Where do people in Tbilisi buy groceries?
Most Tbilisi residents mix supermarkets with small grocery shops on their street, many open day and night, and a weekly trip to a bazaar for fresh produce. The Dezerter Bazaar near Station Square is the city's well-known food market, selling fruit, vegetables, cheese, spices, meat and churchkhela.
At bazaars, prices are often agreed by the kilo, and comparing a few stalls before buying is normal. The Dry Bridge market sells antiques and second-hand goods rather than food. Bakeries baking bread in clay ovens can be found in most neighbourhoods.
How much do transport and small daily spends cost in Tbilisi?
Tbilisi's metro, buses and minibuses can be paid with a contactless bank card or a rechargeable transit card, and fares are low. Taxis are usually booked through ride-hailing apps, and agreeing the fare before a street taxi sets off avoids surprises.
Small everyday spends include fresh bread, khachapuri and other pastries from bakeries, coffee in the many cafés of the centre, and fruit from street stalls. Many restaurants add a service charge of around 10 percent to the bill, so check before leaving an extra tip.
Is Tbilisi more expensive than the rest of Georgia?
Prices in Tbilisi tend to be higher than in most of Georgia, especially for eating out, imported goods and anything in the old town, around Rustaveli Avenue or in districts such as Vake. Residential areas like Saburtalo, Didube and Gldani usually have lower prices in local shops and cafés.
To stretch a budget, buy fruit, vegetables, cheese and spices at the Dezerter Bazaar rather than in the centre, choose local dishes over imported food, and eat at bakeries or simple canteens where office workers go.
What things cost in Tbilisi
| Product | Local product name | Price per unit | Pack sizes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs - 10 pieces | Standard eggs | GEL 4.62 / 10 pieces | 10 pieces |
| Rice - 1 kg | White rice, standard | GEL 3.98 / 1 kg | 500 g |
| Pasta - 500 g | Dried pasta | GEL 2.36 / 0.5 kg | 500 g, 400 g |
| Bread - 500 g | White sliced bread | GEL 1.80 / 0.5 kg | 500 g |
| Cooking oil - 1 L | Sunflower oil | GEL 7.78 / 1 L | 1 L |
| Ground beef - 1 kg | Ground beef | GEL 33.52 / 1 kg | 250 g |
| Potatoes - 1 kg | Potatoes | GEL 1.10 / 1 kg | 1 kg |
| Tomatoes - 1 kg | Tomatoes | GEL 4.25 / 1 kg | 1 kg |
| Onions - 1 kg | Onions | GEL 1.35 / 1 kg | 1 kg |
| Bananas - 1 kg | Bananas | GEL 4.15 / 1 kg | 1 kg |
| Apples - 1 kg | Apples, Gala | GEL 2.25 / 1 kg | 1 kg |
| Yogurt - 1 kg | Plain full-fat yogurt | GEL 6.84 / 1 kg | 380 g |
| Drinking water - 1.5 L | Bottled drinking water | GEL 1.80 / 1.5 L | 1.5 L |
| Shampoo - 400 ml | Shampoo | GEL 21.55 / 0.4 L | 400 ml |
| Shower gel - 400 ml | Shower gel | GEL 22.48 / 0.4 L | 250 ml |
| Bar soap - 100 g | Bar soap | GEL 2.57 / 0.1 kg | 125 g, 150 g |
| Liquid soap - 500 ml | Liquid soap | GEL 7.98 / 0.5 L | 500 ml, 800 ml |
| Toothpaste - 100 ml | Toothpaste | GEL 9.30 / 0.1 L | 90 ml, 100 ml |
| Toothbrush - 1 piece | Toothbrush | GEL 5.25 / 1 piece | 1 piece, 2 pieces |
| Deodorant - 150 ml | Deodorant | GEL 5.95 / 0.15 L | 150 ml |
| Toilet paper - 4 rolls | Toilet paper | GEL 2.49 / 4 pieces | 32 pieces |
| Paper towels - 2 rolls | Paper towels | GEL 4.63 / 2 pieces | 3 pieces |
| Laundry detergent - 1.5 L | Laundry detergent | GEL 5.00 / 1.5 L | 3 L |
| Dishwashing liquid - 500 ml | Dishwashing liquid | GEL 4.91 / 0.5 L | 1 L, 500 ml |
| Multi-purpose cleaner - 1 L | Multi-purpose cleaner | GEL 23.40 / 1 L | 500 ml |
| Trash bags - 20 pieces | Trash bags | GEL 5.26 / 20 pieces | 15 pieces |
| Basic cotton T-shirt - 1 piece | Basic cotton T-shirt | GEL 15.00 / 1 piece | 1 piece |
| Jeans - 1 pair | Jeans | GEL 46.50 / 1 piece | 1 piece |
| Trousers - 1 pair | Chino or cotton trousers | GEL 44.00 / 1 piece | 1 piece |
| Shorts - 1 pair | Shorts | GEL 31.50 / 1 piece | 1 piece |
| Socks - 3-pack | Socks | GEL 8.00 / 3 pieces | 3 pieces |
| Casual sneakers - 1 pair | Casual sneakers | GEL 41.50 / 1 piece | 1 piece |
| Basic jacket - 1 piece | Padded winter jacket | GEL 66.50 / 1 piece | 1 piece |
| Shirt - 1 piece | Basic long-sleeve shirt | GEL 34.00 / 1 piece | 1 piece |
| Gloves - 1 pair | Knitted or fleece gloves | GEL 8.50 / 1 piece | 1 piece |
| Beanie - 1 piece | Knitted beanie | GEL 10.00 / 1 piece | 1 piece |
| Women's dress - 1 piece | Women's everyday dress | GEL 44.00 / 1 piece | 1 piece |
Compared with the other cities
US dollar prices for 37 products that we also have in at least three other cities. The percentage shows the difference from the average of those cities.
Lower in Tbilisi
- Potatoes - 1 kg$0.42-72%
- Apples - 1 kg$0.87-70%
- Gloves - 1 pair$3.27-70%
- Onions - 1 kg$0.52-64%
- Socks - 3-pack$3.08-64%
- Laundry detergent - 1.5 L$1.93-62%
Higher in Tbilisi
- Multi-purpose cleaner - 1 L$9.01+151%
- Shower gel - 400 ml$8.66+113%
- Shampoo - 400 ml$8.30+112%
- Toothbrush - 1 piece$2.02+52%
- Liquid soap - 500 ml$3.07+34%
- Dishwashing liquid - 500 ml$1.89+31%
Local product types can differ between cities. The comparison tool only matches the same product type.
Compare Tbilisi with another country
Same budget, same products: see where your money goes further.
Insights and guides about Tbilisi
All articles →Travel and life in Tbilisi
How these prices were read
Prices come from public shop pages and haven't been independently verified. The Data & methodology page has the details. Data & methodology
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Questions people ask
What is the price of eggs in Tbilisi?
The local shop price we read on November 8, 2026 was GEL 4.62 per 10 pieces, about $1.78 at that day's reference rate.
What is the price of rice in Tbilisi?
The local shop price we read on November 8, 2026 was GEL 3.98 per 1 kg, about $1.53 at that day's reference rate.
What is the price of bread in Tbilisi?
The local shop price we read on November 8, 2026 was GEL 1.80 per 0.5 kg, about $0.69 at that day's reference rate.
How much is US$100 in Georgian lari?
At the reference rate of November 8, 2026, US$100 comes to about GEL 259.72.
Which products cost less in Tbilisi than in the other cities?
By dollar price, the clearest gaps are potatoes (-72%), apples (-70%), and gloves (-70%).
How do I pay for public transport in Tbilisi?
In Tbilisi, the metro, buses and minibuses can be paid with a contactless bank card or a rechargeable transit card, tapped on the reader as you board or enter the station.
Do restaurants in Tbilisi add a service charge?
Many restaurants in Tbilisi add a service charge of around 10 percent to the bill. If it is already included, an extra tip is optional.
Where do these prices come from?
Prices come from public shop pages and haven't been independently verified. The Data & methodology page has the details.
