Moving to Batumi? Georgia’s Black Sea gem is quickly becoming a favorite among expats and digital nomads — with low living costs, a relaxed visa policy, and a walkable coastline lined with modern towers and historic charm.
Batumi isn’t just a resort town — it’s Georgia’s window to the sea, a quirky blend of modern towers, Soviet charm, and subtropical humidity. While tourists come for the beach and casinos, many foreigners stay for the affordability, visa-free living, and laid-back lifestyle. If you’re considering Batumi for the long haul, here’s what you need to know.
Key Facts About Batumi (Georgia)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | ~180,000 people |
| Language | Georgian (Russian and English also spoken in tourist zones) |
| Currency | Georgian Lari (GEL) |
| Average Rent | $300–700 USD/month (1-bedroom apartment in good areas) |
| Average Net Salary | ~$500–800 USD (many live on remote income) |
| Health Insurance | Private only (~$30–80/month); public system doesn’t cover foreigners |
| Safety Level | High — peaceful city with low crime rate |
| Public Transport | Minibuses, buses, taxis. No monthly passes needed — transport is cheap |
| Climate | Subtropical — mild winters, humid and hot summers |
| Residence Permit / Long Stay | Visa-free for up to 365 days; residence via income, property, or business |
| Education | Limited options in English; some schools and universities available |
| Grocery Prices | Low — fresh produce, fish, meat are very affordable |
| Access to Nature | Sea, mountains, canyons, botanical garden nearby |
| City Atmosphere | Relaxed, seaside, with warm hospitality and growing expat community |
Renting in Batumi: Sea Views, Cheap Rates, and Seasonal Surprises
Batumi’s rental market is a mix of new glass towers, Soviet blocks, and quirky villas. Many apartments are Airbnb-style, which means you’ll find lots of short-term listings — but long-term rentals are absolutely possible, especially in the off-season.
Prices (2025 estimates):
- Studio near the sea: $250–400/month
- One-bedroom in the center: $350–500/month
- Two-bedroom in a new building: $500–800/month
- Utilities: $50–100/month
- Internet: $10–20/month
Most apartments are furnished and include AC and washing machines. Check current long-term rentals in Batumi here — filtered by district, size, and budget.
Residency and Visas: Georgia Is One of the Easiest Countries to Stay In
Georgia is famous for its 365-day visa-free policy for citizens of over 90 countries (including most of Europe, the US, Canada, and more). That means:
- No visa needed
- You can open a bank account
- You can rent property, sign contracts, and even register as an entrepreneur
After a year, you can leave the country and return the next day to reset the clock — or apply for residency based on:
- Employment
- Freelance or business registration
- Real estate ownership
- Family reunification
The process is simple and inexpensive compared to the EU or North America.
Language and Culture: English-Friendly but Georgian Helps
In Batumi, you can get by with English and Russian in tourist zones — especially younger people, tech workers, and café staff. But in daily life (government offices, hospitals, small stores), basic Georgian or Russian will go a long way.
Georgians are warm, proud, and protective of their culture. Learn a few words in Georgian and always say hello (gamarjoba) — you’ll get better treatment instantly.
Where to Live in Batumi
- Old Boulevard – sea views, high-rise apartments, central but quiet
- City Center – walkable, lively, close to cafés and transport
- New Boulevard – modern developments, lots of expats, touristy in summer
- Airport Area / Angisa – budget-friendly, still developing, good for long stays
- Makhinjauri / Chakvi – green, semi-rural, ideal if you want peace and nature
Avoid beachfront apartments during summer if you don’t like noise. Consider higher floors to escape humidity.
Top 5 Best Districts in Batumi for Long-Term Living
| District | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|
| 1. New Boulevard | Modern high-rise apartments by the sea. Clean, safe, great infrastructure and beach access. |
| 2. Old Town | Charming and historical. Walkable, full of cafés, markets, and cultural life. |
| 3. Agmashenebeli | Residential, local feel. Close to schools, stores, and newer developments. |
| 4. Tamaris Meskheti (3rd Micro) | Affordable, well-connected, less touristy. Popular among long-term residents. |
| 5. Green Cape / Botanical Garden | Nature-rich, quiet, scenic. Ideal for peaceful living just outside the city. |
Cost of Living in Batumi
Batumi is one of the most affordable coastal cities in the world.
- Rent: $300–600/month
- Groceries: $150–250/month
- Utilities: $50–100/month
- Dining out:
- Local meals: $4–6
- Mid-range restaurant: $10–15 per person
- Gym: $20–40/month
- Coworking: $60–100/month
You can live comfortably as a single person on $800–1,200/month, or even less if you cook at home and rent outside tourist zones.
Work and Income: Freelance, Remote, or Georgian Startups
Georgia doesn’t require a work permit to freelance or work remotely, making it a hotspot for digital nomads and remote professionals.
Popular sectors:
- IT and web development
- Design and content writing
- Teaching languages
- Real estate and investment
- Crypto and blockchain (yes, still a thing in Georgia)
You can register as an Individual Entrepreneur and pay a flat 1% tax on revenue up to ~$155,000/year.
| Profession | Avg. Gross Salary per Month (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | €1,000 |
| IT Project Manager | €1,200 |
| UX/UI Designer | €900 |
| Architect | €800 |
| Mechanical Engineer | €900 |
| General Practitioner (Doctor) | €1,300 |
| Nurse | €600 |
| High School Teacher | €700 |
| Marketing Specialist | €850 |
| Accountant | €800 |
Healthcare: Basic but Available
Batumi has several clinics and hospitals with English-speaking staff, especially in private facilities. Public healthcare is limited in scope, so private insurance or out-of-pocket payment is recommended.
- Clinic visit: $10–25
- Specialist: $20–40
- Dental: very affordable (cleaning from $15)
- Full insurance: $30–60/month for locals, more for expats with international coverage
Final Thoughts: Is Batumi Right for You?
Batumi is for people who want to live near the sea, affordably, and freely. It’s not Europe — the bureaucracy can be inconsistent, infrastructure lags in places, and things happen on “Georgian time.” But the people, the lifestyle, and the ease of staying long-term make up for it.
If you’re looking for sunshine, a relaxed visa policy, and the chance to live well on a modest budget — Batumi just might be your next home.
Also read our post about Moving to Wrocław