Study in Azerbaijan: Housing & Living Costs

Azerbaijan has a high cost of living compared to many Russian cities as well as many cities in its Middle Eastern neighbors. But the cost of living is still lower than in many other countries with a comparable standard of education, like Italy and Israel. As the oil and tech industries are so huge in Azerbaijan, poverty is relatively rare.

The currency of Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN). It can be difficult to find the Manat outside of Azerbaijan, so take US Dollars or Euros with you and exchange them once there. 

As most students live and study in Baku, these costs will reflect the capital. Some average living costs are (in AZN and USD):

• Monthly rent (1 bedroom apartment): 600AZN ($350)
• Utilities (monthly average): 75AZN ($45)
• Monthly public transport pass: 20AZN ($11)
• Meal (inexpensive restaurant): 10AZN ($6)
• Coffee: 4AZN ($2.35)
• Milk (1 liter): 1.80AZN ($1.05)
• Vegetables (1kg): 2AZN ($1.15)
• Eggs (dozen): 2.10AZN ($1.25)
• Water (1.5 liters bottled) 0.85AZN ($0.50) *
• Beef (1kg): 12.35AZN ($7.25)
• Vodka (bottle): 4AZN ($2.35)
• Bread (loaf): 0.50AZN ($0.30)

*You’ll need to factor bottled water into your budget as it’s not safe to drink the tap water in Azerbaijan. It’s cleaner in Baku than elsewhere, but it’s still not drinkable. 

The average cost of living in Azerbaijan is 745AZN ($440) excluding rent. Rent is usually counted as a separate cost. 

Azerbaijan is certainly more affordable than many other study abroad destinations, but it’s not as inexpensive as its neighbor Georgia. 

Homes for international students are normally provided through dorms arranged by your school or by landlords vetted and approved by your school. Your school will guide you through the process of finding a place to live once you’ve been admitted to a program. Trying to find a private rental will be extremely difficult unless you speak excellent Azerbaijani or Russian. 

Healthcare is generally of a good standard in Azerbaijan, although it is more limited outside of Baku. However, it’s open only to Azeri citizens and long-term residents. As an international student, you’ll need health insurance. This is why you need to provide proof of insurance during the visa/permit application process.

In Baku, bank cards, both swipe and chip-and-pin, are widely accepted. However, if you’re paying in a small shop or convenience store, you’ll need to use cash. Bank cards aren’t widely accepted outside of Baku. You’ll need to be sure to take all the cash you’ll need with you should you leave the capital as ATMs are few and far between outside of Baku.