Is Georgia expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Georgia is one of Europe's best-value destinations: a budget day is about ₾95 (roughly US$35) per person and a mid-range day about ₾250. Food, wine and transport are cheap; prices rise mainly for design hotels in Tbilisi and Kazbegi and for private drivers.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | ₾40 | ₾100 | ₾300 |
| Food & drink | ₾35 | ₾70 | ₾150 |
| Sights & tickets | ₾10 | ₾40 | ₾100 |
| Local transport | ₾10 | ₾40 | ₾120 |
| Per person, per day | ₾95 | ₾250 | ₾670 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Georgia day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Khinkali (soup dumplings), each | about ₾1–1.50 |
| Adjarian khachapuri in Batumi | about ₾15–25 |
| Glass of qvevri wine in a Tbilisi wine bar | about ₾12–20 |
| Metro or bus ride in Tbilisi | about ₾1 |
| Bolt taxi across central Tbilisi | about ₾5–12 |
| Shared minibus Tbilisi–Kazbegi | about ₾20–25 |
| Private sulphur-bath room, per hour | about ₾100–200 |
| Private driver for a day | about ₾200–350 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation is the largest share, though still moderate: family guesthouses with breakfast in Sololaki or Kutaisi cost about ₾60–110 a double, old-town hotels ₾150–280 and design hotels ₾400–900. Private drivers to Kazbegi, Kakheti or the western canyons are the next big cost, at about ₾200–350 a day, while marshrutkas and trains are very cheap. Eating and drinking are excellent value, and entry tickets to caves, canyons and museums are modest.
When it is cheaper
From November to March (outside the ski resorts and the New Year holidays) guesthouse and hotel prices are often lower, and Batumi is much cheaper outside July–August, when beach hotels can cost roughly double.
How to spend less
- Use marshrutkas from Didube, Samgori or Ortachala instead of private drivers when you do not need stops.
- Book drivers through GoTrip or similar sites, which show fixed prices and allow stops along the way.
- Pay for Tbilisi metro and buses with a Metromoney card or contactless bank card at about ₾1 a ride.
- Order wine by the jug (house qvevri wine) in local restaurants rather than by the bottle in wine bars.
- Stay in family guesthouses that include breakfast, often generous enough to last until late lunch.
- Use Bolt rather than hailing taxis on the street, which avoids haggling.
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Common questions
Is Georgia cheap to visit?
Yes, it is one of Europe's best-value destinations: about ₾95 a day on a budget and ₾250 mid-range.
What currency does Georgia use?
The Georgian lari (₾), about ₾2.70 to US$1. Cards are widely accepted in Tbilisi and Batumi; carry cash in villages.
How much is a private driver in Georgia?
About ₾200–350 per day, depending on distance; marshrutkas are far cheaper but do not stop for sightseeing.