For Indian students dreaming of becoming doctors, studying MBBS abroad has become one of the most preferred options. Countries like Georgia, Russia, the Philippines, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan attract thousands of applicants every year due to affordable tuition fees and globally recognized degrees.
However, when planning to study overseas, tuition is just one part of the equation — the cost of living plays a huge role in deciding the overall affordability. In this blog, we compare the living expenses of MBBS students in Georgia with other popular destinations to help you make a smart financial decision.
1. Overview: Why Cost of Living Matters
Living costs include accommodation, food, transportation, utilities, and personal expenses — everything beyond tuition.
For an Indian student studying MBBS abroad, these costs can vary greatly depending on the city, lifestyle, and local economy.
Choosing a country where both education and living are budget-friendly ensures a stress-free study experience and long-term financial stability.
2. Monthly Living Cost in Georgia
Georgia has become one of the most affordable European countries for MBBS studies.
Students studying MBBS in Georgia enjoy modern living standards at a fraction of the cost compared to Western Europe.
Here’s a general breakdown of monthly expenses for MBBS students in Tbilisi or Batumi:
|
Expense Category |
Average Monthly Cost (INR) |
|
Accommodation (Hostel/Apartment) |
₹15,000 – ₹25,000 |
|
Food & Groceries |
₹10,000 – ₹15,000 |
|
Transportation |
₹2,000 – ₹3,000 |
|
Utilities & Internet |
₹3,000 – ₹5,000 |
|
Personal Expenses |
₹5,000 – ₹7,000 |
|
Total |
₹30,000 – ₹40,000 per month |
Georgia offers an ideal mix of comfort and affordability, with all essential amenities easily available. Students can also find Indian restaurants and grocery stores, reducing food adaptation issues.
3. Cost of Living in Other Popular MBBS Destinations
a) Russia
Russia is another top destination for MBBS aspirants. While tuition fees can be reasonable, living expenses in cities like Moscow or St. Petersburg can be relatively high.
- Monthly living cost: ₹40,000 – ₹50,000
- Challenge: Harsh winters and high transportation costs increase expenses.
b) Philippines
The Philippines offers low tuition and English-medium education. However, imported goods and urban accommodation can make living slightly costlier.
- Monthly living cost: ₹45,000 – ₹55,000
- Challenge: Fluctuating exchange rates and tropical climate adjustments.
c) Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is growing as a new MBBS destination for Indian students. Living is moderately affordable.
- Monthly living cost: ₹35,000 – ₹45,000
- Challenge: Extreme weather conditions and limited Indian food availability.
d) Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is budget-friendly, but facilities and international exposure may vary between universities.
- Monthly living cost: ₹30,000 – ₹40,000
- Advantage: Low accommodation and food prices.
4. Comparative Overview: Georgia vs Other Countries
|
Country |
Average Monthly Living Cost (INR) |
Language Comfort |
Safety & Lifestyle |
|
Georgia |
₹30,000–₹40,000 |
English-medium |
Safe & Student-Friendly |
|
Russia |
₹40,000–₹50,000 |
English/Russian |
High Safety, Cold Climate |
|
Philippines |
₹45,000–₹55,000 |
English |
Good Lifestyle, Tropical |
|
Kazakhstan |
₹35,000–₹45,000 |
English/Russian |
Moderate Safety |
|
Uzbekistan |
₹30,000–₹40,000 |
English/Local |
Simple & Affordable |
From the above comparison, Georgia clearly stands out for offering a European-standard lifestyle at an Asian-level cost — a rare advantage for Indian MBBS students.
5. Accommodation and Food: Key Advantages in Georgia
Most Georgian universities provide on-campus hostels with modern facilities, security, and Wi-Fi. Students can also rent private apartments at affordable rates near the campus.
Moreover, Indian food options — both restaurants and mess facilities — are easily available around major universities. This not only saves costs but also ensures students feel at home.
6. Long-Term Financial Benefits
The overall cost of MBBS in Georgia, including tuition and living expenses, ranges from ₹35–45 lakhs for the entire course — much lower than in the UK, USA, or Australia.
In addition, universities in Georgia are recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC), ensuring graduates can appear for the NExT exam and practice in India without additional validation issues.
Why Georgia Offers the Best Value
Among all MBBS abroad destinations, Georgia offers the best value for money in 2025. With low living costs, English-medium programs, NMC-recognized universities, and a European lifestyle, it provides a perfect combination of affordability, comfort, and quality education.
For Indian students planning to study MBBS abroad, Georgia emerges as the most balanced and financially viable option for building a successful global medical career.
