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Budget Travel in Georgia: Can You Travel on $25 a Day?
Georgia is one of the most affordable travel destinations in the world. In 2025, a comfortable trip on $25–40 per day is entirely possible. Find out how with our complete budget guide covering accommodation, food, transport, and money-saving tips.
Georgia has become one of the world's most affordable travel destinations, especially for visitors from Turkey. In 2025, a comfortable trip costs $25–40 per day including accommodation, food, and transport. Budget backpackers staying in dorm beds can get by on under $20 a day.
Currency and Exchange
- 1 USD ≈ 2.70 GEL (Georgian Lari, 2025)
- Visa and Mastercard accepted almost everywhere.
- Use city-centre ATMs rather than airport exchange desks for better rates.
- TBC Bank and Bank of Georgia ATMs do not charge foreign card fees.
Accommodation Costs
| Type | USD / night | GEL / night |
|---|---|---|
| Hostel dorm bed | $8–15 | 22–40 GEL |
| Hostel private room | $20–35 | 54–95 GEL |
| Budget hotel | $30–50 | 80–135 GEL |
| Airbnb / apartment | $25–60 | 67–162 GEL |
| 3-star hotel | $50–80 | 135–216 GEL |
Combining Booking.com and Airbnb typically yields the best deals. Stay in Tbilisi Old Town or the Marjanishvili neighbourhood to cut transport costs.
Food Budget
- Cooking in a hostel kitchen: $3–5/day
- Budget canteen (stolnaya): lunch $3–6
- Mid-range restaurant: $8–15 per person
- One khinkali dumpling: $0.40–0.80
- Daily supermarket shop: $5–8
Tip: "Stolnaya" Soviet-style canteens offer the cheapest and most authentic meals — dishes cost just $1.50–3 and are popular with locals.
Transport
- Metro + bus (Tbilisi): $1–2/day
- Tbilisi → Batumi marshrutka: ~$12
- Tbilisi → Kazbegi marshrutka: ~$6
- Bolt ride-share (city): $2–5 per trip
Free and Cheap Attractions
- Narikala Fortress — Free
- Rike Park — Free
- Sioni Cathedral — Free
- Dezerter Bazaar — Free to browse
- Mtatsminda Park funicular: $1.50
Daily Budget Examples
Ultra Budget — $15–20/day
- Hostel dorm: $8
- Supermarket food or cheap canteen: $5
- Metro transport: $1
- One attraction (or free): $3
Mid Budget — $35–50/day
- Hostel private room or budget hotel: $25
- Restaurant meals: $15
- Transport + activity: $10
Comfort Budget — $60–80/day
- 3-star hotel: $50
- Good restaurants: $20
- Tours and activities: $15
Money-Saving Tips
- Use marshrutka minibuses for intercity travel — far cheaper than regular buses or taxis.
- Shop at Carrefour and Nikora supermarket chains for the best grocery prices.
- Take advantage of happy hour (18:00–20:00) at bars — 50% off drinks is common.
- Buy souvenirs at Dezerter Bazaar, not tourist shops.
- Consider a Tbilisi Pass card for museum and transit discounts on longer stays.
Georgia vs Turkey: Price Comparison
| Item / Service | Turkey (TRY) | Georgia (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Beer (restaurant) | 100–150 TRY | $2–3 |
| Lunch | 200–300 TRY | $5–8 |
| Taxi 5 km | 150 TRY | $3–5 |
| Hotel / night | 1500–3000 TRY | $30–60 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $25 a day enough in Georgia?
Yes — if you stay in hostel dorms and eat at local canteens, $20–25 per day is entirely feasible. For a private room and restaurant meals, budget $35–50.
What currency does Georgia use?
Georgia uses the Georgian Lari (GEL). In 2025, 1 USD equals approximately 2.70 GEL. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted.
What is the cheapest way to travel between cities in Georgia?
Marshrutka minibuses are the cheapest option. Tbilisi to Batumi costs around $12, and Tbilisi to Kazbegi costs around $6.
Are there free things to do in Tbilisi?
Yes — Narikala Fortress, Rike Park, Sioni Cathedral, and Dezerter Bazaar are all free to visit. The Mtatsminda Park funicular costs just $1.50.
