Cost of Living: Moscow vs Tbilisi (2026)

Tbilisi is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $681/month there vs $1499/month in the other city (Numbeo data).

Tbilisi is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Moscow has a rate of 7.82 per 100,000 and Tbilisi has 2.33 per 100,000.

Tbilisi scores 66 to Moscow's 45 on livability — the gap is real. Moscow has its charms, but the numbers favor Tbilisi. See the full comparison above for rent, safety, internet speed, climate, and democracy scores to decide which city fits your priorities.

Moscow: Russia HQS Work Permit (ВКС) (moderate requirements, Up to 3 years (renewable)). Tbilisi: Remotely from Georgia (easy to get, Up to 1 year). See each city's profile page for full requirements.

Tbilisi is warmer in summer (84°F vs 72°F). Moscow has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.

Tbilisi is easier for street-level English (39/100) than Moscow (32/100). That's the score that matters for doctors, landlords, and bureaucracy. Office English can still run higher than street English in both cities.

A 1-bedroom in the centre: $681/month in Tbilisi, $1499/month in Moscow (Numbeo). That's 55% cheaper rent in Tbilisi.

Tbilisi scores 4.7/10 on the EIU Democracy Index vs 2.2/10 for Moscow. Worth researching — neither scores as a 'full democracy,' so dig into press freedom and judicial independence before committing.

Moscow scores higher on our composite healthcare index (72/100 vs 63/100 for Tbilisi). That score combines clinical outcomes (IHME), universal coverage (WHO), and resident perception (Numbeo) — not just whether hospitals exist but whether the system actually works for settlers.