How to rent an apartment in Tbilisi, Georgia

If you've made the decision to visit Georgia, or even stay long-term, this guide is for you. Whether you're a digital nomad like me or considering Georgia as your home base, I want to share my experience of finding accommodation in the beautiful city of Tbilisi.

If you prefer video content, be sure to check out my YouTube video on renting an apartment in Tbilisi:

Arrival and short-term rental in Tbilisi, Georgia

But first things first: after arriving, it's a good idea to rent a short-term place. Finding proper accommodation from abroad can be extremely challenging. I recommend using Airbnb.com or Booking.com to find a short-term place for at least one or two weeks. Depending on the season and Tbilisi's current popularity, you may need to rent for an even longer period.

When we moved, we rented a temporary place for one month, which gave us enough time to find a long-term apartment. I also suggest exploring different areas and neighborhoods to find the one that suits you best.

Additionally, Airbnb often offers discounts for stays longer than 28 nights, so you can save some money in the process. If you don't want to spend time searching through Airbnb, you can consider renting a hotel.

Here are some popular hotels in different price ranges that you can find in Tbilisi:

• Boutique Hotel MOJO - great and affordable hotel in the center of Saburtalo

• APART HOTEL - Old Tbilisi 1897 - amazing hotel close to the Old town and immitating old Tbilisi style

• Gallery Art Hotel - modern hotel in the heart of Chavchavadze street in Vake area

Best areas to live in Tbilisi, Georgia

To make things easier for you, I have translated a map of Tbilisi's areas, subway lines, and main streets into English. A big thank you to whoever created it originally.

When it comes to the best areas to live in Tbilisi, there are several top contenders: Vake, Vera, Sololaki, Saburtalo, and Chigureti. Let's explore each one in detail.

Vake

Vake, the second most expensive area in the city after the old town, is known for its elegance and sophistication. When you visit Vake, you'll see people wearing stylish glasses and fancy clothes. The area has tall glass buildings, and Chavchavadze Avenue is famous for its flat terrain. Some say Vake lacks the authentic Georgian charm, but it's still a desirable place to live.

Vake is conveniently located and offers great restaurants, excellent grocery stores, and easy access to buses. It also has beautiful parks. Many new buildings have appeared, providing high-quality apartments. Sometimes, we would go to Vake from our neighborhood just to take leisurely walks and enjoy coffee shops, which are rare in Tbilisi.

I had initially planned to move to Vake, but circumstances led me to leave Tbilisi. However, it remained a favorite place for walks, especially after the complete reconstruction of Vake Park. It became a delightful spot for strolling and even hiking to the top of Turtle Island and beyond. The area offers some great hiking paths.

Vera

Vera is a vibrant neighborhood in Tbilisi that perfectly blends modernity with authentic charm. With numerous restaurants and attractions, Vera offers a central location that is conveniently close to the bustling Vake area. By choosing to stay in Vera, you can enjoy the benefits of being within walking distance to Vake while paying lower rental prices. Additionally, if you're interested in exploring the touristy side of Tbilisi, Vera is situated near the old town, allowing you to easily access all the attractions it has to offer. It's worth noting that this area is popular among expats as well. While the price point in Vera is more affordable than Vake, it remains relatively high due to its prime central location.

Sololaki

This area captures the essence of an old town vibe. It feels like an extension of the old town, but with less touristy attractions and a slightly hipster atmosphere. I discovered several restaurants here that I really enjoyed. There are many vegan and vegetarian options, as well as one of the best craft beer bars and stores in town. Overall, the area is vibrant and lively. You'll also find the famous freedom square here. However, if you prefer a more tranquil setting for your residency, I wouldn't recommend it as it tends to be quite busy. Nevertheless, it's still a fantastic area to live.

Saburtalo

Tbilisi boasts one of the biggest and most popular residential areas, both among locals and expats. While it's a large area, I recommend exploring the eastern part. It offers proximity to everything while still being reasonably priced. As you move west, you'll find fewer activities and attractions. So, if you prefer a less crowded area, head west. Saburtalo, in my opinion, has everything you need for a residential experience: parks, a large shopping mall, and numerous restaurants.

However, do ensure you carefully consider the specific location of your apartment. Due to its size, Saburtalo encompasses various neighborhoods, some of which are a bit run-down, while others are situated on steep hills.

During my time in Tbilisi, I primarily lived in Saburtalo, specifically in a neighboring area known as Jikia House or Jikia neighborhood. Jikia House is a modern micro-neighborhood situated towards the western part of Saburtalo. It comprises 50-60 five-floor red brick buildings constructed by Estonian builders. The quality of everything in this area is commendable, and although it is somewhat secluded and even guarded, the interior design is well-planned. You can explore the entire area on foot without needing to venture outside. The abundance of greenery, along with several restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, and children's playgrounds, adds to its appeal. Overall, I was highly satisfied with my rental experience in this area, and I recommend it, especially for families. In my opinion, there is no better place in Tbilisi for a family to reside.

Chigureti

I love this area, although it can be quite expensive. It's situated in the central part of the city, on the eastern side of the Kura River. The design of the area is perfect, with a blend of beautiful buildings that exude authenticity while also incorporating modern elements. One prominent feature is the famous Fabrika cultural center, which attracts expats and nomads. During the day, it offers coworking spaces and restaurants, while at night, it transforms into lively bars and clubs.

In addition, my absolute favorite local restaurant, Mapshalia, is located here. Another popular street for shopping and hanging out is Marjanishvili. You'll also find the Dinamo Tbilisi football club stadium and the central train station in this area. From here, you can easily travel to other destinations like Batumi.

Other areas

I would recommend checking out a few other districts: Avlabari, Isani, and Didube. Avlabari and Isani are located on the southeast part of the city. Isani is a newer and more affordable area, but it is situated far away from the City Center. Additionally, Didube could be a great option if you're on a tight budget.

No matter where you decide to stay, transportation in Tbilisi is not an issue. Taxis are among the cheapest I've seen in my travels, and public transportation options like the metro and buses work really well and are also affordable. So even if you choose to rent a place a bit outside the City Center, it won't be difficult to reach the center. You can refer to my map above, which also indicates subway stations.

Type of apartments

In Georgia, particularly in Tbilisi, most people live in apartment buildings. Detached houses are also an option, but less popular. The old apartment buildings are typical of post-Soviet countries and have an average size of around 100 square meters for the largest three-bedroom apartments, with smaller sizes for fewer bedrooms. Interestingly, the balcony area is included in the total square meterage, so keep that in mind.

Apartments are often counted by the number of rooms rather than bedrooms. For example, a four-room flat includes the living room and 3 bedrooms. The kitchen is typically located inside the living room, although sometimes they are separate. There are also many small apartments, ranging from 25 to 35 square meters. I have never seen any outdoor areas apart from balconies, which are quite popular. They provide a nice space to enjoy the hot summers in Tbilisi.

Modern buildings are common and resemble those found in many other countries. These tall buildings usually have 15 or more floors and an entrance area with staff working in the hall. They are usually more expensive than older buildings but offer additional amenities such as 24/7 security guards, and sometimes even a gym or pool.

Rental costs

In recent years, apartment prices have significantly increased due to various reasons. However, please take into consideration that the following prices are adjusted for the year 2024, although I rented the place myself back in 2021. Hopefully, the market will cool down in the next few years.

The price range for a small apartment outside the city starts at $250-$300 per month. You may find even cheaper options, but the quality of the place may not be great. In areas closer to the City Center or modern developments like Jikia House that I mentioned before, prices could range from $500 to $800, depending on the apartment size and conditions. In highly popular areas or very modern buildings with amenities, apartments could cost between $1000 and $1500 per month. Houses are even more expensive, with prices starting at $2000+.

The process of searching for a rental

The process of renting the place out is quite straightforward. Typically, the rent goes through a rental agent, and the agent fee is paid by the landlord, so there are no downsides for you. To begin, you call the agent and arrange a viewing appointment on your desired date. If you decide to rent the place, you schedule another meeting, usually with the owner, to sign the contract. Most rental agents are friendly and helpful, but they may not always speak English. If you have friends who speak Georgian or Russian, it would be beneficial to have them assist you. However, if you don't, simply ask as your first question when you call whether they speak English and if they can connect you with someone who does. As Tbilisi grows in popularity, it is becoming easier to find English-speaking agents.

The agreement is fairly standard and can be created in two languages: Georgian and your preferred language, such as English. The contract will have two columns, each containing a different language on either side. It's important to carefully read the contract and agree to all its terms. Ensure there are no hidden fees or unexpected implications that could affect your rental experience. Typically, the minimum duration for a standard contract is six months, and it may be difficult to find one for a shorter period. Ideally, landlords prefer tenants to sign a one-year contract. At the end of the contract, you will need to meet with the landlord again to sign a new contract. Auto-renewal clauses are not commonly found in contracts, as is common in European countries.

Another important thing to note is that you are typically required to pay for the last month in advance as a deposit. This practice is quite common in many countries, so it should not come as a shock.

If you're searching for an apartment in Georgia, the best website to use is ss.ge. It offers various features commonly found on similar websites, such as different filters to refine your search, the ability to search by specific areas, and a map with pictures showing the apartments. Additionally, you'll find contact information for agents. Although there is a chat feature on the website, I personally haven't had much luck using it. If you prefer not to call the agents, you can try finding them on WhatsApp, which is the most popular messenger in Georgia.

It's worth noting that many apartment listings in Georgia display prices in US dollars. This is because major purchases, including rent, are often paid in USD rather than the local currency Lari. Fortunately, all Georgian banks support USD, making it easy to transfer funds to your landlord.

Another option for searching for an apartment is to explore Facebook groups, such as the expat groups Expats in Tbilisi and another Expats in Tbilisi, or Flats For Friends Tbilisi.

Please note that while there are more groups available, it's important to be cautious of scammers. Never make a payment for something without a proper contract. Additionally, there are Telegram chats and groups dedicated to rentals. However, I would recommend sticking with ss.ge, especially if you're not fluent in Russian or Georgian languages.

Another good alternative website to consider is myhome.ge. However, based on my experience, the listings are similar there, so it might be wise to focus on just one website.

When it comes to checking apartments in Georgia, there isn't anything specific related to living in the country that differs from other countries. However, I would recommend ensuring the apartment has air conditioning, as summers in Tbilisi can get really hot. Additionally, having a heating system is essential if you plan to stay during the winter months. Other than these considerations, make sure the apartment meets all your personal needs for daily living. Many apartments in Tbilisi are fully furnished, so you won't have to worry about buying furniture. It's also important to inquire about any additional charges associated with the apartment, such as energy bills or service fees. In Georgia, paid elevators are not uncommon. In modern buildings, you usually have a special card with a subscription payment, while older constructions may require inserting a coin into the elevator machine. Another important aspect to note is the presence of bug nets on windows, as certain seasons in Georgia bring many bugs and mosquitoes, and you certainly don't want them inside your apartment.

The location is also quite important. Although there are no really bad areas in Tbilisi, it's still a good idea to walk around and explore the neighborhoods to get a feel for them. Additionally, be mindful of the hills in Tbilisi. Ensure that your apartment building is not situated on a steep hill, as you wouldn't want to climb it every time you come home.

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That's all! I wish you good luck in your apartment search. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me on Instagram, and I'll do my best to assist you.