account for with this type of accommodation.
A cheaper apartment with additional expenses can end up being significantly more expensive than a pricier apartment with fewer monthly costs.
Private Apartments
While private apartments can entail a significantly higher monthly rent, they provide a higher level of independence.
As of 2026, accommodation prices in Tbilisi continue to be a relative indication of what one can expect to pay for a certain size apartment in a specific area, with prices rapidly rising with proximity to the city center.
However, it is important to note that choosing a more expensive apartment in a desirable location close to one’s workplace or college can greatly reduce transport costs and save precious time.
2. Food and Groceries
Like accommodation, food is one of the largest expenses for a student. Preparing meals at one’s accommodation remains the most cost-effective method, and eating outside should only be done as a treat. Below is a list of typical expenses incurred by international students:
• Rice and Grains
• Vegetables and Fruits
• Bread
• Dairy Products
• Meat or other proteins
• Snacks
• Drinks
• Cooking Essentials
Meat or other proteins
Snacks
Drinks
Cooking Essentials
Tbilisi boasts of a wide variety of local and international cuisine, as well as supermarkets that cater to a variety of international palates. As such, international students can opt for dining at local Georgian restaurants, or for eating at places that feature South Asian, Chinese or Middle Eastern dishes, among others. For day-to-day meals, shopping at local markets can be an affordable option for many students.
3. Public Transportation
Public transportation in Tbilisi is relatively extensive, featuring buses and the metro system. Furthermore, the city also offers discounted fares for students that attend a licensed and accredited institution of higher or professional education. As of 2026, the discounted rate for public transportation is 0.20 GEL.
As many international students rely on public transportation for getting around Tbilisi, it can be a crucial consideration when choosing accommodation. Therefore, transport accessibility should factor into one’s decision when choosing a particular accommodation.
4. Mobile Data and Internet
Mobile data and internet are essential for a student in a foreign land, enabling them to communicate with their family and friends, access online maps and directions, contact local and international services, attend online classes, hail rides and conduct financial operations.
If your accommodation offers free wifi, your personal plan can be more basic.
Before finalizing your accommodation, ensure that they offer either housekeeping services or communal areas where one can access the internet.
5. Utilities
Electricity, gas, water, heating, air-conditioning, and internet can also incur additional expenses for international students, particularly those that reside in private apartments.
Heating, for example, can be particularly expensive for private renters.
Therefore, make sure to take utilities into account when considering a private apartment.
Ask the owner or renter of the apartment whether any utilities are included in the monthly rent, and which are additional expenses.
6. Personal Expenses
International students should also take personal expenses into account when determining one’s cost of living in Georgia.
As you can see, personal expenses can change drastically depending on your lifestyle choices.
Therefore, the best approach in creating a monthly personal expense budget is to base it off of your own lifestyle, not those of others.
Average Student Budget in Tbilisi
Below is a sample illustration of a realistic monthly student budget in Tbilisi:
The most common expenses for international students in Tbilisi include:
• Accommodation
• Food and Groceries
• Transport
• Mobile Plan and Internet
• Utilities
• Personal Expenses
USD 50-100
Estimated Total
USD 325-645/month
Please note that the above table only provides a rough estimate of your potential monthly expenses. The reality is that your accommodation, area of living and personal expenses will determine the real cost of being a student in Tbilisi.
The table below provides several tips on how you can cut down on personal expenses.
How To Save As An International Student
While personal expenses are a matter of choice, there are several things that an international student can do to reduce their expenses:
Choose Accommodation Carefully
When choosing accommodation, students should consider their overall expenses in addition to monthly rent. For instance, choosing a hostel that includes utilities may be more cost-effective than renting a private apartment while paying additional fees.
Use Public Transportation
Using public transport instead of taxis can help substantially reduce transport expenses.
Cook More Often
While it is always advisable to eat outside occasionally, cooking meals at your accommodation can have massive benefits for your food budget.
Track Expenses
For the first month, track all personal expenses to understand where most of the money is going.
You may be surprised to see how much is spent on coffees, snacks, delivery fees, taxis and so on. This can help provide valuable insight into where expenses can potentially be cut.
Choose Accommodation In Advance
Having a place to stay when arriving in Tbilisi can offer international students tremendous peace of mind. Choosing accommodation in advance means you have adequate time to research the type of accommodation that you want, its costs, additional utilities and budget-friendly options.
Things International Students Forget To Budget For
While monthly expenses are important, international students should also keep in mind additional expenses that either occur only once or occasionally.
Below is a list of things that international students should budget for:
• Travel to Georgia
• Airport Transport
• Accommodation Deposit (if applicable)
• University Fees
• Residence Permit or Visa Fees
• Winter Clothes
• Bedding and Personal Items
• Emergency Fund
You do not necessarily need to spend all of the above every month, but budgeting for these expenses may prove to be invaluable in your first few months in Georgia.
Is Tbilisi A Budget-Friendly Destination For International Students?
While Tbilisi can be an affordable place to live for those that know how to budget for their expenses, it is also important to understand that not everything is cheap, particularly accommodation.
The monthly cost of an apartment varies drastically depending on the area and additional amenities included in the rent. As such, it is important to understand how much you are willing to spend on your accommodation.
Ultimately, your accommodation should be picked based on its value: what extra facilities are provided and where exactly it is located.
Finding Student Accommodation in Tbilisi
Now that you understand the expenses that you may incur as an international student in Tbilisi, it is time to find the most suitable and affordable accommodation.
With StayGeo, international students can research and compare student hostels and other student accommodations in Georgia prior to relocating to the country.
Rather than having to find and secure a place to stay in Tbilisi upon your arrival, you can search and shortlist suitable options with StayGeo.
This can be particularly useful for students and parents, who may prefer not to worry about one additional thing before departure.
Final Thoughts on Student Budgets in Tbilisi
As mentioned at the beginning of the article, the cost of living in Tbilisi depends on a number of things.
The largest expenses for an international student, however, are typically their accommodation, food, transport and personal expenses.
If you keep these expenses in check, you will find that your student budget in Tbilisi is realistic and well within your means.
However, there is one final thing to consider before you fly off to Tbilisi: where are you going to stay?
Research your accommodation options with StayGeo and begin exploring student accommodation in Georgia and set yourself up for a stress-free study abroad experience.