Georgia Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip Really Cost?

Why Georgia is great value

Georgia, tucked between the Caucasus mountains and the Black Sea, is one of the most affordable destinations in the region. Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi and the wine country of Kakheti deliver big experiences for small money. The local currency is the Georgian lari (GEL), and roughly 1 EUR is around 3 GEL, though always check the live rate.

Daily budgets

• Backpacker: 35-55 GEL for a hostel dorm, cheap khinkali and bakeries, marshrutka rides. Around 100-130 GEL (30-40 EUR) per day total.
• Mid-range: a comfortable guesthouse or 3-star hotel at 120-200 GEL, restaurant meals, the occasional taxi. Budget 250-350 GEL (75-110 EUR) per day.
• Comfort: boutique hotels, wine tastings, private drivers and tours. From 500 GEL (150 EUR) and up.

Sample prices

• A plate of khinkali (dumplings): 8-15 GEL
• Khachapuri (cheese bread): 8-18 GEL
• Local glass of wine: 5-10 GEL
• Coffee in a Tbilisi cafe: 6-12 GEL
• Metro or city bus in Tbilisi: 1 GEL with a Metromoney card
• Marshrutka Tbilisi to Kazbegi: about 15-20 GEL
• Bottled water: 1-2 GEL

Money and cards

Cash is still king at bazaars, marshrutka stops and small village guesthouses. Cards (Visa and Mastercard) work in city restaurants, hotels and supermarkets. ATMs from TBC Bank and Bank of Georgia are everywhere; choose to be charged in GEL, not your home currency, to avoid poor conversion. Carry small notes for taxis and tips.

Saving tips

• Eat where locals eat: a bakery khachapuri or a bowl of lobio costs a fraction of tourist-strip prices.
• Use marshrutkas and the metro instead of taxis for intercity and city travel.
• Buy a Metromoney card in Tbilisi to ride the metro, bus and cable cars cheaply.
• Drink the house wine and local lemonade (Natakhtari) rather than imports.
• Visit Kakheti or Svaneti by shared transport and stay in family guesthouses, which usually include a generous breakfast.
• Tap water is generally safe in cities, so skip bottled water to save money.

Stay connected in Georgia

A HelloSIM eSIM keeps you online the moment you land, so you can use maps, translate Georgian menus, and book guesthouses with no surprise roaming fees.