Azerbaijan : Cost of Living by City
How Much Does It Cost to Live in Azerbaijan?
Due to the fact that many people visit this amazing country and somehow get fascinated by it, deciding to move to Azerbaijan is not uncommon and should not be taken as craziness.
For those who settle there, the cost of living in Azerbaijan would vary, as their lifestyles are distinct and their daily lives differ.
However, generally speaking, the prices can be relatively high compared to many other destinations, and what is even more important, they are rising in recent years.
Cost of Living Breakdown in Azerbaijan
RESTAURANTS
Dining out is always attractive and tourists like it, as restaurant meals are not expensive for those earning salaries in more developed countries.
On the other hand, workers with minimum wages would not take it as a pleasure, since it will make a huge hole in their budget.
| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $5.88 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $1.18 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.29 |
MARKETS
When it comes to food, the prices are affordable, but only for those items that are produced in the country itself and they can be found at the local markets.
Imported products are available, but they are far too expensive.
Azerbaijan boasts a very low price of bread.
| Average Market Prices | |
|---|---|
| Milk (1 Liter) | $1.20 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $0.39 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.30 |
TRANSPORTATION
Car owners and drivers will be very satisfied with the gasoline price in Azerbaijan.
Buying a gallon of it at the price of half of the dollar is more than affordable.
That is also the reason why public transport in Azerbaijan is inexpensive and you can have a monthly pass for just $12.
| Average Transport Prices | |
|---|---|
| One Way Ticket | $0.18 |
| Monthly Pass | $11.76 |
| Gasoline | $0.60 |
UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
Housing is probably the biggest expense in Azerbaijan and above all those high prices utilities come.
Mobile phone tariff is low and very affordable.
For all the other services, such as water, electricity, and Internet access, you will need to separate approximately $66, which people from more developed countries would consider ridiculously low.
| Average Utilities Prices | |
|---|---|
| Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) | $50.69 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local | $0.04 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $16.58 |
SPORTS & LEISURE
Azerbaijan is a country where it is affordable to see the latest cinema releases at the price of less than $5.
On the other hand, doing sports and exercising in the gym can be expensive, due to the low wages of the inhabitants.
Tennis court rent is quite high, too.
| Average Leisure Prices | |
|---|---|
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $30.07 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | $19.62 |
| Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release | $4.71 |
CLOTHING & SHOES
A large number of foreigners relocating to this country would find designer clothes affordable.
Nevertheless, clothing prices are not reasonable in relation to the monthly salaries of the inhabitants.
Having a $60 monthly wage and buying running shoes at the price of $82 is definitely unreasonable and impossible to handle.
| Average Clothing Prices | |
|---|---|
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) | $37.50 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) | $38.08 |
| 1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) | $92.22 |
RENT PER MONTH
Once in Azerbaijan, you can either buy or rent a place to live.
Since the mortgage interest rates are high and salaries are not, finding and paying for accommodation in Azerbaijan is difficult and expensive.
The prices of the same size apartments differ depending on the area of the city where it is located.
| Average Rent Prices | |
|---|---|
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $282.93 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $164.15 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $528.67 |
HEALTHCARE
Mandatory public health insurance is funded through employer and employee contributions of roughly 2 to 4 percent of salary.
Private insurance plans, mainly used in cities, often cost between 30 and 80 USD per month.
Out-of-pocket spending remains high, averaging about 400 to 600 USD per person per year, particularly for medications and private clinics.
With average monthly salaries near 450 USD, healthcare expenses can take a sizable share of income, especially for families relying on private care.
EDUCATION
Public schools are free, but families pay for uniforms, books, and supplies.
At state universities, annual tuition often falls in the range of $600 to $1,350, depending on program and institution, with some private universities charging similar or higher amounts.
Students also bear costs for textbooks, housing, food, and transport.
Given average incomes lower than in high-income European countries, tuition and associated costs represent a sizable portion of typical household income.
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Azerbaijan?
Average living expenses in Azerbaijan are lower compared to other countries.
The housing market and transportation are more than affordable for people getting salaries in their own countries and living in Azerbaijan.
That is why moving to Baku can decrease your daily costs of living.
Most money is spent on food, and buying vegetables and fruit at the local markets can improve your budget status rather than purchasing groceries at the supermarkets.
The least money is given for utilities and clothing items.
Average Costs Breakdown
Azerbaijan: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
Salaries in Azerbaijan are still relatively low in comparison to other countries in the region and it is considered impossible that somebody would be paid only $179 for his/her monthly work.
But that is not unusual here as many factory workers get just that minimum.
The prices are thus lower than in other countries, but still not so affordable compared to such a little wage.
Those who earn the average monthly salary can afford normal living conditions, but again, if they rent an apartment, almost their whole salary will be given to the landlord.
Azerbaijan Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Azerbaijan Safety Review
| OVERALL RISK | MEDIUM |
|---|---|
| TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK | MEDIUM |
| PICKPOCKETS RISK | LOW |
| NATURAL DISASTERS RISK | LOW |
| MUGGING RISK | LOW |
| TERRORISM RISK | MEDIUM |
| SCAMS RISK | LOW |
| WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK | LOW |
| TAP WATER RISK | LOW |
Cost of Living by City in Azerbaijan
| City | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|
| Baku |
29.41 |
It’s interesting how a place can capture so many hearts and even inspire people to move. It must be quite the adventure to adapt to a new culture and lifestyle, even with the rising costs. Just goes to show how much the experience and the people make it worthwhile.
It’s interesting to see how costs in Azerbaijan are climbing. It seems like a beautiful place to live, but I wonder how that affects people’s decisions to move there. Definitely something to consider if you’re thinking about making the leap!