Planning to live, rent, or invest in property in Batumi? One of the key budget factors is utility bills. In this guide, you’ll find what utilities are included, what affects the monthly cost, and realistic examples of how much you’ll actually pay.
🧾 What’s Included in Utility Bills
- Water supply and sewage
- Electricity (lighting, appliances, air conditioning, heating)
- Gas (if the apartment has a gas stove, water heater, or boiler)
- Building maintenance (HOA/service fee) — cleaning, lighting, elevators, security, concierge
- Garbage removal (usually included in the HOA)
- Internet and cable TV (usually paid separately)
💧 Water: Very Affordable
Water in Georgia is extremely cheap — one of the lowest in the region. Monthly cost for cold water is usually around 2–6 GEL (≈ $1–2.5). With a water meter installed, a single person or couple can easily stay at the lower end of that range.
⚡ Electricity vs Gas: The Main Expense
If the apartment has no gas (everything electric)
Electricity is the main utility expense: \~30–130 GEL/month (≈ $10–50).
- Lower end — without constant air conditioning, floor heating, or electric heaters.
- Higher end — when air conditioners or heaters run 24/7 throughout the month in a small studio or one-bedroom apartment.
If the apartment has gas
Overall costs are similar to electric apartments — it depends on how much is powered by gas (stove, heater, or boiler). For larger homes or families, bills can reach up to \~300 GEL/month (≈ $110), especially in winter or summer peak seasons.
🌐 Internet and TV
Home internet + TV packages start from \~$10 per month. Faster plans or premium packages cost a bit more, but basic service is usually sufficient for most residents.
🏢 Building Maintenance (HOA / Service Fee)
- In a standard residential building, cleaning and basic maintenance cost about 20–40 GEL/month (≈ $7.5–15).
- In a modern serviced complex with reception, 24/7 security, or concierge service, fees are charged per square meter of the apartment’s official size — from $0.4 to $2 per m²/month.
- Example: a 45 m² apartment at $1/m² → $45/month for building services.
📈 What Affects the Total Amount
- Type and size of property — studios and 1BR apartments have lower utility costs.
- Seasonal usage — more cooling in summer, more heating and hot water in winter.
- Energy efficiency — insulated walls, double-glazed windows, and modern appliances reduce bills.
- Availability of meters — allows better control of consumption.
- Building category — serviced residences cost more due to amenities.
🧮 Example Monthly Expenses (Approximate)
These are typical ranges based on property type, habits, and consumption.
1️⃣ Minimalist — Studio / 1BR (1–2 people)
- Water: 2–6 GEL
- Electricity: 30–60 GEL
- HOA: 20–40 GEL
- Internet/TV: \~$10 Total: about 52–106 GEL + $10 → roughly $30–50/month
2️⃣ Average — 1BR with air conditioning
- Water: 2–6 GEL
- Electricity: 60–130 GEL
- HOA: 20–60 GEL
- Internet/TV: \~$10 Total: about 82–196 GEL + $10 → roughly $40–80/month
3️⃣ Comfortable — 2BR family apartment
- Water: 5–12 GEL
- Electricity/Gas: 120–300 GEL
- HOA (serviced building): $20–60+
- Internet/TV: $10–20 Total: around 300 GEL + $30–80 → roughly $90–160/month
🧠 Why Georgia’s Utilities Are a Big Advantage
Compared to many European countries where utility bills can equal or even exceed rent, Georgia remains remarkably affordable. That means:
- Residents can afford better housing for the same budget.
- Investors benefit from higher rental yields and stable demand — tenants spend less on utilities, more on rent and comfort.
✅ Practical Tips for Tenants and Buyers
- Ask the landlord or agent for bills from the last 3–6 months to see seasonal changes.
- Clarify which services are included in rent or HOA fees.
- Check meters and make sure they’re functional.
- Evaluate insulation and window quality for energy efficiency.
- If the building has a service fee, ask for the rate per m² and official size to estimate monthly costs accurately.
💡 Tips to Save on Utilities
- Use energy-saving modes on appliances and AC.
- Keep windows sealed and ventilate briefly but effectively.
- Install timers or smart thermostats for heating/floor systems.
- Coordinate with neighbors to fairly split shared building expenses.
📌 Conclusion
Utility costs in Batumi are predictable and low, especially compared to Europe. That makes the city appealing both for long-term living and investment — the main expenses here are rent and lifestyle, not utilities.
👉 Want to estimate the utility costs for a specific apartment? Send us the property details or bill screenshots — we’ll analyze them and help you plan your budget accurately.
❓ FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions
💧 How much is water per month? Usually 2–6 GEL (≈ $1–2.5) depending on usage.
⚡ Which is cheaper — gas or electricity? Both are comparable; overall monthly totals are similar for same-size apartments.
🏢 How much is building maintenance? Standard buildings — 20–40 GEL/month; serviced complexes — $0.4–$2 per m².
💰 What’s a safe budget for utilities? For studios or 1BRs: $30–80/month. For family apartments: $90–160/month including HOA and internet.
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