After multiple editions of The World’s Cheapest Destinations and two of A Better Life for Half the Price, there was one nation included that I hadn’t personally explored. Now, I can no longer make that statement following nearly two weeks of traveling in the Republic of Georgia. I’m pleased to report that costs remain excellent for travelers, digital nomads, and expatriates.
First things first: the country of Georgia earns the title for having the most accommodating tourist visa globally. If you reside in one of the 75+ nations that can enter Georgia without a visa, you can easily stroll in with your passport and remain for a full year. No need for extensions, no trips to immigration.
The only nation that comes close to allowing such a lengthy stay is Albania, which is also affordable, but that year-long stay option is limited to American citizens. In Georgia, this applies to most individuals who are reading this article.
In certain nations, you might discover unbelievable deals in some areas while facing puzzlingly high prices in others, but this country offers value across the board. Whether it’s accommodation, food, attractions, or transportation, nothing feels out of line compared to other categories. Thus, you can arrive here and be relatively confident that costs will be half or lower than what you would pay in the USA, Canada, or the UK.
According to Numbeo, when comparing costs in Tbilisi with those in the USA’s capital, rent prices in Tbilisi are 77% lower, dining out is 53% cheaper, and grocery costs are 62% less.
You would need around 2,989.7$ (8,311.4GEL) in Tbilisi to sustain the same standard of living that you would require with 8,800.0$ in Washington, DC (assuming you rent in both cities).
Amazing! It’s clear why one would be tempted to catch a flight and spend a year in the mountains. And it’s not solely due to the high costs in DC. When I did a comparison for Canada’s largest city, Tbilisi was 52% cheaper, including rent, and compared to London, it’s 66% less expensive.
By the way, that “GEL” refers to Georgian lari, which was approximately 2.75 to the dollar during my visit. You’ll find exchange booths everywhere, and the difference between buying and selling is relatively small. Credit cards and mobile payments are widely accepted, which is beneficial as one of the ATM kiosks at the airport swallowed my debit card. Luckily, I always have banking alternatives set up.
Here’s what I discovered in various categories during my journey in the Republic of Georgia.
Lodging Costs in the Republic of Georgia
The prices for tourists and residents alike offer fantastic value when it comes to lodging, though if you’re planning to stay for months or years, the costs to secure accommodation will be significantly lower.
I experienced three different accommodations during my time there: a budget-friendly yet pleasant basic hotel in a prime Tbilisi location, one of the city’s finest hotels—a Wyndham Grand, which I booked with points—and a ski condo situated in a resort area. The initial hotel was just $32 per night and featured ample space, a furnished balcony, a refrigerator, efficient heating, and a lovely bathroom equipped with a hot shower. I struggled to choose as there were at least 40 hotels available for under $40 per night in convenient spots.
Subsequently, I joined my group that I brought over on my tour, and we transitioned to an excellent hotel adjacent to Parliament named Shota Rustaveli Boutique. We received a group rate, but it typically costs around $100 per night through platforms like Booking.com, which includes an amazing breakfast. They provide an indoor pool, sauna, gym, and lounge.
You can secure a bed at the trendy Fabrika Hostel (shown above) in the capital for just $9, and as I mentioned, there are numerous budget hotel choices below $40 per night. On <a href="https://www.cheapestdestinationsblog.com/2024/10/04/choosing-a