Cost of Living & Studying in Georgia 2026: Complete Financial Guide
Dr. YousifJuly 24, 2025
Overview: Why Georgia Is Affordable
Georgia consistently ranks among the most affordable study destinations in Europe and Eurasia. In 2026, the average international student spends between $900 and $1,500/month — covering tuition, housing, food, and leisure — compared to $2,500–$4,000 in Western Europe.
University Tuition Fees by Program (2026)
| Program | Annual Tuition (USD) |
|---|---|
| Medicine (MBBS / MD) | $5,000–$8,000 |
| Dentistry (DMD) | $5,000–$7,500 |
| Pharmacy | $3,500–$5,500 |
| Engineering & IT | $2,500–$4,500 |
| Business & Management | $2,000–$4,000 |
| Law | $2,000–$3,500 |
| Humanities & Social Sciences | $1,500–$3,000 |
Accommodation Options
| Type | Monthly Cost (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| University Dormitory | $170–$220 | First-year students, budget-conscious |
| Shared Apartment (2–3 people) | $280–$350 | Social students, mid-budget |
| Private Studio / 1-BR | $480–$600 | Independent living |
| Premium Apartment | $780+ | Comfort-oriented, city centre |
Monthly Living Budget Calculator
Below is a realistic monthly budget for three different lifestyle profiles:
| Expense | Frugal ($) | Balanced ($) | Comfortable ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing + Utilities | 185 | 330 | 570 |
| Food | 130 | 230 | 400 |
| Transport | 14 | 70 | 180 |
| Leisure & Misc | 30 | 180 | 450 |
| Total / month | $359 | $810 | $1,600 |
Hidden Costs to Budget For
- Health Insurance: $20–$60/month (some universities include it)
- One-time Registration Fee: $200–$500 (varies by university)
- D3 Visa: $20–$80 depending on nationality
- Books & Lab Supplies: $30–$80/month
- SIM Card & Data Plan: $10–$20/month
Money-Saving Tips
- Cook at home using Tbilisi's affordable fresh markets (Dezertirebi Market is famous for cheap produce)
- Use the Metro + bus system — a monthly transport card costs just $14
- Share apartments with 2–3 classmates to cut rent by 40–50%
- Buy second-hand textbooks from senior students
- Take advantage of student discounts at museums, cafés, and cinemas
Currency & Exchange
Georgia's currency is the Georgian Lari (₾ / GEL). As of 2026, the exchange rate is approximately 1 USD = 2.75 GEL. ATMs are widely available and usually offer competitive rates; Wise and Revolut work well for international transfers.