Hi! We’re Stefan and Natalie, we’ve lived in Georgia as expats for 6 months, and we’re excited to tell you everything about this little nation that we got to call home for a while!
Find us on social media:
What to expect in this article:
- Our life in Georgia
- Why we chose Georgia
- What makes Georgia special?
- Making friends in Georgia
- Georgian food
- Cost of living and salaries in Georgia
- Rent & daily expenses
- Handy websites/apps for Georgia
- Public transport in Georgia
- Pros of living in Georgia
- Cons of living in Georgia
- Things to consider before moving
- Language barrier
- Bureaucracy & paperwork
- Conclusion: should you move to Georgia?
Our life in Georgia
We arrived in Tbilisi on a late spring afternoon, back in September 2022. The air felt warm, and we were lucky to be able to enjoy warm-ish days in the country. Before that, we lived in Spain, which you can read in this article about living in Andalusia.
Right away, we were welcomed by neighbors who offered homemade wine and insisted we try their fresh bread. Yes, that was just an Airbnb but that’s real Georgian hospitality for you. One of the most hospitable people and countries I’ve ever been to in the world.
Soon, we learned that sharing food and conversation is a big part of Georgian life. Spoiler alert: We didn’t have any idea about Georgia before coming, apart from the visa situation and the currency.
We ended up staying three months in Tbilisi, soaking up the lively café scene and enjoying the old town and the Italian courtyards. We both work in digital marketing online.
After that, we went to Batumi on the Black Sea coast for two months. The beach, the palm trees, and the lively promenade gave us a whole different vibe. We moved there in the winter, but we still enjoyed it, especially given that our apartment has sea views, which made everything nicer!
Finally, we spent a month in Bakuriani, before going back to Tbilisi, where we discovered the quieter, cooler side of Georgia in the mountains. It’s a ski resort, and despite not being into it, the air was fresh, rent was affordable, and people were very friendly.
I only keep good memories of Georgia, and here’s everything you need to know if you want to move there.
Why we chose Georgia
We first heard about Georgia from common friends who praised the mountains, delicious cuisine and wine, and generous visa policies (you can often stay up to a year without much hassle, depending on your nationality).
After a little research, we were hooked. We did spend some time living in Spain as expats before that and some cold was refreshing, especially because I was in the southern part.
We’re always drawn to places with history, tasty eats, and relatively low costs. Georgia checked all those boxes. Plus, it’s at a crossroads of Europe and Asia, which gives it a very special cultural twist.
Natalie and I decided to give it a shot. We packed our bags and landed in Tbilisi, excited but not sure what to expect. We quickly discovered an evolving urban scene alongside old Soviet-era buildings.
What makes Georgia special?
Georgia stands out for a few strong reasons. First, it’s the birthplace of wine; they’ve been making it for thousands of years using clay vessels called Kvevri. And let me tell you, we’re not exaggerating when we say the wine tradition is a vital part of local culture.
Several times throughout our stay here our neighbors gave us some homemade wine, and it was to die for, much better than anything else we tried before. Literally tasted like candy (we love sweet red wine).
Plus, the landscapes seem almost endless. One day, you’re strolling through Tbilisi and the next, you could be trekking in the Caucasus Mountains or relaxing by the Black Sea in Batumi. I found it fascinating how you can sense layers of history just walking around. Ancient churches, medieval fortresses, and modern art spaces all blend in unexpected ways.
Georgians are famously proud of their identity, yet welcoming to newcomers. The language does feel challenging, but signs in English are increasingly common in cities. Add to that some unbelievably good food, and you’ve got a place that keeps calling you back.
Read another article about living abroad!
Living and working in Florida: Sun, sea, beach and hurricanes?
Making friends in Georgia
Making friends as expats in Georgia can be pretty easy, but there are caveats, and I’ll get to that in a moment. That’s right, you can find friends just by having lunch at a local restaurant or enjoying a glass of wine.
Locals love to gather around a table loaded with plates of khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) and khinkali (steaming dumplings). If you show genuine interest in their culture, people will likely invite you to a supra, which is a traditional feast. Trust me, you might eat more than you planned, but the memories are priceless.
That being said, it also depends on location. In Tbilisi, many people speak English but, being a bigger city, it’s not as easy just casually finding people. I recommend joining Facebook groups or day trips and you’ll meet locals and expats.
On the other hand, in smaller places like Batumi or Borjomi, it’s easier to find people to hang out with, but there will be a language barrier. Most people speak Georgian and Russian, but English is not widely spoken
Georgian food
Georgian cuisine instantly won me over (as soon as my first meal, if I dare say). It’s hearty, flavorful, and cheap if you eat out.
Khachapuri quickly became a staple for me, though I had to pace myself because it’s basically cheesy heaven. It’s heavy, and it’s not easy to finish it on your own, especially if you eat it in the summer.
Khinkali is another must-try: twisty dumplings filled with meat and broth, but there are also potato or mushroom versions (l loved the mushroom ones).
I love how many dishes use walnuts, pomegranates, and aromatic spices. Churchkhela, a sweet snack made of grape juice and nuts, is sold in markets and makes a handy treat on the go. That’s basically the local street food.
And then there’s the wine. Kakheti is the most famous wine in the region, though you can find good bottles all over. Meals often turn into a full-blown gathering with toasts, stories, and laughter lasting way into the night.
Cost of living and salaries in Georgia
Georgia is pretty affordable, especially compared to Western Europe or big North American cities. Groceries, utilities, and public transport come at very decent prices.
Even eating out in a cozy restaurant won’t usually break the bank. I found I could live on a modest budget, spending less than I would in many other countries. Our monthly expenses in Tbilisi were about $1500 for 2 people. We did cook at home, eat out occasionally, and enjoyed some activities on the weekend, like taking day trips from Tbilisi.
Salaries, on the other hand, can be quite low for local workers. Many Georgians hold multiple jobs or rely on family support. If you come in with a remote job or freelance income, you might find your money goes further here. Just remember, some costs in central Tbilisi or Batumi can be higher than in rural areas..
Don't forget to book an activity with GetYourGuide!
Rent & daily expenses
Of course, rent depends on where you live. Tbilisi’s central neighborhoods can get pricey, but you’ll still spend less than you would in major European capitals. We paid $800 per month for a nice apartment, but remember this is for the short-term.
Long-term rents cost anywhere between $400 to $600 per month for a one-bedroom in a decent location, but you can certainly go cheaper or higher based on your preferences. You’ll pay much more if you need a 2 or 3-bedroom apartment, and that can sometimes go over $1000 per month.
In Batumi, you can snag a place near the beach for similar prices, though it skyrockets during peak tourist season. Our 1-bedroom apartment was $500 per month in the winter but we found out it goes as high as $2,500 in the summertime. Daily expenses like groceries and local produce are very easy on the wallet. A ride on the metro in Tbilisi costs next to nothing, and taxis can be cheap if you use popular apps like Bolt or Yandex.
Utilities can fluctuate, particularly in winter when heating is necessary, or in summer if you rely on air conditioning. Still, I never found the bills to be overwhelming. Budgeting around $800 to $1,000 per person for a month will get you a pretty comfortable lifestyle.
Handy websites/apps for Georgia
Here are some handy websites and apps that you can use for your stay in Georgia.
- Bolt and Yandex: The alternatives to Uber in Georgia, they are definitely cheaper than taxis.
- Bank of Georgia App: If people end up staying long, they can open an account there and download the app.
- Glovo: This is a food and grocery delivery in the bigger cities of Georgia, like Tblisi.
Public transport in Georgia
Public transport varies by city. Tbilisi has a metro system that’s both affordable and relatively easy to navigate. Buses run frequently, though they can be crowded at rush hour.
In Batumi, you’ll mostly rely on buses or minivans called marshrutkas. These connect you to nearby towns but require a bit of patience. We spent only about $3 for a 3-hour drive from Borjomi to Tbilisi with a marshrutka, and while it wasn’t the most comfortable ride of our life, it was pretty decent.
There’s a direct train from Tbilisi to Batumi, which takes 5 hours and costs about $30 per person, and it’s very clean and comfortable. Renting a car is an option for exploring remote areas, though local driving styles and roads can be challenging. If you go for that option, please get familiar with the roads and driving style first.
Taxis are cheap for short trips, especially if you hail them through an app. Overall, it’s workable, but having flexibility (and sometimes patience) is key.
Pros of living in Georgia
There are many pros to living in Georgia, and I found the cost of living, rich culture, and wine to be the best ones. You can rent a decent apartment pretty much anywhere in the country, enjoy delicious dishes, and still have money left over for exploring.
The culture is incredibly rich, rooted in ancient traditions, unique languages, lively music, and a storied winemaking legacy that dates back thousands of years. Culture is one of these things that people travel for, but I found it to be particularly rich in Georgia, and you won’t understand unless you come and visit.
You’ll also find an impressive variety of landscapes, from the Black Sea beaches in Batumi to the snowy slopes in Bakuriani. I love how you can zip between Tbilisi’s modern city life and rustic village settings in just a few hours. Tbilisi International Airport has many destinations in Europe, Türkiye, and the Middle East, which was a big advantage in my eyes. Last but not least, if you end up staying more than 6 months in Georgia and plan on coming, you could open a business here, as income tax for foreigners is only 1%. You read that right…1%.
Cons of living in Georgia
Despite liking the country as a whole, some things can be tricky. First, local salaries can be quite low, so job hunting may be hard unless you bring your remote work. Truth be told, I wouldn’t recommend moving here for a job, as salaries are quite low.
Second, infrastructure outside main cities can feel rough. You must get used to patchy roads, slower internet, and limited healthcare options. Winters in mountain regions get cold, and heating can become expensive if your place isn’t well insulated.
Bureaucracy can also be a stumbling block. Sometimes, rules aren’t clearly explained, or different offices give you conflicting information. I did mention the 1% income tax rate for foreigners, which is brilliant, but you’ll want to hire a local agent or lawyer as the government websites are only in Georgian. And I guess you don’t speak it (at least just yet).
If you don’t speak Georgian or Russian, you might run into more paperwork confusion. And yes, driving can get wild. Honking is a language in itself here. But if you’re flexible and patient, you’ll get used to these issues just fine. In the end, there’s no perfect country in the world.
Things to consider before moving
Before settling in Georgia, ask yourself what your priorities are. Do you need a stable, high-paying local job? That can be tough. Maybe you already work online like us, in which case Georgia offers a lovely, budget-friendly base.
Also, consider the climate. Summers in Batumi can be muggy, and Tbilisi can hit high temperatures. Winters in the mountains drop below freezing, which can surprise you if you’re used to milder climates. We once had -9°C in Batumi!
Healthcare quality might vary, so look into insurance if you have ongoing medical needs. Visa policies are generous for many nationalities, allowing extended stays, but double-check your country’s rules.
Language barrier
Georgian is unlike most European languages, both in script and sound. If you’re an English speaker, you’ll see some signage in English, especially in Tbilisi and Batumi. Younger people often speak at least some English, and most older people speak Russian.
However, once you step outside the main tourist zones, you’ll hear much less English. I found it helpful to learn basic words, like “Gamarjoba” (hello), “Madloba” (thank you), which was useful (along with gestures) to get by.
Locals really appreciate any effort. Over time, you might pick up more. Google Translate can help in a pinch, though it struggles with certain nuances in Georgian text. Maybe try ChatGPT as it could work better? If you plan a longer stay or want deeper integration, taking formal lessons or finding a language exchange partner might be well worth
Bureaucracy & paperwork
If you plan to work locally, open a business, or open certain bank accounts, it could become tricky. Sometimes, different government offices provide conflicting advice. I recommend checking online forums or asking fellow expats who’ve gone through the process.
Banking is usually straightforward, and the staff at Bank of Georgia and other big banks speak English. When you open an account, you’ll have different currencies available, which is really convenient. Opening utilities or getting an internet plan might require negotiating in Georgian, so be ready for that. My expat friends asked their landlord to take care of it, and it was fine.
My best tip: keep digital and paper copies of every important document, and be patient. Things usually get resolved, but maybe not on the first try.
Read more about living abroad
Conclusion: should you move to Georgia?
In my view, Georgia is a gem, and it’s definitely not visited enough. It offers genuine hospitality, unbelievable scenery, and a low cost of living. Honestly, this is all that you need.
The culture is rich, the food is comforting, and the local wine is some of the best I’ve ever tasted.
Yes, we had some challenges when we were there, like language barriers and occasional bureaucracy tangles. But I will come back for sure, and likely sooner than later. Georgia may just surprise you in the best ways possible.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about living here—I’m happy to share more! Greeting, Stefan
Would you like to read more about living abroad?
