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Is Azerbaijan expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Azerbaijan is moderately priced: cheaper than most of Europe, a little more expensive than neighbouring Georgia, with Baku clearly the costliest place. A budget day is about ₼80 per person (roughly US$47), mid-range about ₼200, and the main costs are hotels in Baku and private drivers for the mountain villages.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | ₼30 | ₼75 | ₼200 |
| Food & drink | ₼25 | ₼50 | ₼110 |
| Sights & tickets | ₼15 | ₼35 | ₼60 |
| Local transport | ₼10 | ₼40 | ₼110 |
| Per person, per day | ₼80 | ₼200 | ₼480 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Azerbaijan day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Metro or bus ride in Baku (BakuKart) | about ₼0.50–1 |
| Airport express bus to the centre | roughly ₼1.50 |
| Taxi from Baku airport | about ₼20–30 |
| Shared minibus Baku–Sheki | under ₼15 |
| Lamb dinner with herbs in Quba | about ₼15–25 |
| Driver for the day to Lahij or Khinalug | about ₼100–200 |
| Mid-range double near Fountains Square | about ₼120–200 |
| E-visa (ASAN) | roughly US$25–30 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Most of the budget goes on accommodation in Baku, where international hotels on the seafront cost ₼300–600 a night, while guesthouses in Sheki and Quba are much cheaper and often include breakfast. Local transport is very cheap until you hire a driver: the roads to Lahij and Khinalug are where transport costs jump. Food in local restaurants is good value, but wine, imported drinks and trendy Baku restaurants cost close to European prices. Sights are inexpensive individually; the Old City, the Heydar Aliyev Center and the Gobustan rock art carry modest fees.
When it is cheaper
Prices are lowest from November to March outside the New Year holidays; Baku hotels rise sharply during big events such as the Formula 1 race, so check the calendar before booking.
How to spend less
- Buy a BakuKart on arrival and use the metro and buses instead of taxis in Baku.
- Use Bolt or Uber in Baku rather than hailing street taxis, which may overcharge.
- Travel between regions by shared minibus from Baku's main bus station.
- Stay in family guesthouses in Sheki and Quba, where breakfast is usually included.
- Share a driver with other travellers for the Khinalug and Lahij days.
- Eat at local kebab and plov places rather than the restaurants around Fountains Square.
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Common questions
How much does a day in Azerbaijan cost?
About ₼80 per person on a budget, ₼200 mid-range and ₼480 in comfort, sharing a double room.
Is Baku more expensive than the rest of the country?
Yes. Hotels and restaurants in Baku cost noticeably more than in Sheki, Quba or Gabala.
How much is a driver for the mountains?
About ₼100–200 for a day trip to Lahij or Khinalug, shared between the passengers.