Kutaisi

Kutaisi is Georgia’s third-largest city, a historically significant hub in the Imereti region, and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Located 221km (137 miles) west of Tbilisi on the Rioni River, it offers a more laid-back pace than the capital, with a population of around 123,000 as of 2025. Once a powerful political center – serving as capital to various kingdoms throughout history – Kutaisi retains a strong sense of its past.

Today, Kutaisi is experiencing a quiet revival, attracting those seeking an authentic Georgian experience. It’s a city where ancient architecture blends with modern life, and offers a relatively low cost of living. While it briefly served as the seat of the Georgian Parliament (2012-2018), it’s now a regional center with a growing digital nomad community drawn to its affordability and cultural richness.