Batumi sits on the Black Sea coast in the Ajara region of Georgia, just 5 kilometers from its international airport (BUS). The city has a subtropical climate and an elevation of 20 meters above sea level. With a population of 172,000, it operates in the Asia/Tbilisi timezone. The data does not name specific neighborhoods that expats choose, but the city center is a common reference point for rental comparisons.
Living costs in Batumi are significantly lower than in major Western cities, with a cost of living index of 36 out of 100 (New York City = 100). A one-bedroom apartment in the city center rents for $507 per month, while outside the center it drops to $375. A three-bedroom in the center costs $983, and outside the center it is $691. Monthly utilities run $80, internet is $16, and a mobile phone plan is $9. A monthly public transport pass costs $12, and a gym membership is $59. An inexpensive restaurant meal is $12 per person, a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is $33, and a cappuccino is $4. For a single adult, the budget tier total (including rent) is $489 per month, the mid-range tier is $808, and the comfortable tier is $1,063. Excluding rent, a single person's monthly cost is $611, and a family of four's is $2,255. The average monthly net salary is $584, which is below the comfortable tier total but close to the mid-range tier.
Safety in Batumi is moderate, with a safety index of 60 out of 100 and a crime index of 40 (lower is safer). Healthcare quality is rated as good, and the air quality index is 42 (lower is better). English proficiency in the city is limited, which may require some basic Georgian or Russian for daily interactions.
For visas, Georgia offers the Remotely From Georgia Program, which requires a minimum monthly income of $24,657. The nearest airport is BUS, located 5 kilometers away. Batumi suits digital nomads (score 67/100), those pursuing FIRE (score 85/100), and retirees (score 70/100), with an overall expat score of 85 out of 100. The average internet speed is 48 Mbps, supporting remote work.