Your Daily Backpacker Budget
While prices have risen in recent years, Georgia remains one of the most budget-friendly destinations in the region. For a backpacker, a daily budget of about $30 to $50 (around 80 to 135 GEL) is a realistic target. This will comfortably cover a dorm
bed, delicious local meals, public transport, and entry to some attractions. Your spending will naturally be higher in the capital, Tbilisi, and lower in smaller towns like Kutaisi or Telavi. Sticking to this budget means prioritizing local experiences, eating at bakeries and small restaurants, and using public transport like the locals do.
Accommodation: Hostels and Guesthouses
Your biggest daily expense will be accommodation, but Georgia offers fantastic value. In Tbilisi, a bed in a well-regarded hostel dorm typically costs between $10 and $15 per night. Outside the capital, in historic towns like Kutaisi, Sighnaghi, or the mountain hub of Mestia, prices are often similar or slightly lower. Family-run guesthouses are another brilliant option, offering private rooms for $25 to $45. Many guesthouses, especially in regions like Svaneti or Kakheti, offer half-board (breakfast and dinner) for a very reasonable price, which can be a great way to save money and enjoy incredible home-cooked Georgian food.
Food: Feasting on a Budget
You can eat exceptionally well in Georgia without spending much money. A food budget of $15 to $25 (40 to 70 GEL) per day is very manageable. The key is to eat like a local. Start your day at a 'tone' bakery for fresh, hot bread, which costs less than a dollar. For lunch and dinner, seek out bakeries selling Khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) or Lobiani (bean-filled bread) for just a few dollars. A filling meal of Khinkali (soup dumplings) at a local restaurant is another budget staple; each dumpling costs around 1.5 to 3 GEL, and an order of five is often enough for one person. A casual sit-down meal at a local eatery can cost as little as $6 to $11. Avoid tourist-centric restaurants in Tbilisi's Old Town, where prices are noticeably higher.
Transit: Navigating Towns and Countryside
Getting around Georgia is an adventure in itself, and it's very affordable. Within cities like Tbilisi and Batumi, the public transport system is efficient and cheap. A single ride on the Tbilisi metro or a city bus costs just 1 GEL (about 40 cents). To use it, you'll need a MetroMoney card, which costs 2 GEL and can be topped up at stations.For travel between historic towns, the 'marshrutka' (shared minibus) is king. These vans connect almost every corner of the country and are the cheapest way to get from city to city. Fares depend on distance, ranging from around 10 GEL for a trip like Tbilisi to Mtskheta up to 40-50 GEL for long-haul journeys to Batumi or Mestia. Marshrutkas don't have strict schedules; they usually leave when they are full, so it’s wise to be flexible. For a more comfortable journey, trains are also an option on some main routes, and ride-sharing apps like Bolt are invaluable for cheap and easy taxi rides within cities.
