Blog/April 28, 2026
How to Move to Tbilisi vs Yerevan vs Baku: Which Caucasus City in 2026?
By Anna Moore
Tbilisi vs Yerevan vs Baku 2026: Compare visa lengths, taxes, costs, and infrastructure across the three leading Caucasus expat hubs. Verify official governm...
Tbilisi vs Yerevan vs Baku 2026 All three cities are affordable, but legal stay length and tax regime usually decide the best fit.
Table of Contents
- Getting your visa and residency right
- Money: rent, taxes, and monthly burn
- The practical details that shape daily life
- Key numbers at a glance
Getting your visa and residency right
Tbilisi runs USD 400-700 (365-day visa-free + 1% IE tax). Azerbaijan e-visa is typically USD 26 (fast entry option).
Money: rent, taxes, and monthly burn
Baku sits near USD 235-410 (lowest cost + 0% foreign-source cases).
The practical details that shape daily life
Budget USD 400-650 for Yerevan (growing ecosystem + stability). Armenia stay is typically up to 180 days (many passports) (mid-range flexibility).
Key numbers at a glance
| City | 1BR 2026 range | Visa/tax edge |
|---|---|---|
| Tbilisi | USD 400-700 | 365-day visa-free + 1% IE tax |
| Yerevan | USD 400-650 | growing ecosystem + stability |
| Baku | USD 235-410 | lowest cost + 0% foreign-source cases |
| Armenia stay | up to 180 days (many passports) | mid-range flexibility |
| Azerbaijan e-visa | USD 26 | fast entry option |
Pair this with Tbilisi Complete Guide 2026 for the fuller picture.
Related guides
Continue with these closely related guides:
- How to Move to Baku, Azerbaijan in 2026: Oil Boom City Expat Guide — Same city focus (Baku).
- How to Move to Tbilisi as a Russian or Ukrainian Citizen in 2026 — Same city focus (Tbilisi).
- How to Move to Tbilisi vs Batumi: Which Georgian City in 2026? — Same city focus (Tbilisi).
- How to Move to Yerevan, Armenia in 2026: The Post-2022 Expat Boom Guide — Same city focus (Yerevan).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Tbilisi vs Yerevan vs Baku 2026 cost per month?
Baku sits near USD 235-410 (lowest cost + 0% foreign-source cases). Pad the figure for exchange-rate swings if your income arrives in a different currency.
How do the visa rules actually apply to Tbilisi vs Yerevan vs Baku 2026?
Figure on USD 400-700 for Tbilisi (365-day visa-free + 1% IE tax). Read the small print on renewal and time-in-country rules, since they often matter more than the entry threshold.
What is easy to overlook when planning Tbilisi vs Yerevan vs Baku 2026?
Yerevan is typically USD 400-650 (growing ecosystem + stability). Sorting it before departure saves a stressful scramble in your first weeks.
What should I do first when planning Tbilisi vs Yerevan vs Baku 2026?
Start by pressure-testing the headline number — Baku at USD 235-410 (lowest cost + 0% foreign-source cases) — against your situation, then lock the legal steps before optimizing lifestyle or taxes.
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