Azerbaijan.US
Everyday expenses – food, utilities, medicine and transport – are placing growing pressure on household budgets in Azerbaijan. According to the State Statistics Committee, the average person spent 550.2 manats per month last year, with around 300 manats going to food and about 249 manats to non-food items.
However, real family expenses are often higher – and vary significantly depending on whether a household lives in the capital or in the regions.
Baku: Higher Costs, More Choices
Residents of Baku say their biggest expenses are food, utilities, housing costs and transport. According to local estimates, even a cost-conscious family of four typically spends at least 600–700 manats per month, and in many cases more.
Utility bills in the capital can take a large share of the budget. For example:
Gas – 70-100 manats,
Electricity – 50-60 manats,
Water and other services – additional costs.
Social life in the capital also adds to costs, with weddings, birthdays and other celebrations often requiring significantly higher spending than in the regions. Daily transport costs can be relatively high as many city residents rely on several modes of transit to get around.
Regions: Lower Prices, Different Challenges
Residents of regional towns such as Ujar and Sheki say living costs are generally lower than in Baku. Many families partially sustain themselves with homegrown agricultural products, which helps reduce monthly food expenses.
Still, expenses for larger families in the regions remain significant. Some local residents say a typical monthly budget for a family of four to six people can reach 700-800 manats, especially during winter months when gas and transport costs rise.
In some cases, utility costs in rural areas may even exceed those in the capital due to lack of consumption limits or harsher climatic conditions.
What Experts Say
Economist Rashad Hasanov explains that total household expenses depend not only on where people live, but also on income levels and lifestyle choices. He notes that roughly 35% of household spending goes toward services such as communications, transport, education and leisure.
While daily costs for food, communications and transport are generally lower in rural areas, cities offer more opportunities – jobs, services and entertainment – that come with a price.
Bottom Line
The capital offers broader opportunities, but at a higher cost of living. Regions are less expensive but offer fewer choices. In the end, where it is more affordable to live depends on each family’s income, needs and priorities.
