Baku among world’s budget-friendly cities at 340th place

Baku has been ranked 340th in the global cost of living index for the first half of 2025, highlighting the Azerbaijani capital’s relative affordability.

According to data from Numbeo, one of the world’s largest online databases, Baku sits near the lower end of the ranking, reflecting lower everyday expenses for residents.

The index considers prices for groceries, dining, transportation, and utilities, though it does not account for housing costs such as rent or mortgages.

For context, other regional capitals ranked higher: Yerevan came in at 257th, Istanbul at 258th, Moscow at 230th, and Tbilisi at 316th.

Despite its position in the index, rental costs in Baku remain more budget-friendly than in neighbouring capitals.

The average monthly rent in the city centre stood at $478 for a one-bedroom apartment and $964 for a three-bedroom unit. In comparison, similar apartments in Yerevan rent for $748 and $1,256, while in Tbilisi they cost $713 and $1,376, respectively.

By Aghakazim Guliyev