In Azerbaijan, living expenses are quite reasonable. A single person spends about 1,624 manats monthly, with rent in city centers averaging 674.59 manats for a one-bedroom apartment. Transportation costs are low, with a monthly pass at 30 manats. Dining is affordable; a meal at a modest restaurant costs about 15 manats. Monthly utilities for a 915 sq ft apartment total around 98.59 manats. Discover more insights into how living costs compare across Azerbaijan.
Overview of Living Expenses in Azerbaijan

Living in Azerbaijan offers a unique blend of affordability and comfort, with a cost of living index at 31.2 as of April 2025. This index reflects the overall expenses you’ll encounter, making Azerbaijan an appealing choice for budget-conscious individuals.
Azerbaijan combines affordability and comfort, with a cost of living index of 31.2 as of April 2025.
For a single person, the average cost of living is around 1,624 manats monthly. When you factor in housing, renting a one-bedroom apartment averages 674.59 manats per month in the city center.
Transportation remains economical, with monthly transportation passes priced at approximately 30 manats and one-way local tickets costing 0.40 manats. These costs contribute to the overall affordability of daily commuting.
Basic utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for an average 915 sq ft apartment, are estimated at 98.59 manats monthly.
These figures highlight the reasonable expenses associated with maintaining a comfortable lifestyle in Azerbaijan, emphasizing the country’s cost-effective living standards.
Housing and Accommodation Costs

When considering housing and accommodation costs in Azerbaijan, particularly in Baku, you’ll find a range of options that cater to various budgets.
If you prefer the bustling city center, expect to pay between 674.59 man (around €270) and 1,500 man (approximately €800) per month for a one-bedroom apartment. This range reflects the variation in apartment sizes and amenities.
Alternatively, renting outside the city center is more economical, with average costs around 401.39 man (€234.60) per month.
For those interested in purchasing property, the price per square meter in Baku’s city center ranges between 1,350 and 2,166 euros.
Beyond rent, you’ll need to budget for basic utilities, which typically cost about 98.59 man (€55.84) monthly for an 85m² apartment. This includes electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage services.
Understanding these costs helps you plan your budget effectively while traversing Baku’s housing market.
Transportation and Commuting Expenses

While maneuvering through transportation and commuting expenses in Azerbaijan, you’ll find that public transportation is remarkably affordable. For instance, a bus journey averages just 0.41 AZN (0.22 EUR), and a metro ride costs 0.50 AZN (0.27 EUR) from July 1, 2024. These options make commuting within cities both convenient and budget-friendly.
Consider a monthly transport pass for about 30.00 AZN, offering significant savings for frequent users of public transport.
If you prefer taxis, expect to pay between 2.50 and 3.70 AZN (1.36 to 2.01 EUR) in Baku, depending on distance and time of day.
For those who drive, the average fuel price is 1.13 AZN (0.61 EUR) per liter, which is competitively low compared to many countries.
Food, Dining, and Grocery Prices

Exploring the culinary landscape of Azerbaijan, you’ll find that food and dining are both diverse and affordable. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant typically costs around 15.00 man, ranging from 8.00 to 30.00 man.
Dining out with a companion at a mid-range establishment averages about 60.00 man, with prices between 45.00 and 100.00 man. If you enjoy a domestic beer, expect to pay about 2.50 man per pint, though this can vary from 2.00 to 5.00 man depending on the venue.
Grocery prices reflect reasonable costs as well. For instance, purchasing 12 large eggs will set you back approximately 3.23 man, while 1 kg of tomatoes costs around 3.53 man.
Meanwhile, a cappuccino, a common indulgence, varies between 2.75 and 8.00 man, averaging at 5.85 man. These numbers highlight that Azerbaijan offers a cost-effective balance between dining out and grocery shopping.
Healthcare and Education Costs

Understanding healthcare and education costs in Azerbaijan requires a close look at the numbers.
The healthcare system offers a range of medical services, with a general practitioner consultation costing between 55 and 185 AZN (30 to 100 EUR). If you need specialized care, expect to pay more—between 90 and 425 AZN (50 to 230 EUR), depending on the service required.
Turning to education, kindergarten fees average around 377 AZN (204.79 EUR) monthly, which adds up over time. When considering primary education, primary school fees can soar up to 10,000 AZN (5,432 EUR) annually.
If you’re looking at private institutions, such as the Lycée Français de Bakou, expect nursery fees of about 9,680 AZN (5,500 EUR) and high school costs reaching 22,990 AZN (12,488 EUR).
These figures highlight the substantial investment required for healthcare and education services in Azerbaijan, necessitating careful financial planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can US Citizens Live in Azerbaijan?
Yes, you can live in Azerbaijan as a US citizen by obtaining a visa. You’ll need a work or residence permit, along with necessary documentation. Consider securing extensive health insurance and engaging with the supportive expat community.
Is Azerbaijan a Good Place to Live?
Yes, Azerbaijan offers a good living environment with affordable housing, a low crime rate, and job opportunities in sectors like IT and oil. You’ll enjoy Baku’s vibrant cultural scene and diverse expat community, enhancing your lifestyle.
Is Azerbaijan Cheap or Expensive?
You’ll find Azerbaijan quite budget-friendly. Rent ranges from 250 to 1,500 manats depending on location. Dining out is a steal at 15 manats for a meal, and transportation costs are pleasantly low, making daily life affordable.
Is Food Expensive in Azerbaijan?
You’ll find food in Azerbaijan moderately priced. A meal at a low-cost restaurant averages 15.00 man. Essential groceries like eggs cost 3.23 man per dozen, while 1 kg of tomatoes is approximately 3.53 man.
Conclusion
Living in Azerbaijan is like balancing a finely-tuned scale; costs can vary greatly depending on your lifestyle choices. In Baku, rent averages $400 monthly, while public transport costs hover around $0.30 per ride. Groceries and dining are affordable, with local produce being a bargain. Healthcare is accessible, though private options cost more. Education expenses vary widely, especially for international schools. To thrive financially, it’s essential to analyze your needs and make informed decisions.