Istanbul vs Tbilisi

Istanbul ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท
Tbilisi ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช
Population 15,520,000 1,108,700
Official language(s) Turkish Georgian
Level of English Low Low
Main airport Istanbul Airport (IST) Tbilisi International Airport (TBS)
Most common months to visit April - June, September and October March - June
Currency TRY - Turkish Lira (โ‚บ) GEL - Georgian Lari (โ‚พ)
Credit cards Accepted in most places Accepted everywhere
Remote worker visa No Yes
Average monthly costs $659 $1462
Rent $354 $752
Groceries $44 $112
Dining out $81 $169
Cafe $18 $45
Coworking space $49 $125
Mobile internet $3 $4
Public transportation $6 $8
Taxis $6 $14
Shared bicycles and scooters $2 $27
Sport and cultural events $11 $21
Museums and sights $15 $9
Nightlife $22 $53
Gym $9 $33
Yoga $23 $37
Massage $15 $53
SIM card options Turkcell, Turk Telekom Magti GSM, Geocell, Beeline
Tipping Tip 5-10% in restaurants, cafรฉs and bars 10% usually included in bill, not expected at bars or cafรฉs.
Taxi apps BiTaksi Yandex, Bolt
Tap water Not drinkable Not drinkable
Overall cuisine A fusion of cultures creates diverse dishes with bulgur, koftes, stews, eggplants and fish Cuisine of the Caucasus meets regional diversity in Georgia. Emphasis on spices and meats (poultry, beef, pork and mutton) as well as soups and creams.
Local food specialities Dรถner, ฤฐรงli Kรถfte, Dondurma, Karnฤฑyarฤฑk, Turkish delight Kachapuri, kuchmachi, khinkali, chikhirtma, kharcho with gomi, jonjoli
Eat like a local Traditional breakfasts, street stalls for simit, lahmacun and kokorec, Turkish coffee Small local restaurants, open bars, terraces and wine bars
Vegetarian / vegan options 59 listings on Happy Cow 10 options on Happy Cow