ISET’s Khachapuri Index continued an increasing trend in October 2018, which is very much in line with the annual seasonal trend. The average cost of cooking one standard Imeretian khachapuri currently stands at 3.59 GEL, which is 1.1% higher month-on-month (compared to September 2018), and 1.2% lower year-on-year (compared to October 2017).

When comparing the average prices of khachapuri across cities, one can conclude that Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, offers the lowest price. The average cost of a khachapuri there is 3.55 GEL, which is lower than the average prices in other cities. Moreover, looking at the minimum prices observed in every city shows that Tbilisi offers the greatest savings for those looking for the cheapest ingredients. Frugal people can save a solid 36.7% and pay just 2.60 GEL for one portion of khachapuri in Tbilisi if they invest time and effort into chasing the cheapest ingredients.

Such a significant difference between the average and minimal prices in Tbilisi can be explained by the fact that Tbilisi’s markets are diversified and target different segments of the population. Some markets are known for relatively low prices (for example, “Navtlughi” market), while others offer higher prices to their customers. While the large number of sellers in Tbilisi drives average prices down due to competition, the lack of coordination between sellers and the geographical distribution of markets allows them to charge different prices, resulting in a relatively large difference between the average and minimum prices offered in the capital.

As for other cities in Georgia, a frugal person would pay only 3.17 GEL in Telavi and 3.04 GEL in Kutaisi for one portion of khachapuri, saving 15.0% and 17.6% respectively. Batumi offers fewer bargains compared to other cities, as people can only save 10.1% there.