Understanding the true cost of living before you move is essential for financial planning. This detailed breakdown covers every major expense category in Georgia for 2026, using real data from official sources and cost surveys.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
| Category | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR, City Centre) | €320 | Largest expense |
| Rent (3BR, City Centre) | €480 | For families |
| Groceries | €85 | One person, home cooking |
| Public Transport | €8 | Monthly pass |
| Utilities (85m2) | €65 | Electricity, water, heating |
| Dining Out (per meal) | €4 | Inexpensive restaurant |
| Total (Single Person) | €510 | Comfortable lifestyle |
Income vs Expenses
| Income Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Average Salary (Gross) | €700/month |
| Minimum Wage | €350/month |
| Salary After Rent (1BR) | €380/month |
With an average salary of €700 and rent of €320, approximately 46% of income goes to housing.
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Cost Indices (vs New York City = 100)
| Index | Score | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living | 33.1 | Significantly cheaper NYC |
| Rent | 12.7 | Much cheaper NYC |
| Groceries | 32.3 | Cheaper NYC |
| Restaurant Prices | 36.2 | Cheaper NYC |
| Local Purchasing Power | 43.0 | Lower than NYC |
Money-Saving Tips
- Shop at local markets: Fresh produce is typically 20-40% cheaper than supermarkets
- Cook at home: Eating in saves 60-70% compared to dining out
- Use public transport: Monthly passes are much cheaper than car ownership
- Live outside the centre: Suburbs offer 20-40% lower rent with reasonable commutes
- Compare utilities: Switch providers for electricity and internet to get better deals
- Student discounts: Available for under-26s on transport, museums, and cultural events
Salary by Sector
| Sector | Entry Level | Median | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| It | €17,000 | €24,000 | €33,500 |
| Retail | €3,500 | €5,000 | €6,500 |
| Finance | €12,000 | €17,000 | €23,500 |
| Education | €5,000 | €7,000 | €10,000 |
| Healthcare | €6,500 | €9,500 | €13,500 |
| Engineering | €12,500 | €18,000 | €25,000 |
| Hospitality | €4,000 | €5,500 | €7,500 |
| Construction | €7,000 | €10,000 | €14,500 |
Figures are annual gross salaries in EUR.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary in Georgia?
The average monthly salary in Georgia is approximately €700 gross. The minimum wage is €350/month. Local purchasing power index is 43.0/100.
What does public transport cost in Georgia?
A monthly public transport pass costs approximately €8. Annual passes often offer significant discounts. Most major cities have integrated ticketing systems for buses, trams, and metro.
What is the minimum wage in Georgia?
The minimum wage in Georgia is approximately €350/month. This compares to an average salary of €700. Note that minimum wage may not apply to all sectors or expat workers.
How does purchasing power compare in Georgia?
The local purchasing power index in Georgia is 43.0/100 (NYC = 100), meaning residents have less purchasing power than NYC. This factors in both incomes and costs.
Is Georgia expensive compared to other countries?
With a cost of living index of 33.1/100 (where NYC = 100), Georgia is significantly cheaper than NYC. Use our assessment tool to compare with your current location.
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