Tbilisi Districts — Overview for Expats
Tbilisi is a city of contrasts. Each district has a completely different character, price level and infrastructure. Here is what you need to know before choosing where to live.
Saburtalo
Most popular with Russian-speaking relocants. Metro access (Line 2), large supermarkets (Carrefour, Goodwill), international schools nearby. Modern Soviet-era blocks plus newer buildings. Noisier main avenues, quieter side streets.
Vake
The most prestigious residential area. Green, quiet, elevation above the city — better air. Popular with families, diplomats and well-off expats. Good restaurants and cafes. No metro — you need a car or taxi.
Old City (Sololaki / Abanotubani)
Maximum atmosphere — balconies, sulphur baths, the Mtkvari river. Extremely popular on Airbnb. Long-term rentals harder to find. Noisy at weekends. Parking nearly impossible. Best for single people and couples without cars.
Vera
Classic expat neighbourhood. Between Vake and the centre. Village feel within the city — small courtyards, local bakeries, quiet streets. Good mix of old and renovated buildings. Walking distance to Freedom Square.
Didube / Gldani
Most affordable options. Large Soviet-era residential areas on the metro lines. Further from tourist attractions and the expat scene. Good for those on tight budgets who need metro access. Less English spoken.
Isani / Samgori
East Tbilisi. Metro connection (both lines). Developing area — newer apartment blocks appear alongside Soviet housing. Lower prices than the west side. Growing international community.
Rental Price Table 2026
Prices are in USD per month for long-term rental (6–12 months). Short-term and furnished apartments cost 20–40% more.
| District | Studio / 1-bed | 2-bedroom | 3-bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saburtalo | $400–600 | $600–900 | $800–1,200 |
| Vake | $600–900 | $900–1,400 | $1,200–2,000 |
| Old City (Sololaki) | $500–800 | $800–1,200 | $1,000–1,800 |
| Vera | $550–800 | $800–1,200 | $1,100–1,600 |
| Didube / Gldani | $250–400 | $400–600 | $550–800 |
| Isani / Samgori | $300–500 | $500–750 | $700–1,000 |
Where to Search for Apartments
MyHome.ge
The largest Georgian real estate platform. Has an English interface. Filter by district, price, number of rooms, furnished/unfurnished. Most landlords list here. Direct contact with owners is common — agencies also post listings, usually marked.
SS.ge
Second largest platform, historically more popular with Georgian and Russian-speaking users. Large database, sometimes earlier listings than MyHome. Georgian/Russian language interface.
Facebook Groups
- "Tbilisi Expats" — 50,000+ members, active housing section
- "Rent Apartment Tbilisi" — focused housing group
- "Tbilisi: Housing & Relocation" — Russian-speaking relocants Facebook group
Short-term Platforms (for your first weeks)
- Airbnb — well-organised, reviews, English support. Higher price but safe for first weeks.
- Booking.com — apartments alongside hotels. Good for arrival buffer.
Lease Contract — What to Check
- Term and notice period — standard is 12 months, with 1-month notice required from both sides
- Utility bills — confirm whether gas, electricity, water and internet are included or separate. Summer electricity can add $30–60/month (AC), winter gas heating adds $40–100/month.
- Deposit amount — typically 1–2 months' rent. Confirm conditions for return.
- Subleasing clause — if you plan to use Airbnb for short periods, check if the contract forbids it.
- Price indexation — some contracts allow the landlord to raise rent after 6 months. Negotiate a fixed rate.
- Inventory list — document all furniture and appliances with photos before you move in.
Practical Tips for Newcomers
- Visit apartments in person — photos on SS.ge and MyHome can be 3–5 years old
- Check the water pressure (old Soviet buildings sometimes have issues)
- Ask about hot water — some buildings have communal gas heaters, individual heaters, or only cold water in summer
- Check mobile signal and available internet providers — some buildings have only one ISP option
- Visit at different times — a quiet flat on Tuesday morning may be extremely loud on Friday night if it overlooks a restaurant street
- Negotiate — especially for 12+ month commitments. A 10–15% discount is normal to ask for
New to Tbilisi? Start with a Relocation Tour
Before signing anything, walk the city with a local. I offer a 3-hour relocation orientation tour — we visit 2–3 districts, I explain the practical differences, show supermarkets, transport connections and the feel of each neighbourhood. Many clients say it saved them from a bad apartment choice.
Tbilisi Relocation Orientation Tour
3-hour private walking tour of 2–3 districts. Practical guide to life in Tbilisi for newcomers.
Explore the tour →